Archive for February, 2012
Here is a really amazing work of art that speaks to the effect that sharing a cup of tea with someone can have. It’s called the ripple effect tea table and it was created by artist Jeonghwa Seos as part of a project called “The Geography of Objects” presented at Eindhoven Academy. The concept and execution are really simple and elegant, and illuminate why the tradition of taking tea is still so significant today.
The piece is your basic rectangular table with one key difference, it’s surface is made up of a thin layer of water that is disturbed every time someone puts down a cup of tea on the table. As one person sets down their cup, it sets off a series of ripples that extends all the way across, affecting the entire surface through concentric rings of movement.
It’s a really beautiful way of showing how when you share tea with someone, you’re sharing so much more. In a digital age where personal contact is becoming a rarity instead of the norm, talking over a cup of tea remains one of the most important interactions we can have with someone. It springs from our basic instinct for sharing and interacting. The design of this table also prompts us to consider the fact that, for better or worse, we have an ability to affect each other in meaningful ways every day, even through what seems like a small or casual social interaction.
We love having The Tea Smith as a place for people to gather and share time with each other. Taking tea with someone is a great way to slow down, catch up, have a meaningful one-on-one, and create ripples that extend far beyond the time it takes to sip a cup of tea.
February 25th, 2012
Besides being a tasty staple of tea time, a cup of chamomile can bring a host of other benefits as well.
Some of the benefits of this particular floral herbal infusion have been widely shared. It’s a great, natural sleep aid that can help people deal with disorders like insomnia or general restlessness. The small plants from which this tea is derived contain chrysin, a sedative that can help relieve anxiety and stress.
When used externally and not in brewed form, it can do everything from improving hair (particularly fair hair) to treating rashes and sunburns.
Besides being a remedy for rattled nerves, chamomile has also been used in alternative medicine as an antispasmodic used to prevent muscle spasms like stomach discomfort in the gastro-intestinal tract. This antispasmodic attribute also makes it a great way to treat menstrual cramps. Chamomile can work as an anti-inflammatory as well, helping to ease the discomfort felt by infants during the unpleasant stage of teething, as well as in seniors dealing with problems like arthritis.
Meanwhile, recent studies on animals have shown that chamomile might even have an effect on complications of Diabetes 2, such as vision, nerve and kidney damage.
At the Tea Smith, we currently have three different varieties to try out. Three distinct tastes, all with the great benefits of chamomile!
Eastern Chamomile - Produced with the flower heads of finest chamomile. Relax with a cup of this traditional favorite.
Chamomile with Lemon - This lovely combination will win new chamomile fans. A citrus spark enhances the mellow flowery liquor.
Mint Chamomile - While chamomile has a sleepy reputation, this blend livens things up with a burst of peppermint.
February 18th, 2012
From Ancient China, to Alice in Wonderland, to the Boston Tea Party, the history of tea parties is as varied as it is long. Although you could argue that most people have lost some of the pomp and circumstance surrounding these affairs, there’s no reason why tea parties can’t make a comeback!It doesn’t matter if you are an expert who is a stickler for tea etiquette or a total neophyte looking to steep yourself in some new knowledge of the craft. Here are a few key things that can improve any tea party:
Invitations
You can make your tea party especially momentous by sending out nice invitations to all your guests. Make sure to include details about to wear. It doesn’t have to necessarily have to be a stuffy affair, but guests will appreciate knowing if they should dress up for a garden party or Tea with the Queen. Traditionalists will tell you that tea time is promptly at four o’clock. Whether or not you adhere strictly to this rule, late afternoon is a great time for tea as you wind down the day.
Have Variety
A good host is prepared with a lot of options for his or her guests. Have some classic options like black and green tea available, but don’t be afraid to surprise your guests with some exciting options as well. An unusual tea can be a great conversation starter, and your more adventurous guests will appreciate the opportunity to try out something new and exciting.
Set the Mood
Whether you’re indoors or outside, eliminate any distractions that may detract from your experience. Tea time is about great conversation and enjoying your guests on a personal level. Set aside a time and a space that will best serve an atmosphere of casual and lively conversation; one that puts your guests at ease.
Sharing is Caring
You can invite your guests to bring food or drinks to contribute, making it a communal affair. It’s a great way to let guests be involved with putting together your tea party. It also takes some of the burden off you as a host!
Ritual and Etiquette
When it comes to the right and wrong way to do things, the host sets the tone. You can be as fancy or casual as you like, but it’s important that, whatever the case may be, your guests are along for the ride. If you are going for an old-fashioned approach, make sure your guests are up-to-speed on rules and protocol so that they don’t end up feeling like a faux paus factory.
February 11th, 2012
Wondering what to get that special someone for Valentine’s Day? Tea can be a thoughtful way of letting someone know that you value your relationship with them. There is something very intimate about sharing a cup of tea with someone you care about. The ritual of brewing an aromatic tea while warm steam fills the air can be a very sensuous experience that stimulates great conversation. It’s a way of opening up, sharing and creating warm, long-lasting memories together. Show your love, friendship or appreciation with one of these sweet gifts this year.
The Sweet Embrace Gift Basket makes for a really lovely Valentines Day gift. It includes Sweet Serenade White Tea, Finest Lady Grey, and Sweet Pomegranate Green Tea. The Inside Heart cup is a simple but striking detail that makes the presentation of this basket a sure-fire delight for anyone who receives it. It also comes with a simple infuser (for steeping loose tea leaves), and a delicious small chocolate to enjoy along with your tea.
The Big Hug Tea Gift Basket for Her is a great gift for any number of special ladies in your life. It’s especially great for ladies on the go. It contains a pink version of our very popular travel press, complete with a small compartment that can store an extra stash of tea leaves. This set includes samples of Finest Lady Grey, Sweet Serenade, and Subtle Strawberry White tea. It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without some chocolate treats thrown in there as well.
And for Him, there’s also a special Big Hug Gift Basket especially tailored towards tea-loving guys. As well as the requisite chocolates, this gift basket comes along with the popular travel press in Paprika, a bold red color that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. This set includes samples of samples of Earl Grey, Blacksmith Blend black tea, and Dragon Well Green Tea.
The Pretty in Pink set is a great catch-all for friends, lovers, heck–even relatives that you might want to give a special surprise to on February 14th. Like our other baskets, it features a few different teas like Sweet Serenade and authentic White Tea kissed with peppermint. Real rosebuds sprinkled generously throughout make this a deliciously floral and aromatic delight, especially when served from out two-cup teapot in Pink. Hurry though, as there are only a few left in stock! Don’t forget, the best kind of tea is the kind you share! We hope these gift baskets help you have a memorable and Happy Valentine’s Day.
February 4th, 2012