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Ellen Easton's Columns and Recipes:
Tea Menus:
Afternoon Tea a la Francaise
Check out this French inspired tea menu.
 Afternoon Tea From The Garden
A traditional afternoon tea menu was not created with the dietary restrictions one faces in today's modern world. To be mindful of vegetarians, as well as
those watching high cholesterol, blood sugars, and heart healthy choices, creating a healthy afternoon tea menu can be a challenge.
Autumn Afternoon Tea
Whether your afternoon tea is prepared from scratch, store bought items, or
a combination of the two, the key to any good party is a balanced
menu. The occasion need not be an expensive endeavor, provided all
items are served fresh and presented in a style pleasing to the eye,
your guests are certain to have a great time. Do not be a tea snob,
but regardless if the teas served are loose-leaf or from a tea bag,
all tea must be decanted before pouring.
Buffet Tea for Easy Entertaining
It is very simple to have a buffet tea a home. A buffet tea needn’t be expensive, nor time consuming to prepare.
There are many marvelous sources available by mail order and in your local supermarkets. All it takes for one to create a beautiful
buffet tea party is imagination and a good guest list. Check out Ellen hints and tips for the perfect buffet tea.
Gluten Free Tea Menu
You can have a wonderful tea party without the worries with this Gluten Free Tea Menu. Whether your party is an indoor formal affair or an
outdoor garden celebration. It is a great excuse to put on your favorite dress, pearls, and gloves with the added indulgence of a
fabulous new hat. Invite your friends and loved ones for a festive gathering that is gluten free.
 Mother's Day Afternoon Tea Menu
Mother's Day should be everyday. Celebrating the women who raise children is not limited to just the women who give birth. Any woman who takes
the time to nurture and oversee the well being and development of another, often sacrificing their own needs and dreams, deserves
distinctive recognition. We would not be who we are without these wonderful people.
Rose Garden Tea with the Queen
Maintaining a tradition that began in 1860 with Queen Victoria, every year Queen Elizabeth II opens the private gardens at Buckingham Palace to host
three afternoon tea parties, each attended by 8,000 guests respectively.
 Springtime Tea Menu
A springtime tea is the perfect time of year to embrace the luxuries of fashion. Whether your party is an indoor formal affair or an
outdoor garden celebration. It is a great excuse to put on your favorite dress, pearls, and gloves with the added indulgence of a
fabulous new hat. Invite your friends and loved ones for a festive gathering.
Summer Rose Tea
According to the folklore of tea, once upon a time a lady was not allowed to socialize unescorted except in her rose garden.
It was here women met, unrestricted by social rules of etiquette, to speak freely amongst the roses. Throughout Europe,
during the 1800s, the theme of the rose continued to weave a thread, as afternoon tea flourished in both the public gardens and tearooms.
Victorian Tea
A delicious and beautiful menu for an outstanding Victorian Tea.
Tea Salons:
Afternoon Tea Renaissance - The Plaza's Palm Court
Surrounded by the European splendor of the Palm Court courtyard, the afternoon tea caters to the different tastes of its sophisticated
clientele. A blend of the best tea - time traditions with new and innovative ideas, creates a balance and flavorful combination to
appeal to all guests.
Bergdorf-Goodman Prêt-A-Portea - Afternoon Tea for the Fashionista
Cafe BG in Bergdorf-Goodman, New York City's epitome emporium of chic and The Berkeley of London have combined forces to present the
ultimate three-course afternoon tea. When the craftsmanship of couture meets the artistry of haute cuisine the results are fashion
week fabulous.
Lady Mendl's Tea Salon
An absolutely charming establishment tucked away inside New York City's Inn at Irving Place.
Located in the heart of the Gramercy Park historical district, when one ascends the front staircase, one enters a splendid 1800s
townhouse replicating a world gone by.
Tea Articles and Information:
Afternoon Tea - Food Service Styles
With so many serving options
available, anyone can have a tea party and serve with ease. Learn
about English-Style Tea Service, French-Style Tea Service,
Russian-Style Tea Service, and Buffet-Style Tea Service. The
information is by Ellen Easton and her book, Excerpt From A Tea Party Planner.
A Tea Tasting
For your own enjoyment, a special event, a theme party, business venture or classroom education, having a tea tasting is an easy and
fun way to explore the vast variety of offerings available in the world of tea.
Broadway's Best Teatime Rituals
I have been fortunate to know many talented people in the Broadway community, including the late Katherine Hepburn,
as brilliantly portrayed by four-time TONY nominee Tovah Feldshuh in TEA AT FIVE, sharing a mutual love of afternoon tea; Linda Purl, star of the TONY
nominated TOM SAWYER, a life-long friend, and I have spent many an afternoon sharing our lives over a cup of tea; Lucie Arnaz, THEY’RE
PLAYING OUR SONG; and three-time TONY award winner Charles Strouse, beloved composer/lyrist of BYE, BYE BIRDIE, APPLAUSE, and ANNIE. Each have their own
unique tea rituals. I am an advocate in the belief that one should never be a tea snob, as tea, in any incarnation, fosters friendships.
Decorating Teatime Sandwiches and Savories
Decorating teatime sandwiches and savories can be as easy as using a cookie cutter, scissor, and vegetable scraper.
One need not be a master chef to create a pretty and imaginative presentation.
Decorating Teatime Sweets
Valentine's Day or any other festive occasion can be dressed up with easy to prepare decorated sweets.
One need not be a professional to enhance beautiful treats.
Etiquette Faux Pas and Other Misconceptions About Afternoon Tea
Due to the new popularity of Afternoon Tea, many people have jumped on the bandwagon, including hotels, caterers, party planners, and protocol
and etiquette “experts.” While their enthusiasm is well intended, unfortunately a great deal of misinformation is being
perpetuated by these “experts.”
How To Brew Perfect Tea
Learn how to brew a perfect pot of tea. Article excerpted from Tea Travels... For the Holidays, Anyone Can Make Perfect Tea, by Ellen Easton.
Invitation to Afternoon Tea
The invitation has just arrived in the mail. What do you do next? When one is invited to an afternoon tea, or any event for that matter,
there are protocols that apply and should be followed.
Metropolitan Museum of Art's Treasure Trove of Tea
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located at 1000 Fifth Avenue,
nestled in the heart of New York City's Central Park's upper East
Side is a treasure trove for any tea lover. As there are literally
over eighty-thousand tea related objects of decorative art, silver,
porcelain, furniture, sculpture, paintings, and photography, one
could literally spend an entire day or more exploring the artistic
wonders that the museum has to offer.
Retro Dinner Parties
1959 Back Yard Tented Summer Dinner Dance for 50 people and an early 1960s Sit Down Christmas Dinner for 20 people.
Tea and Health: Exploring Herbal Teas
For thousands of years, much has been written and said about the health benefits of tea. It is important to consider the source of
information before embracing it. It is equally important never to begin any new dietary or supplementary regime without consulting
with your personal physician.
Tea Time Enhancers
Flavors can enhance your teatime experience. While some flavors complement one another, there are no rules as to how you combine
them, only personal preference. Be mindful that the added flavors do not overpower the original tea or food. A plain tea
may be turned into a chai by adding a dry spice mix. A plain scone may be enriched by the harvest of a season’s offerings.
Edible flowers, fresh or crystallized, are always a welcome addition to add beauty to your tea time.
Tea Time F.A.Q.
Ellen Easton answers questions asked by readers of her book and this web site.
Tea Glossary - Tea Terms and Definitions
Navigating the landscape in the world of tea can be a daunting task
for those who are not familiar with the vernacular. Whether one is a
tea aficionado or a novice entering the tea arena, understanding the
terms may help to enhance one's overall tea time experience.
Teatime with Lady Carnarvon at Highclere Castle - the Real Downton Abbey!
As I have a family link to Highclere Castle through my great grandmother’s relation to Almina, 5th Countess of Carnarvon,
I thought it would be interesting to explore the tea traditions with the current and 8th Countess, Lady Carnarvon.
The Afternoon Tea Gowns
La Belle Epoque,1880-1914,”the beautiful era”, was a gilded age,
bringing with it great opulence coinciding with the demise of the old fashioned aristocracy and traditional ways. Dominated by a
society indulging in the refinements of luxurious elegance, the era was defined by women unburdened with financial constraints who were
able to gratify themselves with extravagant home entertaining and fin-de-siecle esthetics.
The Gift of Good Manners
The holiday season is a time for celebration and gift giving. To insure a good time is had by all, there can be no better gift than the gift of
good manners™. No child is too young begin the learning process of civility and no adult is too old to refresh one's social skills.
Practicing a few simple rules, in advance, will guarantee that the guests as well as the hosts will feel comfortable and relaxed at the holiday table.
Understanding the reason why a rule is, in fact, a rule can be helpful when teaching a young child. As early as possible engage young children
to participate in the process. Children will learn by watching and doing! Take the time to set the table correctly. Designate one day a week for
each child to set the table. Have a private tea party to make learning not only educational but fun.
Understanding Tea Time Service
Afternoon Tea is one of the most special times of the day. An occasion one looks forward to with great anticipation and high
expectations for a perfect experience. But have you ever considered what your perfect experience entails to produce?
What is a Tea or Etiquette Consultant?
Just because a person or institution has a high profile, TV presence, books with pretty pictures, attends trade shows, or an attractive advertising campaign
does not necessarily mean they are providing accurate information or are the best teachers. Before signing on for an expensive program,
do your homework, consider the source and question the background and credentials from whence the information is provided.
Yerba Mate
Is it a tea or is it an infusion? The answer is Yerba Mate can be both. Yerba Mate can be a tea provided that the
Yerba Mate leaves are blended with tea leaves. Revered for centuries by the native peoples of the Guarani tribe for
its medicinal qualities, of late scientists and consumers alike are rediscovering the wealth of health benefits associated with Yerba Mate.
Ellen Easton's recipes:
Beverage Recipes:
 Apple Tea Toddy
Ellen's Holiday Tea Blend
Hot Chocolate
How To Brew Perfect Tea
Learn how to brew a perfect pot of tea. Article excerpted from
Tea Travels ... For the Holidays, Anyone Can Make Perfect Tea, by Ellen Easton.
Iced Tea Punch
Maple Tea
Cakes and Tea Bread Recipes:
 20-Layer Crepe Cake
Almond Honey Pound Cake
Chocolate Icebox Cake
Cinnamon-Vanilla Tea Cake with Spiced Crumb Topping
Financier Almond Cake
French Chocolate Cake with Peppermint Cream
Gingerbread Tea Loaf
Mini Vanilla Cupcakes
Pumpkin Tea Cake
Reva's Rose Petit Four Cake
Quatre-Quarts Pound Cakes
Spring Bonnet Petit Fours
Candy and Cookie Recipes:
 Almond
Macaroons
Candied Orange Rind
Chewy Ginger Cookies
Crystallized/Candied Edible Flowers
Maple Shortbread Cookies
Mini Chocolate Tea Brownies
Mini Vanilla Meringue Kiss
Orange Blossom Infused Chocolate Truffles
Sugar Cookies
Toasted Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
Condiment Recipes:
Apple Butter
Pumpkin Curd
Rose Petal Jam
Tea Sandwich Spreads (Orange Marmalade Spread and Fig Spread)
 Misc. Dessert Recipes:
An Apple A Day
Apple Butter, Apple Biscuit Scones,
Apple Boursin Cheese Open Face Finger Sandwiches, and Apple Tea
Toddy Recipes
Baked Apple Sauce
Hazelnut Creme Filling and
Maple Creme Filling
Tea Infused Eggs (Marbelized Eggs)
Tea-Infused Orange Cream Pudding
Savory Recipes:
Almonds - Learn About Almonds
Financier Almond Cake, Almond Glaze, and Almond Whipped Cream Recipes
Betsy's Black Bean Salad
Chicken Ginger Curry and Toasted Coconut in Endive Leaves - Gluten Free Recipe
Goat Cheese and Fig Cucumber Cups - Gluten Free Recipe
Holiday Pumpkin Soup
Marinated Beet and Roasted Walnut Cornucopia
Mushroom Lemon Dill Tartlet
Reva's Vegetable Quiche
Salmon Mousse with Cucumber Sauce
Tuna Nicoise in Celery Stalk - Gluten Free Recipe
Scone Recipes:
 Apple Biscuit Scones
Ellen's Plain Scones
Holiday Butterscotch-Ginger Tea Scones
Lavender Scones
Orange Cranberry Scones
Plaza Scones - Pastry Chef Jasmina Bojic's Scones
Rose Petal Drop Scones
Tea Sandwich Recipes:
 Apple Boursin Cheese Open Face Finger Sandwiches
Decorated Easter Egg Tea Sandwiches
Tea Sandwich Spreads (Orange Marmalade Spread and Fig Spread)
Turkey-Cranberry Sliders
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Ellen Easton is a lifestyle industry leader, tea and etiquette authority, author of Afternoon Tea~ Tips, Terms and Traditions,
A Tea Party Planner and Tea Travels™ For The Holidays (RED WAGON PRESS), as well as a hospitality, design and retail consultant, whose clients have included The Waldorf=Astoria,
The Plaza, and Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon.
Easton’s family traces their tea roots to the early 1800s, when ancestors first introduced tea plants from India and China to the Colony of Ceylon,
thus building one of the largest and best cultivated teas estates on the island.
REVA PAUL, an internationally acclaimed confectionery artist, hand decorated floral sugars and mints are available by special
order for teas, weddings, and special events. Wholesale/Retail - Bulk & Gift boxed. All prices on request via RED WAGON PRESS (212) 722-7981.
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AFTERNOON TEA...TIPS,TERMS and TRADITIONS
By Ellen Easton
72 pages of how to’s, 27 photos, history, etiquette and FAQ about afternoon tea, serving styles and more. “Tea is the luxury everyone can
afford!™”
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TEA TRAVELS™FOR THE HOLIDAYS
By Ellen Easton
64 pages, 21 color photos. A complete holiday menu includes 25 easy to prepare recipes; theme teas, decorating & gift ideas; invitation template
and secret sources.
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Each 5 x 7 paperback book fits into an A-7 envelope for
easy mailing, great gift or party favor item. Each book
is $20.00 post paid. Continental US Only. Final sale.
(Wholesale and Fundraising accounts are welcome. Call
for Special Prices) Please include your name, address
and telephone number for shipping. Please make check or M.O. payable to: RED WAGON PRESS and send to: RED WAGON
PRESS, 45 East 89th Street, Suite 20A, NYC, NY
10128-1256
TEA TRAVELS™, Wishing You Happy TEA TRAVELS!™,
“Tea is the luxury everyone can afford!™”
and Good $ense For
$uccess™ are the trade marked property of Ellen Easton/RED WAGON PRESS.
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