We are occupying two-thirds of the picture above in Society Magazine's spring issue talking about how to prepare the perfect spring tea! And let us tell you, tea is something we are passionate about. Take a look at the article above, or if it's easier, you can read it below.
"Spring is a time for graduations, bridal showers, and baby showers. Luckily, throwing a tea can be the perfect answer to each event. But how do you host the perfect tea at home that's chic and not kitschy? It's all in careful selections.
First, know your demographic.
'Younger people prefer more floral teas and fruit blends, like white pomegranate, which is high in antioxidants,' said Highland Park High School graduate and Single Origin Teas owner James Orrock. 'Older people prefer more traditional teas like Earl Gray or English breakfast.'
Be sure to note the season and any dietary needs of guests. Orrock recommends avoiding Earl Grey for the summer, for example, because the bergamot increases the skin's sensitivity to sun.
'Most people don't know that flavored tea does have gluten,' Maudee's Cafe and Tea Room owner Shardon Yarbrough said.
Want to punch it up a little? Add in some adult beverages.
'Tea cocktails are really popular at the moment,' Orrock said, 'You can do a jasmine green tea with gin, or some people do a chai bourbon to get the spices.'
If you need to keep your tea underage-appropriate, however, you can always go the iced-tea route.
'Around springtime in Texas when it's 100 degrees outside, you don't always want to drink hot tea,' Orrock said.
He recommends freezing floral teas such as hibiscus, which makes a bright fuschia color, to make ice cubes, and then putting them in your tea. But what about the rest of the menu? Ultimately, it's all in the size.
'It should all be small,' Yarbrough said. 'Whether you do scones or little muffins, make them mini. It's harder to eat a regular-sized scone when everything's balanced on your lap.'
The final key to throwing the perfect tea is to remember the classics.
'Certainly, have cucumber sandwiches,' she said. 'Everyone expects to see cucumber sandwiches at tea.'"
