|
Welcome to The Tea
House Times Interview Resource Center
From time to time we will interview
businesses that have something nice to offer those who enjoy afternoon tea.
Visit our
Contact page to sign up for
our email list to automatically receive these interviews via email.
Below are current and
past interviews with Tea Business Professionals.
Click the links just
below OR
scroll down the page for each interview.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT
GRANDMA RAE
RUTH WESTON, TIME WAS ANTIQUES
GRACE MA, COASTLINE IMPORTS
MARILYN MILLER, MARMALADY'S
KIMBERLY SHAW, KIMBERLY SHAW GRAPHICS
MAXINE HOLMGREN, MAXINE'S MYSTERY TEA PARTIES
JEAN FORNEY, HAND PAINTED ROSE
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE, THE COZY TEA CART
EARLENE GREY
ANNELISE PITT, THISTLEDOWN COZIES
DAWNYA SASSE AKA LADY DAWNYA, TEA EVENTS
DIANE SIVERSON/LADY DIANE HATS
BONNIE PORRO, THYME FOR TEA
NAN TAYLOR, TEA GRACES
RACHEL JOHNSTON, SBS TEAS
SARAH E., MISS SARAH'S TEA WARE
JOANMARIE MOCCIA,
VICTORIA'S JEWELRY BOX
CHERYL DUNBAR, TEA
TIME BINGO
GEORGE JAGE, WORLD
TEA EXPO
SUE ELLEN
COOPER, EXALTED QUEEN MOTHER, THE RED HAT SOCIETY
GARY WORRELL,
CHRISTOPHER BROOKES DISTINCTIVE FOODS
LISA WYNN, ARTISAN'S
CUP (formerly Teas By Design)
LADY GAYLE:
Did you listen to an interview of Lady Gayle of
The Tea House Times at Tea Radio? If you missed it, click
here to listen.
INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH KNIGHT
May, 2008 www.theteahousetimes.com
Elizabeth Knight is frequently called upon as a tea
and hospitality authority, sharing her knowledge of tea and entertaining through
speaking engagements, television and radio appearances, and as the author of
such popular books as Tea With Friends, Tea In The City: New York,
Welcome Home, and her latest Celtic Tea With Friends. She has
researched and written numerous articles about tea and travel for several
publications.
Knight's corporate
experience includes the creation of retail special events, consumer seminars,
and sales training programs. She has analyzed and coordinated product
assortments, formulated buying and merchandising strategies, and created
plannograms for manufacturers and retailers.
Please visit
www.teawithfriends.com
INTERVIEW WITH ELIZABETH KNIGHT:
LADY GAYLE: Please share with us
some of the topics you offer for speaking engagements.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT:
Tea Tastings
Ditch that soggy tea bag! Today's teas are gourmet beverages as complex and
interesting as wine. Learn how to select, store and brew fine tea. This program
includes a sampling of various loose leaf teas.
Taking Tea
English tea time traditions include at least six different ways—and times—to
take tea, the beverage and the meal. Just what is the difference between high
tea and an afternoon tea? What's on the menu? What should be eaten first? Does
the milk go in first or last?
The Art of Tea
The story of tea is the story of civilization, society, art and manners. This
program presents the flow from East to West, past to present.
Wardrobing Your
Table
Parties should be memorable for guests and host alike. Learn practical and
imaginative tips for creating a special event including how to choose a theme,
create a centerpiece with things you already own, and mix and match china to set
a table with personal style.
Collecting and
Decorating with Tea Accoutrements
What is a tea cosy, tea caddy, caddy spoon, mote spoon, strainer, lemon fork?
Where do they come from? Do they have a place on today’s tea table? Don't just
dust your collection; learn how to use and display it.
LADY GAYLE: I see
you also offer consultations to assist with Visual Merchandising and Tea
Consultants/Educators. Please share with us one of the main points of each – a
way that you are helping others through your consultations.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT:
Visual
Merchandising: Visual merchandising is the physical arrangement of product
displayed in a way that attracts customers and stimulates sales. Start by
arranging like items/colors with like.
Tea Consultants/Educators: One
key difference between an entertainer and an educator is educators add to the
audience’s knowledge while seeking to influence their attitudes or behavior.
Educators must educate themselves before they can enlighten others.
LADY GAYLE: Your
Merchandising seminar has been a top ten seller at World Tea Expo. Are you
speaking at the expo in 2008? If so, when is your seminar scheduled? Please
provide a brief description of the subject matter.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT:
I will be presenting a new version of Merchandising, Your Silent
Salesperson and Secret Weapon, with photos of European and Asian tea shops, at
the World Tea Expo on Saturday, May 31st @ 8:30 AM.
LADY GAYLE: It was
my pleasure to accompany you on one of your New York City tea tours. Please
tell our readers the various tours you offer.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT:
I offer walking, sipping and
shopping tours highlighting tea traditions around the world. The most popular
tours are THE WORLD IN A TEACUP - ENGLISH, FRENCH
& ASIAN TRADITIONS & CHINESE TEA TRADITIONS which includes a dim sum meal and
how to order tea with sign language!
LADY GAYLE: Please
share an overview of your latest book, Celtic Teas With Friends.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT: Tea parties are a
quintessential English tradition. For centuries, people have entertained in this
delightful way with little knowledge of customs that originated in Cornwall,
Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Celtic Teas With Friends offers 13 tea party
plans, menus recipes, entertaining tips, decorating ideas and suggestions for
things to make and do. Readers will discover a lively St. Patrick’s Day
ceilidh tea, a Scottish Hen Party Tea, A Sip-n-See Baby Blessing Tea and A
Welsh Hiareth Housewarming Tea among many others. Part party planner and
reference too, this practical guide helps readers entertain with style and
warmth in the gracious tradition of Celtic hospitality all year long. The
hardback book is full-color; illustrations throughout, 112 pages, and retails
for $19.95.
LADY GAYLE: Are
your books available by retail, wholesale, or both? Can the books be purchased
via your website?
ELIZABETH KNIGHT: I sell my books
at retail and wholesale at my appearances and on my website,
www.teawithfriends.com . Or over the
phone; call 866-616-1154.
LADY GAYLE: Will
your books be available for purchase at the 2008 World Tea Expo? If so, what is
the booth number? Are you having a book signing?
I will be signing all 3 of my tea
books at the World Tea Expo in the Elmwood Inn Fine Teas booth, # 206, on Sat.,
May 31st.
LADY GAYLE: Thank
you for your time. Best wishes for continued success with your books,
presentations, tours, and other services.
ELIZABETH KNIGHT: Thank you, Lady
Gayle, for the opportunity to chat. Looking forward to visiting you in your
booth at the World Tea Expo and catching up with other members of the Mid
Atlantic Tea Business Association.
Please visit
www.teawithfriends.com
BACK TO TOP
INTERVIEW WITH
GRANDMA RAE
March, 2008
www.theteahousetimes.com
This month we are interviewing Grandma Rae. Rae is
Grandma to everyone. Read Grandma FAQ at her website and you will find that she
enjoys doing business the old fashioned way and has created many friendships
through her beautiful creations. Grandma Rae offers much more than the
Friendship Tea Bags she is known for. Everything is made with Tender Loving
Care and includes many specialty tea gifts, cards and keepsakes. Visit
www.grandmarae.com
INTERVIEW WITH GRANDMA RAE
LADY GAYLE: One of the very first products of yours
I saw at a local tea room here in NJ – your Friendship Tea Bags. These are the
nicest little treat to send someone in a card or a small party favor, or a small
gift for no reason at all. Please tell us about your Friendship Tea Bags.
GRANDMA RAE:
I am always amazed how much joy a tea bag, a bit of fabric and a phrase of
friendship can encourage, comfort and bring a smile. I recently received a
touching email from a soldier in Afghanistan. She had received one of my
Friendship Tea Bags along with a teddy bear. You never know what a cup of tea
means to someone.
LADY GAYLE: Aside from the Friendship Tea Bags, you
have been creating some fabulous aprons using vintage linens, tell us about
those.
GRANDMA RAE:
Reclaiming vintage linens is a hobby of mine. I
think it’s a shame that so many beautiful pieces of handwork are stored away and
forgotten. Instead of Aunt Gladys’ bureau scarf being stuck in a drawer, it can
be enjoyed and used as a tea cozy. My new website VintageHandwork.com features
many of my reclaiming projects. Right now I’m working on turning a lovely
tablecloth into a vest.
LADY GAYLE: I see at your website you offer:
Friendship Tea Bags, Tea Wallets, Tea Aprons, Tea Cozies, Little Teapot Bags,
Tea Sacks, Larger Tea Sacks, Tea Pad Gift Sets, things for Cat Lovers, Items
made with Vintage Fabrics, Hankie Gifts, Lace Cards, Encouragement Cards and
more. What are teapot bags and tea sacks?
GRANDMA RAE:
You know, I really must thank Danielle from the
Cozy Tea Cart for that idea. She and I were chatting last year and she asked me
if I thought I could make a fabric teapot for her loose tea. I enjoy making
them, especially picking out the buttons for the knobby on top. The Tea Sacks
are another way to gift tea. Buy a lovely tea pot and fill a tea sack with
either loose tea with a tea ball or bagged tea. I think that would be a lovely
gift for a tea drinker.
LADY GAYLE: Do you offer retail, wholesale, or
both?
GRANDMA RAE:
Both. The pricing shown on my site is retail.
Shop owners need to request wholesale pricing.
LADY GAYLE: Your creations are a true labor of love
and such a nice treat to buy. Which of your products would you recommend as a
keepsake to pass along to our children? What would be a special gift for moms
on Mother’s Day?
GRANDMA RAE:
I think a lovely pass along keepsake or Mother’s Day gift would be to take some
of those old linens out of mothballs and allow me the privilege of changing them
into something that will be seen or used each day. I enjoy making new things
from new cloth. However, if there are old pieces about perhaps Mom would like a
tea cozy or a tea wallet she could carry with her each day, a reminder and a
link. Or if there are enough linens - a baby quilt for one generation to pass to
the next.
LADY GAYLE: Thanks for your time, Grandma.
GRANDMA RAE::
Thank you Lady Gayle for allowing me to share a
bit of myself with your readers.
Here is how to contact Grandma Rae –
Click here to
Email:
Snail Mail:
Grandma Rae.com
PO Box 155
Hibernia , NJ 07842
Call Rae: 973-664-0986
BACK TO TOP
INTERVIEW WITH
RUTH WESTON, TIME WAS ANTIQUES
January, 2008,
www.theteahousetimes.com
This month we are
interviewing Ruth Weston, Time Was Antiques. Ruth sells a huge selection of
antiques and collectibles and is a member of the Antique & Collectible Dealers
Association. Ruth goes to England every year for a month long buying trip to
find special treasures for Time Was Antiques. New items are added to their
online inventory almost daily. With an inventory of over 6,000 items, if you do
not see what you are looking for online, just ask, they may have it in the shop
but not yet posted online. Visit the website:
www.timewasantiques.net
LADY GAYLE: With
so much in stock, what is your specialty?
RUTH, TIME WAS
ANTIQUES: We keep an ever growing inventory of English antiques, uniques, tea
related items and collectibles with a British accent. We specialize in Shelley
China and always have over 100 items of Shelley in stock. We have over 6,000
items with only a portion being on the webstore.
LADY GAYLE: Tell
us about your tea specific selections.
RUTH, TIME WAS
ANTIQUES: We always have over 200 cups and saucers from every period and style
to add a bit of joy to your tea time.
LADY GAYLE: Other
than tea related merchandise, what do you carry?
RUTH, TIME WAS
ANTIQUES: Time Was Antiques is adding wonderful English antiques and
collectibles that make the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. We always
carry small silver items like knife rests, sugar tongs, watch fobs and spoon
sets and specialize in exquisite items for the tea table like Shelley China
including chintz patterns. We always have more than 150 items of Shelley China
in stock for collectors old and new. We always have lots of English royal family
commemoratives, especially Princess Diana and Prince Charles.
Time Was Antiques
always has wonderful collectible teacups and saucers, teapots, pie birds,
plates, Dunoon mugs, Staffordshire bone china floral paperweights or posies; We
also have a wonderful selection of antique and vintage jewelry.
LADY GAYLE: What is new to your site?
RUTH, TIME WAS
ANTIQUES: New items are added daily like Shelley
China, Cottage Ware, Wedgwood and Adams jasperware, fabulous silver figural
knife rests, sugar tongs, napkin rings, teacups, teacup trios, biscuit jars,
transferware, Torquay Mottoware and everything for an elegant tea table.
LADY GAYLE: Thanks for taking time to tell us about
your wonderful collections. There is so much to see all in one place! It is
much better than searching through a flea market! Please visit Ruth’s website
at
www.timewasantiques.net
Time Was
Antiques, P. O. Box 2151, Sequim, WA 98382-2151, USA
Visit the website:
www.timewasantiques.net
BACK TO TOP
GRACE MA, COASTLINE IMPORTS
December, 2007
www.theteahousetimes.com
INTERVIEW WITH GRACE MA, COASTLINE IMPORTS
Coastline Imports was established 10 years ago in Southern
California. The Company has been supported by its parent company, one of the
largest and most reputable manufacturers of tableware in China. Coastline
supplies all your tabletop needs, while maintaining the highest standards at the
lowest possible prices. Coastline has a professional product development team
capable of creating stunning new ideas and designs throughout the seasons.
LADY GAYLE: What types of products do you offer?
GRACE: Gracie Bone China. Fine Porcelain Openwork and
Texture raised Cake Serving Ware. Traditional Chintz. Porcelain tea wares.
LADY GAYLE: Are the designs traditional, seasonal, or
both?
GRACE: Both traditional and seasonal.
LADY GAYLE: Are your products available retail or
wholesale? How can shops find out about wholesale purchasing?
GRACE: Most of our products sell to wholesale. Our Website
also offers several promotional products for consumers.
There are three ways to purchase wholesale:
1. online website 2. Phone call. 3. gift show, sales rep.
showroom. The details and information can be found at our website.
LADY GAYLE: I see your website offers a description of How
Ceramics are Made and includes Ceramic, Earthenware, Stoneware, and Porcelain.
What are most of your products made from?
GRACE: Most of our products are Fine Porcelain and Bone
China. Ceramic and Earthenware are for our Kitchenware and Tabletop garden
product.
LADY GAYLE: Will you be exhibiting again in 2008 at World
Tea Expo? If so, what is your booth number?
GRACE: yes. Our booth number is 637
LADY GAYLE: Please visit
www.coastlinetabletop.com to register for access to product information.
Visit Coastline at the 2008 World Tea Expo (
www.worldteaexpo.com ) More contact details for Coastline below:
Coastline Imports,
17959 East Ajax circle, City of Industry,
CA 91748, USA Tel: (626)336-3399 Fax: (626)336-8978 Toll:(888)80-COAST
(26278) Email:
sales@coastlinetabletop.com Web:
www.coastlinetabletop.com
BACK TO TOP
MARILYN MILLER, MARMALADY'S
August, 2007
www.theteahousetimes.com
INTERVIEW WITH
MARILYN MILLER, MARMALADY’S
This month we are
interviewing Marilyn Miller, Marmalady’s,
www.marmaladys.com Marilyn grew up in the apple orchards of Northern
California and developed a love of fresh fruit and all things made with fruit.
The women in her family have always prided themselves on making the best apple
pies and jams. Now Marilyn is well known for her delicious jams and jellies.
LADY GAYLE: How
and why did you start your business?
MARILYN MILLER,
MARMALADYS: Marmalady's came from a desire to share a pot of tea with my
friends and family. A desire to create a place of calm, comfort and beauty. A
warm pot of tea and a moment with a friend brings great joy. Combining the love
of tea and fruit has always made sense. It is a connection to growth that
bubbles up as a joy in me. This combination of tea and fruit has come to
fruition in Marmalady's.
LADY GAYLE:
Marmalady’s is known for delicious jams and jellies. What makes your jams and
jellies special?
MARILYN MILLER,
MARMALADYS: Marmalady’s jams and jellies are my own recipe developed with tea
and no preservatives. They come from a lifetime of making jams and jellies.
LADY GAYLE: What
flavors of jams and jellies do you offer?
MARILYN MILLER,
MARMALADYS: Chai Applebutter, Apricot Darjeeling Jam, Berry Berry Ti Kuan Yin
Jam, Pear Lemon Marmalade with Organic Green Tea, Rose Tea Jelly, Earl Grey Tea
Jelly, Orange Triple Sec Marmalade, and Cherry Amaretto Jam.
LADY GAYLE: Please
tell us more about the tea infused jams/jellies. Is brewed tea used, tea leaf
pieces, or both?
MARILYN MILLER,
MARMALADYS: Brewed tea.
LADY GAYLE: What
other products do you offer for sale?
MARILYN MILLER,
MARMALADYS: Both retail and wholesale Marmalady’s offers their jam, jellies,
and wrap style tea cozies. Retail only are Marmalady’s vintage reproduction
apron, teapots, teaspoon, Korean tea cup, tea books, and filters. Because my
background is in product development, I am always working on new products and
hope to have a couple new products in the next year.
LADY GAYLE: Thank
you for your time and as you say on your website ~ “Thanks for sharing in this
passion. Tea makes the heart sing.”
Contact Marilyn
Miller ~ Marmalady’s:
Email or write to
Marmalady’s, 6435 N.E. 25th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97211 –
marijm@earthlink.net
Visit
www.marmaladys.com
BACK TO TOP
KIMBERLY SHAW, KIMBERLY SHAW GRAPHICS
July, 2007
www.theteahousetimes.com
For centuries tea has helped us to slow down for brief
moments to either enjoy those close to us, or make time for kindling new
friendships. Tea is the catalyst by which we sit at a small table with a friend
or serve with a snack of blueberries and cream for the family. We invite
neighbors in to warm themselves at a Christmas tea, or serve tea out on the lawn
at a garden luncheon. Tea is a gift we share with others when we share our time
with them. Kimberly Shaw Graphics products are designed for you to share in the
tea experience!
www.KimberlyShawStore.com
INTERVIEW WITH
KIMBERLY SHAW
LADY GAYLE: How
and when did you start this business of creating such beautiful art upon cards?
KIMBERLY SHAW: I
began making handmade greeting cards from the desire to share the real meaning
of Christmas. The idea of making cards by hand came from a local greeting card
store that specialized in handmade paper and cards. For ten years I hand-painted
and assembled Christmas cards, each containing a small gift, and gave them to
friends, family and co-workers. Eventually, friends persuaded me to sell my
cards. My mother encouraged me to sell cards at a home boutique, along with her
basket of dishcloth doilies. At that boutique, a dear woman invited me to
display my cards with her at a trade show. From the trade show, a sales
representative offered to market our line in her territory. And so began
Kimberly Shaw Graphics.® One of the
greatest joys was receiving an order from the same specialty greeting card store
where I first discovered handmade cards twelve years before. Kimberly Shaw
Graphics® has continued to grow in this same miraculous way.
LADY GAYLE: Tell
us about your product line. It is much more than cards.
KIMBERLY SHAW: We offer an adorable teacup line of
almost 100 cards that include occasions such as holiday, birthday, thank yous,
get well, blank cards, invitations and more. In keeping with our tea theme, our
line also offers other fun tea-themed stationery items such as notepads,
stickers, and calendars - sure to suit the taste of girls of all ages!
LADY GAYLE: Many
tea rooms carry your cards, so people may find them and purchase them at their
local shop. Can your products be purchased on line as well?
KIMBERLY SHAW: We
encourage people to find a store near them, but if one is not close by Retail
Customers may visit our website at
www.KimberlyShawStore.com where we carry a full selection of all our
products. Wholesale Buyers may visit our website at
www.KimberlyShawGraphics.com and find products for their store or business.
They can place an order over the phone by calling 800.489.6839 or 760.930.9370.
LADY GAYLE: What
types of businesses carry your products?
KIMBERLY SHAW:
Throughout our 13 years in business we have seen tremendous sales success among
tearooms, gift stores, florists, restaurants and ladies specialty shops across
the nation. Other businesses such as realtors, doctors and dentists use our
unique cards to offer special promotions or thank yous to their clients.
LADY GAYLE: What
brand of teas do you use inside the cards and for the notepads? These are
pretty packets of tea bags. What flavors do you use or how do you choose what
flavor to go with each card?
KIMBERLY SHAW: We
use Harney & Sons teas and Harrison & Crosfield teas in our cards and notepads.
From their assortment of delicious tea flavors we select colors that best
coordinate with our artwork. We also design new cards as new tea flavors and
colors come available. Both tea brands have come out with exciting new flavors
and colors that we are currently designing new cards for.
LADY GAYLE: Is
there anything else you would like to share with our readers? What is most
important to you in relation to your business?
KIMBERLY SHAW: I
have been blessed with a wonderful staff of creative and talented people, with
Georgia as my creative right hand. I also get to work with my family. My
husband and I began this business so I could stay home with my children when
they were young. Now my two daughters, Emmily and Kristin, work for us and
occasionally my son, Brad, helps out. With my daughters both being artistic,
it’s great getting additional feed back on ideas, colors and trends.
The other exciting
aspect of our business is hearing how our cards make people feel. The recipient
is always warmed by receiving a card or notepad with tea, but it is most
surprising how the sender gets joy from sending them. Because our products
focus on giving to others it’s naturally going to bring joy to all. I love
getting comments like, “Your Thank You card I sent was the first card I’ve ever
given where I received a Thank You card in return.”
LADY GAYLE: I
just love the cards and notepads and everything you offer. We have been selling
your invitations and cards at our website very successfully for some time now.
Besides that – we will represent and showcase Kimberly Shaw Graphics cards and
notepads at the upcoming New York International Gift Fair at booth # 9617 along
with other New York’s Newest exhibitors. Buyers who have never seen the cards
should be sure to visit me there and subscribe to The Tea House Times too (and
see what else we have to offer)! August 12-15, 2007
www.nyigf.com
I encourage you to
contact Kimberly Shaw Graphics, view their website, purchase some cards, send
them to friends and family and enjoy!
Retail Customers:
www.KimberlyShawStore.com
Wholesale Buyers:
www.KimberlyShawGraphics.com
To place an order or for any inquiries about the
Kimberly Shaw Graphics line, please call 800.489.6839 or 760.939.9370
Kimberly Shaw Graphics, P.O. Box 4129, Carlsbad, CA 92018
BACK TO TOP
MAXINE HOLMGREN, MAXINE'S MYSTERY TEA PARTIES
May, 2007
www.theteahousetimes.com
Maxine's mystery theme tea parties take the mystery
(and stress) out of finding a novel way to entertain. Lots of laughs along the
way as you solve a mystery while enjoying tea.
www.mysteryteaparties.com
LADY GAYLE: How many different theme parties do you offer? What are the
titles?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: There are presently seven plans available, with another one or
two *brewing* in my head. They are: Who Killed the Darling Duke of Darjeeling,
Sherla Combs and the Case of the Great Jewel Robberies, The Bodacious Babes of
Buzzard Bend, Who Killed the Roving Romeo of the Red Feather Ladies, The Red
Feather Ladies Aboard the S.S. Titantica, The Decadent Housewives of Hysteria
Lane, and Who Stole the Joy from Christmas.
LADY GAYLE: What is included when someone purchases one of your theme party
plans?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: Each party plan booklet includes
easy to follow hostess instructions, scripts with costume suggestions,
invitations, name tags and place cards. Every guest has a role to play, a
unique and humorous identity, and a script to follow.
LADY GAYLE: Do any of the plans include recipes?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: Almost all include recipes. Some also include some ideas for
hostess favors, decorating, etc.
LADY GAYLE: How many people can participate in a mystery?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: The mystery theme plans are written
for eight guests, but can be done with large groups as well.
LADY GAYLE: How does it work when you have a group of say 50 to 100 people at a
tea fundraiser. If the mystery is planned with a small group, I expect if you
have 8 people, all would be involved, but with more people, what do you suggest
– make it more like a performance for the group to enjoy watching?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: Many large groups have done them very successfully. Some have
had the characters seated at various tables throughout the room, and give their
parts from where they are, some have them come up to a podium, and some do the
whole mystery on stage.
LADY GAYLE: How difficult are the scripts? Do you recommend memorizing lines or
reading from the script for fun?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: I actually encourage people to NOT memorize it, unless they
are really good at memorizing. I suggest reading it over many times, so they
can be so familiar with it, that they can read it, without having to read word
by word.
LADY GAYLE: Who purchases your theme party plans?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: Several large organizations have used them as fund raisers,
and many church groups have done them. I love it when they send me pictures and
emails telling me what fun they had, and how they decorated. There are some
very creative ladies out there! The Mystery Tea Parties are popular
with friends and families, women's groups, tea rooms, and bed and breakfast
inns. People may purchase the party plans through the website:
www.mysteryteaparties.com
LADY GAYLE: Do you offer wholesale pricing for the party plans so tea rooms may
purchase and sell to their customers?
MAXINE HOLMGREN: Yes, but it is not available on the website ordering page.
They’ll have to call or mail order.
LADY GAYLE: Well, Maxine, I have read a few of the scripts and find them to be
very entertaining and a great, fun, and unique way to entertain everyone at a
tea party. Thanks for telling us more about your business.
Impress your friends by hosting a unique and fun
mystery tea party! Visit
www.mysteryteaparties.com to order.
Maxine's Mystery Tea Parties, 25890 Warwick Road, Sun
City, CA 92586
1-951-301-7218
mysterytea@mysteryteaparties.com www.mysteryteaparties.com
BACK TO TOP
JEAN FORNEY, HAND PAINTED ROSE
April, 2007
www.theteahousetimes.com
Hand Painted Rose offers the finest in hand painted
porcelain by Jean Forney. Her rose and other floral patterns are among the
rarest of art forms. The designs are hand painted, conceived by the artist and
make heartfelt gifts with magnificent rose and floral designs.
www.handpaintedrose.com
LADY GAYLE: Jean, you have been painting designs on china since 1976. Please
tell us about your designs and what inspires them.
JEAN FORNEY: I appreciate the opportunity to provide
you with some of the inspirations for my work. A background of art and design
was my passion during my early years. Later I also became interested in the
history of the Victorian era. It was just natural, I guess, that the designs of
that time became part of my life. You will find that the emphasis during that
period was in many cases high lighted with large floral patterns and lavish
accents.
LADY GAYLE: Besides teacups and teapots, what else do
you design?
JEAN FORNEY: It has been exciting to recreate a vast
number of items that were popular and functional during the Victorian and Turn
of the Century period. This includes Ladies Boudoir items, elegant vases,
decorative plates, miscellaneous kitchen accessories, chocolate pots and sets
and an array of gift items such as jewelry boxes, Christmas and holiday
decorations and just about every thing else one might think of.
LADY GAYLE: All of your designs are available for
purchase at Hand Painted Rose. Many are one of a kind. Tell us about some of
the most unusual pieces.
JEAN FORNEY: Not too long ago, I designed a large
commemorative plate for a 60th wedding anniversary. A special dedication was
inscribed on the reverse side of the item. One of the most exciting events was
the popularity of my Romantic Tea Set as featured several years ago in a
national publication. Dozens of these sets were recreated for customers
throughout the country. While, you might think that they were all the same,
actually, they were all just a bit different. It is really difficult to sit down
and recite all of the many items that I have done over the years.
LADY GAYLE: How are your designs so beautifully
produced on each piece of china? Is each individual piece hand painted, or is it
reproduced in some way?
JEAN FORNEY: My work usually begins with the
appropriate designs being selected for the item and sketched by hand. The paint
is applied lightly in stages gradually building up the colors. After each light
application of colors, a firing process takes place. It usually takes 4- 6
firings at high temperatures to bring a finished state. Most people don't
realize that I paint from a pallet, mixing or blending the colors to achieve the
desired effect. It therefore becomes almost impossible for me to duplicate the
exact colors from one day to the next. I have never used decals on any of my
work. All of my work is applied by hand. Each of my designs is truly "one of a
kind" even though some pieces may look the same.
JEAN FORNEY: Although my work may seem to look "old"
I do not copy any old pieces, but I do try to recreate the look, the style, the
feeling, and ambiance of "A Time Long Ago"
To purchase Jean Forney hand painted designs, please
visit
www.handpaintedrose.com
BACK TO TOP
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE, THE COZY TEA CART
February, 2007
www.theteahousetimes.com
Danielle Beaudette,
proprietor of The Cozy Tea Cart, has been selling high quality teas for a number
of years. She has researched the history of tea and tea wares for over a
decade. Danielle has a special interest in the history of tea and its
ceremonies, and she considers herself a student in her quest for knowledge on
tea. She is continually researching tea on her own in an effort to stay up to
date with current demands, has taken over 30 courses at the World Tea Expo and
has completed all levels of certification through The Specialty Tea Institute.
The Cozy Tea Cart is on-line and also a retail shoppe located in Brookline, New
Hampshire. The focus of the shoppe is the sale of high quality teas and tea
accoutrements, as well as specialty gifts and food items.
www.thecozyteacart.com
LADY GAYLE:
Tell us about your shop in New Hampshire. What types of products do you sell?
Can people stop by for a cup of tea, or do you only serve tea at special events
by reservation?
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE: Our shoppe is a small,
French provincial styled retail tea shoppe tucked away in a rural neighborhood.
In addition to quality specialty teas from all over the world, the shoppe offers
modern tea ware for every day convenience. Also for sale are unique, one of a
kind antique gift items, tea themed jewelry, books by local authors, and much
more. All of our teas can be viewed at our web site, and soon, our gift
products will be on-line as well.
Since The Cozy Tea
Cart is a retail tea shoppe, our customers can not be served by the cup.
However, there is always a pot readily available for our customers to sample tea
before they purchase it. They love the fact that they can try it first! The
Cozy Tea Cart does serve the tea at special events at our customer’s location.
LADY GAYLE: Danielle, I see you offer occasional
Afternoon Teas. What are some of the themes and how can people find out when you
are planning an event? What about special events such as showers, clubs, etc.?
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE: The Cozy Tea Cart hosts
special themed afternoon teas at our customer’s location. A sampling of themes
includes, Friendship Tea, Red Hat Society Tea, Garden Tea, and Wedding and Baby
Shower Teas. I have found, however, that many of our customers have their own
themed afternoon tea ideas, such as a retirement party tea, ladies luncheon, or
fund raiser. We can provide a catered menu to accompany the tea, or simply
provide the tea service.
Most of our
scheduled events are listed on the Events link on our home page, so our
customers can check to see if a date has already been taken. However, private
parties are not always listed, so I encourage our customers to call the shoppe
to reserve a date as early as possible.
LADY GAYLE:
Please tell us about some of the lecture topics you offer. How far will you
travel to lecture?
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE: Some of the tea lectures I
have given in the past are: The History of Tea, Teas from Around the World, Tea
from the Plantation to the Cup, and Understanding the Japanese Tea Ceremony. A
unique one I just gave involved Pairing Chocolate with Tea, and the folks
attending had a great deal of fun learning about tea and chocolate and tasting
the distinctive pairings!
I have also given
lectures for local schools, typically grades 3 to 6, and tied the history of tea
into the classroom curriculum to help the students understand how tea has played
a major role in our history. In addition, I have conducted manners classes for
local Cub Scouts and Etiquette classes for local Girl Scouts.
Conducting lectures
is one of my favorite parts of running a business, because it allows me to reach
out to so many more people in helping to demystify the unknown about specialty
loose leaf teas. Also, I find that an educated customer is far more willing to
make a trip to our shoppe to sample our specialty teas, if they know a little
more about them.
I will travel
within an hour distance from the shoppe to give a lecture.
LADY GAYLE:
Danielle, I see your website offers an FAQ section to answer questions about tea
and health, caffeine content, etc. Please share with us here your suggestions
for storing tea and keeping it fresh.
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE: The four worst enemies of
tea are air, moisture, light and heat. These elements will slowly begin to
break down your tea, causing it to lose its flavor and freshness. Loose leaf
tea should be stored in a tightly sealed, dark tin, or a colored ceramic
container that will not allow light to penetrate through. Even though our tea
is sold in tins, I encourage our customers to bring in their own beautiful tin.
This promotes such wonderful conversation between us, and always leads to a
fascinating tea story!
LADY GAYLE:
Tell us what you do at your tea tastings and how much time does it take?
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE: The Cozy Tea Cart
offers two types of tea tastings. One is a 2-hour tasting with lecture up
front, where I explain the process of cupping teas, what to look for in a good
quality tea, both loose and infused, and then lead into the actual tea
sampling. The second one I do more often is usually in conjunction with a grand
opening or special event. This could be a local antique store, book store, or
other type of business. Here, I conduct more of a tea sampling of our Teas of
the Month. I also answer customer questions, and bring along additional
specialty teas and products from our shoppe, for the customers to purchase.
LADY GAYLE:
I see you offer catering services for a full tea service, a sweet tea service,
and a cream tea service. What is included? What areas do you deliver to in NH?
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE: A Full Afternoon tea Service
consists of three savories, three tea sandwiches, three desserts, and three
choices of tea, and usually takes place in a more formal dining room. But often
our customers want something less formal than a full tea service. A Sweet Tea
service is a nice alternative for a less formal party, such as a small baby
shower or ladies gathering. This consists of 3 savories, three pastries and two
choices of tea. For those that are entertaining close to the dinner hour, the
Cream Tea Service is the best choice as it includes a large plate of scones
served with clotted cream, fresh preserves and a pot of tea. The Cozy Tea Cart
delivers to areas within one hour of our shoppe.
LADY GAYLE:
For the children’s parties/dress up parties, do you host these in your shop or
in the homes of your customers or both?
DANIELLE BEAUDETTE: The Cozy Tea Cart offers
these parties both in our shoppe and in the homes of our customers. I prefer to
host them in our shoppe, as there is an enormous amount of set-up involved with
the dress-up clothes and stations for choices of hats, boas, gloves, and
jewelry. I also offer a make-up and nails station which then leads to a photo
area for the well-dressed party girl.
The Cozy Tea Cart offers its customers visiting the
retail shoppe a comfortable place to take a respite from their hurried lives.
During the summer months, the outdoor gardens offer a peaceful stroll while
sipping tea and enjoying the sounds of the birds. The emphasis is, and will
continue to be, on providing good quality products at a reasonable price. The
Cozy Tea Cart will also sell and ship products for those who are not close to
our retail shoppe. Please visit our website at
www.thecozyteacart.com
The Cozy Tea Cart is conveniently located in Southern
New Hampshire at 40 Mountain Road, Brookline, NH
03033
Phone:
603-249-9111 Email:
info@TheCozyTeaCart.com Website:
www.thecozyteacart.com
BACK TO TOP
EARLENE GREY
January, 2007
www.theteahousetimes.com
This month we are interviewing Earlene Grey;
www.earlenegrey.com
LADY GAYLE: Earlene, when
did you first begin writing poetry?
EARLENE GREY: I first began writing poetry about five years ago. I wrote very
privately, never wanting or planning to share my work. Publishing has been a big
surprise to me.
LADY GAYLE: Has your work
always focused on tea?
EARLENE GREY: My work up
until this point consistently references tea. I am, however, working on a
collection of poems that focuses on another subject. Tea is just such a huge
part of my life and always has been so it was very easy to make the tea the
grounding point of my poetry. I write what comes to me. I am merely a conduit.
And since the poetry comes in the form of life lessons, I work very hard at
making the poems easy to understand and assimilate. Tea is just the little bit
that I added for me.
LADY GAYLE: What type of response do you get from your work?
EARLENE GREY: Well, the response too has been a surprise. Everyone who
reads...or listens is really quite taken with the poetry. Enthralled. Some
people are very moved.... even to tears. Others just laugh at the naughtiness
or silliness of some of the poems. Yet, people seem to identify very strongly
with the words. I’ve had ladies who I thought weren’t listening or didn’t like
the poetry come to me with tears in their eyes and say thank you. It is quite
humbling. Most people in this culture are somewhat intimidated by the thought
of poetry, but if one gives it a try and reads a few poems, one’s mind is
changed quite quickly. My poetry is easy to understand and to the point.
Sometimes people are quite surprised at its messages, but it definitely gives
them something to think about.
LADY GAYLE: This may be letting out a secret, but I understand that Earlene
Grey is a nom de plume. Tell us about that and what Earlene is to you
personally.
EARLENE GREY: Yes, Earlene Grey is my writing name. Initially I wanted to
protect my identity in the local community, so we came up with a name that fit.
I am a Gemini. Someone said that I invented my own twin. That may be.
Earlene is very much who I am, but with a touch of the Edwardian era. She
stands for grace, civility, doing the right thing...all with a sense of humor
and even a little naughtiness about her. And she drinks gallons of only very
good tea.
LADY GAYLE: Tell us about your new hardbound book.
EARLENE GREY: The hardbound book, Musings With a Cuppa- The Poetry of Tea,
is a collection of over 80 tea poems written by me... with the purpose of
helping people feel good by providing insights and perspectives that may not
have been otherwise considered. Artist, Susan Laird, who is famous for her cards
and prints of footed teapots, tearooms, fairies, and other such charming
subjects, illustrates the book. I am very lucky to live in the same town as
she. Our teaming up has definitely been a good idea. Musings With a Cuppa…,
in hardbound, is what people were waiting for. It just goes well...for a
variety of reasons. And makes a lovely gift for any tea lover.
LADY GAYLE: I understand that you may be hired for poetry readings. What types
of events do you attend? How far will you travel?
EARLENE GREY: I absolutely love to read for people. No matter the size of the
audience! It’s the best fun. I have read at a variety of events from teas to
book fairs, to dinners. And, by golly, it seems that the audiences enjoy it
just as much as I. If someone is willing to pay for my travel, I will show up
most anywhere. And like all authors, if there are book sales involved, the fee
for my reading is very negotiable.
LADY GAYLE: Do you offer wholesale pricing for your books and products? And
lastly, what is in the future for Earlene?
EARLENE GREY: Well, of
course I offer wholesale pricing. Interested vendors may call or email my
office and we’ll talk business. I am working on a second book now, planning to
make it available at the tea conference in June this year. In addition to that,
there will be a new line of cards. What I am most excited about, however, is
putting Musings With a Cuppa… on disc. We are looking at putting the
whole book with me reading the poems on a CD. With the response that I get from
my readings, it only seemed a natural next step in providing what my readers
want.
LADY GAYLE: Thank you for sharing your beautiful poetry with our readers in
every issue of The Tea House Times. It truly adds an air of beauty and
friendship to our publication.
EARLENE GREY: You are most welcome! The Tea House Times is a fine production
and it just keeps getting better and better. I am very honored to be a part of
it to be sure. Thank you for your kindness and quality work.
--
Earlene Grey, PO Box 228, Oregon City, OR 97045
503-655-2809 1-888-655-2809
earlene@earlenegrey.com
www.earlenegrey.com
BACK TO TOP
ANNELISE PITT, THISTLEDOWN COZIES
December 15, 2006
www.theteahousetimes.com
This month we are interviewing Annelise Pitt, Thistledown Cozies;
www.thistledowncozies.com
Thistledown Cozies has been in business since 1995, manufacturing tea cozies and
tea accessories for the tea industry. Annelise has a background in Fine Arts, a
passion for fabrics, and an insatiable desire to create. She produces
beautiful, high quality, tea cozies.
LADY GAYLE: For those who are not familiar with tea cozies, can you give us a
definition of what purpose a tea cozy serves? How are they used? How should
they not be used? How long will the cozy keep the tea warm?
ANNELISE PITT: As everyone knows, tea in bare teapot cools down rather
quickly. Serious tea drinkers try to keep their tea as warm as possible for as
long as possible. A tea cozy helps this tremendously. In the past, tea cozies
have had the reputation of being fairly useless at keeping tea warm. "Wimpy" was
what one tea expert called them. No longer! Tea cozy designers, including
myself, are very aware of the functional aspects of our cozies and are making
cozies that keep tea warm for hours. I have done experiments with bare pots and
different cozies. After 2 hours the teapots with the cozies kept the tea 40
degrees warmer than the bare teapot! (full results of the temperature
experiments are on my website)
Tea cozies also happen to be gorgeous. I think they add one more element to the
tea table. Just like any other table linen: napkins, table cloth, doilies; they
add to the presentation. Tea and presentation and ritual are so tied together.
You asked about the proper use of a tea cozy. I am not a tea brewing expert, so
I will have to quote Jane Pettigrew's book, The Tea Companion:
"brew the tea using an infuser..... remove the infuser.... cover the pot with a
cozy." Or... brew, then "strain the tea into a second warmed pot and cover with
a cozy." She does warn that the tea leaves can "cook" if left in extremely
hot water. If you are worried about this, wait until the steeping is over, then
use your cozy. Personally, I like to use her "two teapot" method. When I am
taking my time making a good cup of tea, I steep my loose tea in a bare pot
until it is just done, then I decant into a second (warmed) teapot 'avec cozy'.
I do confess though, that on most rushed mornings, I steep the tea (PGTips
bags) in the pot, with one of my Wrap-around cozies on it. I don't bother with
the decanting, but do pull the teabag out as soon as possible. At that time of
day I just appreciate a hot cup of anything caffeinated. I also appreciate the
second hot cup an hour later when the kids are out the door. The tea cozy makes
this second cup of hot tea possible.
You asked how a cozy should not be used. I have only one request: as tempting as
it may be, please refrain from putting it on your head.
(Editor’s note: Do not use a tea cozy on the stove or near a flame. A Tea Cozy
is for covering a teapot on your table NOT a teakettle at the stove.)
LADY GAYLE: Your tea cozies are high quality and you offer a fine selection of
fabrics. Please tell us about the wrap-around design, fabric, etc.
ANNELISE PITT: I get giddy around fabric. I love the hand and drape of a high
quality fabric. I am picky about the quality of the printing too. My favorite
fabrics are ones with crisp designs and deep colors. I love a little sparkle, so
once in a while you will see a cozy with gold embossing. Over the years I have
discovered who the very best fabric manufacturers are, and use them exclusively.
Some of my favorite days are ones spent in the dungeons of my fabric supplier's
warehouse, picking and matching and dreaming; followed by the world's best
scones at Judy's nearby tearoom (cranberry/orange: The Windsor Tea Shop). Poor
Judy has to ooooh and aaahh when I drag her out to see my purchases.
My cozies are all my unique designs. The Wrap-around is by far the most popular.
It has lots of poofy fabric and a cute ribbon, but is actually the hardest
working tea cozy of all. Surprising, because it is so cute, it keeps tea warmer
longer than any of the other cozies, and much warmer than a bare teapot. I think
the reason for this is that the teapot sits in the cozy and is cradled with all
that fabric and padding. Mine has a full bottom, unlike other cozies with this
same look. I suspect that this helps with the heat retention as well.
Thistledown Cozies also makes a traditional tea cozy, which I call a "Classic
Cozy". Ours has a lovely curved top that makes it look not so like a 'toaster
cover'. We also have a very unique design I call the "Pagoda", which we do
in lovely oriental fabrics.
My cozies are all made here in the USA. Thistledown Cozies is very much a
cottage industry. I joke that I have "little old ladies sewing in their
basements". In reality they are not that old. These ladies are fantastic
seamstresses and do a fabulous job! In the last year I have grown so that I need
more production and have had to hire a sewing room. Fortunately the stitchers
there are as meticulous as my "basement ladies". Every one of our cozies is
extremely well made.
LADY GAYLE: What size teapot will fit into your cozies?
ANNELISE PITT: I size my Wrap-Around and Classic cozies to the most popular
'Brown Betty' styled teapots, namely the teapots from Metropolitan Tea Company.
My Large fits their 6-cup teapots, my Medium fits their 3-cup, and my Small fits
their 2-cup.
Many other companies make this style of teapot too. They are all nearly the same
size, and my cozies fit them too.
The Pagoda cozies are all custom made to order in a variety of widths and
heights.
The Classic cozies will, of course, fit any number of bone china teapots.
LADY GAYLE: I see from reviewing your website that you offer wholesale only.
You also list shops carrying your cozies so customers may find them and purchase
at retail.
ANNELISE PITT: I do only sell wholesale. I made the decision to focus on making
beautiful cozies and leave the retailing to my tearoom and online vendors. My
customers appreciate the fact that I am not competing with them. I know that
this is a little inconvenient for the retail customer, but I haven't the energy
to do both wholesale and retail.
Our cozies can be found in tearooms in almost every state. Use the list on my
website to find the one nearest you. I hope to make every tearoom owner aware
of Thistledown Cozies, and someday have my cozies in every shop. (a little
ambitious, I know!) In the meantime, if your local tearoom doesn't carry our
cozies yet, you can purchase them on the web. AntiquiTeas Tearoom offers my full
line, and Culinary Teas carries a good number. Links to both are on my website.
LADY GAYLE: Can the cozies be washed?
ANNELISE PITT: Good question. Yes, every one of my cozies is washable. The
Wrap-Around cozies are machine washable, and the Classic cozies are hand
washable.
Many tearooms use Thistledown cozies in their service. As you can imagine, these
cozies take a beating. When they are dirty they just get tossed in the washing
machine, and then in the drier, and come out fabulously. (tips for removing
those pesky tea stains can be found on my website)
LADY GAYLE: Please tell us about your tea wallets. These are adorable.
ANNELISE PITT: Many people have commented that the tea wallets are soooo cute.
People are loving them. They are designed as a tidy way to carry teabags (or
t-sacs filled with loose tea). The tea wallet has six slots to hold teabags ,
and four slots to hold sweetener packets. It folds, folds, and folds again, and
then snaps together in a neat little packet. Absolutely perfect for taking your
favorite tea with you. We are making them in all sorts of fabrics, including
Red Hat. If your local tearoom doesn't carry them yet, try Culinary Teas on the
web.
For more information about Thistledown Cozies, visit
www.thistledowncozies.com , visit them at World Tea Expo in Atlanta, June,
2007, or call: 1-877-890-9106. You may also email:
annelise@thistledowncozies.com
BACK TO TOP
| 
