Tea-Time

It is so very important to rest everyday. I say this not because a resting moment is ideal for rejuvenation and energy as well as a tea party (we'll get to that later). I say it because if it weren't for Chinese Emperor Shen Nung, who, about 5,000 years ago decided to rest along the way to a lengthy journey, he wouldn't have discovered tea.

History has it that as he rested beneath a fruit tree, his servants boiled water (something that was done for Hygienic purposes). Once they handed him a glass of hot water, several leaves from the tree fell into his glass creating an interesting, almost refreshing taste. He loved the flavor the leaves gave the water and...tea was born!

When tea made it's way to Europe, it became a fancy drink. Victorian ladies with elaborate hats (like the one pictured above) and corset dresses prepared brunches-- all served on elegant silverware and fine china but the staple of the meal -- was the tea. So in case you're interested in practicing the effeminate tradition (men are always welcome too), here's how to throw a tea party:

1. Start out with a guest list of about 10 ladies. Create some pretty invitations with lace appliques and cursive writing. Remind the women that a mellow tea gathering is important in this age of television, Internet and video games.

2. On the day of the tea party, set up a table, preferably in the garden surrounded by flowers or in a bright living room. Decorate the table with a flowery table cloth, place settings, doilies and fresh flowers. Remember to have demitasse cups and saucers in each place.

3. At one end of the table, you set the tea kettle (it can be a really simple kettle, like the one our lingerie model above, points at, with her brassiere). Next to the tea kettle, you place sugar, milk and lemon. (Make sure you have a variety of tea so that your guests can choose what accompaniment they prefer on their tea). At the other end of the table, you place a coffee jug, also with milk and sugar next to it.

4. On the center of the table, make sure to have such treats as scones, biscotti, cinnamon cookies and fruit tarts as well as pastries like danishes, peach pie slices and chocolate cake.

Hopefully everyone will enjoy a good time and good conversation but please don't feel alone:

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~Author Unknown