Sisterhood of the Traveling Tea Cups

Be it a hot pot or a tall frosty glass on a warm summer’s day, Tea has a unique way of satisfying both the body and the spirit. I’ve opened my friends to the world of tea — must be the British in my blood!

For many years I have hosted an annual tea party complete with scones, tiny crustless sandwiches and pots of tea served in pretty china cups. A different theme each year — the Mad Hatter’s Tea, Wizard of Oz Tea, or Valentine’s Tea — the girls are always excited to see what surprises the evening will hold. A few of us have also ventured out, visiting tea rooms and establishments that hold high teas, traveling the tri-state area and as far as Massachusetts on our quest for perfection, and some time away from our busy schedules.

At times my granddaughters Kayla and Olivia join us, which makes me happy — not only do we get to spend time together, but they are learning about their heritage and how their ancestors passed along a tradition.

We are all on overload — working mothers and caregivers with full schedules — so when we can carve out free time it has to be more than grabbing a quick cup of coffee, which seems so impersonal. At tea you feel pampered and relaxed. It gives us a chance to vent and share and laugh and recharge our batteries. A little TLC does a body good.

My friends Donna and Janine and I are notorious for quietly rating each experience. For me the biggest mistake an establishment can make is not serving loose tea. It distracts from the whole ambience to see a tea tag hanging from a pot.

Our favorite: High SocieTea House in Wayne, NJ checks all the boxes for an impeccable tea experience. You enter into a small yet charming boutique of tea paraphernalia, gift shop items and teas, then are seated in a cozy separate room with elegantly set tables, lovely china, linen tablecloths and napkins. The wait staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Prior to taking your order they will explain the featured tea of the day and pass around a small glass dish of its leaves for you to see and smell. When your pot arrives, your server will pour through a strainer resting on your cup. The food is great, the scones fresh and warm, and they offer a gluten free menu.

If you are in need of some sisterhood time, or want to treat yourself to something special — try a tea experience. It will do wonders for your spirit.