A Gilded Good Time at Troy Historic Village: Barb's Tea Service presents "Gilded Age" tea talk for Thursday Teas at Two

Enjoying tea time with Marcia and Kathy, volunteers at Troy Historic Village

This week, Barb's Tea Service, presented a "Gilded Age" tea talk at Troy Historic Village as part of the museum's monthly Thursday Teas at Two series. We were thrilled to see over sixty wonderful guests in attendance, even with a bit of snow thrown in the mix.

It was exciting to meet new folks and connect with old friends, including Kathy and Marcia, who volunteer at the Troy Historic Village and have attended some of BTS' programs here over the years. (In fact, we had the great pleasure of presenting an afternoon tea and etiquette program at Kathy's church back in 2010).

Stephanie, Adult Programs Director, welcomes guests with opening remarks.

The Thursday Teas at Two events serve up hot tea and a variety of tasty goodies (even gluten free and sugar free offerings). Truly a welcome treat on a cold and blustery November afternoon.

BTS Gilded Age Afternoon Tea Talk.

After Stephanie S., Adult Programs Director, began with opening remarks, we started our Gilded Age talk which included ties to both the Gilded Age series and Downton Abbey and a few highlights from June trip to Newport, Rhode Island.

Selection of tea and treats are included in the program.

And, it wasn't just the tea that warmed us up. We mingled with guests before and after and enjoyed hearing about their favorite teas, tea rooms and even some of the Newport "cottages" they liked the best.  

Truly a delightful afternoon. We're looking to be back soon!

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Crown, The Official Companion, Volume 2

 

Refresh for Season 5 of "The Crown" with companion book, Volume 2

This week, Season 5 of "The Crown" will be available on Netflix. In preparation, we're brewing some of the blends from The Republic of Tea's "The Crown" series and refreshing ourselves on previous seasons and the true events that inspired creator, Peter Morgan's riveting historical fiction drama.  With the latter activity, we're specifically looking at Seasons 2 and 3 with the aid of "The Crown, The Official Companion, Volume 2", by Robert Lacy.

Robert Lacy is a British historian who serves as a consultant to The Crown.  Reading the "facts" supplied by Lacy, they certainly provide a lush framework for Morgan's dramatic interpretation.  Volume 2 covers the period of Queen Elizabeth's reign from 1956 - 1977, an over twenty-year span of royal and political scandal which would seem hard to top. But then, enter the 1990's, (Season 5) that included "annus horribilis" - which, in hindsight, probably should not have been limited to a single year in that decade.

Brewing up some Prime Minister's Blend to pair with companion book

Not to say the period of Volume 2 doesn't have plenty of spice. We see Princess Margaret marry commoner Anthony Armstrong-Jones (the first to do so since Henry the VIII married Ann Boleyn), Prince Charles bullied at the same Scotland boarding school his father exceled at as a youth and the Proforma Scandal that brought down a Prime Minister of the Conservative Party with sketchy ties to Prince Phillip.

And, that's just a few chapters pulled from history and "The Crown - Volume 2".

This is the second companion book to the Netflix series, "The Crown" and I found it a quick and interesting read. Text is accompanied by vintage pictures as well as photos from the show.  

Meeting and interviewing The Royal Chef who is not looking forward to Season 5 of The Crown

It's also tasty appetizer to Season 5 which has sparked a lot of opinions ranging from actress, Judi Dench, campaigning for Netflix to add a disclaimer that the show is a fictionalize account of history (as noted in MSN's, The Wrap), to Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef, (BTS met and interviewed in 2013), who expressed his hesitation in reliving the tragic events of that period.  The Royal Chef recently posted the following on Twitter:

"I was there for Princess Diana's funeral and was in the Queen's private apartment helping her move personal belongings during the Windsor Castle fire. I'm not looking forward to the new season of The Crown."

Having The Queen's Evening tea ready for The Crown's Season 5 viewing this week

Like the Royals themselves, The Crown will face detractors as well as admirers, those who tirelessly fact-check and others who will concur with how the imagined intimate conversations play out. Personally, we are of the opinion that it will all pair nicely with a pot of tea and a companion book.

The Crown, Season 5, will be available on Netflix, November 9th.

I was gifted the book and two different teas by my children, Rob, Matt and Rachel. They know what their mother loves and they know where she'll be Wednesday night.

What's next after Next? A Day in Court! (October events for Barb's Tea Service)

BTS had two wonderful back-to-back events in October. First up, was Next

Barb's Tea Service had two wonderful back-to-back tea events in October.  First, we were at Birmingham's Next, a non-profit organization that offers enrichment programs and support services for the 50 plus population. The following day, we were close to home, on our own friendly court, presenting tea time etiquette at the residence of my good neighbor Clay to members of her philanthropic group. The ladies of this organization provide scholarships and support to women to assist in furthering their education. 

So, yes, a pretty fulfilling week for BTS.

Tables set with teacups and treats

Can you spot a Bridgerton teacup?

At Next, the program team turned the presentation room into a charming tea venue. Tables were outfitted with white tablecloths, an eclectic and attractive assortment of teapots and teacups and decorative paper plates filled with macarons and shortbread cookies. Guests had their choice of Earl Grey or herbal (tisane!) tea.

BTS: Pam and Barb

Setting up tables at Next

Pam B. of BTS assisted not only in our set-up and tear-down, but with Next's team as well. Together, we had most excellent time visiting with guests, many who shared the stories of the teacup they brought from home. (One we're told is seen on Bridgerton!).

Almost sixty guests in attendance

A variety of traditional and modern teapots

The day after Next, we had a short commute to shared-court neighbor, Clay. She created a beautiful Fall-themed tablescape, complete with seasonal napkin holders creatively made from envelopes, although it wasn't readily apparent until Clay disclosed their construction. Tea time fare was sourced locally and was incredibly delicious. Serving pieces were as pretty as they were practical. Glass plates with matching cups were perfect for housing mini-quiches and tomato bisque soup, respectively. Large silver trays held tasty pastries and scones and there was plenty of scrumptious, cream, lemon curd and jam on hand.

With neighbor and fellow court resident, Clay

Tea treats delicious and pretty

The presentation was a hybrid of on-line and in-house, so we at BTS were fortunate to meet members that were out of town as well as the locals. And, what an amazing group of women they are! The afternoon and the afternoon tea seemed to pass almost as quickly as the door-to-door walk over. 

Fall-themed tablescape

Great group of ladies

What comes Next, after our day in court?  We've got one more program in November, before we break for the holidays. Then, stay tuned for more BTS events in 2023. 

For up-to-date BTS events, check out the event at our Barb's Tea Service website.

Commute long or short, we'll travel anywhere for your event!

Pumpkin Season, Part II: Glass pumpkins

Our glass pumpkin patch, with two new additions this year

Fall is the time for colorful leaves, cooler temps and pumpkins. But, while some of the season's best features don't last long, pumpkins - the glass variety, that is - keep their festive appearance all year long.

I've been a fan of glass-blown pumpkins for years, starting over a decade ago when I first saw a display at a local art fair.  I didn't purchase any that first year, but, when the same art fair came back the following summer, I had to indulge. My first pumpkin was of the traditional sort, generously sized and a dark orange hue. It looked amazing on my Thanksgiving holiday tablescape.

My second and fifth pumpkin purchase came from Boyer Glassworks in Harbor Springs

But, my glass pumpkin collection was destined to grow. I found a fellow glass gourd enthusiast with good friend, Carol.  On one of our early, annual northern Michigan vacations we take together with our spouses, Carol asked me if I liked glass pumpkins. This was not long after my first purchase and I was delighted to share my new passion. Turns out, Carol was a big fan, too. She also just happened to know a great place to shop for glass pumpkins in Harbor Springs. Next day, we were off and running to Boyer Glassworks.  Appreciating that glass pumpkins need not be limited to orange, we were both drawn to the Monet series and each purchased one to bring home.

Great fun and finds at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair, including a gold pumpkin

A few years later, when my husband and I were in Newport, Rhode Island, we came across a glass gallery and took a tour. While Chris was drawn to spindly, blue octopus (which he bought), we also perused the "pumpkin patch".  We found another multi-colored pumpkin to gift to Carol and I selected a dazzling, translucent green one for myself (thinking this could cover at least two holidays: Thanksgiving and St. Patrick's Day).

Glass pumpkin with artist Mary Cash, made within a week of purchase

Then, my collection remained static until this year when a new crop and an old "haunt" offered up some fine additions. At the Funky Ferndale Art Fair last month, I found a beautiful gold and white pumpkin from RNG Originals. It brings to mind a miniature version of that "plain yellow pumpkin" that became Cinderella's "golden carriage".

Carol with artist Mary, with a smaller version of her purchase

And, just one month later, Harbor Springs was back in rotation for our fall vacation with our bonne amies, Carol and Rik. Was glass pumpkin shopping on the agenda? The answer is sitting comfortably with its diverse pumpkin family on my fireplace mantle. This one was made within the week of our visit by artist Mary Cash. It's bright orange with a dark green stem, no curls. It's adorable.

Colorful leaves and crisp temps may not last, but glass pumpkins do

We at BTS love Pumpkin Season. And, with glass pumpkins, we can enjoy the festive fall fruit all year long.

 

Pumpkin Season, Part I: Pumpkin spice tea latte!

Pumpkin season:  a time for pumpkin tea lattes (and glass pumpkins)

It's pumpkin season and we love all varieties of pumpkins:  Jack o' Lanterns, glass pumpkins and pumpkin spice everything. This year, we upped the ante on the latter and put together our very own pumpkin spice, ready for pies and lattes - and when we say lattes at BTS, we're talking tea lattes, of course.

And, when I say "we", as in most things that concern the kitchen domain, I mean my husband, Chris. He's the gourmet chef in our house, having his own special mix of patience and fearlessness, which I believe are keys to a good cook.

Pumpkin spice latte, starts with freshly brewed black (or chai) tea

Recently, we were the recipients of a collection of high quality spices and seasonings, which Chris bottled and labeled with care. He's been experimenting with them, including creating a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg (hand grated), allspice and cloves for a fresh concoction of pumpkin pie spice. The aroma alone is worth the effort.

For my part, I searched for recipes to make my own pumpkin spice tea. It wasn't as easy as I thought it might be, but I found one that called for just a few ingredients and not a lot of time in the kitchen (playing to my strengths) at Dreamy Cup.  Here's the link:  Quick and easy Pumpkin Spice tea latte.

Pumpkin puree is added to the tea

The foundation of the pumpkin spice tea latte is black tea or chai. I used a straight up black tea and steeped it for three minutes. Once the tea is brewed, a tablespoon of pumpkin puree is added along with pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and sugar. (The recipe also suggests using vanilla-infused honey as an option).  After that, pour in milk of choice, frothing optional. (I didn't have a frother at the ready, so whisked a cup by hand.)

Mix in vanilla, sugar and pumpkin pie spice

Final step is to top it all off with whipped cream and a dash more of pumpkin pie spice.

Visually, it turned out rather well, but as for taste? It was pretty good for being "quick and easy". I'd say for a little more umph, I might use the other suggested options of chai tea and vanilla-infused honey and then, froth the milk. 

Add milk and top off with whipped cream and a bit more pumpkin pie spice

It may require a few extra minutes in the kitchen (which I'm working on).

In the meantime, a pumpkin spice tea toast to Pumpkin Season, Part 1.  Stay tune for our next blog, Pumpkin Season, Part II:  Glass pumpkins.

 

The countdown to the holidays begins and Adagios Tea Advent Calendar is here to deliciously assist!

Adagio Teas 2022 Tea Advent Calendar. It's evergreen and gold package if filled with tasty treats

Three months from today, Christmas will be here and Adagio Teas, once again, brings an exciting and delicious Tea Advent Calendar, to assist in both gifting and the countdown.

This year, the tea advent calendar comes wrapped in an evergreen and gold trimmed box which opens like a book to reveal 24 little spaces, each housing a different tea. 

Adagio Teas Advent Calendar has 24 teas: a fun and delicious way to countdown the days

Although the December countdown is still a few months away,  for "sharing purposes",  we opened "Day 1" to sample. 

*spoiler alert*   Tea to be revealed directly below.

The first tea is "honeybush pumpkin chai". It was delightful -  a blend made up of honeybush tea (herbal), cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cocoa nibs, natural pumpkin spice flavor and safflower.  The aroma alone is captivating, evoking a burst of fresh holiday baking fragrances. And, the taste follows through - hearty and satisfying.

Every day brings a new tea is revealed.

The teas are all loose, which typically translates into more flavor and improved steep. Another bonus, per Adagio's website, the teas contain no added sugar, are gluten-free, dairy-free, nut free and vegan-friendly. There's a lot to like in these bountiful tea packets (which are also available in tea bags, if you prefer).

We sampled Day 1 and it was delightful. Looking forward to Days 2 - 24!

The Adagio tea advent calendar is $34.00 - a true deal, especially when you consider that's 24 cups of tea for under $1.50 per serving. The calendar and other seasonal gifts are available on the Adagio Teas website.  

We recommend purchasing in advance for the tea enthusiast(s) on your holiday gift list as well as treating yourself. In just a few months, we'll all be in high gear.  Kick off your December countdown with a designated time-out-for tea to include the Adagio Tea Advent Calendar, which will bring a new, surprise tea every day.

Product review disclaimer:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Embrace your tea self, Autumn is coming! Tea Time Magazine celebrates the season with sunflower tablescapes (and more!)

The September/October issue of TeaTime Magazine celebrates Autumn and we embrace that

This week, Autumn arrived and here in my home state, in true Michigan fashion, the first day of fall arrived with high temps twenty degrees lower than the day before. But, no complaints from our tea table - we love this time of year when the leaves change to a fiery blend of reds, yellows and oranges and the onset of brisk, crisp air that has us seeking out hot, spiced tea, fresh harvest fare and tablescapes that reflect "all of the above".  Enter TeaTime Magazine to provide inspiration on Autumn menus, tea pairings and a bounty of pretty table settings. 

Sunflower tea table with some elements taken from last year's similar themed events

In the latter category, we were delighted to see "Sunflower Galore" and it motivated us to set a tea table, borrowing from that theme. We're partial to sunflowers - it's one of my daughter's favorite blooms and it featured prominently in her bridal shower and wedding reception last fall. 

Sunflower Gala in Tea Time inspired our fall tablescape

For my special tea table, I brought out the napkins, favors and seat covers created for our sunflower couple. I am fortunate to have two very creative sisters-in-law who added their personal touch.  Cara embroidered napkins with individual sunflowers on each and Sandy carried out her vision for the burgundy chair covers with silk sunflowers ties. I was already three-quarters complete for my seasonal tablescape.

Napkins, favors and harvest bouquet come together with our whimsical teapot

I added a bouquet of fall flowers which, along with a whimsical beehive teapot and matching sugar and creamer  (inherited from my grandmother), set center stage of our harvest table. China plates, in the rose gold pattern (Royal Pottery, Ohio - also from grandmother) rested atop faux woodgrain gold tone chargers.  And, finally, Limoge teacups and saucers with yellow and rose-colored buds  (sourced by Antiques Depot in Lewiston, MI) completed the tablescape accompanied by gold and silver demitasse spoons from Sweden (thank you again, Grandma E.!) that carry out the theme with their flowered handles

Even our tiny teaspoons carry the sunflower theme

The only thing missing here, of course, is the scrumptious harvest-themed sweets and savories and a choice tea blend. Here, I leave you to the experts at TeaTime. Their "Harvest Tea" offers up some enticing recipes for maple-cinnamon scones and pumpkin cream puffs and other goodies, some of which are served up on another favorite of ours, Herend china. 

Autumn is here and we're ready.  We've got the sunflowers and the settings and lots of incredible inspiration from another great issue of TeaTime Magazine.