Iced tea. Just right sweet. Smooooooth and full-bodied taste with absolutely no bitterness. Best served with the clink of ice cubes. Wheels has become the resident iced tea maker and all around expert. And this recipe is for THE best sweetened iced tea. Ever. And it is so easy to make! Wheels starts with a good brand of tea. Luzianne or Lipton are available almost everywhere. Stock up when they are on sale. His preference is the big one gallon tea bag from Lipton. Start with four cups of water in a microwave safe container and microwave for 90 seconds. Add the tea bags, pushing them into the hot water with a spoon so that they are covered. Steep -- let them set in the water -- for a few minutes to let the water draw out the flavor. Smaller tea bags will need ... [Read More]
tea time
Tablescape for Brunch and Tea
Technically, this should be titled "Brunch with a Tea Party theme and a nod to Valentine's Day". Because tea is served mid afternoon. It didn't even qualify for Elevenses. The invitation read 10 am. This affair was an American hybrid. Tea and nibbles served when it fit the schedule of those attending. But no matter, because the reason for getting together was to have fun and good food no matter the time of day. Or the weather; because it snowed -- and snowed -- and snowed! I love using this beautiful white and gold china that belonged to Wheel's mother. The graceful shape of the pieces makes my heart sing. And so do the raised swirls and curls of the design, elegant white on white. White damask napkins clasped with a ring topped with a silk gardenia. Gold ... [Read More]
Create a formal invitation
What will we do next time? How about a tea party? And so we did. A formal affair with written invitations. Just for fun. The invitation started with a kit and some scrapbook bling. But it could be made with cardstock or heavy scrapbook paper. Anything that you can print on. Because you print the invitation first. Request the honor of the invitee’s presence. Spell out where and what date and what time. Ask them to let you know if they will attend and give them a phone number to call. Use the letters RSVP. It is French: “répondez s'il vous plaît” or answer please. But it really means “call your hostess and say yes or no. If you don’t your nose will fall off and you will be sorry.” Truly. When the invitation is printed, add the bling. And then put it in the mail. ... [Read More]