Texas TEA & TRAVEL Magazine Spring 2015

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FOUR COURSE AFTERNOON TEATours Workshops & Prizes

HOUSTON

T E A A F F A I RTe xas

5TH ANNUAL

HISTORIC LASKER INN

M A Y 3, 2 0 1 51:30 - 4:30 PM

G A L V E S T O NAnnual Charity Event

celebrating THE CHILDRENS CENTER

Raising$4,400 for local charities

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The sublime beauty of Spring is like a magnet that draws us outside to enjoy nature’s abundance as our surroundings come back to life. We are fortunate to have some world-class venues for enjoying tea and events outdoors in this season of renewal.

For example, the Dallas Arboretum, awash in the colors of 500,000 blooms, is a magnificent setting for afternoon tea and a day in the gardens. Three elegant courses are served in the historic DeGolyer estate, overlooking the gardens, ranked among the top 14 places in

the world to enjoy Spring Flowers.

Houstonians enjoy an inviting Springtime ritual at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, which is the Houston Museum of Fine Arts’ house museum for American art and antiques. It is part of the 2015 Azalea Trail presented by River Oaks Garden Club.

In Tyler, Azalea Trail events provide many options for taking in the beauty of the historic district, ablaze in the pink, violet, and salmon hues of the city’s famous azaleas. The Quilters’ Guild of East Texas Quilt Show also takes place during the festival!

Taking It Outside: Spring Calls Us to Enjoy the Outdoors

Gorgeous historic homes are never more beautiful than when they are offset against the splendor of blooming gardens. In Natchez, Mississippi, the annual Pilgrimage takes you through the gardens and inside lovely antebellum homes. Also in Mississippi, the Ridgeland Arts Festival provides a great opportunity to take in painting, sculpture, jewelry and more in a beautiful outdoor event.

In Louisiana, Natchitoches’ iconic Melrose Plantation’s grounds are quite lively during the Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, where more than 100 artisans and craftspeople will display their work, with the accompaniment of Louisiana music and scrumptious local cuisine.

St. Landry Parish’s outdoor festivities include Springtime treasure hunts at vast yard sales in Grand Coteau, Sunset and Arnaudville, the Antique Fair in Washington, and the Crawfish Etouffee Cook off in Eunice. Further South, in New Orleans Plantation Country, Houmas House Plantation’s Carriage House provides a lovely garden setting for afternoon tea, overlooking a lush landscape.

And, of course, there are days when you simply choose to stay home and enjoy your immediate environment. On days like these, why not have your own tea party outside? The sights, sounds and beauty of nature add another element to the allure of tea, a meditative beverage that calls us to slow down and take it all in. And there is so much to take in amid the irresistible beauty of Spring!

StephanieStephanie MillerNorth Texas Editor

letter from the editorLee Q. Garcia Publisher, Editor-in-Chief

Stephanie Miller Editor, North Texas

Michelle Lindsey Associate Editor, Gulf Coast

Contributors:Marcia ArnoldElizabeth CerdaHeather ClaryPaula MyersJanet PoolLisa WalkerPenny Ward

Photo Credits:Istock.com123rf.comStephanie MillerNPCO Studio

DALLAS & National Advertising Coordinator: Stephanie Miller 214-534-4865

HOUSTON & Quilting/Craft Advertising Coordinator:Michelle Lindsey 281-814-1736

To become a part of our upcoming issue, please call TEA-955-1767 or email: [email protected]

Published Quarterly By: TEA IN TEXAS MEDIA, LLC 800 Wilcrest Rd., #145 Houston, Texas 77042

Sales: [email protected] Website: texasTtravel.com Phone: 832-955-1767 Fax: 214-988-9367

Yearly Subscriptions are $19.95. Additional or back issues are available online or by calling the TEA in TEXAS office for $4.95 a copy.

Texas Tea Travel copyrighted 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use without our written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited.

Please note that Tea in Texas Media, LLC has made reasonable efforts to verify the information with in. We do not assume responsibility for false or misleading editorial and advertising information.

Opinions expressed are not necessarily the views of the publisher. We encourage you to support our local businesses and say you heard about them from Texas Tea Travel Magazine.

By submitting images/articles to Tea in Texas Media LLC, you grant the magazine the rights to said material for any commercial use without further consideration.

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Join us at the 5th Annual TEXAS Tea Affair - Sunday, May 3rd in Galveston. An annual charity event

hosted by TEXAS Tea TRAVEL Magazine, our TEXAS TEA AFFAIR celebrates the art of Afternoon Tea and

showcases artfully decorated tables. This Mother's Day party promises to be the best yet! Special tours of

Galveston's historic Lasker Inn and prizes will be offered esclusively to our guests.

contentsTRAVEL

12 | Flower Festivals

15 | Mansfield

17 | Ennis BLUEBONNETS

18 | Dallas Arboretum

20 | Natchez PILGRIMAGE

24 | St. Landry Parish

ART ESCAPES

21 | RIDGELAND ART FESTIVAL

22 | ARTS & CRAFTS at MELROSE PLANTATION

51 | ART & ANTIQUES on the TRAIL

55 | MARK KEATHLEY in OLD TOWN SPRING

58 | FROM EVERY FIBER in BRAZOS VALLEY

"Thank you for adding the editorial about our art exhibit. I remember visitors coming to the show with TEXAS TEA TRAVEL in hand!"

-RachelThe Arts Council of Brazos Valley

TEA

15 | Kupa Tea Room

26 | TOP PICKS FOR

TEXAS AFTERNOON TEA 43 | Tea at the Ready

44 | Tea Etiquette

59 | Mariage Freres

62 | Texas Profile: LADY DI TAYLORCULTURE

8 | Spring FIESTA

37 | Smocking's Journey

17 | Valentine's Toddlers

49 | Books

60 | Downton Abbey VIEWING PARTY

QUILTING

30 | TEXAS Quilt Museum

32 | Patricia Campbell Remembered

34 | Airing of the Quilts


Join us online-tea tra velers love to share!

#TeainTexas

Tell our advertisers tha t you hea rd about them in TEXASteaTRAVEL!

24

spring 2015May Art in spire your journ ey...

photo by Claudia Garcia

As we celebrate our 10 years of

founding TEAinTEXAS, we are now

TEXAS tea TRAVEL Magazine for a

new generation of readers.

The name truly embraces who we are

and what we love about our fine state.

Those who appreciate a good cuppa

also love cultural events, vintage finds,

crafts and amazing travel experiences.

Enjoy this inaugual issue, we look

forward to sharing more Texas gems

in 2015. Thanks for being a part of the

journey.

Ṁodern Tea Travelers Unite!

6 www.TeaTravelMag.com | Spring 2015

Our Con tributorsJanet Pool, from Round Rock, TX, enjoys reading, traveling with her husband, paper crafts and, of course, anything related to tea! Read more with Janet at letshaveatea.googlepages.com

Penny Ward is a Certified Etiquette Instructor and Certified Tea & Etiquette Instructor. She is a speaker, event planner, and the owner of It’s an Affair of the Heart. She is also the founder and director of Houston Academy of Etiquette and Protocol, and can be contacted at www.pennyward.com.

Paula Myers is a recent empty nester who enjoys nothing better than a good cuppa tea and a “sit-down”. She also loves living in Houston and exploring the many opportunities for tea her city affords – often with a book beside her.

Heather Clary is a Certified Tea Master. She is a native Houstonian, Texas Aggie and single mother of three children. Her interests include Japanese tea ceremonies, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, quilting, and running.

Photo by Karen Hillman

Elizabeth Cerda has been hosting tea parties for over 15 years for her church and at her home for children from 2 to 102! With two granddaughters ages 2 and 3 the fun has truly begun! For your children’s tea party questions, you can reach her at [email protected].

Michelle Lindsey has loved tea since spending afternoons with her grandparents having tea parties. She collected teacups from around the world while her husband served in the Army. Michelle is now the proud owner of her grandmother’s silver tea set and spends her free time between needlepoint and supporting military families.

Stephanie Miller is a journalist who enjoys tennis, photography, and sharing tea and cultural event-related travel finds with Texas Tea Travel readers. She enjoys needlework and hopes learn to quilt someday, when time allows. Most of all, she loves spending time with her wonderful family and sweet yellow Lab.

Lee Q Garcia, publisher of Texas Tea Travel Magazine [formerly Tea in Texas], has been a tea traveler since her kiddos were toddlers. In the pursuit of sharing her passion, Lee is proud of her babies (now tea loving teens) who have sprouted into creative, eager travelers and talented magazine interns.

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Lisa Walker is co-owner of Buttons ‘n’ Bows in Houston, along with her mother, Marge Yetts. The shop has been in business for more than 30 yrs serving greater Houston with smocking and heirloom sewing supplies and classes. They provide a full selection of quilting fabrics, books and notions.

Cultural Travel MagazineLive Stories and Extras Online

texasTtravel.com

CELEBRATING

10 years!Sold at Central Market

& �ne shops

TEA&TRAVEL

Online TRAVEL ANTIQUES QUILTING FESTIVALS TEA SHOPSFun spots to

explore in Texas. Head to a bed &

breakfast, museum or

simply mozey out for a drive.

The modern tea traveler loves a good vintage find. Discover hidden antique

treasures around the corner.

Crafters rejoice! Texas quilt shows and craft stores offer the latest projects along

with great classes.

Come to our local festivals. Travel around the region to celebrate our

flowers, harvests, and people.

Gracious shops and tea rooms have a passion for teatime and cooking, from

Country to Asian to European.

Find theBest


When LONDON meets SAN ANTONIO, it’s a

by Lee Q. Garcia

.I

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@

This spring will be a floral fiesta on patios across Texas! Swathed in the pinks, yellows, and blues of the season, we’ll celebrate Easter, Mother’s Day and the perfect weather. Up and down the state, garden tea parties will toast moms, sisters and friends. Hang striking fiesta bunting to instantly bring in that perfect TEXAS spirit!

If you’re looking for ways to make your celebration the most stylish in town, look no further than these beautiful decorations from London. They’re fully fabulous!

Brighten up freshly baked goodies by wrapping them in this gorgeous floral greaseproof paper, available at oakroomshop.co.uk. Appetizers and sandwiches can be accessorized with s c r u m p t i o u s canape flags. The flags host slogans s u c h a s ‘delectable,’ ‘ e a t m e , ’ and ‘yummy,’ a n d a d d a deliciously quirky flair to all your snacks. Available at hamptonblue.co.uk.

Then toast Nana with tea cocktails and pretty patterned floral straws, a v a i l a b l e at hamptonblue.co.uk. No party is truly complete without brightly colored chevron mini-bunting for the cake, available at hamptonblue.co.uk.

Very cute teapot cupcake stands are perfect for the vintage floral afternoon tea get-together! You can find them at luckandluck.co.uk. And whatever you do, don’t forget the bunting! You can easily make your own by stapling pretty floral paper triangles to a length of ribbon. It may not be waterproof, but it never rains on a spring holiday...

right?

TYPES OF TEA PARTIES

FULL AFTERNOON TEA Tea, scones finger

sandwiches and bite-sized sweets and

savories.

LIGHT TEA Tea, scones and sweets.

CHAMPAGNE TEAFull tea that includes a cocktail or champagne.

CREAM TEA Tea, scones, lemon curd and Devonshire or clotted cream.

STRAWBERRY TEA A cream tea that features fresh strawberries and strawberry goodies (strawberries are special to Brits since they proclaim the arrival of summer).

No matter what you call it, and no matter what kind

of tea is served, the most important

part is to enjoy the moment and feel as though you are a royal.

www.TeaTravelMag.com | Spring 20151010

north texas February 26 – March 1; April 2-5; April 30 – May 3Canton’s First Monday Trade DaysExplore a world of antiques, home decor, clothing and gifts at Canton’s First Monday Trade Days. While in town, visit the charming Square. At the First Monday Grounds, there are more than 7,000 vendor spaces, providing an amazing treasure hunt. 1-877-462-7467 [email protected]

March 2 – April 10Dallas Arboretum Spring TeaRanked one of the top 14 places in the world to enjoy Spring flowers, the Arboretum is a spectacular setting for tea. Its Spring Tea is an annual ritual for Dallas tea lovers. Enjoy three elegant courses, tour the historic estate of Mr. and Mrs. DeGolyer, then take in the breathtaking Dallas Blooms Festival, with more than 500,000 Spring bulbs. Tea seatings are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and reservations are required. 214-515-6511 [email protected]

Second Saturdays: An Evening of Art, Music and Wine, McKinney Explore downtown art galleries, great local and regional music and enjoy dinner at one of McKinney’s outstanding eateries. 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

April 9 – 12 30th Annual Main Street Fort Worth Arts FestivalSpanning more than 27 blocks, the festival showcases 196 hand-selected juried artists and features 120 distinct performances, including local and national entertainment acts and musicians, performance artists, dancers and street performers. Culinary options , beer and wine tastings, and family-friendly arts-and-crafts activities provide four days of excitement on the historic red bricks of Main Street and throughout the beautiful new Sundance Square Plaza. For more information on the MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival, visit www.MainStreetArtsFest.org

April 16 – 19 34th Annual Terrell Heritage Jubilee, TerrellArts and crafts, a health expo, museum tours, a bbq cookoff, an auto show, 5K run, and the Heritage Jubilee Quilt Show by Kaufman Quilt Guild are among the highlights of this annual festival held at Ben Gill Park. www.terrelltexas.com

May 2 Collin Co Farm Museum’s Model T’ea Party An unforgettable tea event featuring free rides in a Model T, crafts and games and a tea party, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Collin Co Farm Museum, 7117 County Road 166, McKinney. 972-548-4792 www.co.collin.tx.us/parks/myers/farm_museum.jsp

central texas March 21 La Grange UncorkedEnjoy delicious cuisine and sample fabulous wines at The Third Annual La Grange Uncorked, a wine and food festival, held from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. on the Fayette Courthouse Square. 979-968-3017 lguncorked.com

February 8 Texas Tea Festival, AustinThe 1st Annual Texas Tea Festival will be held at historic Saengerrunde Hall. The festival will include tea tastings (porcelain tasting cup included with admission), tea vendors, tea time treats, tea talks, a children’s tea party, live music (it’s Austin, after all), and tons more fun. This will not be a dry, boring tea festival it will be a lively, fun event for the tea connoisseur and novice alike. There will be a variety of teas to sample.texasteafestival.com

Feb 14, April 11, May 9 High Tea at the Prairie Street Heritage House, ColumbusTea is available in Columbus, Texas at The Camellia Tea Room. Stop by for tea in a traditional elegant tea room fare in an historical venue and atmosphere. High Tea will be offered at 2:00 p.m. Rate is $17.50 per person. Reservations required. 979-732-5555 prairiestreetheritagehouse.com

close by April 10-12 Antique Fair, Washington, LouisianaThe Semi-Annual Antique Fair & Yard Sale in Washington is a must for antique lovers! 337-826-3580.oldschoolhouseantiquemall.com

April 14-20 Semaine Francaise, Arnaudville, LouisianaFrench week brings together scholars, artists, scientists, cultural citizens and organizations for a creative summit. semaine-francaise-arnaudville.org

April 18-19 Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, MississippiA juried fine arts show featuring America’s finest artists and SanteSouth Wine Festival. Named a Top 100 Arts Festival; includes a Student Gallery, Children’s Craft Corner; Chef ’s Table and more. 800-468-6078; ridgelandartsfest.com

spring eventTEA CALENDAR

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[Recent reader submission from a visit to Cafe Liberty in England]

Dallas - N

orth Texas

Collin County History

Comes to Life!With Public & Group Tours!

Chestnut Square H

istoric Village

Public Tours of Chestnut Square

Tu., Th., Sat at 11 a.m.$7 adults, $5 students & seniors

Take the Trolley through McKinney’s

Historic District 2nd and 4th Saturdays

at 11 a.m.

Reserve a Tea and Tour for Your Group!

Check out our offerings at Chestnutsquare.org972-562-8790


888-649-8499

Your Getaway Destination!

Scan the code for an offer

just for Tea in Texas readers.

The McKinney Garden Club meets every second Tuesday of the month.September Through May Heard Craig Hall 306 N. Church St.McKinney Tx 75069

Join Us As We Explore the Wonderful World of Gardening

www.mckinneygardenclub.org

McKinney Garden Club memberValerie Brown, right, and Barbara

Johnson, executive director of Heard Craig Center having tea.

Pilgrimage Events and Flower FestivalsMarch 6-8 Annual Azalea Trail, HoustonCelebrating Spring for 80 years Let’s dig in event is sponsored by the River Oaks Garden Club (ROGC). This event features four private River Oaks homes in Houston and three well-known historic sites: Bayou Bend, Rienzi and the River Oaks Garden. Tickets $20. 713-523-2483 riveroaksgardenclub.org

March 7 – April 7 Natchez PilgrimageAzaleas, Architecture and America’s History are the focus of this renowned event, in a gracious destination where 27 antebellum homes offer tours led by friends and descendants of the original homeowners. Catch the Natchez Tableau, in which history comes to life, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The award-winning Holy Family Catholic Church Gospel Choir offers songs and narration depicting the history of African-Americans in Natchez, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m. natchezpilgrimage.com

March 20 – April 5 Azalea & Spring Flower Trail, TylerThe historic district is ablaze in azaleas in one of the state’s premiere flower trial events that has been going strong since 1960. Community events include home tours, art shows, and even a quilt show. visittyler.com 800-235-5712.

March 26 - 2980th Annual Savannah Tour of Homes & Gardens, GeorgiaVisit some of Savannah’s finest private homes, enjoy garden walking tours and exclusive special events. Savannah has the largest urban landmark historic district in the United States.www.savannahtourofhomes.org

April 1 – 30 Ennis Bluebonnet TrailsExperience Texas’ famous bluebonnets in Ennis, 25 miles south of Dallas, throughout April. It offers 40 miles of bluebonnet trails! The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 12-13 at Pierce Park in downtown Ennis. www.visitennis.org

April 11-12 Heights Home & Garden Tour, HoustonSelect homes in the Houston Heights will be opened to the public in this tour of one of the city's most cherished neighborhoods, rich in its diverse mix of architectural styles and inviting gardens. 713-861-4002 houstonheights.org

May 1 – 2 Texas 68th Annual Historical Pilgrimage, JeffersonThe Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club invites you to enjoy fabulous gardens in bloom and lovely architecture that make the gracious city of Jefferson a jewel in the Lone Star State’s crown. www.jeffersonpilgrimage.com

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The Chestnut Tree Teahouse Celebrates Christmas with Tea Loving Patrons

The Scoop

North Texas News

Christmas High Tea at Chestnut Tree Tea House in Denton is one of North Texas’ cherished tea traditions, and always draws a crowd. Mothers and daughters, down to the youngest tea enthusiasts; happy couples, ladies’ clubs, dads and daughters, girlfriends groups – all were present and accounted for at the holiday event, which featured live music, a festive holiday atmosphere, and owner Valeree Clegg’s famous family recipes for a memorable tea!

Vintage fashions of the golden age.

Classic Vintage for the Contemporary Lady

The Chic Cherie

[email protected]

Inside High Street Antique Mall

Shop our �ne line of:• Designer vintage day and evening wear• Lady's accessories• Designer bags• Vintage jewelry• Fabulous furs

We buy Vintage

clothes, jewelry, furs

and accessories.

800 North Central ExpPlano, TX 75074 972-509-7878

The Chestnut Tree The Chestnut Tree

Experience Tea on the Square in Denton at

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Teahouse and Bistro

www.chestnuttearoom.com 107 West Hickory Street

Denton, Texas 76201(940) 591-9475

private parties, afternoon tea by reservation, weekend brunch

Lunch served Monday – Saturday

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Brunch served

Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Experience Tea on the Square in Denton at

Wedding Receptions and Rehearsal DinnersWedding Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners

15 Spring 2015 | www.TeaTravelMag.com

North T

exas – M

ansfield

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All it takes is a quick glance at Kupa Tea’s menu to realize that this tea room is serious about fine food.

Crab cakes, vegetable lasagna, chicken parmesan sandwiches are not typical tearoom offerings, but they are certainly part of a winning formula for Kupa Tea in the Fort Worth-area suburb of Mansfield. And because of its creative, gourmet menu, Kupa Tea is attracting a large crowd that includes quite a few gentlemen.

“We were fortunate to find an amazing Chef, Mike Calbo, who expands on the usual tea room fare with amazing dishes,” says Jana Barker, who owns the tea room with her friend Judi Ray. “His bread pudding is amazing too!” Other highlights include Garden Pear salad with pears, cranberries, blue cheese, honey spiced walnuts and pear vinaigrette; Shrimp Salad; wonderfully creamy quiches served with soup or salad, and a sumptuous selection of desserts. This is the kind of fare that truly distinguishes a special tea room and makes it a destination for tea enthusiasts living in or visiting the Metroplex.

The tea rooms that thrive are those that are driven by creativity and passion. As it approaches its first anniversary, Kupa Tea is certainly looking like such a tea room, and one that will be with us for many years to come. The ambiance is relaxed and inviting, and the decor is a sophisticated update of Victorian, with classic furnishings, and a fresh color scheme. The staff is committed

to making the tea room experience special and memorable.Judi and I have been friends for over 30 years and opening a tea room was on our bucket list,” Jana shares. “I retired and didn't much care for it so we decided it was time to take a leap of faith and cross that item off our list.”

The friends opened Kupa Tea in February 2014 and they describe it as a very exciting undertaking.

High Tea is one of their in-demand services. The tea features two kinds of scones, two sandwiches, usually cucumber and chicken salad, and two desserts, for $21.95 per person. High Tea requires 24-hour advance notice.

They offer 20 kinds of loose teas that can be served hot or cold. Customers are enjoying the teas so much, that Kupa Tea sells loose tea for home enjoyment.

Consider some of the distinctive offerings that are winning fans: Belgian Chocolate Rooibos, Bourbon Street Vanilla Rooibos,

Ginger Green, Royal Bengal Tiger (with cinnamon, passion fruit and mango), Key Lime, and Formosa Oolong, and you will realize this is truly a destination for tea people!

Kupa Tea also does events such as birthday parties, anniversary parties, wedding luncheons, baby showers, mother-daughter teas or special dinners. Reservations for lunch are suggested but not required. They also offer a fabulous brunch on Saturdays from 9 a.m – 3 p.m., with free mimosas.

It's also a great place to make a little girl feel special. “We encourage Moms and Grandmothers to come as you are for lunch with the girls or bring your special little girl in her princess dress for some of our special "princess tea" served just for her,” Jana says.

While men may not typically be the most frequent tea room patrons, when they make it into Kupa Tea, they will come back again and again for the food. “ Everything is bought fresh. We don't even have a freezer in the shop,” Jana says, explaining Kupa Teas commitment to fine, fresh ingredients to produce the highest quality results. “I start each day at the grocery store to purchase all fresh ingredients,” she says.

Kupa Tea is open Tuesday through Friday 11-3 and Saturday 9-3 with brunch served all day as well as the

regular menu. It is located at 222 N. Walnut Creek Drive. Learn more at www.kupatea.net, or call 817-453-8955.


Tea in Texas loves hearing a b o u t t h e tea travel s of women’s g r o u p s throughout the region, and we were delighted to h e a r f r o m

our friend, North Texas Hostess Danita Davis, over the holidays.

Danita regularly organizes tea-related day trips for friends in Allen and surrounding areas. She assembled a lucky group of 16 tea enthusiasts to enjoy a fabulous tea at the Dallas Woman’s Forum’s Alexander Mansion over the holidays.

Danita has taken groups of friends to the Mansion in the past, and she reported that the European High Tea was every

Dallas Woman’s

ForumTea Related Day Trips Make For Cherished

Friendships & Memories

bit as splendid as she and her friends recalled from previous visits.

“The Dallas Woman's Forum did a wonderful presentation of the Alexander Mansion decorated for the holidays,” Danita shared. “The Chocolate Angel catered to everyone's delight with their mix of sweets, savories, and sumptuous teas. Our group would highly recommendthe European High Tea!”

We love the way Danita keeps the tea tradition alive with her friends who share her passion for afternoon tea! It is one of the best ways to relax and catch up with an extended group, and i t c r e a t e s c h e r i s h e d memories.

Back row l to r: Julie Piskor, Cathie Walsh, Carole Mabry, Valinda Bruce, Edwina Conaway. Middle row

l to r: Rita Musco, Martha Threlkeld, Robin Gegg, Johnetta Voss. Front row l to r: Muriel Morris, Trudy Hawkins, Danita Davis, Gaynell Kellum, Lyn Anders. Not pictured: Karon Hocutt and Anita Finch.

817-453-8955 www.kupateatexas.com

Kupa Tea serves Lunch Tuesday - Friday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Brunch Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

High Tea by reservation (24 hours notice)We specialize in loose teas, which are also available

to purchase for home use.

Parties, showers, and afternoon tea by reservation. 222 N. Walnut Creek Drive- Mans�eld, Texas - 76063 817-453-8955 www.kupateatexas.com

We’ve Got Your Kupa Tea!

DO

WN HOME

waxahachiecvb.com | 469-309-4040

Experience down home hospitality that can only be found in Waxahachie. You’ll find the legendary Ellis County Courthouse, plus numerous unique dining and shopping opportunities. Upcoming events include: Lawn & Garden Expo, Farmers Market and Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

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March 20 - April 5, 2015VisitTyler.com/AzaleaTrail • 800-235-5712

TrailTrailTrailAzaleaAzaleaAzalea&&&&&&

TYLER TEXAS TYLER TEXAS

Welcome to Ennis, the "Official Bluebonnet City of Texas” and proud “Texas Main Street City.” Ennis, just 25 minutes south of downtown Dallas on IH-45, is a perfect place to bring the family for a weekend getaway or just for the day. Attractions and activities include the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival, National Polka Festival, the Texas Motorplex, Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, Lake Bardwell, Six Screen Drive-In Theatre (north of Ennis), Two Public Theatres, Sugar Ridge Winery, Ennis Farmers Market, and the Lights of Ennis.

Ennis offers great accommodations such as Baymont Inn and Suites, Comfort Suites, Days Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, La Quinta Inn and Suites and Quality Inn. Excellent bed and breakfast inns are also available.

Savor the flavor of our fine restaurants and enjoy unique shopping in the historic district. Ennis also has great meeting space that is perfect for your next reunion, party, wedding reception or business meeting.


“A Writer's Garden Valentine Tea” will be held at the Dallas

Arboretum on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 - 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

Presented by the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and

Botanical Garden, the tea will feature Guest Speaker Michael

Devine at the Arboretum’s Rosine Hall, and will pay tribute to

former Neiman Marcus model Marilyn Hailey, who has been named

honorary chair.

Michael Devine is a tastemaker who has an internationally

recognized line of hand-printed fabrics. His textiles and garden

have appeared in numerous print and on-line magazines, including

House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Traditional Home, World of Interiors,

and the Peak of Chic. He is a weekly columnist for Lonny magazine

and resides in the upstate village of Kinderhook, New York where is

love of gardening began.

Funds raised from “A Writer’s Garden” Literary Series benefit A

Woman’s Garden. Individual tickets for “A Writer’s Garden Valentine

Tea” are $85. For Patron and Sponsorship opportunities and to

purchase tickets on-line, visit: www.womenscouncildallasarboretum.

org or call Carol Nelson, Reservation Chair, 214-528-8029.

Since 1986, the major goal of the Women’s Council has been the

design, construction, funding and endowment of A Woman’s

Garden, the centerpiece garden of the Arboretum. A Woman’s

Garden is the only public garden in the nation conceived by women,

funded by the efforts of women and dedicated to the spirit of

women. The support of over 600 members of the Women’s Council

make possible the continued expansion and improvement of A

Woman’s Garden.

“A Writer’s Garden” literary series is chaired by Dorothea Meltzer

with Margaret La Rocca serving as day chair for the Valentine Tea.

Marena Gault is President of the Women’s Council.

Marilyn Hailey, left, with Women’s Council President, Marena Gault.

Photo by Deborah Brown

A Writer’s Garden

TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 10 AT

Dallas Arboretum

Enjoy Spring Teaat the Dallas Arboretum

8525 Garland Road • Dallas, Texas 75218 • 214-515-6500

The Dallas Arboretum is a non-profit organization that is supported,in part, by funds from Dallas Parks & Recreation.

DallasArboretum.org

MARCH 2 - APRIL 10 Seatings at 11am & 2pm • Monday-Friday

Spring is the perfect season to stop and smell the tulips,relax and catch up with a friend or loved one over a seated tea.

Enjoy tea in the elegant tea room at the DeGolyer Estatesurrounded by the beauty of over 500,000 blooms.

Reservations required. Call 214-515-6511 to reserve your seating.

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An elegant afternoon tea honoring Dallas Symphony Orchestra League’s 2014 Debutantes was held at the lovely home of Amy and Malone Mitchell on December 18. Guests were greeted by the lovely sounds of Victorian Carolers when they arrived. There were many mothers and daughters and a few grandmothers were also in attendance.

The party was chaired by Cynthia Beaird who, along with her husband Brice, is also Honorary Chair for the Presentation Ball.

Venise Stuart is the Presentation Ball Chairman and Dixie Marshall is President of the League. There will be 40 debs making their debut on Saturday, February 7.

DSOL Hosts Presentation Ball Mother-Daughter

Holiday Tea

D A L L A S S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A L E A G U E


Natchez

PILGR IM AGE TOURS NATCHEZ

SPRINGPILGRIMAGE

COME JOIN US FOR

March 7 - April 7

Natchez, Mississippi Spring Pilgrimage

CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF THE SOUTH

The smell of azaleas, the sight of hoopskirted hostesses, and the sound of stories of days past will soon fill the air in Natchez, Mississippi, the oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River, The doors of 27 Natchez antebellum homes will be open from March 7 until April, and visitors from around the world be welcomed into privately owned homes open only during the city’s annual Spring Pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage offers an array of cultural activities to experience the essence of the South in one visit. Your costumed hosts will guide you through the homes sharing the unique history of the homes and family stories passed through generations.

Evening entertainment for Pilgrimage includes the Historic Natchez Tableaux – Pilgrimage’s premier event – which will offer a new and exciting show this year and depict nearly 300 years of Natchez history through storytelling, music, and dance; Southern Road to Freedom, a stirring tribute to the African-American experience by the award-winning Holy Family Choir; “Southern Exposure,” a hilarious 1952 Broadway satire of Pilgrimage, and “Little Women” at the Natchez Little Theatre; A Musical Portrait of Natchez; From Ragtime to Swing: Bud Scott Plays again at Elms Court; A Soiree Musicale presented by J.N. Stone House with a classical piano performance by Joseph Stone; the first black-tie Save the Hall Ball; and a Candlelight Tour of the Towers.

For those who have experienced Natchez’s Spring Pilgrimage, this spring is the perfect time to experience what you love about Natchez. If you have never traveled to Natchez for Spring Pilgrimage, this year is sure to special and the time to start your own Pilgrimage tradition with a trip to this beautiful city high atop the bluffs of the Mississippi River.

To plan your next trip, call Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at 800.647.6742 or visit natchezpilgrimage.com.

21Spring 2015 | www.TeaTravelMag.com

Weekend Art & Wine Lodging Packages Available

800-468-6078

ridgelandartsfest.com

M I S S I S S I P P I

April 18-19, 2015

A juried fine arts festival with America’s finest artists

Tandem Rally

– F e A t u r I n g –

Ridgeland Fine Arts FestivalIt takes a delicate touch to create culinary masterpieces: patience to weave a perfect basket, and vision to transform a lump of clay into a graceful piece of pottery. These qualities and more have helped Ridgeland, Mississippi grow from a small artist colony to a premier shopping destination with more than 140 restaurants and quality accommodations. Its annual juried Fine Arts Festival, April 18-19, is the perfect showcase of Ridgeland’s talents. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the famed Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile National Scenic Byway, with 157 types of birds, state parks, riding trails, historic interpretations and cultural opportunities. For example, the Mississippi Craft Center showcases traditional and contemporary crafts. The 33,000 –acre Ross Barnett Reservoir hosts parks, boating, fishing, swimming, trails and disc golf.

Visitors can shop at art galleries, specialty shopping venues, boutiques and antique store. Explore www.visitridgeland.com to view special events.

Mississippi


3533 Highway 119 Melrose, Louisiana 71452 www.melroseplantation.org

The 41st Annual Melrose Plantation Arts and Crafts Festival

Explore Exceptional Arts and CraftsOn the Gorgeous Grounds of Melrose at

April 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. April 19, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Held at the historic Melrose Plantation, enjoy over 100 artisans!

Enjoy food, fun and entertainment just south of Natchitoches, LA

For information about becoming a vendor, email [email protected].

ENJOY ORIGINAL Artwork and Crafts at

Melrose Plantation One of Louisiana’s longest-running arts and crafts festivals, held on the majestic grounds of an iconic plantation, is just around the corner.

The 41st Annual Melrose Plantation Arts and Crafts Festival, held near Natchitoches, features original work from more than 100 vendors from across the country, and is a must for those who appreciate fine crafts. It will be held April 18, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and April 19, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“Visitors can enjoy the day with family and friends while supporting regional artists, craftsmen and the beautiful Melrose Plantation,” notes Molly Dickerson, of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, adding that the festival also includes fabulous food and live music. Full day admission is $5 per person and it provides a discount on guided tours of the historic structures at Melrose. Funds benefit the preservation and maintenance of Melrose Plantation.

Melrose Plantation dates to 1796 and is one of Louisiana’s best-known plantation homes, where folk artist Clementine Hunter lived and painted.

Melrose is located at 3533 Highway 119 in Melrose, Louisiana.

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Spring 2015 | www.TeaTravelMag.com

800-259-1714www.Natchitoches.com

LOUISIANANatchitoches

Upcoming Events Feb. 14 Mardi Gras/Krewe of Dionysos Parade

March 21 Bloomin’ on the Bricks Art Along the Bricks

April 17 - 18 18th Annual Jazz R&B Festival

April 18 - 19 Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival

May 1 - 2 El Camino Real Sale on the Trail

Louisiana’s Oldest City and the Destination of Travelers since 1714

Stroll along one of the Nation’s Top 5 Most Romantic Main Streets. Visit our new state of the art Louisiana State Museum in the National Historic Landmark District. Travel back in time at one of the Cane River Creole National Historical Park Plantations. Eat a meat pie, Shop on Front Street and make plans today to come Play and Stay.

Pronounced “Nack-a-tish”

Bloomin’ on the Bricks

Krewe of Dionysos Mardi Gras Parade

Historic Front Street

Melrose Plantation

Jazz R&B Festival


Springtime in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana offers much for the shopper, art lover and weekend excursionist. After the Courir de Mardi Gras celebrations in Eunice (February 13-17), the parish begins prepping for antique fairs and yard sales. Sunset, Grand Coteau and Arnaudville feature one day sales on March 21 while the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall in Washington hosts a three day sale April 10-12. Thousands of visitors descend to grab that sought after vintage item, piece of furniture, craft or just to browse and eat some good local food. From Sunset eastward, art aficionados can visit art galleries, studios, antique shops with local art along the Corridor des Arts, an art and cultural trail that flows to Henderson. On the west side of the parish, downtown Eunice recently welcomed its first art gallery in the Fall of 2014 - Niche Artist Gallery & Studio. This working studio spotlights artists for quarterly art walks and is the home to Herb Roe’s Mardi Gras exhibit (www.chromesun.com) February-March.

All towns mentioned are designated as Louisiana Cultural Districts (LCD) in which the sale of original works of art is tax free. As of July 1, 2014, Louisiana has 75 Cultural Districts in 30 parishes. Our communities invite you to experience what art has done to boost resident spirit, local economies, streetscapes and of course, to take something home.

S P R I N G S H O P P I N G A N D C U L T U R A L E V E N T S

Head to St. Landry

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Tea in Texas reader Michelle H. had a dilemma: Her heirloom teacups were locked in an antique china cabinet whose key had disappeared. With the holidays approaching Michelle needed access to the cabinet’s contents but did not want to break the glass or the lock.

T e a i n T e x a s suggested trying a different key to another antique piece, as the keys to antiques can s o m e t i m e s b e universal.

“We think this is a common, tea-person problem,”

said Editor Stephanie Miller. “When I locked my key in my antique secretary, I called the antiques dealer that I had bought it from and she suggested trying the key that opens our sideboard, and it worked.”

When Michelle tried this key, it fit in the opening but initially did not turn the lock. She could tell it was a close match. So she tried it again and it worked, like holiday magic.

So before you call the locksmith to unlock an antique piece, try your local antiques dealer. Frequently orphaned keys are available for sale, and with any luck, you’ll be back in your china cabinet in no time.

MYSTERY SOLVED: Antique Key Rescues Locked China Cabinet

Join us at the English Tea Room for a relaxing get-away. Enjoy a pot of tea from our selection

of over 200 choices! It's a unique, European experience right here in Covington, Louisiana!

Find us on Trip Advisor, Facebook, and Instagram Take a virtual tour on Google!

734 E. Rutland St. Covington, LA 985-898-3988

www.EnglishTeaRoom.com

Restaurant & Tea Shoppe

Breakfast, Lunch & High Tea served daily

Princess Annabelle, of the House of Lamonte, explains the art of tea to her dear friend, Lord

Pooh Bear, at the Teddy

Bear Tea hosted by the

English Tea Room

in Covington.

Louisiana

EXPERIENCE TEA AS A MODERN TRAVELER by Michelle Lindsey

Your Cup of Tea Tea Room

Houston

Having tea is such a delightful way to relieve stress. No matter what you’ve faced before that cup, it’s hard not to relax while enjoying a sip of tea.

Now, afternoon tea is getting a contemporary makeover as modern tea travelers journey across the state to recapture the grace and elegance of this longstanding tea tradition. They explore unique tearooms, restaurants and parlors that host this relaxing civility and can be credited with the recent growing popularity of teatime in many Texas establishments.

Tea Travelers in search of a unique tea experience have many options in comparison

to the tea drinks of early days.

Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford and a lifelong friend of Queen Victoria, has been credited as the originator of the British “afternoon tea” in the mid 1840’s. At this time, dinner was served between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and the Duchess found that a light meal of tea and a cake or sandwich in her quarters was the perfect balance to avoid hunger between lunch and dinner. She soon began inviting friends to join her, and the meal became a statement of upper-class households.

4100 Westheimer (next to Highland Village)

kiranshouston.com 713.960.8472

BECAUSE LIFE IS ABOUT THE LITTLE

INDULGENCES.

Afternoon Tea Served

Every Saturday 2-4 pm.

Four course tea featuring our special chai blend,

Champagne, tasty open faced sandwiches,

home made desserts and scones with clotted cream.

Kupa Tea RoomMansfield

Chestnut TreeDenton

Mosheim MansionSeguin

Prairie StreetHeritage HouseColumbus

Kiran'sHouston

TEAROOMSTearooms traditionally have a sedate and calm atmosphere, where one can expect to be served a light meal or afternoon tea on china and feast on treats such as scones and tea sandwiches. Today’s tearooms or teahouses can have a variety of themes and decor, from the traditional English

Tearoom or Asian Teahouse, to the eclectic boutique or charming country. Despite their differences, however, each offers fabulous hospitality and a peaceful escape from the strains of everyday life.

BED & BREAKFASTSOften, Bed and Breakfast patrons don’t have to look far to find a break for tea, as many of these unique venues offer afternoon tea in their parlors for guests. Whether you’re looking to relax after traveling and exploring, or just want to experience the unique amenities that the Bed and Breakfast provides, the experience is one that should not be passed up when staying at a historical property.

HOTELSFor those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life or travel often, you can still find time for tea by visiting luxury hotels that offer their own unique, chef-inspired tea blends and menus. When on vacation, check with the information desk, and you may be surprised to find that the hotal provides an afternoon tea or knows of a local restaurant that does.

These days, all tea lovers can enjoy an afternoon respite in a variety of atmospheres in the Lone Star state:

Tea RoomsBed & BreakfastsHotelsRestaurants

Mustard Seed Tea RoomBaytown

McHugh TeaHouston

RESTAURANTSModern Tea Travelers can enjoy traditional afternoon tea in elegant surroundings at five star restaurants in major Texas cities. Personal attention sets the mood with live music, champagne and a spectacular staff. Dress codes are smart casual, jackets may be required.

It is important to remember that planning is important for afternoon tea. Many establishments require a reservation due to freshly prepared menu items in limited quantities.

You can visit many tea houses without

reservations to sample wonderful soups, salads and sandwiches from their daily menu.

Teapot DepotHighlands

TOP PICKS FOR AFTERNOON TEA

NORTH TEXAS Chestnut Tree, Denton

Kupa Tea Room, Mansfield

CENTRAL TEXAS Blisswood (B&B), Cat Spring

Mad Hatters Tea Room, CaldwellMosheim Mansion (B&B), SeguinPrairie Street (B&B), Columbus

GULF COAST Charleston Tea Room, Friendswood

Crossroads Tea Room, SpringKiran's Restaurant, HoustonLasker Inn (B&B), GalvestonMcHugh Tea Room, Bellaire

Mustard Seed Tea Room, BaytownTeapot Depot, HIghlands

Whistle Stop Tea Room, TomballYour Cup of Tea, Houston

Submit your favorites online:texasTtravel.com



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140 West Colorado | La Grange, Texas 78945Phone 979-968-3104 | Fax 979-968-6010

[email protected]

You’re Invited! A great new exhibit, on view

through March 29!

“Selections from the Book 500 Traditional Quilts” features 36 works from the recent release.

These are contemporary-made quilts featuring traditional patterns, techniques, styles, and quilting

methods that harken back to the earliest days of the art form. Museum co-founder Karey Bresenhan edited

the book, which will be available for purchase on-site.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

OPEN Thursdays through Saturdays . . . . . . . . 10 - 4 Sundays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Noon - 4

• • •ADMISSION General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8Seniors & Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6Tours of 20+ when arranged in advance . . . . . . . .$6

• • •Please check our web site for the Museum’s holiday schedule .

chance to see many extraordinary selections from this new book,” adds Museum curator Dr. Sandra Sider. “I can guarantee you that you will not be disappointed!” “We love all styles of quilts, but we just adore the traditional ones, because they can both represent the rich history of quilting and still provide creative venues and challenges for today’s quilters,” Museum co-founder Nancy O’Bryant sums up.

For more information visitwww.texasquiltmuseum.org

“Selections From the Book 500 Traditional Quilts” features 36 works included in the recent release, which was juried by Museum co-founder Karey Bresenhan. Theexhibitwillfillall threegalleriesin the Museum with contemporary quilts featuring traditional patterns, techniques, styles, and quilting methods that harken

back to the earliest days of the art form. “Selections From the Book 500 Traditional Quilts” will be on view until March 29. And there’s no doubt that, even in a day when art quilts and the 21st-century technology used to make them are exploding in popularity, traditional quilts – oftenaquilter’sfirstexposuretoandworkin the art form – still hold a huge appeal. “Traditional quilts will always have a place in people’s hearts. Their beauty, their workmanship, their ability to evoke gentler times, the memories that they bring to mind—these are integral to their tremendous appeal,” Bresenhan writes in the book’s introduction. “These quilts are the crème de la crème of traditional quiltmaking today.” The Museum’s exhibit will feature work by 27 artists, including such notable names as Yukiko Hirano, Carol Staehle, Shirley Stevenson, Hazel Canny, Kumiko Frydl, Kathleen McCrady, Patricia Mayer, Peggy Fetterhoff, and Jerrianne Evans. “If you missed seeing it at International Quilt Festival, then you have another

The tried-and-true adage that “everything old is new again” takes on new meaning at the Texas Quilt Museum for winter.

6 x 6 Comes Up Rosesby Kathleen McCrady

Baltimore Album IVby Yukiko Hirano


Every other year, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) invites quilters around the state to pick up their needles and accept a challenge: design a block adhering to a theme using Texas natural fibers. Without fail, talented participants answer the call, and TDA receives numerous worthy submissions. Contest participants use Texas natural fibers - cotton, wool and leather - to create a quilt block design. A panel of judges selects the winning entries, which are then combined to create the quilts that make up the TDA Quilt Collection and become part of TDA’s natural fiber exhibition.

Gifts of the Gulf, a stunning piece featuring shades of blue and coral, with colorful blocks depicting images representing the Texas Gulf Coast, is the collection’s most recent addition. Designed and constructed by Terri Vogds of Denton and quilted by Maria Hall of Flower Mound, it was unveiled at the State Fair of Texas in the Food & Fiber Pavilion on September 26, 2014, and has now joined the TDA traveling quilt collection, which is available to be used in the promotion of Texas natural fibers. The themes of the quilts highlight various aspects of Texas agriculture and promote Texas along with the quilting tradition in our state. The TDA Quilt Collection is as much art as craft, and the quilts have become more than heirlooms, they are emblematic of the rich Texas agricultural heritage that belongs to all Texans.

The next quilt block competition will be held in 2016. If you are interested in hosting the TDA Quilt Collection, visit http://www.gotexan.org/ExperienceGOTEXAN/TheTDAQuiltCollection.aspx.

THE COLLECTION INCLUDES:Gifts of the Gulf Quilt - 2014Agriculture is Your Culture Quilt - 2012Texas Wildlife: Adventure Awaits! Quilt - 2010Toast a Rising Star Quilt - 2008The Legendary Ranches of Texas Quilt - 2006Texas Yes! Quilt - 2004Healthy Food for Healthy Kids Quilt - 2004Texas Blooming Floral Quilt - 2002The Millenium Quilt – Texas Then and Now – 2000The Common Threads of Texas Quilt – 1997

This year’s contest sponsors included Hobbs Bonded Fibers of Waco, “designs by tana” of Crowley, Tandy Leather Factory of Fort Worth and the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S

Quilt Collection

Noted Texas Quilter Showcased in NATIONAL QUILT MUSEUM EXHIBIT

The late Texas Quilter Patricia Campbell was the focus of an exhibit entitled “The Complete Quilter,” at the National Q u i l t M u s e u m i n Paducah, Kentucky last Fall, and this quilt, “Tex-Mas” was among the works showcased in the collection.

“The Complete Quilter” honored an outstanding quilter who inspired many quilters through her fabulous designs, use of vibrant color, her lectures, books and classes.

P a t p i o n e e r e d t h e Jacobean style of quilting, d r a w i n g i n s p i r a t i o n from 17th-century crewel embroidery tapestries that feature flowers, trees, birds and other motifs, according to information from the Museum.

When asked about her bold use of color, Pat would joke, “when magenta is your neutral, what else CAN you do?!”

Her quilt “Jacobean Arbor” won a Founders Award at the Houston Quilt Festival in 1990 and was featured on the Cover of American Quilter that year. It was her best-known quilt, winning eight ribbons and featuring bold, vibrant colors on a black background, as well as detailsed applique techniques and fantastical design, according to the National Quilt Museum.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Pat lived in Dallas, and she described Texas as “an attitude, not just a place.” She often wore cowboy boots and hats in vibrant colors “reflective of her work and personality.”

She began quilting in 1983, began teaching in 1984 and taught throughout the U.S., in England, Australia and South Africa. She published seven books on her applique style and created many patterns of her designs and four fabric lines.

Pat passed away in 2013 and her quilts are now in the collection of the National Quilt Museum.

The National Quilt Museum has more than 320 quilts in its collection, and displays 50-60 quilts at a time. Most of the museum’s quilts are award-winners from regional and national competitions. Others have been chosen for their uniqueness and historic relevance. The museum’s quilts can be viewed online at www.quiltindex.org.

Don’t miss the current exhibit, “Motion” from the Contemporary QuiltArt Association, featuring quilts that were made to tell the story of motion, a key design element that yields exciting abstract compositions and memorable quilts.

Learn more at www.QuiltMuseum.org.

“Today in the 21st century, the quilt has finally arrived as art. No apologies, no need to say, “Well, it’s also warm.” The quilts in this exhibit were made to tell the story of motion, nothing more, nothing less. And it only took 600 years to do this.”

– Judy Schwender

Pat, an award-winning quilt artist known for her unique Jacobean applique, lived in Dallas. She loved to wear cowboy boots and bright colors, and she described Texas a “an attitude, not just a place.”


Quilting C

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Fine Fabrics, Smocking & Heirloom Sewing Supplies

Quilting Supplies and Fabrics

Classes Offered

14070 Memorial Dr.Houston, TX 77079

281-496-0170buttonsnbows.net

Classes Offered

10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday

[email protected]

Open 7 days a weekMonday – Saturday

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Sunday

12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

11925 Southwest Freeway, Suite 11Stafford, TX 77477

(just outside of Houston)

(281) 491-0016, (800) 395-7794quiltersemporium.com

Beautiful quilting fabric, kits, books, patterns, sewing machines, quilting cruises, classes and more.

Classes for quilting, embroidery, crazy quilting and more are available. Helpful and friendly staff.

Putting The Pieces Together...

NEWLY RELEASED Czecherboard Quiltsby Rose Ann Cook

Chosen as a Top 10 Quilt Shop by Better Homes and

Gardens Quilt Sampler magazine (Fall 2010)


For over 25 years, La Porte has been home to one of the most coveted quilt shops in Texas Painted Pony ‘n Quilts. With over 8,500 square feet and over 10,000 bolts of fabric that date back to the early 1900’s, quilters have long traveled to the area just to visit their store. Now, with the help of an Enhancement Grant from the City, quilters can soon make a retreat weekend out of their trip!

And Sew It Began – Pieceful Stitches, pictured top right, is the first quilters retreat to open in the Houston area and is located in the heart of La Porte’s historic downtown. They opened their doors to quilting and other groups to book their retreats on January 1. With its proximity to one of the top 10 quilt shops in the United States, easy access to downtown eateries and antique shopping, and a short walk down to the water, this cabin is likely to quickly become the most sought after quilters’ haven on Galveston Bay.

La Porte offers enhancement grants to businesses open, or opening, in their historic downtown district (that consists of

Main Street & Broadway). The incentive allows the City to encourage business owners to enhance their property in the district by granting them a match of up to $25,000 for any improvements made to their business. Eligible projects include facade, renovation, beautification, new awnings, canopies, porches, and signage. “The idea is to encourage the redevelopment of our downtown. We have a lot of great things happening in La Porte right now and a lot of momentum building downtown. What better way to encourage new businesses to call La Porte home than to offer this program!” says the Economic Development Coordinator Scott Livingston.

“The incredible Airing of the Quilts is planned for the third Saturday in March on Main Street. We

are excited to see Painted Pony ‘n Quilts swarm with quilters, Pieceful Stitches retreat venue open to guests, and our streets line with beautiful quilts from all over the United States,” says recreation superintendent Megan Mainer.

La Porte Quickly Becoming Quilters Haven On Galveston Bay By Jaree Hefner

C I T Y O F L A P O R T E

With La Porte’s welcoming

atmosphere and small town charm,

there is no doubt that with their newest

retreat venue Pieceful Stitches and landmark Painted Pony ‘n Quilts

will quickly be on every quilter’s wish list

of places to visit.


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And Sew It Began - Pieceful StitchesThe first retreat venue nestled

in the heart of historic LaPorte.

Say “no” to demands, obligations and stress! Plan your sewing, quilting or crafting retreat.

Visit [email protected] (713)828-9800

COMEto relax, recharge and pursue your passions!

211 South 1st St.La Porte, TX

Want to find out more?For more information on the City’s enhancement grant program, please visit www.laportetx.gov/howwecanhelp or email Scott Livingston at [email protected]. For more information on our quilters haven visit www.visitlaportetx.com/quilting.


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CALENDARquilting & craft

Now Through March 7 “Reflecting the Times,” W.H. Stark House, OrangeCovering Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, three important movements of the early 20th century, this exhibit includes exquisite jewelry, pottery, furniture and books; Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 409-883-0871. www.whstarkhouse.org

Now Through March 29“Selections From the Book 500 Traditional Quilts,” Texas Quilt Museum, La GrangeFeatures 36 works included in the recently released book, filling all three galleries in the Museum with contemporary quilts featuring traditional patterns, techniques, styles, and quilting methods that harken back to the earliest days of the art form. The Texas Quilt Museum is located at

140 W. Colorado in La Grange.Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sundays noon – 4 p.m. 979-968-3104. www.TexasQuiltMuseum.org

Through February 23 “Motion” from the Contemporary QuiltArt AssociationThrough March 10 “The Heart of America" The National Quilt Museum, Kentucky"Motion” from the Contemporary QuiltArt Association, features quilts that were made to tell the story of motion, a key design element that yields exciting abstract compositions and memorable quilts. “The Heart of America” features the work of quilters from quilt guilds in Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. This special juried exhibit highlights the work of quiltmakers who are the mainstream of quiltmaking today.

Ongoing, Louisiana Quilt TrailSix individual trails in Central and Southern Louisiana. Wooden quilt squares on businesses, homes, barns and fences identify significant p o i n t s . C l o s e s t starting point to Texas is Washington Parish.louisianaquilttrail.com

Feb. 10, 17 Basic Smocking Cla ss , HoustonLearn the basics of smocking with this 3 session beginners classes hosted by Buttons ‘n’ Bows. Instructor, Marge Yetts , wi l l show you the basics of smocking. Class fee is $50 and includes

a pleated sampler and floss. A project of your choice will be needed for the second and third classes. Additional class scheduled March 7, 14, 21. 281-496-0170 Visit buttonsnbows.net for class listing.

February 16–28 Seeing Double Quilt Exhibit, Winedale Historical Complex, Fayette CountyEight pairs of traditional American quilts, each pair based on the same pattern but constructed years apart. Feb. 16-28, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Located in Fayette County, near Round Top (3738 FM 2714). 979-278-3530 cah.utexas.edu/museums

February 27–28 Best Little Quilt Show in Texas, Colorado Valley QG, La GrangeJudged show with more than 175 quilts. Theme and guild challenges, vendors, raffle quilt.Friday and Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, $7 admission. Fayette County Fairground Commercial Exhibit Hall. 77N, La Grange.cvquiltguild.com

February 27-28 Heart of Texas One Stop Shop Hop, Waco Mark your calendar for a fun and fabulous shop hop in Waco, Texas! The Heart of Texas One Stop Shop Hop is a shopping experience featuring 40 “brick and mortar quilt shops” vendors. It is a “shop hop” in one place featuring vendors. So if you don’t need to drive around to visit all the shops, you will get a sampling of what each shop has to offer at one stop! www.heartoftexashop.com

March 6-7 “Quilted Roads of Texas”, CypressJoin the West Houston Quilter’s Guild for their 2015 quilt show, “Quilted Roads of Texas” at the Richard E. Berry Education Support Center in Cypress, Texas. Admission is $10 ages 13-64, $8 for children 6-12 and seniors 65 and older. Children 5 and younger free. www.whqg.org

(continued on page 38)

2015 Quilt Show

Tickets: $7 per day/ $10 for a two day pass

QGGHouston.org

[email protected]

Vendors, Win-a-Basket opportunities and Beautiful Quilts to enjoy.

Hours: Friday July 17 10am - 6pm Saturday July 18 9am - 4pm

Quilts for Auction on Saturday, July 18 at 4pm

Get out of the heat and see beautiful quiltsfrom one of Houston’s oldest quilt guilds.

Many of us remember growing up wearing delicate smocked garments made for us by our mother or grandmother. These handmade garments, so special and time-consuming to make, were probably saved to be worn for future generations. They represented special gifts in our childhoods, images of lightness and innocence to be passed onto our own children.

My mother and business partner, Marge, taught me to smock when my oldest daughter was born 22 years ago, but I only recently discovered the history of this clothing art. Smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it is able to stretch. Before elastic was available, smocking was used in the cuffs, bodices and necklines of garments. I had once thought smocks were generally reserved for the upper-class. However, smocks truly began in middle ages Europe, where peasants and laborers smocked their garments to give them elasticity and provide strength to men’s clothing. It wasn’t until the mid-1800’s that smocking turned into the beautiful craft that we enjoy today.

In the latter part of the 1900’s, with the invention of the pleating machine, smocking became much more ornate and was often worn by children for special occasions. The artfulness of these clothes was so remarkable that they became a fashion for royals. Princess Diana often dressed her boys in smocked

outfits when they were babies, and now Princess Kate follows that tradition with Prince George. Over the years, popular clothing has become more casual, with discount stores offering inexpensive clothing produced overseas, leading many to believe that the popularity of

smocking is at its end. However, this is quite far from the truth.

Young Prince George is not the only modern child to wear these beautifully crafted outfits. From morning church services to afternoon teas, wedding attire to party dresses, young children can still be seen celebrating special

occasions in these artful creations.

Our customers at Buttons ‘n’ Bows range from young mothers interested in making beautiful, unique clothing for their children to new grandmothers planning a special outfit for their newest grandchild. These pieces of wearable art are still the treasured heirlooms passed down from our mothers’ and grandmothers’ generations, heirlooms which, instead of being carefully packed away in attic-banished antique trunks, can be worn and seen, found on favorite dolls and in framed art. Other fabric arts, such as quilting and embroidery, are savored on display long after their daily use is over, and smocking is no different.

I am often asked if it takes a long time to smock an outfit. Yes, as with any hand embroidery worth doing, smocking is time consuming. But the satisfaction one receives from creating one of these beautiful outfits is well-worth the time put into it. That is why people come back time and time again to start new projects. To those new to the craft or those who need a refresher course, Buttons ‘n’ Bows provides classes every month. Passing these textile arts along to the next generation is as important as maintaining those techniques used to create paintings in some of our most celebrated art galleries. Smocking is alive and well and a lot of fun, so let Buttons ‘n’ Bows help you find your inner artist!



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ANNUAL TERRELL HERITAGE JUBILEE QUILT SHOW

A Judged Show with Cash Prizes

SATURDAY & SUNDAYApril 18 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.April 19 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Herman Furlough Middle School Cafeteria1352 Colquitt Road

www.kaufmanquiltguild.org

The Quilt Show is part of the 34th Annual

Terrell Heritage JubileeApril 16 – 19, Ben Gill ParkA fabulous weekend of fun

entertainment and events including arts and crafts, health expo,

BBQ Cookoff, 5K run and live entertainment!

March 14–15 The Supper Quilt, Bosque Arts Center, CliftonYou have heard about the remarkable quilt entitled “The Supper” and now you have a chance to see it in person. Quilter Dr. Don Locke, D.D.S. of Waxahachie, created this quilt, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting “The Last Supper.” It has traveled the nation and will be viewable at the Bosque Arts Center for two days in March. No admission charge. Also, Dr. Locke will offer a short presentation at 10 a.m. on March 14. 254-675-3724. www.BosqueArtsCenter.org

March 13-15 Dallas Quilt ShowMore than 400 quilts on display; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, 12–5 p.m., Dallas Market Hall.quiltersguildofdallas.org

March 20-21 Tyler Quilt Show, Quilters Guild of East TexasShow is held during the Azalea Trail, features hundreds of quilts, vendors, demonstrations, bed turning, door prizes, silent auction and raffle quilt. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Harvey Convention Center. gqetx.org

March 20-21, 2015 “Spring into Quilting” 2015 Quilt Show, ShinerShiner Heritage Quilt Guild hosts“Spring into Quilting” 2015 Quilt Show March 20-21 at Methodist Activity Center in Shiner, Texas. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-18, children 5 and younger are free. www.shinerheritagequilters.org

March 20-22 Texas Button Society Show, Frisco“Victorian Button Extravaganza” fruns from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco. 972-712-7200; texasstatebuttonsociety.weebly.com

March 21 Inaugural Airing of the Quilts, LaPorteVisit LaPorte March 21 and participate in the Inaugural Airing of the Quiltson Main Street at 5 Points Town Plaza from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. All ages welcome. Quilter registration through March 14. Visit www.visitlaportetx.com for more information

April 17-18 Bloomin’ Crazy 4 Quilts Quilt Show, The WoodlandsThe Woodlands Area Quilt Guild hosts the Bloomin’ Crazy 4 Quilts Quilt Show at Legends Sports Complex in The Woodlands, Texas, April 17-18. The show will feature quilt displays, judged quilts, vendors, raffle baskets and more. www.waqg.org

April 18 - 19 Terrell Heritage Jubilee Quilt ShowA part of the festive Terrell Heritage Jubilee, this annual judged show is a not-to-be-missed event, held in the Herman Furlough Middle School Cafeteria at 1352 Colquitt Road in Terrell. Learn more at www.kaufmanquiltguild.org

April 24-25 “Sunshine Daze” Quilt Show, AthensThe Gun Barrel Quilters host the 2015 “Sunshine Daze” Quilt Show at the Cain Center in Athens, Texas. Participants can view more than 100 quilts, participate in a quilt raffle and explore the wares of vendors and country store. 2015 is the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and to commemorate this important event, the Gun Barrel Quilter’s Guild will feature a special category and display of Civil War quilts at the show. gunbarrelquiltersguild.org

39 Spring 2015 | www.TeaTravelMag.com

Mother’s Day Tea is Always a Great Last Minute Idea

Since we’ve had a long winter, Mother’s Day will come fast this year. Are you ready? For those of you blessed to have your Mother living within driving distance, try a tea party. Your heritage might not be linked to the British Empire, but it's safe to saythat moms generally appreciate any meal they don’t have to cook, particularly if sweets are involved. For a memorable tea affair, reserve your seats at our 5th Texas Tea Affair in Galveston on May 3rd. Tickets at teaintexas.com

TEA


As we move into a world where technology is becoming more of an integral part of daily life, we have gained access to instantaneous information. For crafters the availability of ideas and inspiration on sites such as Pinterest and Craftsy have given those with creative endeavors a forum to share, learn, explore and create.

Learning from teachers and artisans in the comfort of home, at their own pace and when it fit the learner’s schedule has provided a surge in creativity and crafting arts. Creative arts that were once cultivated over years of apprenticeships or passed down through families over generations are now available to a larger group of potential artisans. While talent and skill are still required to master these arts, now awareness of more unique types of arts and crafts are available to a wider variety of potential artists.

One art form that has seen a surge outside of the artistic professionals is the creation of paper flowers. It is believed that the art of paper flowers originated in China about 2,000 years ago, just after paper was invented. Many cultures use paper flowers for special events such as weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies and special events. In the Victorian-era women made paper flowers when natural blossoms were out of season. By gently taking real flowers apart, they could trace the petals and leaves to be used as templates and create paper flowers using colored paper.

Paper flower artisan, Kimberly Hervey, owner of Kimberly’s Junk in the Trunk in Katy, Texas, is an example of an artisan who turned an interest into an art that has blossomed into a unique business.

“I had a lot of beautiful sheet music that I was hoarding. A lot of sheet music from the early 1900’s had these beautiful graphics on the front of them–they are more like art. Then you have the way that this paper ages, and yellows, it was just really beautiful,” Kimberly says. “It was really too fragile to do much with, it’s more than 100 years old. So there it sat, just piles of it.”

One day, Kimberly’s husband told her it was time to decide what she wanted to do with it or get rid of it. That conversation was the catalyst. “I was searching online for things to do with sheet music, so I started trying some of these projects like decoupaging. I decoupaged this plaster mannequin that was falling apart and other things,” she recalls. She adds it was during this search that she found information on paper flowers.

“I started making flowers with the sheet music and a friend was getting married. She asked if I’d make flowers for her wedding, so I did,” she says. “Someone saw them and asked me to make an arrangement for them and then another and another, so that’s when I started making flowers.”

Kimberly was a full-time college-level teacher

By: Michelle Lindsey

The Art of Paper Flowers

40

Bride Photos by Snowbird Photography

at the time and says that she started off making flowers when time allowed, while continuing to teach. She occasionally participated in craft fairs as well. She says she even tried a bridal show, but says that the response was overwhelming, so she decided that she’d find another way to work with brides.Working with brides is just one of the many things Kimberly has done with her flowers. “I just did a Peter Rabbit baby shower,” she recalls. “I’ve made flowers for charity events, anniversaries, birthdays; there were lots of Christmas orders.”Kimberly’s flowers have become a bright spot in what can be dark moments in people’s lives.“One of the big things I do,” Kimberly says, “is I make flowers for MD Anderson. A lot of cancer patients can’t have natural flowers because of the treatments that they are taking. I have several ladies come in, line up vases on the counter and I make arrangements for them. I’ve also done arrangements for hospice patients.”Kimberly hopes these patients whose immune systems are compromised or who are facing their last days can garner

a little hope a n d t h e i r day can be a little brighter w i t h t h e s e arrangements. Her f lower creations have a l s o s h o w n her something as unique and beautiful as each flower she makes - the stories behind many of her

designs are thoughtful and meaningful to the client.

“One funeral I made arrangements for was for a piano teacher. They brought me her sheet music and I made the flowers from those. Her favorite color was pink, so I painted them pink,” she says.Kimberly says that she is no longer surprised by what type of paper clients may ask her to use to create flowers. “I have made flowers from anything you

can imagine – sheet music, storybook pages, maps, school pictures, American Doll Girl catalogs, comic books, and then the traditional like crepe paper. I’ve even made flowers from love letters,” she adds.

“I just did one around Christmas for a lady whose husband passed away. She brou gh t me copies of some sheet mus ic and wanted the flowers to be yellow because on their first date he has b o u g h t h e r white roses and put them in the trunk of the car and forgot. By the time he remembered and got them out, they had wilted and yellowed and it became a joke their whole marriage.”

Kimberly says that’s it been about 5 years since she first discovered paper flowers and the journey has been one of continuous learning. She says the best part for her is trying something new. While she may do the same traditional types of flowers for wedding, events and funerals, it’s when someone presents her with a challenge to create a different type of flower like peonies that she really has fun.

“Sitting down and trying to figure it out is fun for me,” she says. “A lot of these flowers I make up and design. Having a bride who wants something funky is what I love.”

Kimberly says for those who are interesting in the art of paper flower, the key is to be patience. Paper flowers, like most paper arts, can be time consuming and fragile. Whether you are sitting in class learning from an educator, following step-by-step instructions on a craft blog or an online tutorial, it is going to take patience and practice.

When it comes to these creations it is easy to get lost in the details and focus on the color or style you want, but Kimberly warns that the most important element

is paper and the type of flower you want to make.

Some types of paper, like thin sheet music is not going to hold the shape of a flower.“You have to be realistic about it,” she advises. “I’ve had orders where they want flowers made out of Bible pages, but

the pages in newer Bibles are tissue-paper thin. I can’t make most flowers those from pages, there is really only one type of flower I can make. So it’s important to be realistic and know your paper and the flower you can make with it. Find out what flower you want and figure out what paper you need to make it.”

Trial and error are also something that will happen too. While it may look easy when you read through the steps of a blog or watch a video tutorial, implementing those steps may not be as simple as it seems. Kimberly says that at times she has to search for various images of a flower so she can understand if from various angles and then she sit down and starts cutting.

Not everyone will be able to sit down and create beautiful flowers from the start. Practicing different techniques and using different tools to find what works or searching for various tutorials with the same flower style may be helpful.

Overall, when making paper flowers you have to have fun, and, Kimberly adds, understand that you may make a bunch of ugly flowers before you make beautiful ones.

Couple Photos by Andrea Fanni

Courtesy of Claire McAdams


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Your Cup of Tea A quaint and traditional

English Tea Room in the heart of Houston.Open for Lunch and Tea

Bridal Showers Bridal Luncheons Bridesmaids Tea

Rehearsal Dinners

713-334-4832urcupoftea.com2620 Fondren

Where Houston Shops in Britain

IN THE VILLAGE

BritishIslesOnline.com2366 Rice Blvd. 713.522.6868

9:30-6:30 Mon-Sat12-5 Sun

British Isles

43Spring 2015 | www.teaintexas.com

Tea at the

ready

A Tea at the Ready eye is always on

the alert for unexpected ideas to enhance the tea

table.

For a fresh twist this spring add a few shot glasses to your

tea cabinet. Usually sold in sets of four, they require a very small

investment and you will find so many delightful uses for them.

Place a dollop of dip in the bottom of individual shot glasses and add a few

vegetable sticks for a clever appetizer. Or give each guest just a taste of a cream soup before the sandwiches are served. Feel free to copy the current restaurant trend and use them to serve mini desserts.

Layer cookie crumbs with pudding or whipped cream cheese and topped with

fresh fruit or pie filling and you have an adorable bite-sized trifle. Mousse, sorbet or

even ice cream become extraordinary in tiny portions. Top each serving with a bit of whipped

cream and a sprig of mint. Any time you serve a layered dessert like banana pudding or strawberry

shortcake set a small amount aside for a friend, a cuppa and a shot glass dessert.

That’s perfect for Tea at the Ready!

Add a Shot of Crea tivity!By Paula Myers

LEMON MERINGUE SHOOTERS

16 oz. Lemon Curd (available at Kroger’s -baking aisle)Lemon Wedges

Crust:3 graham crackers1 tablespoon granulated sugar1–1 1/2 tablespoons, unsalted butter, melted

Crush graham crackers and sugar inside a plastic bag using a rolling pin. Transfer to a small bowl and add the melted butter, stirring to moisten the cracker mixture.

Meringue:4 egg whites1 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

You will need an electric mixer to make this frosting, and make sure the metal bowl is free of any grease since you are adding egg whites. Place the egg whites, the sugar and the cream of tartar in the metal bowl.

Place the metal bowl on top of a simmer-ing pot of water, but make sure the bowl is not touching the water, the steam from the water will heat the bowl. Gently whisk the mixture until it is hot to the touch, or when a candy thermometer reads 140 degrees.

Next, using the whisk attachment on your mixer, you will add the vanilla and beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 5-8 minutes until the frosting holds medium peaks when lifted from the bowl.

To Assemble: Spoon the crumbs into the bottom of the shot glass (use a funnel to keep the sides of the glass clean). Using a large round tip and a piping bag, pipe the lemon curd on top of the crumbs. Using a large star tip and a piping bag, pipe a layer of meringue on top of the curd. Repeat two more lay-ers. If you have a kitchen torch, you can toast the meringue. Add a small wedge of

lemon for garnish.


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I plan to interview for a new job this year and I understand that often lunch or dinner

is included as part of the interview process. Could you give me some dining tips for the interview meal?

You are wise to consider the meal as an extension of the interview. In a competitive marketplace, more than ever before,

potential employers are choosing to interview job candidates in a way that allows them to evaluate your social skills in an area other than the office setting.

Your polish and good manners can give you an edge over other candidates. Brushing up on a few dining skills can make all the difference in a successful business meal interview. Since you are usually prepared for the interview process by your agency or recruiter, I will limit most suggestions here to the dining environment.

• Arrive on time appropriately attired. Research the restaurant’s location, menu, and dress requirements ahead of time. Classic, conservative clothing is always best. Wear clothes that are a good fit so you are not fidgeting in them.• If you arrive before your host, wait to be seated. Sit where the host asks you to. If the maitre d’ does seat you ahead of time per the host’s instruction, do not eat any of the bread, chips, etc. until the host and any other guests arrive.• Rise to greet your host and shake hands. Introduce yourself with your first AND last name.• Turn your cell phone OFF. Do not leave it, your keys, or anything else on the table.

• Place your napkin on your lap when the host does. If you need to excuse yourself from the table, place it on your chair until you return. When you are finished with the meal, fold it loosely and place it to the left of your plate. Never put your napkin ON the plate.• When ordering, avoid foods that are messy to eat. You do not want soiled clothes to spoil the interview! Never order the most expensive item on the menu. As a guideline, ask your host what they suggest. Or you can just choose something that is moderately priced. Do not order alcohol. If your host insists, order but consume moderately. Remember that it is an interview, not a party. Hold wine glasses by the bowl not the stem to avoid spillage. • Do not begin eating until everyone at the table has been served and your host starts. Never salt or season your food before tasting it; this makes you appear impulsive.

• Use good posture. Sit up straight, feet flat on the floor, elbows off the table. Do not talk with your mouth full or gesture with your fork. Remember that in navigating your place setting, it is helpful to know that the utensils for solid food are on your left; for liquids, on your right. Your bread plate is on your left above the knives and spoons. Your beverage glasses are on the right above your knives and spoons. When you are still eating, place the fork and knife in the “resting” position – fork at 4 o’clock and knife (blade facing in) at the top of your plate. When you are finished, place them at 10:20 o’clock. Do not continue to eat when your host finishes. Never take home leftovers after an interview meal.• Be polite and respectful to everyone, especially the waiters and all service people. Remember to say “please” and “thank you”. Be careful of your conversation and avoid controversial topics including politics and religion.• When the interview is over, stand and shake hands again with your host(s). Thank them once again for the meal and the opportunity.

A little advance preparation will make a positive impact on your interview and on your life. Remember to make it a practice of using good manners in your everyday life, and it will come to you naturally when you need it. Best of wishes on your new endeavor in 2015!

Q ATea Etiquette

& by Penny Ward


281-413-4714PennyWard.com

GrandmaRae.com and TEAtitudes.com or call 973-664-0986

Always handmade just for you!

“My joy is making something special for you to enjoy at tea time.”

And visit Grandma @ TEAtitudes.com for Teapots, Trinket Boxes and Inspirational Gifts

4100 Westheimer (next to Highland Village)

kiranshouston.com 713.960.8472

BECAUSE LIFE IS ABOUT THE LITTLE

INDULGENCES.

Afternoon Tea Served

Every Saturday 2-4 pm.

Four course tea featuring our special chai blend,

Champagne, tasty open faced sandwiches,

home made desserts and scones with clotted cream.

60+ Organic TeasPrivate Party Room for Events

Lunch & Afternoon Tea (”High Tea”)Unique Tea Accessories & Gifts

Amazing Custom CakesPies, Quiches & more

Cooking ClassesTea Classes

Catering

5305 Bissonnet 713.218.6300 mchughtea.comMonday-Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM

Bellaire, TX

Houston - G

ulf Coast


spring eventTEA CALENDAR

gulf coastFebruary 7, March 7, and April 4 First Saturday Arts Market, HoustonFirst Saturday Arts Market is a monthly outdoor fine arts event featuring the works of dozens of visual artists. Located in the historic Houston Heights the market showcases paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handcrafted items. Enjoy live music and delicious fare from some of the area’s best gourmet food trucks. 713-802-1213 firstsaturdayartsmarket.com

February 7 and March 7 Art Walk Nights, Old Town SpringArt walk nights at the Galleries of Old town Spring. The galleries are within walking distance of each other. There will be music, small bites, wine and live painting. 5-9 p.m. 281-353-9310 oldtimespring.com

February 13 Valentine's Day Afternoon Tea & Fashion Show, Your Cup of Tea, HoustonTea and Fashion Show will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fashion Show by Soft Surroundings. Menu includes fruit or soup, finger sandwiches, assorted pastries and scones, houseblend tea and champagne. $29.00 per person. Reservations only 713-334-4832 urcupoftea.com

February 20 Tea Blending Contest, The Path of Tea, HoustonThink you have what it takes? The Path of Tea is hosting the 2nd annual tea blending contest at 7:00 p.m. Everyone present at the tea shop will have a chance to taste the teas and vote. 713-252-7866 thepathoftea.com

February 21 Mardi Gras on Main, La PorteWelcome to the best Mardi Gras after party in all of Houston. A fun for all ages street festival in beautiful downtown La Porte, Mardi Gras on Main will not disappoint with the Mambo Jazz Kings leading the way we will have a giant puppet King & Queen strolling the streets, stilt walkers, face painters, the Carnes Dance Krewe, and more. 281-470-5017 visitlaportetx.com

February 28 and April 18 Galveston Art Center Artwalk, Galveston Event takes place on Saturday night from 6-9 p.m. in the heart of the historic district and spreading to other parts of the Island. ArtWalk takes place in existing commercial galleries, non-profit arts spaces and "other walls" restaurants and retail

stores. ArtWalk promotes visual art and supports our arts-based community, offering alternative places to see and learn about art. 409-763-2403 galvestonartscenter.org

March 12-28 Art League of Baytown Spring Show, BaytownThis year’s annual spring show is a 2D and 3D art competition and exhibit. Judging will take place on March 12th with a reception and awards ceremony on Sunday March 15th. The exhibit runs through March 28th.281-427-2222 art-league-of-baytown.org

March 25 3rd Annual Downton Abbey TeaYour Cup of Tea, HoustonCome join us for tea the menu includes fruit or salad, finger sandwiches, assorted pastries and scones, tea and champagne or wine. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00p.m. $29.00 per person Reservations only 713-334-4832 urcupoftea.com

March 28 and 29 Texas Wine and Art FestivalOld Town SpringVisitors can sample wines from Texas vineyards. Local Texas artists and artisans will display their work and answer questions about their art. A wide range of products produced or made in Texas, food vendors, exhibits and more. 281-682-1403 txwineandart.com

There are Parades, Balls and Festivals to

celebrate Washington's Birthday in Laredo.

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Quilting C

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Tea Time QUILTING

1046 Tulane Houston, TX 77008 713-861-7743

Located in the Historic Heightswww.teatimequilting.com

Great Fabric Selection Great Fabric Selection OPEN: Mon-Fri 10 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday 10 AM - 4PM

April 19 Family Day Fabric of America Bayou Bend, Houston Investigate the impact of textiles on the American way of life. Bayou Bend Family Days include activities, music, demonstrations, performances, craft workshops, giveaways, and more abound throughout the home and gardens. Enjoy tours of the first floor of the house.713-639-7750 mfah.org/bayoubend

April 30 Society for the Advancement of Floral Designs SAFD Tablescape Gala, HoustonA gala evening that is complete with dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Members also get to show off their skills by decorating their table’s centerpiece for the event. Event will take place at Shirley Acres and begins at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 and must be purchased in advance.713-594-1587 safdhouston.org

May 3 Tea in Texas Tea AffairGalvestonAs we preserve TEXAS in 2015, enjoy a fantastic Afternoon Tea Service at the

TEAtravelMAG

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14034 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079

(281) 920-9424Mon.-Sat. 10AM-6PM

Sun. 12AM-5PMLocated at Memorial & Kirkwood

7000 sq. ft. Showroom featuring: Furniture Silver Ironstone

China Replacements

TransferwareLinensJewelry

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FOR VINTAGE & ANTIQUE

STORES256.797.5640

[email protected]

historic Lasker Inn, then partake of fun teatime affair, laugh, learn and share in Galveston, Activities include a Tea Cup Exchange, Tea blending to create your own tea, Tour of Lasker Inn. There will also be a silent auction, raffles, cooking demos, antique showcase and book signing. 832-955-1767 teaintexas.com

February through 23 Washington’s Birthday Celebration, Laredo A month-long celebration of George Washington’s birthday held in the border city of Laredo, Texas, is the largest and the oldest festivity of its kind in the United States. Activities include a Founding Fathers’ 5K Fun Run & a Health Fair and an American Historical Theatre George Washington Performance, a Jalapeno Festival and a fireworks extravaganza. 956-722-0589 wbcalaredo.org

south texas

Houston - G

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48

Happy Valentine’s Day! Since the 19th century, the exchanging of handwritten notes has given way to mass-produced greeting cards. But more precious is the creation of hand-made Valentines by children to their great-grandparents, grandparents, mom & dad, or friends.

I still remember clearly my grandmother, who has now gone onto heaven, sending me a special Valentine’s Day

card almost every year. As a child, receiving her cards brought me much joy. My memories also take me back to grade school, when our

teacher had planned a time during the day to write little Valentine Day Notes to our classmates and place them in a

homemade decorated lunch bag.

So this Valentine’s Day, I wanted to make it a special time for my granddaughters, Aliee and Helena. Who doesn’t find pleasure in creating special memories with our little ones?

Planned for this get-together is a Valentine’s Day Tea. The activity I chose was to make cards for their mom and great grandmother and afterwards a walk to the mail box.

I gathered markers, colored construction paper, scissors, glue and red paper doilies. It took a little time but they mastered the red thumbprints, creating a heart-shaped illustration. The finishing touch was their personal signature spelling their name.

As they completed their project, they worked up an appetite! Now, it was time for a wonderful Valentine’s Day Tea with the delightful treats.

Without fail, they loved the heart-shaped sandwiches along with heart-shaped cookies which they helped me make the day before. The tea was a Davidson Children’s Tea – Herbal Berry with real dried honey.

This day was exceptionally memorable for them and for me. We may not remember days, but we remember moments. Create one. I hope you make this Valentine’s Day special for someone in your life.

Toddler Tea Who doesn’t find pleasure in creating special memories with our little ones?

by Elizabeth Cerda



Book ReviewsA sure fire way for readers to evade cold doldrums is to be ensconced in a comfy chair with

a cup of tea and intriguing book while awaiting the arrival of warmer spring days. This is easily

accomplished with the newest releases from authors Fern Michaels, Laura Childs, and Joanne Fluke.

A ‘must read’ for fans of the ‘Sisterhood’ series by Fern Michaels is her EYES ONLY. As Myra, Annie, and the rest of the ‘Sisterhood’ make plans for their new mission, readers will agree that “this is so like old times… the excitement, the adrenaline rush, the danger, the plotting, the scheming, and making it all come together just the way we planned.”

THEIR DESTINATION: Prestigious Spyder Island, home of Angus Spyder, the wealthiest man in the world.

THEIR MISSION: To thwart Spyder’s efforts to overturn the legal adoption and gain custody of his twin grandchildren. Additionally, to free birthmother Gretchen Spyder who was kidnapped and is being held captive by her father. The camaraderie and sheer ingenuity of the sisterhood provide both heartwarming and heart-stopping moments on this “roller-coaster” adventure where sweet justice is served.

SCORCHED EGGS by Laura Childs is the latest thriller in her Cackleberry Club series. While Suzanne is having her hair colored at Root 66, she smells smoke. Rushing outside just moments before the building next door explodes, she watches flames engulf the County Services Bureau office. Fire and EMT personnel quickly rescue several people. Unfortunately, her friend Hannah Venable is not one of them, and when she is brought out on a stretcher, Suzanne learns that she has died. When arson is deemed the cause of the fire, Petra (co-owner of the Cackleberry Club cafe with Suzanne and Toni) wants justice for Hannah. At her urging, Suzanne and Toni soon find themselves hot on the trail for clues. Although suspects abound, Suzanne is able to incorporate her sleuthing with running the Cackleberry Club Cafe, barrel racing her horse Mocha Gent at the upcoming County Fair, caring for an owlet, attending Kit and Ricky’s vintage wedding, hosting Kindred’s first dinner theater production, and enjoying a blossoming romance. Readers will be intrigued by the various twists and turns as well as the surprise ending. They will also enjoy preparing the newest recipes, most notably Scorched Eggs.

Soon to be released DOUBLE FUDGE BROWNIE MURDER by Joanne Fluke is one Hannah Swenson mystery readers won’t want to miss! Romance reigns supreme at the Las Vegas wedding of Delores and Doc. The day brings a special matchmaking surprise as Doc’s best man turns out to be Hannah’s old college crush, Ross Barton. As their romance is rekindled, Ross shares his plans to move to Lake Eden if a job interview with KCOW works out.

The suspense over Hannah’s “upcoming trial for her involvement in a tragic accident” is almost over when Judge Colfax requests a meeting with Hannah and her attorney Howie Levine. While waiting in the anteroom to his chambers, Howie steps out for a phone call. Suddenly, Hannah hears “the sound of a crash, followed by a heavy thud.” Peeking into his chambers, she sees his crumpled body near a pool of blood. When Hannah becomes the prime suspect in his murder, her sleuthing skills get put to the test as she sets out to clear her name and find the killer.

And, last but not least, with the inclusion of Fluke’s trademark recipes, our teatime menus can be just as delicious as if catered by Hannah herself.

by Janet Pool

Spring Reading


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Kimberly’s Junk in the TruNk

Antique Sewing Machines and Unique Home Decor

We sell and service antique sewing machines. One of the largest selections of antique sewing machines for sale in Texas!

www.junkandtrunks.com

281-253-97855722 3rd StreetKaty, TX 77493

Gen’s Antiques540 W 19th St Houston, TX 77008-4064

(713) 868-2368gensantiques.com

From Seeburg Jukeboxes to Mid-Century and Classic

European and American Antiques.

Gen’s AntiquesWhen you're outfitting your home, Gen's Antiques has the selection of

furniture, art and collectibles to satisfy any taste and budget.

Voted Best Antique Store in The Heights- 2013 by The LeaderBest in Houston- 2014 by City Voter

.

With over 300 pieces of local and vintage art on display, Gen’s Antiques is proud to partner with

The First Saturday Arts Market every month.

www.FirstSaturdayArtsMarket.com

BBB Accredited Business

HOSTINGHouston HeightsMonthlyOutdoorFine Arts

Event

10 YEARSOF AWESOME!

Private Parties Meetings Catering

Party Trays Orders To Go

154 S. Friendswood DriveFriendswood, Texas 77546

281-992-8327 (teas)

TEA ROOM

Hours : 11- 2Monday - Saturday

Follow AntiqueTrail.com to discover over a 1,000 antique shops, malls, and shows in 12 southern states! One will find numerous upscale antique galleries as well as a melange of privately owned stores and multivendor malls with a mixture of antiques and vintage collectibles. However, the most delightful treasures one will find along the trail are the charming and knowledgeable people. Prepare for an experience in “southern hospitality”.

It can be difficult to select which shops to visit when one sees the map, but AntiqueTrail.com helps in that selection. There is a map of shops/malls/shows for each state, section of state, city, and shop. There are thousands of photos and each business has their own website and some have their Facebook and Blog links too!

In 10 of the south eastern states, there are brochure/maps in the state welcome centers and member shops; brochures are scheduled to be printed this year for five other states.

The shows and shops are diverse in their housing and locations. The Round Top Show in Texas is in the middle of rural pastures; Scott Antique Market is in Atlanta; Renninger’s Extravaganza is in a quaint Florida village. Some shops are in period houses: cottages, bungalows, farmhouses, log cabins, and antebellum homes. Other shops are in historical buildings that were once country stores, theatres, barns, banks or hardware stores. Some shops were built specifically to showcase the owners’ collections. Some malls are in huge recycled textile mills and tobacco barns.

AntiqueTrail.com members offer advertising, architectural pieces, books, china, crystal, glassware, historical paper, kitchenware, military items, paintings, porcelain, pottery, prints, rugs, silver, tools, and 18th, 19th, and 20th century furnishings and decorative arts. The trail offers antiques, mantiques, juntiques–painted, upcycled, recycled, repurposed.

The Cats Meow, on TxAntiqueTrail.com, is owned by Steven Porterfield who is a recognized expert in textiles and antiques. He appears on Antiques Roadshow, and some of his items have been used on shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire. High Street Antiques in Dallas is a must visit on the Texas trail!

Each state has its own unique collection of stores, shops and shows. In Louisiana, visit Ponchatoula with its nine shops; Shreveport has eight; Covington, Lafayette, Slidell, and Baton Rouge each have five stores. Slidell and Covington have annual Antique Shows.

Stay the night on the highly recommended BandBTrail.com: Old Magnolia House on TxAntiqueTrail.com, The Guesthouse at Rosecrest Farm on KentuckyAntiqueTrail.com, The Garden Inn on TennesseeAntiqueTrail.com, the Audubon Cottages of The New Orleans Hotel Collection, and more.

AntiqueTrail.com is an online photo tour, description, and map of antique shops as well as annual state brochure/maps. AntiqueTrail.com enables one to find “THE” antique for which one is searching and many antiques for which one was not searching but could not resist!

Serendipitously, AntiqueTrail.com is an experience in southern hospitality, a visual treat of the

architectural and geographical features of the United States and an opportunity to have a

small town/city encounter.

by Marcia Arnold


Featuring Afternoon Teas

Quilter’s Guild & Scrapbooking RetreatsFamily Reunions

Historic Galveston Island Blocks from the Beach

Prairie Street Heritage House

1118 Prairie Street Columbus, Texas 78934979-732-5555 | [email protected]

www.prairiestreetheritagehouse.com

Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room

O�ering High Teas - $17.50 - 2rd Saturday of month, 2:00 p.m.Reservations required 979-732-5555

May 9th April 11th February 14th

Have afternoon tea at Enchanted Lake, surrounded by beautiful country scenery. �en spend the evening gazing at stars before turning in to your choice of turn-of-the-century Texas Homes.

13300 Lehmann Legacy Lane, Cat Spring, Texas 713-301-3235

We think He had this in mind all along?Blisswood Bed & Breakfast

Bed

& B

reak

fast


If your teapot can have a cozy, why not your egg cup? Boil a soft-boiled egg, plop it in an egg cup, make toast soldiers for dipping (four rectangled slices) and top off the dish with an egg cozy for a little fun.

It’s a simple breakfast that kids love. Egg cups come in all shapes and characters, pair with fun salt and pepper shakers, then top off with an egg cozy, to keep eggs warm and to look pretty darn cute.

They will not forget it!

Bring on the Egg Cozy!

Photos courtesy of: www.lauraleedesigns.co.uk,

www.annabeljames.co.uk, www.tch.net,

www.leschi.de, www.kahla-porzellanshop.de,

www.sophieallport.com.


The Art CENTer of Baytown, Celeb� ting 60 yea�

FeB MaR

February 16 - 18: Vie Dunn-Harr Watercolor/Collage Workshop

110 W. Texas Ave, Baytown, Texas Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10-4 pm.

281-427-2222art-league-of-baytown.org

The Art League of Baytown is pleased to welcome visitors to our beautiful Art Center. You will fi nd the work of over twenty local artists offered for sale, including paintings, drawings, pottery, sculpture, hand-painted

porcelain and glass, original design jewelry. All work is original and falls within a variety of budgets.

March 15 – 31: 61st annual Spring Art Competition for all art media in 2D, 3D, and Photography

Art le s sons and special needs art class offered. Home school classes are monthly. Photography Interest Group and Gourd Art Interest Group starting soon.

Call the Art Center for details on any of these activities.

tea and the perfect duo.

Come to Baytownfor the finest floral arrangements at Boyd’s Blossoms and stay for lunch at the Mustard Seed Tea Room.

f lowers

Serving Faith Daily

...a charming and friendly Texas tearoom with a unique atmosphere for you and your friends with a garden, gifts and great food!Open Mon. - Sat. 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

112 Denny Street, Highlands, TX 77562(20 miles east of downtown Houston, exit 787 from I-10 east)

Reservations Encouraged - (281) 426-3670

TeapotDepotGreatFood.com

Houston - G

ulf Coast

Gal

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on B

ay


A world of German treasuresbeer steins | cuckoo clocks pyramids | glass ornaments amber jewelry | nutcrackers

plus German food items

210 Gentry St | Spring. TX

281-528-8877 germangifthouse.com

The Hat People

213 Main StreetSpring, Texas 77373

281-288-4772Open 11 am - 5pm

Wednesday - Sunday

INVITE YOUR GUESTSand let us do the rest!

Visit PTLgallery.com281-367-4901 [email protected]

318-A Main Street, Spring, TX 77373

Also featuring:Mark KeathleyAbraham Hunter

G. Harveyand many more!

Old

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Old T

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Art E

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SPRING ART MARK KEATHLEY

Trials or tragedies are inevitable as long as we are alive on earth. How we face them and go through them is what makes the difference between living in fear and anger or living in peace and joy. In REFUGE (pictured right), Mark Keathley depicts the truths that we all need to know and believe if we are to find the inner peace we all long for.

"Mark not only inspires myself and our family, but everyone who sees his work is inspired! He putsso much of his heart into his paintings that you are literally there," shares Rhonda Blair of PTL Gallery in Old Town Spring. "There is so much of his work that is scripture based, pieces like REFUGE, no matter how many times I see that one I cry. When you look at the stain glass window with Jesus, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego you feel the power of their faith in the Lord."

Mark Keathley grew up on the family cattle farm in East Texas and loved romping through the woods and across open fields. It was in this environment, where he first spied his mother's oil painting box in the attic of his country home. Now in fine galleries across the USA, Mark's favorite collectors are those who see his work, and want to take it home because it causes them to rest. His pieces are on display at the PTL Gallery on historic Main Street in Old Town Spring.

In REFUGE, the little girl has her hand on her daddy's shoulder as if to be telling him, "It's ok, Daddy." The father, himself praying for the lost ones and thankful to be alive, has the number 343 on his helmet - the lives lost in 9/11. The rays of light tell us it's a new day. You feel yourself sitting in the pew behind the father and his daughter. This piece will just tug at you!

GALLERY MOMENTSTEXAS TALK - Rhonda Blair enjoys visiting with tourists and local patrons at PTL Gallery. "One time I had clients in the gallery which I did not realize had not left, I locked them inside! I had to run down the street for a quick errand and a few minutes later my cell phone rang. The caller was a very nice man just curiously wanting to know how long they were going to be locked in! I was mortified!!," remembers Rhonda. "When I got back to the gallery, they were near the door. I opened it and told them there was a one purchase minimum to get out of the gallery! We had a very nice laugh about the whole thing and before they left, they bought Mark's painting WELCOME!"

Art

Esc

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57www.TeaTravelMag.com | Spring 2015


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2275 Dartmouth StCollege Station

acbv.org

A Contemporary Fiber Exhibit

February 7 -March 18, 2015

Short presentation by creator Dr. Don Locke Saturday at 10 a.m.

Free Admission

Nationally

Renowned

The Supper Quilt

On display at the

Bosque Arts Center

www.BosqueArtsCenter.org

215 S. College Hil l Drivein Cli fton, TX

254.675.3724

Saturday, March 14 10a-5p

Sunday, March 151-4p

BosqueArtsCenter_SupperQuilt_TeainTX black boxes.indd 1 1/16/2015 1:39:31 PM

Celebrating Food History and Tea Culture Consciousness

409 N Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155(830) 372-9905

www.mosheimmansion.com

Cooking Classes Events Stay

M O S H E I M M A N S I O N

FROM EVERY FIBER

Following an exciting gallery exhibit in 2013, the fiber arts are returning to the Brazos Valley with From Every Fiber! Artists from across the country are represented in this exhibit, on view at the Texas Gallery in College Station from February 7 through March 18.

From Every Fiber showcases the many forms that fiber arts take – from traditional to abstract, wall hangings to 3-dimensional pieces. Visitors will love seeing how artists are pushing centuries-old techniques into the modern era by utilizing non-traditional materials or incorporating technology. From weaving to knitting, needlepoint to wearable arts, there’s something for everyone at From Every Fiber.

The Arts Council of Brazos Valley is a non-profit organization established with

Cen

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Tex

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Central T

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1 S T ANNUA LT E X A S T E A F E S T I V A L

Tea Tastin’ Texas Style (y’all!)Tea Tastin’ Texas Style (y’all!)

February 8 2 0 1 5

at the historic Saengerrunde Hall at Scholz’s in Austin, Texas

Tea tastings, tea talks, tea samples, tea time treats, and tons more fun!

Mo r e i n f o a n d t i c k e t s :

TexasTeaFestival.com

$40

DELICIOUS CUISINE AND

A SAMPLING OF VARIOUS WINESSaturday, March 21 4 pm – 8 pm

FAYETTE COURTHOUSE SQUARE

151 N. WASHINGTON, LA GRANGE

LGUNCORKED.COMHosted by LA GRANGE MAIN STREET and LA GRANGE AREA CHAMBER

979-968-3017

THIRD ANNUAL

wine and food festival

GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS

the mission of making arts accessible to the citizens of the Brazos Valley.

The Art Center’s galleries are open free to the public Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm, Friday 9am-5pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm.Visit ACBV.org or call The Arts Council at 979-696-2787 for detailed exhibit information.

Maria ge Freres, Madame by Heather Clary

Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, The Louvre, Mariage Freres and Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris are all excellent spots to visit

while in Paris. Mariage Freres? Mariage Freres is a French tea company, based in Paris. It was founded by two brothers, Henri and Edouard Mariage in 1854. What started out as a wholesale only business has now expanded to include tea emporiums and tea salons. There are four tea rooms in Paris and their product line is available in many countries all over the world.

Along with an endless wall of tea selections, the tea salon and tea emporium has a nineteenth century charm from the counters to the cash register. This decor definitely takes you back in time.

In my travels, I always try to make time for afternoon tea. We live in a society that we are always on the go. Just slightly altering a schedule for a few peaceful moments allows us to reflect.

Heather's daughter Morgan, pictured, will study French Law this year in

Paris.

I love all things about the British peerage…seriously. When I discovered Downton Abbey, I was completely smitten! It is a beautifully executed piece of television. The only aspect I don’t like is that each season is only 8 episodes plus a Christmas special. It goes by way too fast!Since no occasion is too small to create a beautiful party, for the season premier Jessica and I decided to have afternoon tea with special treats before we settled in to catch up with Mr. Bates, Carson, Mary, and the rest of our favorite characters.

Since it was just the two of us, we set up a little trunk and chairs in the front garden. The day was slightly overcast and felt perfectly British. We had tea from Teavana and pastries from Kelly’s Bakery.

Jessica’s mother-in-law, Nancy, is the best junker around. Most of the items we used for the set-up were sprinkled throughout the front garden. The table cloth was my great-grandmother’s, the tea cups I found at a little thrift, and the teapot and dessert stand were Jessica’s.

Because this was a British tea, we got dressed up for the occasion. Pearls were a must for both of us, and I got to wear my fascinator that I received for Christmas. Pinkies up! We had a lot of fun, as you can see from the expression on my face!

This was our first time eating macarons. We LOVED them so much! The strawberry flavor with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries was by far our favorite. If you’re ever in Santa Cruz and would like to enjoy one of the delicious treats, go to Kelly’s French Bakery! After enjoying our spot of tea, we took the party inside to watch the episode. What was your favorite moment?

by Ranai Koch

Downton Abbey Viewing PartyO U R R E A D E R S L O V E T O S H A R E

Follow Ranai's Blog on QuteHoots.com

T E A T I M E P R O F I L E

L ady Di Taylor has fantastically created a teatime ministy in Houston that

celebrates the precise nature of this reprieve. For six years, Lady Di has ministered to crowds of women, taking special care in

providing etiquette tips to guests before attending the tea and during the

afternoon experience.

TT: How did you begin your tea party ministry?LD: I began this Tea Party Ministry in 2006 inviting exactly 50 Ladies to tea. I had no idea how the attendance would be, but to my surprise each Lady accepted the invitation and attended. Each were asked to wear hats, gloves, pearls and please be on time, “to be late would be an offense to the Host and no one wanted to be guilty of that”. Need I say that was the birth of a new ministry for me and I loved every moment of it. The ladies flooded my telephone and mail with thoughts of appreciation. They also wanted to be put on the list of invites for the next Tea Party so they could invite their daughters, mothers, sister, aunts and friends.

TT: Why is it vital to wear HATS, GLOVES and PEARLS for tea?LD: It is an elegant event at the Bellaire Civic Center. The Ladies are served by gentlemen who gracefully volunteer their time, and believe me, they are happy to serve them. These gentlemen

(who are dressed in black pants, white tuxedo shirt, black bowtie, cummerbund & white

gloves) cater to their needs from start to finish. They serve them

a variety of fruit, danishes and, of course, a taste of new teas while

the photographer is taking individual pictures. This is an opportunity for fellowship with others during the opening reception. Gifts are also given to randomly picked Ladies while they are waiting for the host to open the doors for tea.

TT: Guests receive such thoughtful attention from you, including a superb level of speakers who share their joy and blessings during the afternoon. Which is your favorite?LD: The experience includes a variety of guest speakers who minister through song, comedy, praise and bible study. If I were asked who was my favorite, I wish I could say everyone, but to be specific, I would say the Word given by my Pastor, Dr. R. N. Spiller. He always has a RIGHT NOW Rhema Word. I believe based on the response- the tears the laughter, the "Amen" from the Ladies- every women was ministered to, new revelation was given, many needs were met and Blessings were set forth.

TT: Celebrating your sixth year of ministry, do you feel energized at each event?LD: I am more excited each September

I put the event together. I am excited during the set-up, I carefully study each woman, I call them by their names (some I have never met). At the tea party, I shower them with gifts, tokens of love, because I want them to feel special on that day and my desire is for them to feel special for a very long time.

TT: Your loving message to christian woman is empowering. As a shy person, how do you gain the strength to speak on stage?LD: So many people have no idea that I am a very shy person, but there is something on the inside of me that gives me the strength to speak before people. I open my mouth and the God inside speaks for me. It’s the relationship and love I have for God, I spend time with Him and He speaks to me. He tells me what to say, so I can stand bravely before others and send that message. Sometimes I don’t realize what I have done until its done. I love what I do Lee! I look forward to sharing in this Tea Party Ministry for many years to come.

8

R I V E R O A K S G A R D E N C L U B

March 6, 7 & 8, 2015

80� Trail

Celebrating Spring for 80 Years. . .Let’s Dig In!

713.523.2483 • www.riveroaksgardenclub.org

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Texas TEA & TRAVEL Magazine Spring 2015