The 200th Anniversary of "Pride and Prejudice" worth a trip back to Chawton

Today is the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and Janeites around the world are celebrating in a variety of ways. The Jane Austen Center in Bath is hosting a day-long "readathon" to commemorate "Pride and Prejudice" and the same novel is the  subject of  JASNA's (Jane Austen Society of North America) Annual General Meeting this fall.

This day brought me back to Chawton, one of Jane's residences where, just a year and a half ago, I  visited along with my daughter, Rachel. In 2011, the museum was celebrating a 200th anniversary of another of Jane's novels, "Sense and Sensibility". 

Rachel outside the Chawton House

A copy of  "Sense and Sensibility" written by "A Lady"

Posters highlighting "Sense and Sensibility" were on display

The dining room. The fireplace behind the table is where Jane would have heated the tea kettle.

One of the items owned by Austen's - a quilt made by Jane, Cassandra and their  mother

Jane's bedroom with a costume worn for one of the Sense and Sensibility movies.

A dining room chair owned by the Austen's

Outside the Chawton home. The gardens overlook a tea room across the street.

Appropriately named  "Cassandra's Cup", we had afternoon tea at the Chawton tea room

After our trip to Chawton, we visited Winchester and the famous  cathedral

A display of Austen history at the front of the cathedral 

Inside Winchester Cathedral. Jane Austen is buried here.

Just a short distance from the cathedral is the last residence of Jane Austen, now a private home.

Back to London, we stopped at the original Twinings tea room.  Jane bought her tea here. So did I!

This was a fantastic trip and a nice follow-up to our visit to Bath in 2006 (see previous blog story on The Jane Austen Center and the famous Pump Room). And, there's still more to see. Starting the countdown to England 2015!

Wishing all fans of Jane Austen -  a great tea enthusiast I must add - much felicity and joy on Pride and Prejudice Day!

Going back to Bath to learn how to become modern day Mr. Darcy

So far this year at Barb's TEA Shop, we're staying close to home, but still doing a lot of time traveling from the Edwardian Era via Downton Abbey to the Regency Period for all things Jane. With regards to the latter, we came across a great video from the U.K.'s Guardian travel page, featuring Marcel Theroux. A  British broadcaster and author, Theroux recently traveled to Bath to learn how to become a modern day Mr. Darcy. He's introduced to Regency attire, manners and dancing in the day of Jane Austen. Click on the link below to view the entire experience.

Marcel Theroux attends a regency ball a the Bath Pump Room

How to become a modern day Mr. Darcy

Did not realize how important it was for gentleman to point their feet in a V-shape. I must confess, if Colin Firth's Mr. Darcy walked into the Pump Room without such effort, I should still think him a fine, fine gentleman. (Mr. Theroux, indeed, looks quite well himself).

As Theroux's video notes, Bath is a beautiful and romantic city and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit back in 2006. During a family vacation to London, we made a day trip to the city touring the Roman baths and the famous Pump Room.

Barb and Rachel in Bath in 2006

There was - of course - a gift shop nearby where I bought a few Jane Austen items as well as a tin of Pump Room loose tea. (As I recall, it was strong and tasty, like Mr. Darcy himself!)

Theroux's instruction on becoming a modern day Regency gentleman is a tribute to Bath and those who keep Austen history alive for us to experience. I'm ready to go back anytime - but when I do, I'll pay more attention to how the gents are pointing their feet.

When one visits Bath, one must come back with Pump Room tea 

CountDown-ton Abbey: Season 3 Premieres Tonight

The World of Downton Abbey, a lovely companion book 

 Downton Abbey, Season 3, premiers tonight on PBS and I am counting the hours until air time! I have my companion book and tea cup ready, next to my comfy chair, to assist in my trip back in time and across the pond, to join the Dowager Countess, Lord and Lady Grantham and their downstairs servants for an evening of glamour, intrigue, and clever conversation.

I shall ring for Carson to bring my tea, and as noted in The Detroit Tea Examiner's latest article, How will you have your tea when Downton Abbey returns?, he will serve it with milk in last. MIF's and MIL's are as divided and distinct as the one percent and the staff who wait on them.

Edwardian tea dress joins wish list

 I didn't receive the Carson T-shirt from my 2012 wishlist, but I do have the series companion book, "The World of Downton Abbey" written by Jessica Fellowes, neice of Jullian Fellowes, creator of this century's, "Upstairs/Downstairs".  My brother gave me this back in April of last year for my birthday, and along with beautiful pictures, the book offers interesting tidbits on politics and society of the Edwardian era as well as some fun behind-the-scenes shots of cast and crew.

A new item for my updated wish-list is this beautiful Edwardian tea dress from Victorian Trading Company. Although, it's a long time to wait until next Christmas, as noted above, April is not far off.  : )

Until I make that purchase, however, I will spend my Sunday evenings in something a little less formal;  still hat and pearls, but maybe lounge pants and slippers, too. Appropriate dress is required, however, despite Dowager Countess' unfamiliarity with the concept, keep in mind, it still is the week-end!

Ready for DA, Season 3

Top tea gifts from the holiday season: from wish list to what? list

Bingley's Teas from my brother-in-law/wishlist

As a tea enthusiast, I am often the fortunate recipient of tea-related gifts at Christmas and with a published wish-list, it's impossible to say I discourage it.

This year was no exception with two great tea gifts: one straight from said wish-list and one that I didn't even know existed - and maybe still a little unsure as to why it does.

Right off the Barb's TEA Shop Wish List 2012, my brother-in-law surprised me with a great selection of Bingley's Teas, the teas that are inspired by Jane Austen characters.

Elinor's Heart, a sensible black tea

These teas taste wonderful and they are attractively packaged in boxes that resemble hard-covered books. The three teas I received were an herbal, a black and green/black blend.

Of those teas, Elinor's Heart -  named after Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility -  is a no-nonsense black tea that won't disappoint. For a full review of this tea, see The Detroit Tea Examiner's Elinor's Heart: A sensible black tea from Bingley's Tea.

How I play scrabble: fully accessorized and with a tea cosy

Another tea gift I received on Christmas day was the tea cosy from Mastrad. This unique item came from my husband, Chris. Mastrad is a French company and in its native country, this tea cosy is called "chapeau the'"(literal translation: tea hat). That name seems appropriate as it is a covering for your tea cup, that, like a hat, rests on top to keep the contents below warm.

My husband purchased the tea cosy at Sur la Table at the Somerset Collection, but you can also buy it directly on-line from Mastrad.

Have you been feeling the need for  a device that

Insert tea bag in the slit of the silicone tea cosy

would hold your teabag while steeping? Perhaps, yes, but you might want even more. How about a tea hat that will allow you to squeeze your teabag (although it's debatable whether you should) without burning your fingers? And, if that's not enough, a topper for your tea cup that will keep your tea warm. Well, my dear tea friends, you are in luck! Mastrad has just the thing for you, in black or neon green, ranging from $5.99 to $8.00.

The tea hat serves as holder for the tea bag and later, as a warmer

For a more in-depth look on the Tea Cosy from Mastrad, see The Detroit Tea Examiner's review, Mastrad's tea cup cosy: A solution in need of a problem?


Here at Barb's TEA Shop, we enjoyed all our tea gifts as well as non-tea-related gifts.

An embarrassment of riches, it was a "treasure bath" (credit to my brother and Mel Brooks) of jewelry, books, chocolate, theater tickets, embroidered towels and so much more. A cliche, but even more importantly, a time with family and friends that couldn't be beat.


Here's hoping you got something off your wish list and - maybe even better - something completely unexpected!

December Tablescapes, past, present and future: Part II

Halfway through the month and yet a few more tablescapes ahead!

The DIA weekend (Faberge exhibit, Dining with the Tsars, dismal Russian Tea Reception) was followed by the annual Christmas party of our friends, Rik and Carol. A catered affair, the food and drink is as delicious as it is plentiful. Glowing candles on the table and blazing fireplaces reflect the warmth and spirit of our generous hosts. And, the ride home through downtown Rochester -  a town that can give Paris some competition in December as the true City of Lights - was amazing.

Candlelit tables reflect the warmth of our hosts

Driving home through downtown Rochester

Before we return to 2012 for the rest of the month, we take one last trip to the past with a visit to Greenfield Village. My cousins and I attended Holiday Nights at the historic site. We dined at the Eagle Tavern without any electricity - strictly candlelight - and the meal was served family style. After we fortified ourselves with chicken, prime rib and gingerbread cake, we walked the village and visited the homes decorated in the period of the time they were built.

Reading the menu by candlelight at the Eagle Tavern Inn

Period homes in Greenfield Village decorated for the holidays

Back to the present and the month ends with a family reunion, Christmas Eve tree tour and Christmas Day.

Getting the buffet table ready for our family reunion

Last weekend, we participated in our family reunion gathering in Rochester (another chance to take in the downtown light show on the way home). A great pot-luck and well-attended event. A wonderful time to see those we don't get to see on a regular basis - including the big guy in the red suit.

Christmas Eve table to be reset next day

Part of the tour group at first stop

Christmas Eve we continued with our annual Christmas Tree Tour where we pay a visit to homes of aunts and  uncles to nibble on cookies and fudge while viewing their festive evergreens. Final stop is our house for dinner and treasure bath and - new this year - karaoke. Nothing says Christmas like my older brother singing, "Don't Rain on My Parade"! But, no surprises, it was mostly carols of the season that got sung.

Then, we were back at it again on Christmas Day for a smaller family gathering, but with a tablescape complete with a new Lenox tablecloth and my prized, "gift-to-me-from-Ireland", Waterford crystal bowl that is made exclusively in Waterford, Ireland.

A wonderful month filled with family, friends and, of course, tablescapes with ties to the past and present. And, soon, table settings of 2012 will be replaced with displays for the new year. An early toast to all to the new year and stay tuned for BTS' annual, "What's In/What's Out" list to start 2013 off right!

December Tablescapes tell stories of Christmas past, present and future

Christmas Day 2012 tablescape

This December was a flurry of activity punctuated by tablescapes (culminating on Christmas Day!) that spanned centuries and crossed national borders. Like Scrooge's three visitors on Christmas Eve, the tablescapes had ties to the past, present and future, but only one earned "bah humbug" distinction.

At beginning of the month, I was bestowed with an early Christmas present that will enhance my tea tables for years to come. A guest at one of my tea talks was settling her mother's estate and she was looking for a good home for a small collection of tea cups.My good fortune, she thought of me.
I assured her they would be loved and cared for. The
china is beautiful with quality names like Royal Albert and
Aynsley. (future blog story #1)

Early Christmas present from tea friend

Speaking of tea friends, I was able to get the last two tickets to the Holiday Tea at the Longacre House on December 4th hosted by Linda Pudlik. It was her last tea at the Farmington Hills historic home for 2012 and marked her semi-retirement from the monthly teas at this location. My good friend, Kay, joined me and we were at the same table as fellow tea blogger, Phyllis Barkey. The table setting was a festive as the food was delicious. (future blog story #2)

Afternoon tea and tablescape at Longacre House

The following weekend included the Faberge exhibit, Darra Goldstein's "Dining with the Tsars" lecture and Russian Tea Reception - all at the Detroit Institute of Arts. I got to interview Darra for The Examiner the week of the lecture (Darra Goldstein discusses Russian cuisine and tea at the DIA on Saturday). Her talk on Russian cuisine from Peter the Great to the revolution was fascinating. Unfortunately, the tea reception hosted by the DIA immediately afterwards was a disaster and caused a revolt of its own.

Poor line management, limited tea fare and lack of seating (not to mention bad tea) caused an uprising and many complaints. (future blog story #3)  Bah humbug, indeed! Until I get to pen my account, tea blogger, Phyllis Barkey has a great write-up of the "event":  Dining with the Tsars - Detroit Institute of Arts

Sharing a cup of tea with Darra Goldstein

DIA hosted a Russian Tea with small portions that ran out

The tea and lecture were held on Saturday and the next day, my family and I had already planned a day at the DIA to take in the Faberge exhibit as part of  "birthday weekend". Both my daughter, Rachel and son Matt have birthdays in December. So, along with my husband Chris, and eldest son, Rob, we took in the exhibit - which was amazing - then headed to Traffic Jam for birthday dinner and dessert (more delicious and plentiful than the day before!).

Hot fudge brownie sundae for birthday week!

And, that was only half-way through the month! Still more December tablescapes leading up to Christmas Day.  Stay tuned for December Tablescapes, Part II!

In the meantime, hope your holiday was great - whether your table was plain or fancy - and sans hum bug!

Visions of sugar plums unite generations with holiday traditions: 2012 blog with a 2020 postscript!

Rachel executes "Christmas is Everywhere" 

It's Christmas eve, 2020 and while we're preparing for an outside event today due to quarantine restrictions (living in southeast Michigan, we're either very creative or crazy), I'd like to share a vintage BTS blog post from 2012 about vintage family ornaments. There's a 2020 postscript at the end of the blog . . . 

We are busy this morning doing all the last-minute preparations for our big family gathering here tonight including putting out the seasonal guest towels and lighting the scented candles. But, the rest of the house has been in full-on holiday décor since Thanksgiving, when my daughter, Rachel, declared our theme this year would be "Christmas is everywhere".

And, Christmas is everywhere:  on our mantle, shelves, banisters and most importantly, in our hearts and with family and friends - even if they are no longer here. We stay connected with them through memories, traditions, and in our case, sugar plums and candy cane decorations.

When I was twelve my mom unceremoniously moved Christmas downstairs. I have three older brothers - who at this time were all in their teens - and our small living room just couldn't accommodate six people, their guests and a Christmas tree. My parents had remodeled our basement five years prior and it was really nice - and spacious. So, we moved the tree and all the trimmings to our lower level family room and plugged in the fake fireplace (it was the 70's, mind you) and we were ready to go.

It was almost ideal except my dad felt that our  living room - where we spent most of our evenings after dinner - was void of the Christmas spirit. So, without any consult, he went to Sears one day after work and bought a small artificial tree and a couple dozen ornaments. The decorations were made to look like sugar-frosted candies -  mostly sugar plums and candy canes - all in pastel colors. They looked delicious.

Frosted sugar plums and candy canes still decorate the tree

My dad set the tree up on the television - which was a piece of furniture in those days - and had it all trimmed by the time my mom came home from work. I was so excited. Christmas, at least in small way, had made its way back upstairs where we could see it every time we walked through the front door.

My mom's reaction was, well, a little more delayed in acceptance, but my dad's strategy - at least this time - of better to ask for forgiveness than permission - paid off. The four foot tree filled with bubble-gum pink and lime-green candy canes slowly won her over and the tree was allowed to stay.

My dad passed away ten years later and although we no longer put the tree upstairs, we kept the ornaments and eventually, I got custody of them when I moved out and married. I have put those same ornaments on my tree for the past 29 years and, lost in my thoughts, I apparently tell this same story to Rachel every year she's been assisting me.

This year, however, I got another surprise - and a great one at that. As we were waiting for our chai tea to steep and hauling out the decorations from the basement,   Rachel asked me to tell the story about the tree and the ornaments the grandfather she never met brought home one December afternoon. She declared that those frosted ornaments would belong to her when she gets her own home.

And, so they will.

“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. . .

The house was filled with “Christmas Everywheres”,
while visions of sugar plums were deemed soon to be theirs

And we'd like to  exclaim, before we turn out the lights,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.”

*******************************************

Post Script:  Christmas 2020  

As noted eight years ago, Rachel stated when she had her a house of her own,  she would get claim to these vintage Christmas decorations. This year, she and husband, Sean, did buy their first home and, along with the newlyweds, the sugar plum and candy cane ornaments have a new address. 

To keeping memories alive and making new ones, an extra hug to all and Merry Christmas!

Vintage ornaments on the Brown's tree

Rachel and Sean get "custody" of the vintage  ornaments, while Rachel's Dad looks on.