Most tea enthusiasts have a special place to keep gourmet tea, cups and saucers, teapots, accessories, food stuffs and other items for anytime tea parties. These delightful spur-of-the-moment tea events promote a sense of well-being and are always fun and relaxing.
Whether with friends or enjoying tea-for-one, anytime tea parties can be held with whatever you have on hand; however, there are a few staples that should always be available. Make sure to keep a sufficient supply of the following on hand at all times:
- Gourmet tea (loose leaf is preferred)
- Decorative teapot (Assam, Yixing or bone china would be great)
- Tea kettle or electric thermo-pot
- Infusers, tea filters or other steepware
- An assortment of tea cups and saucers
- Lemon packets, sweeteners, honey or flavored syrups
- Lemon curd or strawberry preserves
- — Pre-packaged scone mixes
Feel free to add to this list as you discover unique tea time treats. Who knows, you might even expand from a single shelf in the pantry to an entire cabinet of tea party goodies!
The food prep is included here as well as the tea accoutrements. That makes for a tea party that includes things to eat. It’s a good idea to keep the food handy for any tea tastings where local people are invited. –Spirituality of Tea
I try to keep some cookies or other goodies around and if I am cooking something stinky, go outside for tea. Garlic, fresh basil and some other things are not good tea companions, although they make a lovely pesto, yum.
You’re absolutely right about the spices and herbs. To avoid smells from garlic, onions and other herbs, I keep my tea party items in a separate tea cabinet that I purchased years ago. It’s a small stand alone “buffet” cabinet that fits nicely in a corner of my kitchen. Althea