Henry James
I’ve always been inspired by the British ritual of ‘Tea Time’. I’m a coffee drinker myself, but something in me has always wanted to be a tea drinker. Breaking for a cup of tea suggests a slowing down and resetting of your afternoon, compared to ‘grabbing a cup of coffee’ so you can get through the remainder of the day seems to convey. I also like the fact that Tea Time is usually accompanied by a small treat … nothing over the top, but just a small nibble to hold you over until dinner.
I set up a tea station in my dining room … my tea kettle, all my tea cups and teas in a cabinet. I find that if I make it easy and convenient I’m more apt to make the effort to make myself a cuppa and savor the moment.
I know some might think it ‘too extra’ for fancy trays, cups and saucers- but I can’t help myself. It elevates the experience for me. We all have our idiosyncrasies – this is mine. Most of these items I have picked up thrifting, so it’s fun to find unique treasures that will bring a little joy in the middle of a workday afternoon. We have to find it somewhere, right?
I encourage my fellow Americans to adopt Tea Time from our neighbors across the pond … it just might bring a little calm into your day.
