by Karlyn Pratt   
photographs by Elizabeth Messina 

TEA traditions are as rich in custom as the ceremony is to the wedding. In Chinese Wedding Tea ceremonies, lotus seeds and red dates are used to make the tea because it was believed that they helped produce children and their sweetness assured a sweet relation between newlyweds and their families. In Vietnam, engagement rings are often exchanged at a tea ceremony. In Japan, a tea ceremony is held to symbolize harmony between the newlyweds.

In America, according to some of the top wedding planners and coordinators, tea ceremonies are making a big comeback. The future brides and her bridesmaids are the first to enjoy for a bridal shower, a meeting with the parents, a thank-you for friends, or simply a much-needed break after all that planning. So whether you create your own tea party or gather at an established tea house, we have some great suggestions and places to visit.

One plant produces every tea in the world, the Camellia sinensis, an evergreen native of China which gives rise to more than 3,000 varieties of tea harvested around the world. There are six basic categories of tea: white, green, oolong, black, puer tea, a twice-fermented black tea, and flavored teas in every aroma imaginable—orange peel, peach leaves, berries, cardamom, cinnamon, jasmine, rose, magnolia, onion, pepper, to name just a few.  Any other tea is either a blend—like English Breakfast and Earl Grey—or an herbal infusion or tisane.

Tea houses are appearing all over California, offering traditional English-style Afternoon Teas, usually a Ceylon or Darjeeling accompanied by crumbling scones, thick conserves, petit fours, finger sandwiches and other delicacies. If more copious, it is traditionally called High Tea. Some tea houses offer a Japanese tea ceremony: green tea with traditional o-kashi sweets. Others offer Chai service, with fragrant sandwiches and rich cookies to accompany the sweet and spicy brew. Whatever your preference, a delightful tea is just a few short stops away.

We asked Kathleen of Kathleena’s Exquisite Tea Parties for advice. She says it’s the subtle touches that create atmosphere—delicate china, rose petals sprinkled on fresh linen.“I want guests to truly experience their tea.” She pairs finger sandwiches with desserts of different flavors; scones from La Petite Bakery and cakes from Heavenly Cakes and More complete the affair.

Tottenham Court in Ojai features dainty china patterns and silver spoons. Owner Andi says, “Serving tea is very personal. It is made special simply by creating a time and setting where it can be enjoyed. The presentation of the table, the aromas of tea, and pastries create a festive mood.”

You can host a lovely tea party at home by calling a tea expert to create a full tea-tasting experience. They will bring all the details. Or you can host your own. We recommend using loose-leaf teas; they are rich in aroma and flavor: find Zhena’s Gypsy Tea and Serendipitea at Lazy Acres, Lassens, and Whole Foods Market, or at www.gypsytea.com and www.serendipitea.com. And for petit fours, visit your local bakery to acquire handmade pastries.

Decorate tables with roses or exotic orchids! Melissa Lee of Events of Santa Barbara says mismatched cups and saucers packed with a packet of the tea to create the perfect memento. Mary Ann Knox of MAK Events, Inc. suggests serving tea with small morsels. “That way, everyone has a chance to taste the whole spread without feeling guilty.”

To brew the perfect pot, Kathy of Kathlean’s Yellow House in Camarillo says, “First warm the teapot to release the tea’s bouquet, use one teaspoon of tea for each cup, plus one more for the pot. Pour simmering water over the leaves. Infuse for three to five minutes and serve.

English-style
High Tea

Classic Assam teas, served with sugar and cream. try These: Lady Grey, Vanilla Darjeeling, and the quintessential British Afternoon. Finger Sandwiches: Salted rosemary, cucumber and cream cheese; Smoked salmon and capers; Roasted almond butter and hazelnut spread; Scones with fresh berry conserves and Devonshire cream; Lemon tea shortbread, chocolate truffles and petite fours.

Masala Tea from India is made of black tea with spices such as cardamom, ginger, pepper, and cloves. Its spiciness can be tempered by adding milk and sugar.

Oolong Tea is considered the champagne of teas. They are the finest, and therefore the most expensive, tea in the world. They go through a short period of fermentation which turns the leaves into a rich red-brownish peach color with a slight taste of smoke. It is best enjoyed without milk, lemon, or sweetener.

If spice is your life, Chai is your path to enlightenment. This tea glows a deep amber in its concentrated form and blossoms into a rich, luxurious beverage with honey and cream. The cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg add  depth and character to classic black tea. Just the thing to carry one from a lazy afternoon, to dancing into the night.

Green Tea has become all the rage for its seemingly unending health benefits and mild flavor—when it’s properly brewed. Try an orange blossom blend, or jasmine pearls for their delicate scent.

Irish Breakfast Tea is a robust black tea blend made with an Assam tea base. A very strong brew, it is usually served with sugar and milk.