So, I did had another tea...well, actually I had two teas.
I was thrilled to be asked to do a tea at The Inn at Walnut Creek. The first seating. at 4 pm, sold out and so the Inn offered another seating at 6pm.
The tea was in the Welcome Center. It was a wonderful location to serve tea. The views were great too. It sits up on a hill. The Inn was all festive and ready for Christmas.
I was blessed to have my mom serve tea with me too. Both my parents came with me to this tea party. My parents love to stay in Holmes County. So, they came to help and even offered to buy a room for the night, that way we wouldn't have to drive home late at night. Also, we were not sure if we would have snow or not. It ended up being a gorgeous day. But, it was great to have know we had a room we could crash in after the tea was over. My dogs were barking after being on my feet for hours. I fell right into bed with my clothes still on.
The room was great and steps away from the Welcome Center. I loved that my parents wanted to share in this with me.
Back about 30 years ago, in 1993, I knew I would not be going over seas to be a missionary any time soon, And thus began the dream of opening a tea room/antique shop. I would make the tea, my mom would make the food, and my dad would buy the antiques we would sell. I was going to call is Miss Elizabeth's Attic.
These tea parties are like seeing my dream coming true. My parents are in retirement, so I know we won't opening a store together. And that is okay, since my vision/dreams have changed somewhat too. I now want my tea shop to be one of ministry. To connect people, to reach my community, and share my love of tea. Until I have a shop or cafe I will thrive on tea parties. Bringing the tea to you.
These teas are not about selling tea, but sharing my love and passion for tea. I don't sell anything, guests don't have to feel the pressure of buying anything- but they to sit, sip, and connect. I was so glad I was able to do this tea and have both my parents there to help and support me.
I had 6 hot teas at this party. They were set up on the counter. I shared with the guests about the tea and they could come and help themselves to all the tea they wanted. I even let them have a cup of tea to go, if they wanted.
Several ladies mentioned that they liked having such a variety of teas. They enjoyed the teas I selected too. That was great to hear. I tried to pick out a fun variety. I had two black teas, an oolong tea, a rooibos tea, a green tea, and an herbal tea.
I served two of my favorites...Coconut Pouchong, a wonderful coconut oolong tea. The coconut notes are so strong and wonderful in this tea!
And then Winter Wonderland, a fantastic green rooibos. There is a difference between green and red rooibos. I would love to share the difference with you at a tea, lol. Yes- there is a shameless plug to get you to have a tea.
A shout out to the Dollar Store- I purchased these chalk board stands for $1 each. The worked great to write the kind of tea in the teapots. They also wipe right off, so I will be ready for the next tea.
Here is the menu for the teas I served. Each person was given a menu. This helps them know what I was serving and if there are any allergies, they can see exactly what is in each tea. They also can see where each tea is from- I want to give props to each tea company.
I served a Fuzzy Peach tea from Tealyra. This was a new tea for me. But, I knew the owner of The Inn at Walnut Creek liked peach tea. And Tealyra is a tea company I really enjoy. This tea ended up being a big hit.
I served Vanilla Mint Chai from the Ohio Tea Company. I also frothed milk with vanilla syrup so if guests wanted a latte they could. This tea has great mint notes. I just love it.
Looks at the chunks of greatness in this tea!! These are real fruits and veggies in this tea. Yes, veggies- here are carrots in this tea.
I had tea tasting sheets available too. Guests were able to write down the teas they tried and if they wanted to remember specific things about them. Since I don't sell the teas, they would be able to write down where they were from if they wanted to buy some later. (I also listed the tea companies on the menu's)
I try to learn things at my teas, ways to make the next tea better. This tea I realized I need a way to keep my teas warm, especially when I serve the teas this way- buffet style.
I used a tea cozy that my aunt made. She made it for my mom and it had matching napkins and other items if my memory serves me correct. My mom just gave me the tea cozy this year, so figured it was the perfect time to use. It keeps the tea warm, but taking it on and off might not be the best for guests.
I did have one tea warmer with a candle. I think this is the way to go. As long as I keep an eye on the tea and don't let an empty teapot sit on the hot flame, I think I will order some tea warmers.
**note, since I wrote this I have gotten the metal tea warmers. They are going to work great for my next teas.
Check out this view! It was a gorgeous day! A little chilly, but the tea warmed everyone right up.
The Inn at Walnut Creek did an incredible job with the food.
I mean, wow, for $15 the guests had a huge array of food. They guests were given a bowl of broccoli and noodle soup, chicken salad croissants, cups of fruit...and then trays of more food. They were red velvet cup cakes, chocolate truffles, nuts, cheese, homemade pimento cheese sandwiches, lemon bread, and chocolate cake.
The tables looked beautiful!!!
The sunset was gorgeous too. I loved peaking at the changing colors while serving guest.
I had so much fun. I have no idea why I have a passion for tea, but I do. Sharing tea with people is so fun for me. Sharing tea facts is something I just can't help but do.
Some of the facts I shared with the guests were:
1. It is okay to slurp your tea...not only okay, but encouraged.
2. Did you know that the water temperature is vital?
3. Did you know steeping time is also vital?
4. Did you know that Black tea, Green tea, White tea, Oolong tea, Yellow tea, Purple tea, and Pu erh tea all come from the same plant?
If you want to know more about any of these facts- invite me to host your tea party, lol.
My mom did a great job of working the room. I think she learned about where every table was from. People from as far as Pittsburgh came to the tea.
I work at an insurance company and we work with lots of agents. One of the agents I work with sent me this email before the tea. What are the odds???
My response...
I couldn't wait to put a name with the face. I got to meet my friend and her daughter. Small world!!
I was also shocked to have some friends show up. I have been friends with this family for over 40 years. We grew up as neighbors. I loved having them come over for the tea.
I had an area with sugar, agave, honey, and stir sticks.
Some of the online responses from the tea....
also...
and....
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If you want to have a tea, please let me know. I would love to custom a party for you and your friends.
