Jane Pettigrew at Amherst Rose: celebrity tea event complete with swag

Two weeks ago my daughter, Rachel, and I made the three and a half hour drive from Detroit to Massillon, Ohio for a major tea event at the Amherst Rose. Jane Pettigrew, tea historian, author and former London tea room owner was the guest speaker at the elegant Victorian tea room owned by Mary Jane Corwin and her husband, Carl.

First alerted of Jane's upcoming visit to the States by Elmwood Inn Tea's newsletter, I sent a note to Bruce Richardson for more details for The Detroit Tea Examiner. He kindly directed me to Mary Jane, who was hosting her own Jane Pettigrew event at her tea room in Ohio - a closer drive for most Michiganders. After a twenty minute phone conversation with Mary Jane two things were certain: I was attending the June 11^th afternoon tea and I felt like I just hung up with a friend I had known for years.

When the day finally arrived, Rachel and I made it to Massillon with time to spare at the sold-out event and were greeted warmly by both Jane and Mary Jane. The beautifully restored and richly decorated Victorian tea room housed lavish tea tables set with china, crystal, tea-cup-picture-name-cards and a tea swag bag worthy of the best red carpet event.

The swag bag contained a tea pot picture frame, a tea towel, Tea A Magazine, measuring spoons (for recipes that require a “pinch” and a “dash”), tea cards and tea samples. What a treat! - and this was before the multi-course afternoon tea and Jane's fascinating presentation on “The Social History of Tea”.

It was an amazing afternoon tea: charming hosts, captivating speaker, excellent savories, sweets and tea and a tea swag bag to hold treasures as well as many great memories.

For more details on the complete menu and some of the highlights of Jane Pettigrew's tea talk, see our recent article in The Detroit Tea Examiner.

Celebrate Iced Tea Month with some twists on the traditional

Memorial Day cook-outs are nothing new and traditions are great to hold on to, but there's something to be said for a changing of the guards to literally mix things up and that includes some new ideas for iced tea. A change-up to the familiar drink of summer is even more relevant now that it's officially Iced Tea Month according to every tea blogger's calendar and the Food Network's website.

In January of this year, we noted it was "Hot Tea Month", and a real comfort since it was very "iced" outside in Michigan. Now, however, with temperatures over 90 degrees this holiday weekend in metro Detroit, I can tell you, iced tea was a welcome relief. Even better, we didn't have to depend on the old school black tea and white sugar - not with "Summer Cook-out: the Next Generation". This year, we got a twist on the old with the twenty-somethings taking charge.

Awhile back, when my oldest son was still in college and living in an old, but somewhat charming, house near campus, he and his girlfriend (now wife), hosted their first Memorial Day get-together for family and friends. Drawing on the staples of summer holiday parties, they grilled burgers, supplied drinks and brought out the games, but with their fresh new spin, everything seemed a little extraordinary. That little something special continues every summer, right down to this year's refreshing new iced-tea dressed in party red.

Right on the cusp of Iced Tea Month, my daughter-in-law served an unconventional iced tea mix of white and herbal teas from Teavana. Their Youthberry White and Wild Orange Blossom Herbal combine citrus, berry and rose petals to make a deliciously tart and sweet drink on the rocks. We found it didn't need any additional sugar, but for those who like a sweeter drink, Teavana suggests trying rock sugar which, according to the national tea retailer, will "enhance the natural sweetness of the drink. . . and easily dissolve in the hot water".

So, we recommend shaking things up a bit in the iced tea jug and experimenting with different teas and flavors. This year, think outside the black tea box and make some new traditions this summer. Just don't mess with the plentiful table of delicious snacks or bocce ball rules - some things need never change.

The Royal Wedding doesn't have to be over: keep the memories with a close-knit family

Three weeks ago today, my daughter and I donned silk dresses, sparkling jewelry and fancy high heels to attend a public viewing of the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Wanderer’s Tea House – the only challenge was getting there at 5:00 am. But, get there we did, along with a full-house of other royalphiles and tea enthusiasts, many wearing hats worthy of a Westminster Abbey invitee.

We watched on the big screen as the crowd shouted out when William and Harry’s car pulled out in full view, soon to be followed by the collective gasps at the first glimpse of Kate and her gown as they exited the coach.


Treating ourselves to the Wanderer’s English-inspired brunch, we watched the long walk down the church aisle while sampling Welsh rarebit and strawberry tarts accompanied by lots and lots of pots of English Breakfast tea.

From the red carpet guest spotting to the two kisses on the balcony, the two hours went by quickly. With a weekend filled with recaps, wedding fashion commentaries (who doesn't want a fascinator now?) and British monarchy specials on every cable station, Monday felt like the day after Christmas. After weeks of anticipation and excitement for the Royal Wedding, it was over too fast.

We found, however, it doesn’t have to be completely over thanks to the book, “Knit the Royal Wedding” by Fiona Goble. It gives step-by-step instructions on how to knit the royal family in their wedding attire so that one can commemorate the joyous occasion throughout the year.

My knitting skills are basic, at best, so I gave this book to my master- knitter sister-in-law for her birthday. Last Christmas I gifted her with a knitting project book with the tea cozy page discreetly earmarked. Shortly after, she gave me a beautiful, rose-colored knit tea cozy for my birthday. Self-serving? – perhaps, but I’m hoping to find a little Prince Harry in my stocking next Christmas!

Tea cups and cupcakes: Delightful Easter treats thanks to daughter and Tea Time Magazine

The recent March/April issue of Tea Time Magazine, had an entire section devoted to hosting "An Elegant Easter". This magazine is always inspirational for tablescape ideas and menu planning, but perhaps even more importantly, Tea Time's recipes are amazing. Even holiday-themed meals are continually fresh and delicious. The fact that they are visually appealing is, literally - in some cases- the icing on the cake.


My daughter, Rachel, a senior at MSU, loves to catch-up on Tea Time Magazine recipes whenever she is home on breaks and she usually treats us to some wonderful creation she's uncovered during her stays. This Easter, she volunteered to make dessert after seeing the strawberry cupcakes on page 36 of our favorite tea and foodie periodical. After a quick trip to the grocery store for a few ingredients we didn't have on hand, Rachel was back at home and unleashing the Kitchen Aide from storage.

The only challenge she faced was a pastry bag with a missing tip, so the fancy swirls were at a minimum. But, the overall look was still lovely and they tasted fantastic.

These will be an encore production for sure and they did, indeed, add to a most elegant Easter with family and friends. I just can't wait for the semester to end and the new Tea Time Magazine to arrive!

Afternoon Tea from Buckingham Palace: Just in time for the Royal Wedding

The countdown continues with less than two days until the Royal nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton. With little time to spare, my package from Buckingham Palace arrived this weekend with the essentials for royal wedding viewing: English Afternoon tea and the official William and Catherine tea towel to commemorate the occasion.

You may be surprised, but these items are not out of touch, even for commoners. To order the tea and other wedding - dare I say it - souvenirs, go the the royal's website and head right to The Royal Collection Shop. It clearly states it is "the only official range to commerate the Royal Wedding". I trust you believe them.

I've got my fancy hat ready and my DVR set for 4:00 am, so that when I am free, I can sit back, have a spot of tea and view the Royal Wedding and procession for the spectator sport that it is.


It will also take me back to our visit to London in 2006 where, among many must-see places, we stopped at both Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Having had some experience in scoping out wedding sites, I think William and Kate have chosen well.


Cheers to some Royal reality TV and some serious tea drinking this weekend!

Barb's TEA Shop teams up with Holiday Catering to offer full Afternoon Tea Service

We are excited to be teaming up with Holiday Market Catering to bring a full service afternoon tea to your event. We'll not only provide you with high quality loose tea, but now we've added scones, savories and sweets for a complete tea experience.

Afternoon tea prices, for a minimum of 25 guests, start at just under $18.00 (slightly more for 12 - 24 guests) and include two mini scones, three tea sandwiches and two mini desserts per person. In addition, we'll brew and serve your choice of two different loose teas.

And, that's just for starters! You can add fruit plates, quiches, salads and cheese platters. If you need serving platters, tea cups or linens we can help with that, too.

For more information, give us a call at 248-840-4356 or reach us at barb@barbsteashop.com.

St. Patrick's Day tea table: Irish tea, Irish linen and a bit o' green

Hello TEA Friends,

Holidays provide inspiration for tea time tablescapes and St. Patrick's Day is no exception. Key ingredients for a March 17th afternoon tea table include Irish linen, green accents and, of course, great Irish tea.

During a recent visit to Kristea's tea gift shop in Berkely, we were motivated to start our own St. Patrick's Day tea table after viewing their seasonal tablescape on display. The retailer's eye for design and attention to detail comes together with emerald-hued plates and glassware accented with a hunter- green plaid tablecloth.

Inside the store, we also spotted some beautiful Irish linen napkins with a shamrock pattern on the border - what an elegant crumb catcher for our McVities' Digestives.

Back at home, we put the kettle on for some hearty Irish tea and set out to furnish our finest Irish afternoon tea table. Using cherished family treasures, I took out my grandmother's light green depression glass tea cups and dishes and set them on a beautiful Irish linen tablecloth from my mother-in-law. With such finery, only the best of tea would be suitable and we had just the one. My good friend, Joni, just back from a trip to Ireland, brought me a tin of Bewley's Dublin tea. After one sip, it went right to the top of my favorites' list.

St. Patrick's Day tea time should be an elegant affair. With fine design and excellent tea, it can be achieved. However, we reserve commenting on what occurs after tea time. What happens on St. Patrick's Day, stays in St. Patrick's Day!

Top O' the Morning/Evening to all!

Barb