Authentic European Tea Tradition: Make an Unforgettable Tea Party in 2022

June 23, 2022

Are you looking to take your tea party up a notch? Step into the world of the past and enjoy historically accurate tea party traditions to add the perfect details to your next gathering. Many of our modern-day tea rituals come from Europe, which is why we’re exploring some of the top ways that you can make your tea party one to remember. Read on to learn about some of the top European tea traditions that you can include in your next gathering today.

Are Western tea traditions rooted in European rituals?

While European tea traditions are extremely popular and present in many of the United States tea traditions in 2022, there is also a heavy Eastern influence from the Asian and Middle Eastern regions, islands, and nations.

What are European-inspired Western tea traditions?

Below, we’ve listed some of the more prevalent European influences that you can find or add to your next tea party gathering.

1. Tea sandwiches and snacks served

There hasn’t always been a history of delicious snacks served at tea time. While there may have been other instances of food being served alongside hot or iced teas, the tradition was largely attributed to having been started by the Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Stanhope, in 1840. The entire design of this shift was to clearly differentiate a time between lunch and dinner meals that would allow tea-takers to rest and recharge with food and drink. There was also a heavy influence from the European concept of hospitality, as it gave hostesses and royalty a chance to show off their lavish wealth and gilded sets.

In present-day America, there’s a good chance that you’re already incorporating snacks into your tea-time routine — especially if you’re hosting a large gathering or tea party. However, it’s likely that you’re looking to go a little “bigger” and “better” for your next event. It may be time to toss the cucumber sandwiches and dive into these tea-inspired eats, like these delicious matcha-infused tea desserts.

Looking for the ultimate guide for the perfect tea time pairing? Check out our guide to tea-food matching.

2. Timing of tea: Have you tried “elevenses”?

Looking for a morning with more of a kick? Host a caffeinated tea and coffee-based “elevenses” — a cultural British refreshment hour between breakfast and lunch, featuring a hot or iced beverage and the company of your closest friends. While there isn’t a specific person attributed to this trend, it is historically shown to have become popular in the mid-1800s. This also aligns with the timeline that teas began to become more diverse and distributed throughout the European region, which began in the mid-1600s and spread more rapidly as transportation channels grew in the 1700s and 1800s.

The concept of elevenses really focuses on the time of day that you choose to indulge and may be a great way for early risers and exhausted folks to enjoy some time to recharge in the midday with their families and friends. You can enjoy a tea party every day with this habitual inclusion! You can make your elevenses more delicious with the addition of a quality, caffeinated black tea blend, or a soothing and energizing green tea to kick off the second half of your workday.

Making tea midday for your elevenses can also be a form of meditation in itself. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety and stress, use elevenses to enjoy a more mindful and present experience through tea making and celebration. Your family and friends will enjoy it too!

3. Set table seating, arrangements, and decor

The art of decor and seat arrangement at a tea party was emphasized throughout the European tea craze, especially as royalty began to adopt the concept of the then-newfangled tea gatherings. Today, it still is very important and is highlighted as a way to be a more gracious and considerate host. In 19th century Europe, the goal of these parties was to gossip and speak freely. Hosts would set the scene with lavish decorations, arrangements, and crisp white linens to highlight the gemlike tones of the fruits and the natural color of the tea. They would also insist on specific seating arrangements in accordance with the publication from Lady Gertrude Elizabeth Campbell in 1893 — which highlighted the importance of arranged seating to avoid a large circle of chairs in the garden — which would hinder the spread of gossip and good conversation.

Your goal at your tea party likely isn’t gossip. However, in the casual age, you can add a unique touch of tradition by using your best linens, china, and tea sets as you would have in that historical period. You can also feel free to indulge in a little “tea” yourself…we won’t tell!

Looking for inspiration for your table setting and theme? Be sure to check out Hadley Court’s guide to a traditionally decorated tea party!

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Tea History & Culture

Tea Wellness: Mindful Tea Making 101

March 29, 2022

It’s no secret that meditation is a huge factor in overall health and wellness. When it’s difficult to meditate, you can build moments of mindfulness into the day through simple activities like brewing and enjoying a cup of tea. Before we jump in, let’s discuss mindfulness.

What is being mindful? Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. It’s another form of meditation. That might sound trivial, except that we so often veer from the matter at hand. Our mind takes flight, we lose touch with our body, and pretty soon we’re engrossed in thoughts about something that just happened or fretting about the future. And that can makes us anxious. Mindfulness is rooted in Zen Buddhist meditation practices, used for centuries throughout East Asia. Buddhism, which offers up many ways to bring focus to our everyday lives, has a long historical association with tea. Buddhist monks living in mountain monasteries have long used tea growing nearby to help maintain a gentle alertness whilst meditating. Even today, tea is served in monasteries and beyond to encourage a state of focus, clarity and emotional balance.

When we think of tea, what comes to mind? For us, calm and relaxing are the first words to come up. The association of tea with relaxation and meditation is no accident. Closely intertwined with Buddhism, especially Zen buddhism, tea is often seen as an aid for meditation, stemming hunger, clearing the mind and curbing intense reactions. Buddhism deems that tea helps with cultivating the body and mind. Therefore, drinking tea has become a common practice of monks. As recorded in the Song Dynasty, monks “get up, wash their face and hands, and drink tea in the morning. Then, they sit during meditation and then take a nap. When they get up, they wash face and hands, and drink tea. They have a meal. Then, they wash face and hands, and drink tea.” In brief, everything is connected to tea.

The main tea that is drank during these ceremonies is Matcha. Matcha can calm your stressed mind and provide your central nervous system relaxation. It creates sustainability to mental alertness. The property of this type of Green Tea to keep your mind relaxed and calm is the first reason Buddhists monks choose to consume Green Tea over any other tea type.

When you think of meditation, you might think of someone sitting on the floor with their legs crossed and eyes closed. The truth is, meditation can be anything that you do where you are fully present. Have you ever been driving on the freeway listening to your favorite song and realize that you missed your exit by a few stops? That was a form of meditation! Not everyone can jump right in and sit and have their mind go completely still. It takes practice and can improve your overall life in many ways.

These days we are constantly on our phones and computers and the notifications don’t stop popping up. Our minds are constantly hopping from one thing to the next. When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress. The mental and emotional benefits of meditation can include:

Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
Building skills to manage your stress
Increasing self-awareness
Focusing on the present
Reducing negative emotions
Increasing imagination and creativity
Increasing patience and tolerance

Now, how do tea and meditation go together? One of the easiest ways to start being mindful is to pay attention. That mind sound silly but stick with me here! When you are making your tea in the morning (or anytime) pay attention to everything you do. Have you ever stood and truly listened? As the bubbles start to form there’s an orchestra of shifting sounds. It’s a good time to put down your phone and take a moment. When you are getting your tea out of the tin, listen to the strainer scoop up the tea leaves and hit the side of the can. As the water meets the tea leaves, colors slowly swirl and deepen. Depending on the tea, you might be able to see the leaves unfurl as they start to infuse. This is a good moment to observe and quieten those thoughts that are often whirling around in our heads – you might find it’s quite noisy in there! As you bring the cup to your lips, maybe you can feel the warmth of steam on your face, and notice the different aromas that meet your nostrils. Sip slowly and savor each sip.

This is a great way to tap in to finding your inner peace and help in thinking more clearly from day-to-day, all thanks to our favorite thing, tea.

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Tea History & Culture

Tea Holidays to Celebrate All Year Long

February 11, 2022

Tea, for many of us, is a beverage that we celebrate in our everyday life. As tea lovers, most of us don’t need a holiday to drink our favorite cup. It’s just part of our routine! But, when there is a holiday, it makes drinking tea that much more special. It’s amazing to feel connected to people around the world celebrating the drink we love most together. Wether you are a hot tea, iced tea, matcha or chai lover, there is a day for you! Let’s jump right into it.

*Save this image on your phone for whenever you need a reminder of when the next holiday is!*

**Now, you may be asking yourself, how do I celebrate?**

Here is a list of ways you can celebrate:

Try a new tea and learn the history of it. There are over 3,000 tea out there to try! Every tea has a unique story to be told.
Shop small. When you support small businesses, you are supporting someones dream. It can be as simple as leaving a review if you had a good experience or shouting them out on media platforms!
Prepare. There are many specific holidays that may include preparation. For example, if you are wanting to celebrate National Iced Tea day, prepare the tea the day before so on June 10th, you will be ready to go! Or, if you are excited to celebrate National Matcha Day, make sure you have all that is required to make an authentic matcha including the powder, scoop and whisk.
Invite a friend over. There is nothing more special than sharing something you care about with a person you care about! Invite a friend over to enjoy that magic of tea, together.

Celebrating Tea in History

Over 5,000 years ago, the Chinese discovered that boiling leaves from the Camellia sinensis could make a delicious and refreshing beverage. This discovery led to all of the beautiful varieties of tea we have today. Over the intervening centuries, tea has been a focal point in many different kinds of celebrations. One of the most recognizable events is the Chinese tea ceremony. Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year) is one of the most common times of the year for families to participate in the Chinese tea ceremony. Gestures of respect and gratitude are the hallmarks of the tea ceremony.

The ceremony begins with the teapots. Traditional Chinese tea ceremony teapots are made from special clay that is never washed or touched by metal spoons. Years of use coats the teapot in the tea oils and enhances the flavor of every subsequent cup. Since teas produce a variety of oils and flavors, different kinds of teas have different pots. Before pouring in the water, loose-leaf tea is put into the clay pot, filling it about a 1/4th full. A larger teapot is used to heat water on the stove, and the water is then poured into the clay teapot. After only a few seconds, small teacups are filled with water from the clay teapot. This water is then poured back over the clay teapot, coating it in warm water and oils from the tea leaves. This process is repeated a few more times with more wait time between filling the clay teapot with warm water and pouring that mixture into the small cups. After this process has been repeated a few times, the server will kneel in front of the one being honored. The honoree is typically an elder or someone of high standing. Serving and receiving the tea is done with both hands, as the teacup is placed on a smallholder made of wood, bamboo, or lacquer. Once the receiver has taken a sip of the tea, favorable phrases are spoken by the server. The receiver then traditionally hands the server a red envelope that contains a gift, usually money.

Before the 1830s, holiday celebrations in England were known for having wine and ale in excess. A countermovement started to try and sober up some of the holiday celebrations by introducing spiced black tea. This unique mixture was called “wassail,” after the spiced German ale. The base for this warm, spicy drink was usually black tea. All kinds of spices and dried fruits could be mixed in to give it incredible flavors, but the most common were ginger, cinnamon, and orange peels. Great Tea Parties were orchestrated with cheap tickets available for everyone to attend, and these events grew to be more popular than the alcohol-related celebrations. Singing groups with fresh, hot wassail would go from neighborhood to neighborhood to share the beverage and spread holiday sheer through songs. Creating a celebration around the drinking and sharing of tea eventually grew into the practice of afternoon tea.

In Russia, the Orthodox Church incorporated tea in their Christmas feast, which occurred in early January. They used Kissel (a wine-like beverage) for toasting and drank hot tea to stay warm. The upper class brewed black tea from China, while the lower classes steeped an array of herbal blends. Jewish families living in Russia or Eastern Europe created a Hanukkah ritual to embrace the holiday spirit and Jewish history. During the “Festival of Lights” celebration, a ceremony took place that involved soaking a sugar cube in brandy on a teaspoon and then lighting it on fire. While the brandy-soaked sugar cube burned, everyone would sing a holiday song. When the song concluded, everyone dropped their sugar cube into a tea glass and consumed the brew.

Let us know if you plan on celebrating any of these tea holidays. For daily tea recipes, facts and more, follow us on Instagram @theteakitchen!

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Tea History & Culture

The History of Moroccan Tea

January 6, 2022

There are many different tales that people believe when it comes to the birth of tea in Morocco. Some historians believe that the British Queen Victoria personally sent over tea to the Queen of Morocco, while others believe it was introduced by the Arabs when they first arrived in Morocco. While the history of how tea arrived in Morocco has been a debated topic by historians for years, it is important to understand the culture and art of tea as it is known in Moroccan culture. The art of tea drinking has been a part of the Moroccan culture for centuries and there are many different traditions and tales about Moroccan tea culture. It holds a symbolic value in Morocco and the state has since become one of the largest tea importers in the world.

As trade increased throughout Morocco in the late 1800s, tea spread throughout the country. Tea has since become part of the Moroccan ritual and a social rite in the state. People first started drinking tea in Morocco because they were not allowed to drink alcohol. This is why Moroccan tea can sometimes be referred to as the berber of whiskey because it served as a placeholder for the alcohol they were not allowed to consume. Muslims were forbidden from consuming alcohol for religious purposes, so they looked to Moroccan tea as a logical alternative. Moroccans refer to tea is Attay. It is a sacred drink that offers a sense of welcoming and generosity to anyone passing through or visiting.

Although tea is not grown in Morocco, it is a huge part of their culture and everyday life. The most famous Moroccan tea is Moroccan Mint Tea. Moroccan Mint Tea or Maghrebi mint tea is a symbol of hospitality and generosity and is often consumed when meeting with family, friends, acquaintances, and more. It is green tea prepared with mint leaves, sugar, and sometimes other herbs. It is a tea that is meant to be prepared in front of guests and can be consumed at any time of the day. It is usually prepared on a large tray with a teapot full of hot water, green tea leaves, herbs, mint leaves, and sugar. The teapot where you will often find Moroccan mint tea is called a Sinia tea tray. Typically, they are silver and have matching silver sets to accompany them. The portions are usually served in a large pot which means you never consume just one glass. This is another example of hospitality in the Moroccan tea culture.

*_{From left to right: Traditional green tea used for ceremonies, Sinia tea tray, mint and sugar tea}*

Moroccan tea is mixed by pouring the infusion from teapot to teapot and allowing it to cool down in the process. The secret to making the best Moroccan Mint Tea lies in the amount of ingredients you put in and the time in which the ingredients infuse together. The sweeter the tea, the more value you are as a guest to the host serving your tea. Another fact that can be associated with the importance of a guest is the height at which the host pours the tea from the teapot. The higher the teapot is, the important you are as a guest. This ritual is also scientific, as it helps in oxygenating the tea and facilitate digestion. The large portions are meant to serve as an inviting, welcoming factor. It is often prepared by a male, typically the head of the family, whereas the food is prepared by the women in the family. Sipping loudly is a symbol of Western etiquette as it shows a sign of appreciation to the host or preparer of the tea. If you find yourself in a Moroccan marketplace, vendors may offer you tea to invite you in and try to sell their product to you. Moroccan tea traditions are not only popular in Morocco, but in the surrounding North African states as well.

Some foods that are typically paired with Moroccan tea include traditional dishes such as couscous or B’sara (bean soup). The sky is the limit here but don’t be surprised to find a table laden with loads of carbohydrates. Pastries and breads make up a bulk of the typical sweets at the table when enjoying Moroccan Tea. Msemmen is a favorite snack for kids and adults alike. They’re usually offered at breakfast or in the late afternoon for snacks. They can be served sweet with honey and butter or made savory and stuffed with onions and spices. Another dish you are likely to see is a plate of Moroccan cookies better known as Ghoriba Bahla. These delicate cookies are shortbread with almonds and sesame seeds.

^{From left to right: B’sara, Msemmen and Ghoriba Bahla.}

Brew your own serving of Moroccan Mint Tea using our Gunpowder Green Tea. Moroccan Mint Tea is easy to make and relies heavily on timing. Start by gathering the ingredients: gunpowder green tea, fresh mint leaves, sugar, and water. Gunpowder Green Tea is a Chinese-style tea that is rolled into small balls to resemble gunpowder. In Morocco, it is directly imported from China. Start by boiling your water in a kettle and adding the gunpowder green tea leaves. Cover the leaves and allow the water to steep. After straining and disregarding the leaves, add fresh mint and sugar to the pot. Allow the combination to steep for just over 5 minutes. To achieve the perfect infusion, pour the pot back and forth between two containers and then serve on a Sinia Tea set.

Moroccan tea is a sign of appreciation that should be accepted upon offering. It is a sign of hospitality that is meant to welcome guests and serve as an act of generosity and kindness. It is a long and leisurely experience that is meant to be enjoyed by all. Its cultural importance cannot be overstated. Whether you want to enjoy its role in local society or to experience Moroccan Mint Tea benefits, you’re in for a treat.

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Tea History & Culture

The Rich History of Chai Tea

December 7, 2021

This delightful, steaming cup of tea that everyone loves, is full of rich history that dates back over 5,000 years. Chai tea contains Assam black tea, as well as a mixture of aromatic spices, which was passed down through many generations and is now many customers’ favorite tea! In this article, we’ll be exploring the history of chai, and what’s inside each steaming cup.

What is Chai Tea?

Chai is a Hindi word that means “tea.” Although the origin of masala chai remains a mystery, the original chai tea comes from South Asia. The Assam region in India is where the origins of chai tea are found. Native tea plants were commonly used by South Asians in ancient times as forms of herbal medicine. They also appeared to be able to treat simple illnesses such as the common cold. Chai tea has been loved throughout the centuries due to its many health benefits.

Traditional chai spices are black tea mixed with cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom. However, chai recipes vary from one household to another and from region to region, as they were passed down through many different generations. The modern chai latte is made by steeping Assam black tea leaves in boiled whole milk.

In the early 1700s, chai tea cultures had spread all the way from East Asia and Western Europe. The British East India Company began cultivating the crop in British India in the 1830s.

India was overwhelmed with the beginning introduction of morning chai. A lot of the Indians now drink at least two to three cups daily at the very minimum. Traditional chai tea was introduced to the world around the 1900s. It later quickly became a popular drink.

What’s Inside a Cup of Chai?

Traditional chai drinks can be made in many different places, so there is no single recipe that defines chai. These are the main ingredients that chai contains.

Tea: Most popular chai bases are the Darjeeling and Assam black tea from India. You can also make chai with different types of green teas such as the South American herb Yerba Mate and the South African herbal red rooibos ingredients. There are also herbal blends that contain no tea leaves and are made entirely from herbs.

Sweetener: While honey, brown sugar, and white sugar are the most common chai sweeteners for maintaining sweetness, other sugars such as demerara or turbinado can also be used when making chai. Jaggery is an unrefined sugar from cane that is used in India and is almost always used when producing chai.

Milk: Buffalo milk is popular milk used in India when making chai. The modern-day version of chai is more commonly made with alternative dairy products like soy milk, coconut milk, almond, and rice. To have the best tasting chai possible it may be necessary to steep strong chai in water and add some milk to it. You will find many recipes telling you to simmer the spices with a mixture of milk and water or to even use all milk when doing so.

Spices: Spices such as chai (also known as masala) can vary depending on where they are originating and the cultural preferences. Cardamom, ginger, and cloves were the most common chai spices, and they were all easily available in India to be used in the production of chai. Traditional recipes may include vanilla, nutmeg, and star anise. Bay leaf, allspice, and cacao became increasingly popular as chai moved west. In some recipes, cumin and coriander may also be a selection of ingredients to be used.

Chai tasting

There are many chai recipes, so the beverage can be made in many different ways depending on what ingredients are used. Chai with a lot of ginger and black peppercorns may have a fiery taste. Other chai that contains more vanilla, cinnamon, or nutmeg might leave behind a lasting sweeter taste on your palate. Some chai teas may have a bitter earthiness from cacao or saffron. Other times, fennel and cumin could have a more savory flavor.

Many chai teas are made differently based on the culture in which you are purchasing, and it is helpful to know and understand the different varieties and rich cultural history of chai tea. These teas are made all over the world.

Interested in brewing your own steaming cup?

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Tea History & Culture

Pinky’s Up or Down? Tea Etiquette 101

November 16, 2021

Etiquette, in simpler words, is defined as good behavior which distinguishes human beings from animals. Etiquette refers to behaving in a socially responsible way. From dipping you scone in your teacup to who pours the tea, we are diving in and discussing it all. In order to discuss proper tea etiquette, it must be understood that there are two different types of tea traditions: Afternoon Tea and High Tea. Afternoon Tea and High Tea are often mistaken for one another because many people don’t know that they are completely different meals. In traditional British tea ceremonies, afternoon tea was understood as tea that is meant for the upper class whereas high tea was meant for the lower class. Nowadays, we distinguish the two by the times in which they are served and the food dishes that accompany the tea.

Afternoon Tea

As we know it today, afternoon tea is traditionally served between 3 and 5pm. English afternoon teatime usually falls at 4pm, but in the US it is sometimes served as early as 2pm. Afternoon Tea can be credited by Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. In 1840 during Anna’s reign as Duchess, she would become hungry in the mid-afternoon which is when her staff would serve her tea and light sandwiches to keep her full until dinnertime. This habit became a tea tradition in the United Kingdom and has since become a fashionable social event.

Afternoon tea has also been referred to as “low tea” because of the table setting at a low table, in contrast to high tea which is served at higher tables. It was a time meant for the upper class to enjoy tea paired with a lite bite to fill the gap between lunchtime and dinnertime. Some of the lite bites served at afternoon tea include bite-sized sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries. It is important to note that food should be eaten in order of savory to sweet; no dunking your scone into your tea cup!

High Tea

High tea is offered in the early evening. Although high tea includes a more substantive fare when it comes to food, it is less fancy than afternoon tea as it was originally intended for people of the middle or lower classes. High tea is served at a dining table or high counter at the end of the workday. When the tea traditions were first started, afternoon tea was meant for the rich to enjoy while they go about their afternoon waiting for dinnertime. Afternoon tea was not an option to the working class as they were still working at that time and could not afford to spend several hours sipping tea during the workday. High tea is when the working class was expected to enjoy their tea as it was after the work day.

As mentioned earlier, high tea’s food menu was much more substantive than afternoon tea. Some items include: steak, kidney pie, pickled salmon, crumpets and potato to name a few. The reason that high tea was heartier was because this was essentially dinner for the people of the lower class. Whereas afternoon tea was just to hold people of the upper class over until their dinner which was usually around 8 pm.

Tea Etiquette

When attending afternoon tea and high tea, it is important to follow the dress code for afternoon tea and arrive in “smart casual” fashion. Your outfit should be neat and appropriate. For women this may include an appropriate length dress with a sweater or light jacket. For men, proper attire can include pants and a collared shirt. Clothing items that are not appropriate for afternoon tea include t-shirts shorts, or any type of athleisure. It is also not appropriate to wear anything that may be too revealing such as lowcut shirts and skin-tight dresses. The attire for afternoon tea should be a simple “smart casual” outfit similar to what some may wear to church.

Proper manners are also expected when attending both tea ceremonies. Proper manners include sipping your tea quietly, holding the teacup by the handle, and having your pinkie fingers down (yes, you read that right. Pinky’s are meant to be down!) Another expected rule includes keeping electronic devices away. There are also rules in place when it comes to tea and food.

The entire tea set should remain together. If someone asks for tea then the entire set should be passed to them. The saucer remains on the table and is not meant to be picked up while enjoying a cup of tea unless standing or sitting without a table. When adding anything to your tea, milk is expected to be added first. Do not over stir your tea. As previously noted, the order in which you eat your food is also important. Savory foods including bite-sized sandwiches should be consumed first, followed by scones, and saving the sweets for last. Food must be eaten with your hands, and a scone should be broken into smaller pieces before indulging. The handle of your teacup should be pointed a 3 o’clock if right handed and 9 o’clock if left handed.

What to serve

Food differs when attending afternoon or high tea. Afternoon tea can expect light food bites such as mini sandwiches, scones, and mini desserts. High tea requires silverware to eat the food and typically includes some sort of meat dish. Just as there are certain foods served during afternoon tea, there are certain teas served as well. Teas served during afternoon tea include Earl Grey, and other variations of black teas such as Assam and Darjeeling which can be found on our online collection of loose leaf teas. Our earl grey tea is perfect to serve at afternoon tea as it offers a light taste of delicately blended large leaf black tea and Bergamot oil. Although it is less traditional, herbal teas may also be offered during afternoon tea. Stronger teas are served during High Tea to compliment the heartier meal. This may include a black tea such as the Blackcurrant black tea listed on our online collection of black teas.

While many use the terms afternoon tea and high tea interchangeably, it is important to know and understand the differences between the tea. Tea rooms are found all across the world and may differ in traditions. Read our post on Tea Rooms to Add to Your Bucket List to find a place near you today.

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Tea History & Culture

Tea Parties You Never Expected In Pop Culture

November 9, 2021

Teatime has been around since the 1800’s and has become a social event that can be seen in various Hollywood films and television shows. Whether you want to go down the rabbit hole on your way to the Mad Hatter’s tea party or sip on Afternoon Tea with the Crawley family in Downtown Abbey, we are walking you through some of our favorite tea references in pop culture. Let’s take a look at a few marvelous on screen tea moments where tea is either being brewed, boiled, served, passed around, or used as a prop to convey something funny, serious or casual that have kept us wanting more tea!

Mary Poppins Iconic Tea Party Scene

Mary Poppins is a famous musical film that was produced by Walt Disney in 1964. The famous Tea Party at Uncle Albert’s is a tea scene to remember. When Mary takes the children to visit her Uncle Albert, they drink a cup of tea that makes them float to the ceiling. Mary does the only sensible thing and brings tea up to join them. They then enjoy a practically perfect tea around a floating table dressed in a yellow tablecloth. This magical tea party scene is filled with joy and fantasy.

Alice in Wonderland the Mad Hatter’s tea party

Whether you are watching the 1951 animated film, or the 2010 live-action fantasy, The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Alice in Wonderland is an event that is not to be missed. It is always tea time in Wonderland! This scene is the main event of the film and the reason why Alice goes on the adventures she does as she encounters the White Rabbit on his way to the tea party. The Mad Hatter’s tea party remains one of literature’s most psychedelic gatherings, leaving readers wondering if March Hare has filled the cups with something more than just tea.

Adele’s Hello music video

Tea made an appearance in pop culture in English singer and songwriter Adele’s music video for her grammy winning song, Hello. Adele, a United Kingdom native, pours herself a cup of tea in the Hello music video to soother her broken heart and this totally stirred the pot, no pun-intended. Fans were outraged at the way Adele prepared her tea which caused quite the uproar among her British fans. She is shown boiling the water and proceeds to pour the hot water and then add in a teabag, which is where the controversy began. In the U.K., it is traditional to steep your tea bag in the hot water prior to pouring your glass. She has since come out and said that she is not the one that made that cup of tea. She said, “I like to brew the tea bag, add a bit of sugar, bit of milk, stir it, stir it, stir it, ring it out, put it wherever you want.”

Sweet Tea in Steel Magnolias

It’s no secret that Sweet Tea is a popular drink in the South. Sweet tea is consumed throughout the 1989 Comedy-Drama film, Steel Magnolias, which takes place in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Dolly Parton’s character, Truvy Jones, famously refers to sweet tea as “the house wine of the South.” Refer to our post on Iced Teas for a Southern Sweet Tea recipe.

Downtown Abbey

If you are into period dramas, then there is no doubt you have watched PBS’s Downtown Abbey. The show takes place in the early 1900s as it follows an English aristocratic family in a fictional town called Downtown Abbey. During this time in England, teatime was a popular ritual that was served in various different settings. Throughout the show, we see the characters gather for deluxe Afternoon Teas and High Teas. It’s no secret that the British loved to indulge in teatime, which is why it became such a huge social event and is expressed that way throughout the show.

Gossip Girl – The Russian Tea Room

Gossip girl is full of tea, and not just the spilling kind. In Season 2, Episode 23, the characters visit the Russian Tea Room that is full of tea. From gossip spilling, to tea sipping, this episode is the perfect example of the social expectations that come with tea ceremonies. Aside from this episode, there are numerous other scenes where characters like Blair Waldorf share an intimate cup of tea together in deep thought and discussion.

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Tea History & Culture

20 Tea Quotes for Tea Lovers

August 2, 2021

“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be diminished by a nice cup of tea.”
-Bernard Paul Heroux

“You, me, and a cup of tea.”
Unknown

“But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea.”
Jane Austen

“A cup of tea is a cup of peace.”
Sen Sshitsu VX

“Wherever you are drinking your tea, whether at work, ina café or at home, it is wonderful to allow enough time to appreciate it.”
Thich Nhat Hannh

“Have a cup of positive-tea.”
Unknown

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
C.S. Lewis

“Teatime is a chance to slow down, pull back, and appreciate our surroundings.”
Letitia Baldridge

“Rainy days should be spent at home with a cup of tea and a good book.”
Bill Watterson

“Making tea is a ritual that stops the world from falling in on you.”
Jonathan Stroud

“Some people will tell you there is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A cup of tea solves everything.”
Unknown

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
Henry James

“There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life.”
Lin Yutang

“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.”
Ancient Chinese proverb

“I am in no way interested in immortality, but only in the taste of tea.”
Lu T’ung

“A great idea should always be left to steep like loose tea leaves in a teapot for a while to make sure that the tea will be strong enough and the idea truly is a great one.”
Phoebe Stone

“Tea should be taken in solitude.”
C.S. Lewis

“The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort, and refinement.”
Arthur Gray

“The ‘art of tea’ is a spiritual force for us to share.”
Alexandra Stoddard

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Tea History & Culture

Women’s History Month: 3 Women Who Shaped the Tea Industry

March 18, 2018

March is Women’s History Month. To celebrate, we’ve profiled three women who made a big impact on the history of tea. So sit back and give thanks for these three ladies while sipping your afternoon cuppa:

1) Catherine of Braganza

Catherine of Braganza | Public Domain

Today, we almost instantly associate tea with England. But it took one woman, Catherine of Braganza, to introduce the beverage to England before it could become so ubiquitous. Catherine, a Portuguese princess, married King Charles II of Great Britain in 1662. Per the BBC, When packing for her new life as Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland, Catherine made sure to include loose-leaf tea. Tea was popular in Portugal among the upper class, and Catherine enjoyed sipping it daily. However, tea was not so prevalent in England yet, and was used more as a medicinal herb than a social drink. That changed when Catherine arrived. As the public yearned to emulate their new queen, Catherine’s social tea drinking habit became more popular, and we can certainly give her some credit for England’s major tea habit today.

2) Penelope Barker

Penelope Barker | Public Domain

The Sons of Liberty get all the attention in the history books when it comes to tea and the American Revolution, but Penelope Barker deserves some recognition too. Barker organized the first ever recorded women’s political demonstration in America when she got 50 women in Edenton, North Carolina together to protest the 1773 Tea Act. The women signed a resolution to boycott British tea, using their buying power to protest Great Britain’s unfair taxation and the British East India Tea Company’s monopoly on the tea trade. In their resolution they stated, “We, the aforesaid Ladys will not promote ye wear of any manufacturer from England until such time that all acts which tend to enslave our Native country shall be repealed.” The event was called the Edenton Tea Party, and was widely mocked in London where a political cartoon depicted the participants as bad mothers and loose women:

A 1775 political cartoon from a London newspaper depicts a less than respectful version of a women’s political gathering, featuring lots of flirtation between men and women, and an unattractive woman at the helm. | Public Domain

3) Ruth Campbell Bigelow

Constant Comment creator Ruth Campbell Bigelow with her husband David. She developed the formula in the kitchen of her New York brownstone. | Bigelow Tea

A woman founded Bigelow Tea, one of the most recognizable tea brands in the country. Ruth Campbell Bigelow developed her version of the perfect cuppa in 1945. She blended black tea with orange rind and spices in her kitchen. It sparked “constant comment” among her friends, and when it became the first product of the Bigelow Tea Company, that was its name. The brew is one of many varieties that is still available today. The company operates out of its Fairfax, Connecticut headquarters, generating about $150 million in sales per year. Three generations after Ruth founded Bigelow, it continues to be a family-run business, with Cindi Bigelow in charge as President and CEO.

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Tea History & Culture

3 Black Owned Tea Companies to Support During Black History Month

February 25, 2018

February is Black History Month. As we honor the impact that black Americans have made on our past, it’s important to support black Americans making an impact in the now. Here, we profile three black-owned tea companies. This Black History Month, while you’re reading the poetry of Langston Hughes, unpacking Black Panther with your friends, or re-tweeting Tarana Burke, sip on a cuppa brewed by one of these black-owned tea companies:

1 – Ellis Island Tea | www.ellisislandtea.com

Nailah Ellis-Brown is the owner of Ellis Infinity Beverage Company, which makes and sells Ellis Island Tea. The product is a hibiscus-flavored tea developed from a recipe originally crafted by Nailah’s great-grandfather Cyril Byron, a Jamaican immigrant who worked as the Head Chef on Marcus Garvey’s Black Star Line before opening his own catering company. Prior to his death, Byron gave the recipe for Ellis Island Tea to Nailah’s father with some very specific instructions: “This is to be sold, not told.” Nailah’s making good on her grandfather’s order. Operating out of Detroit, Michigan since 2008, Ellis Island Tea has enjoyed quite the rise. Ellis-Brown was named to Forbes’ prestigious “30 Under 30” in the Manufacturing & Industry category in 2016. She was also featured on the TV show Queen Boss, a show like Shark Tank that focuses exclusively on African American female entrepreneurs. Currently, Ellis Island Tea can be found in Whole Foods, Meijer, Sam’s Club, and other stores. Check out this video on Ellis Island Tea from MSNBC:

2 – Jin+Ja | www.drinkjinja.com

Owned and operated by Reuben Canada, Jin+Ja says its products are the way to “drink yourself healthy.” The core ingredients are green tea, ginger, mint, lemon, and cayenne pepper. It all started with a drink that Canada made for himself. He soon discovered that no matter what was troubling him—an upset stomach, a hangover, or sore muscles—the drink cured it. Once he researched the ingredients he was using, it all made sense, and he began to market and sell the drink so that others could benefit as well. Jin+Ja features a variety of products that are all billed as “deliciously powerful.” For whatever ails you, consider Jin+Ja. Take it from The Doctors, who recommended Jin+Ja as a great way to boost your health:

3- Me & The Bees | www.meandthebees.com

Me & The Bees is a lemonade/iced tea company founded by Mikaila Ulmer when she was just 11 years old. Mikaila developed a recipe for lemonade based on her grandmother’s, then went on Shark Tank and received a $60,000 investment to kick things off. Now, at the ripe old age of 13, she’s the CEO of a company whose beverages can be found at Whole Foods, Wegmans, The Natural Gardener, and more. Variations on the product include a Lemonade with Iced Tea, featuring black tea, flaxseed, cane sugar, honey, real lemon juice, and water. A portion of all profits go towards organizations that work to save honeybees. Mikaila was honored by Essence Magazine as one of 50 entrepreneurs to watch. This young lady is certainly one to watch and celebrate over a nice glass of iced tea!

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