ROSEBRIAR DINING IN THE COUNTRY

I would like to introduce y'all to a friend of mine. Her name is Debbie Sisk and she's the owner of Rosebriar Dining, in Eads, Tennessee...just east of Memphis. I first met Debbie when I lived in DeSoto County Mississippi through another friend who called me and asked "Would you like to go to lunch out in Eads with a group of ladies?" I asked "Where is Eads and what restaurant are we going to?" It was then that I learned about Debbie Sisk...She caters afternoon teas, luncheons, and dinner parties in her home. After my first visit, I was a true fan of Rosebriar Dining.

Debbie Sisk is the epitome of a Southern lady; she loves her family and home and she loves to entertain and shop! She has been serving guests in her home for over 16 years and does no advertising--just word of mouth from one Southern lady to another!

Debbie Sisk...owner, chef, and hostess of Rosebriar Dining.
Rosebriar...an "old" Southern planter's cottage...
Come on in y'all!

Here's my friend Miss Kara and another friend Michele. They recently enjoyed afternoon tea with Debbie. They are inside the darlin' powder room!
There is always a fresh floral bouquet in the foyer...

Miss Debbie has the most proper parlor ever! In an age before we all had the de rigueur iPhone in our hand, guests were received in the parlor. The proper parlor speaks volumes about you and your family! While I don't have a parlor in my casual Florida cottage, I most certainly had a real cute parlor in my Mississippi home.

Careful attention has been paid to details in Debbie's Southern genteel parlor...Her parlor evokes romanticism and charm and is reminiscent of the late nineteenth century...The lighting fixture...The fireplace with a patterned fire screen, which is functional as well as decorative...The distinct feminine frills..

Elegant fabrics on the settee and ottoman and tapestry pillows...
The formal dining room at Rosebriar...Debbie prepares the most fabulous gourmet meals and serves guests at this fab dining room table, which comfortably seats about 16 people. Luncheons, teas, and dinners are served here with fine linens, china, and silver.
Another awesome piece...in the dining room!

The precious "Overflow Table" ...when the amount of guests being served is over 16!
Miss Kara sent me these two photos and wanted y'all to see Miss Debbie's new re-silvered tilting pot. How stunning is this silver piece y'all?!!!

The awesome tilting pot--up close...I want one! I can't believe I don't already have one!!!

Oh how I loved teaching dining and social etiquette at Miss Debbie's!!!

I set up my place settings and accoutrements on tables in her fabulous family room...
During my etiquette program, Debbie prepared the fabulous food. Then the dining tutorial was enjoyed by the ladies.

If you are ever in the Memphis area, you simply must contact Debbie Sisk and make a reservation for lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. Her menus are customized to your tastes and preferences from a large selection of her personal recipes. Everything is homemade, prepared just for you.

You can visit Debbie at her website here. Or contact her by telephone at 901.867.7532 to reserve your place setting!

Tea With Miss Janice, Post #4

Tea time is anytime; however, there are certain names for special times of the day to take tea.

Breakfast Tea

Tea may be served at breakfast whether it is a hearty breakfast or breakfast in bed. I like to serve a muffin and fruit with tea on a tray to my overnight guests.

Breakfast Tea served on Blue Willow china--you can't be a tea lover and not have Blue Willow!

Elevenses
In Britain, workers take a tea break around 11:00 a.m. instead of a coffee break like Americans. Elevenses is my personal favorite--since I'm always working at home, I take an "Elevenses Break" for tea, crumpets, and jam. Crumpets are fat-free and delish; they are sort of like an english muffin, only softer and sweeter.

"Elevenses" at Miss Janice's Desk (yes, I use a knife and fork to cut the crumpet:-) I love this little teapot for one--I purchased it at the Magnolia & Ivy Tearoom in Destin, Florida (now closed). The tea plate and teacup & saucer is a favorite pattern of mine--Lenox Accoutrements, designed by Anna Griffin.
Full Afternoon Tea

Most Americans refer to afternoon tea as high tea because of its regal sound. However, high tea in Britain features heavier foods and is usually served AFTER 6:00 p.m.

The tradition of afternoon tea began in England in 1840. Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, would suffer from a sinking feeling around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Bless her heart--I get that also! She would invite friends to her castle for tea, sandwiches, and sweets. Soon afternoon tea became a widespread social practice, complete with rules of tea etiquette. Afternoon tea became known also as "low tea," because it was usually taken in a sitting room where low coffee tables are placed near chairs and sofas. Along with the tea, there are three distinct courses served at a full afternoon tea--savories, scones, and sweets.

Full Afternoon Tea with savories, scones, sweets, and tea

Cream Tea
A Cream Tea is taken in the afternoon and served with tea and scones with jam and clotted cream (the clotted cream is a must and the reason for the name).

A Cream Tea served using Lenox Eternal china, my bridal pattern.

Light Tea
A Light Tea is taken in the afternoon and served with tea, scones and jam, and sweets.

A Light Tea using Franciscan Ivy my mama gave me...I think it's a perfect china for tea!


Royal Tea
A Royal Tea is also taken in the afternoon and served with tea, savories, scones, sweets, and a special dessert. Champagne or sherry is also served at a Royal tea.

A Royal Tea with savories, scones and sweets

I served a champagne punch at my Royal Tea

A special dessert in addition to the sweets on the tea tray was also served.

Silver Tea
A Silver Tea is a fund-raising tea usually given by a Church or charitable organization.

A Silver Tea

High Tea
This is a heavy meal, not a dainty affair (no tea sandwiches here), and usually held after 6:00 p.m. Tea is served along with the meal.



If you've been following my tea posts for the month, so far you have learned: The history of tea and where it is produced, the varieties of tea and stages of processing, some health benefits of tea, how to prepare your tea, and today you've learned about the names for special times of the day to take tea. I hope you are enjoying National Hot Tea Month. It's a great time of the year to sip a cuppa of your favorite tea or try a new variety of tea!



This weekend I will be featuring a review of a tearoom here in South Florida. For me, this is one of the exciting things about moving to a different state--there's a whole lot of new tearooms to visit!



Tea always makes me feel a little more civilized. No matter where I take tea, I feel a calming charm. Tea conjures up feelings of elegance and gentility.