Sunday, April 15, 2007

Sunday Afternoon Tea

I've had a busy weekend so a rather late afternoon tea sounds very good right now. Since developing a chronic illness about ten years ago, I've learned to take advantage when a high energy level hits. I felt so good yesterday afternoon that I started cleaning and didn't finish until quite late. You wouldn't believe how good my house looks right now. :)

It has been awhile since I shared some of my favorite "tea books". I own a couple but many of them are checked out from the library (over and over again). I would enjoy it if you would share any of your favorites which aren't mentioned here. I'm always on the lookout for new titles or authors.

I've mentioned before that my all time favorite "tea book" is called Let's Have Tea Together by Susan Wheeler (text by Paul Kortepeter). It's a Holly Pond Hill book, originally published as Tea With Victoria Rose. I haven't a clue why they changed it. While it does have recipes and tea suggestions, it is the prose and illustrations that keep me going back to this little book. I could read it each day and it would still make me smile. It delights children as well as adults. I want to live at Holly Pond Hill!

Another favorite is perhaps one of the most well known "tea books" It's the Emilie Barnes book called If Teacups Could Talk. It was the book that started my love for all things "tea time". This is not only pretty but practical, a good book to give as a gift. Emilie has many other beautiful books about tea time, all of them lovely and worth reading.

I have read two of the Victoria Tea Time books (I believe there are one or two others). The first is called The Charms of Tea; Reminiscences and Recipes. The second is The Pleasures of Tea; Recipes and Rituals. Both are beautiful, filled with photos and great recipes. I'm not certain why but I've checked out The Pleasures of Tea more than any other "tea book". I think it is the eye candy!

Another book I have enjoyed is Tea Time at the Inn by Gail Greco. It is full of wonderful recipes. I believe it is based on a former PBS series. I also like the author's book called The Romance of Country Inns. I often find very valuable recipes from Country Inn books, many contain a section of tea time recipes. On my recipe site, I have a link to a site that has the best Bed & Breakfast recipes online (in my humble opinion). :)

I've enjoyed reading Time For Tea: Tea and Conversation with Thirteen English Women this week. It felt like I was chatting with each woman as I read the individual chapters. I was deeply moved by their stories and the way tea time is a part of their British upbringing, their memories, and how they incorporate afternoon tea in their lives today.

Now it is time to actually brew some decaf Earl Grey and sit down to read for awhile. The house looks good, the laundry is caught up (and actually folded, hung, and put away), I've picked up my son so there is no reason that I'd have to get out again today...time to prop my feet up and have my late afternoon "cuppa".

10 comments:

Maggie Ann said...

Is that the same Holly Pond Hill that makes the delightful greeting cards with the little adorable animals? If so, I'd love to be your neighbor in that most charming place. Tea time is special...no doubt about it! Enjoyed your post and picture Brenda...=)

Mary said...

Brenda, I enjoy your Sunday afternoon teas! I have to share one of my favorite books. Tea with Victoria Rose is a favorite of mine also. My bunnie family here share the names of Victoria Rose' family. One of my favorite tea books is 'Treasuring the Gift of Tea Time' Tea Parties for Mothers, Daughters, Sisters and Friends, by Julie Loree Peterson. The pictures are just lovely and lots of great recipes.

Marbel said...

Lovely post! I don't remember who sent me here but I was happy to get some suggestions for tea books! We love teatime around here!

Anonymous said...

"Tea with Jane Austen" and Emilie's "The Twelve Teas of Christmas."
"If Teacups Could Talk" started me on my cup collection.
joanna :)

Anonymous said...

I am a tea and coffee person equally! ;). Not to pry, but I did notice you mention a chronic condition. I wonder if any form of exercise will help? I am up in years from most bloggers, it seems. As a christian, I have had difficulty finding what will work (I prefer tapes at home to work out to). Just wondering if I'm way off base or if there's a way for you to 'ease' its symptoms (whatever it is that you are dealing with).

smilnsigh said...

What a totally lovely entry. I can feel your contentment. And it's a wonderful way to start out my Monday. Thank you for having this entry here, for me to find this morning.

Mari-Nanci

molly jean said...

I always enjoy your posts. I'm having my morning cup of coffee before going to school! I love all of Emilie Barns' books and the Sue Gregg cookbooks she contributed to. Another favorite cookbook I enjoy is the Dairy Hollow House Soup and Bread by Crescent Dragonwagon.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Thank you for the comments, I will definitely be looking for those books!

Yes, the book is the same as the delightful greeting cards. I have one store in my area where they are sold and as I have the funds, I always purchase a few of them to have ready when needed. I especially think the Holly Pond Hill get well cards are gorgeous.

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

My chronic illness is Juvenile Diabetes, which is developed when I was in my 40s.

It was diagnosed about six years ago but I'd begun to show some serious symptoms a few years before then, although my bg levels were considered "borderline" at the time.

Later, I also developed Hoshimotos (sp?) disease, a thryoid disease associated with Type 1 diabetes.

Debbie said...

Hi.... I came here via heartthoughts blog. I noticed your profile pic on tea and I had to come by. I am a collector of teapots and teacups.

My husband took me to the Biltmore House in NC for our anniversary this year and while we were there, he purchased "The Pleasures Of Tea" for me from the gift shop. I am very fond of it.

I enjoyed your pictures. I plan to be back!