Thursday, December 11, 2008

Tea and Inspiration

With one of my favorite trees (tea-theme) aglow, this month I am sipping a Gingerbread Spice Herbal Infusion. It's a caffeine-free herbal beverage infused with cinnamon, ginger, roasted chicory root, and roasted barley malt. Yes, these are teabags--I am not a tea snob! Remember that all tea comes from the Camellia Senensis plant and all tea has caffeine. If it's caffeine-free, then it's not tea, it's an herbal infusion.










I am browsing through two books from one of my favorite style mavens--Mary Carol Garrity. She is the owner of Nell Hill's home furnishing shops in Kansas City and Atchison, Missouri. 75,000 visitors a year travel an average of 100 miles to visit her stores. Nell Hill's Christmas at Home offers inspirational ideas for holiday decorating and gift presentation. Entertaining in Style includes tips, techniques, and themes for entertaining in the Nell Hill-style. If you have never read any of Ms. Garrity's books, you don't know what you are missing. Her books inspire me over and over again--I never get tired of her style! Check them out--I think you will love them. I just love this quote from Mary Carol Garrity:

"A well-set table is one that delights guests, sparks conversation, and reflects the host's personality."

Mary Carol Garrity

I hope that each of you find some time to slow down during the Christmas season, find one of your favorite magazines or books, and enjoy some holiday tea!
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29 comments:

  1. TardevilDecember 12, 2008 at 8:51 AM

    Oh, don't I wish I had time to slow down & read a magazine! My free time is going to blogging! :O) Love the tea tree...and I'm going to have to try that tea - sounds good. Impressed that the lids are still on your little teapots while they're hanging!

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  2. *Pink Preppy Party Girl*December 12, 2008 at 9:00 AM

    Now this is too cute. What a cleaver idea.

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  3. AnonymousDecember 12, 2008 at 9:33 AM

    i love your saving about setting a table.i will try to remember it...ann

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  4. LillyBDecember 12, 2008 at 9:35 AM

    Now this is just adorable!! What a great idea!!!
    Have a great weekend!!!

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  5. a.December 12, 2008 at 9:38 AM

    Cute idea - I am a big tea drinker myself!

    I am going to be posting something tea related later today that I thought was very clever.

    Thanks for the info. regarding address the Christmas card!

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  6. SueDecember 12, 2008 at 9:44 AM

    What a precious tree! Most of our entertaining is done for our huge family and I rarely get to set a pretty table any more. Next week though I'm entertaining a small group of ladies and am so looking forward to setting a proper table.

    I am so enjoying your blog and gracious southern hospitality.

    Hugs,
    Sue

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  7. SuzannDecember 12, 2008 at 9:48 AM

    Such a clever idea! Perhaps I will try this next year in my kitchen area.

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  8. GoneDecember 12, 2008 at 10:06 AM

    What a divine post!! I love the Tea Tree!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan

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  9. Lady KatherineDecember 12, 2008 at 11:09 AM

    Hi Miss Janice, Yes I love my boots, Thanks to You! I could not got out and enjoyed the snow. Hubby threw away my old ones, I had before we went traveling around with our job. I used my boots to go and take care of any farm animal you could name, plus 100 or so sheep and angora goats. I love to spin and weave. Your tea tree is so lovely! I love the pearls with the tea and cups and spoons! What a lovely idea! I am wondering how you have the time, with a new home! You have to be super woman! It just lovely!

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  10. UnknownDecember 12, 2008 at 11:29 AM

    I have a tea tree as well bit I never thought about hanging tea bags from it. What a great idea. I love your tree.

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  11. GlendaDecember 12, 2008 at 11:40 AM

    I just this morning ordered a Spode "tea for one" cup brewer in the Christmas Tree pattern. I enjoy tea whether hot or cold. Enjoyed your tree very much. Glad you showed some close-ups since I couldn't get the pictures to enlarge.

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  12. Christi December 12, 2008 at 11:54 AM

    so cute!

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  13. BoDecember 12, 2008 at 2:11 PM

    OK, that does it!! I absolutely must have a tea cups & saucers tree next year after seeing yours & Cindy's at http://romantichome.blogspot.com/ As much as I love dishes, I can't believe I never thought of this great idea...so darling! ;-) Bo

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  14. SandraDecember 12, 2008 at 2:53 PM

    Darling Tree! Love your blog :)

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  15. On The Wings Of LoveDecember 12, 2008 at 11:09 PM

    ....I am such a tea lover - what a brilliant idea to do a tea tree !

    I just tried Celestial Seasoning's "Herbal Infusion" - Candy Cane Lane Green Tea. I loved it - pepermint, creamy vanilla and decaf green tea with a hint of cinnamom and sweet blackberry leaves.Perfect before going to bed.

    Cheers,
    Bre

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  16. playsdollsDecember 12, 2008 at 11:22 PM

    I just love your Tea Tree,it is so wonderfully different.You have such talentsIt is a pleasure to come by your blog each day.

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  17. Melissa MillerDecember 13, 2008 at 12:46 AM

    Love the tea tree! How precious is that idea. :)

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  18. Confessions of a Plate AddictDecember 13, 2008 at 1:27 AM

    Oh Miss Janice..I love your tea-themed tree! The tea cups add just the right touch! Yes, when I was in France, I learned all about infusions. They believe that they have medicinal properties. I'm afraid I'm a hardliner, myself. I need the real thing. Enjoyed your post!...Debbie

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  19. NanetteDecember 13, 2008 at 3:00 AM

    Very pretty and colorful, really catches your eye.
    Valerie

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  20. Teresa JaneDecember 13, 2008 at 6:20 PM

    I think maybe I'll make a coke tree. I like coke better than tea. Whatcha think?
    BFF

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  21. Envoy-etteDecember 13, 2008 at 7:53 PM

    You've reminded me when my husband returns, we will again enjoy our evening tea. Thank you for mentioning Nell Hills shop, I think it will persuade him into a trip to MO.! As for table setting, I agree. It can be fun for the entire family and even my man has brought home salt & pepper shakers to go with the china!

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  22. Lori December 13, 2008 at 11:15 PM

    The tea tree is lovely and very unique. I meant to comment the other day about your gifting station. I was very impressed with it. I liked how it was set up. I had never seen one put together in that manner. Happy Holidays!

    Lori

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  23. Melissa MillerDecember 14, 2008 at 11:32 AM

    Hi Miss Janice,

    I have passed on the Christmas Spirit award to you!
    When you have a moment come by.

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  24. Sit A SpellDecember 14, 2008 at 12:40 PM

    Ok, I must confess...I've been told, I AM a tea snob! I do love Twinings of London, but prefer the cut sold in England. It really is different. I have both and truly prefer my British Twinings. The box is very diffeerent too. I also like Fortnum & Mason of England. (most of their tea is from India) What a great story behind this company too!

    When I lived in Colorado, I was only 10 minutes from Celestial Seasonings! It is the ONLY plant they have...it smells sooo good! As you said, most of their tea is not "tea" : ) My hubby still goes to CO for business and brings me fresh "tea" from Celestial!

    Soooo...I love your tea tree!

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  25. Nancy RosalinaDecember 14, 2008 at 1:03 PM

    Hi Miss Janice, What a sweet tree! I have been slowing down...enjoying the sights and sounds of the fast moving season! Nancy

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  26. AnonymousDecember 14, 2008 at 7:20 PM

    Afternoon, Janice! Oh, thank you for coming to see my little collection of dolls and I'm so glad you've enjoyed my Christmasing! Now, I'm a tea lover and this post of yours is right down my alley. Love the little tree!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  27. AnonymousDecember 14, 2008 at 8:29 PM

    HI Miss Janice! What a beautiful themed tree! Just the prettiest for all the tea lovers out there!(I'm a coffee girl though!lol)Still love the tea theme!!! Your gift wrapping area is to die for! Such pretty papers I wouldn't want to give them away! Sincerely, Jeannette

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  28. Kristens CreationsDecember 14, 2008 at 11:48 PM

    Hi Miss Janice, What a cute tree! I love it!

    You might want to stop by my blog.......

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  29. UnknownDecember 15, 2008 at 7:20 PM

    A TEA TREE! Only you! : )

    I love it!

    ~Liz

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