It's Teatime: Why Now?

Before there was television, there were timeless interactions between family and friends designed to encourage connection, comfort feelings, quiet time, and socialization with people of like-minded practices.

It’s a ritual that our ancestors delighted in for bonding, whether you drink tea alone or gather with family and friends.  The bonding symbolized “welcome and trust.”

Tea is a historic and soothing drink, especially during the winter days.  There are days of the week, we would find ourselves saying, “let us talk over tea.”  Then a delicious cup of chamomile tea is poured and accompanied with snacks. 

In the 19th century, a tea pot sat on almost every table and many rituals became normal practice. Teatime was a social setting on a Sunday afternoon in the home or in the garden.  Ladies gathered in their best attire and big hats just to attend a tea party.  It became the social event of the week.  Who’s on the guest list and what would be discussed.

The table was lined with a beautiful tablecloth and a crochet overlay.  The fabrics captured the guest’s attention and created a conversation piece.  The platters were packed with cucumber and palmetto sandwiches, and let’s not forget the tea cakes and array of strawberries.

These assortments of goodies are breathtaking, but the highlight of the party is the array of teacups and tea pots. They were hand-painted, dazzled in gold and silver, dashed with flowers, birds and unique designs.  Most of all, each teacup and tea pot stood in attention as if they were saying to us, “pick me to drink tea from.”

For many years teatime had become unpopular, until now.  Today, many people are finding ways to provide emotional support, comfort and trust to those in need. The social gatherings have begun again, and the tea sets are high in demand.  Tea parties are back on the map and the rituals that were once vacated are now alive and thriving.

Do you have your tea pot and teacups for your tea party and social gathering.  If not, get them soon, so we can talk over tea.