Tea Party

Green Tea, White Tea, Peach Tea, Herbal Tea, Iced Tea, Hot Tea...you name it, I love tea. I inherited this love of tea from my mother. Growing up in our house, tea was the perfect bedtime drink. Just the smell of chamomile or lavender and my eyelids get heavy. Today, I still enjoy a cup of tea before bedtime, but I also love a strong breakfast blend in the morning to get me going. Since it's always a good time for tea, I've put together a list of my favorite teas, tea kettles and just a few fun facts about my favorite drink.

~The Great Debate: Loose Leaf Tea vs. Tea Bags~

I personally prefer the convenience of the tea bag considering I usually only have one cup of tea a night, and I’m the only one drinking it. It’s so easy to boil a small pot of water, pour it in a mug, and toss in a tea bag. However, if I’m going to be serving the tea to houseguests or friends, or plan on having more than one cup (say on a Saturday or Sunday morning) then I will brew loose leaf tea. Doing so requires a tea pot with a removable infuser (see below), so that the tea leaves can be suspended in the water and then removed once the tea has brewed. Loose leaf tea produces stronger flavored tea than a teabag, and also stays fresh longer. If stored properly, dry loose leaf tea can be kept for up to two years.

~A FEW OF MY FAVORITE TEAS~

Celestial Seasonings “Sleepytime Vanilla” Herbal Tea: This is my tea of choice when winding down after a long day at work. My mom always made it for me when I was younger and it's still a favorite! It’s caffeine free and helps relax my mind and body and get ready for a night of peaceful slumber. I love how the rich vanilla flavor blends perfectly with the mix of chamomile, spearmint and lemongrass. 

Celestial Seasonings “Cinnamon Apple Spice” Herbal Tea: Another favorite of mine, this tea combines the perfect blend of cinnamon and apple with a hint of creamy butterscotch. Heaven in a cup. 

TAZO “Passion”: A fresh blend of hibiscus, rose tip, citrus, mango and passion fruit. This tea, served over ice, is perfect for a hot summer day. 

TAZO Refresh: Warm blend of Peppermint & Spearmint leaves with a hint of licorice-like Tarragon. 

Teavana Roobios Peach Blossom Tea: This is a light and refreshing loose leaf tea. Its perfect whether you prefer your tea hot or iced. Roobios tea is not actually a tea but a African red bush root often called "red tea." 

I love these little triangle shaped infusers by Tea Forte. Try the Bombay Chai Black Tea for a strong blend of spices including cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. 

 

~TEAPOTS AND KETTLES~ 

Ideal for the lover of loose teas, this traditional teapot is fashioned from clear glass so you can watch the tea seeping. The infuser has tiny holes so it keeps even the smallest leaves from escaping into the tea. 

Bodum Glass Teapot ~ $54.00 ~ William Sonoma 

You can't go wrong with this classic tea kettle from Le Creuset. Made from the same high quality craftsmanship as their cookware, this kettle would be a perfect addition to any kitchen. Not to mention, it comes in so many pretty colors! I love the blue! 

Le Creuset Tea Kettle ~ $70 ~ William Sonoma 

Isn't this the cutest teapot you have ever seen? I love the beautiful cherry blossoms on the side. 

Cherry Natura Cast Iron Teapot ~ 149.99 ~ Teavana

Here is a slightly less expensive clear bodum teapot from Target.

Bodum Assam 4-Cup Teapot ~ $29.99 ~ Target

Tea for one? This 2 quart teakettle brews just enough water for one or two cups. It's small, cute and the best part...easy on the wallet. Save money on the kettle, and buy more tea! Pick one up at Target! 

Copco Cavalier Teakettle ~ $18.69 ~ Target 

~PRETTY PRETTY TEACUPS~ 

I'm loving these adorable tea cups and mugs from Anthropologie! 

Cadiz Mug ~ $10

I adore anything with a monogram. Anything with a G? Yes please! 

Monogram Mug ~ $6

Sip-of-Nectar Mug ~ $12

Backyard Rows Mug ~ $12

Verdant Acres Mug ~ $10

~GIVE THE GIFT OF TEA~ 

Want to learn more about tea? A sampler of loose leaf green teas from The Art of Tea is a great introduction into the different varieties of Green Tea. Each tea sample is packaged in a resalable pouch and contains around 1-2 ounces, or 15-20 servings. Sample flavors include: Green Kukicha, Gunpowder, Jasmine Pearls, and Green Tea Pomegranate.

ART OF GREEN TEA SAMPLER ~ $19 ~ The Art of Tea

No matter if it's for yourself or for a tea loving friend, a membership to the Tea of the Month Club is the perfect gift. Experience tea classics, rare finds and specialty blends created exclusively for Tea of the Month members. Each month, 2-3 ounces (approximately 30 servings) of a new tea will be shipped. 3, 6, and 12 month memberships available. 

Tea of the Month Club ~ 12 Months $150 ~ Art of Tea