Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild

Tea-related education and events, the enjoyment of the beverage and the culture of tea

Jun 27

Tea Punch

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

This is a refreshing tea punch that we developed the latter part of the week of our Grand Opening. We found it refreshing, easy to prepare and not as syrupy sweet as some punches.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ready to serve in 4 hours

SERVINGS: 14 – 36 (depending on size of glass and whether ginger ale is used.)

INGREDIENTS

1 cup white sugar
2 cups strong brewed black tea
4 cups orange juice
2 cups pineapple juice
5 cups prepared lemonade
1 (2 liter) bottle ginger ale, chilled, (optional)
DIRECTIONS

Prepare tea. (I use TehKu’s “My Irish Blend.” To make a strong tea double the amount of tea leaves or bags normally brewed in the 2 cups of water. Do not increase the brewing time or it will be bitter.)
In a large pitcher, combine sugar and hot tea, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the orange juice, pineapple juice and lemonade. Chill for 4 hours. (If you don’t have a pitcher big enough, use two pitchers and mix by pouring a portion of the mixture back and forth between the pitchers.)
When serving, pour chilled mixture into a punch bowl and stir in ginger ale. (The punch tastes fine without the ginger ale, but the ginger ale adds a bit of “sparkle” to the punch. Again, if your punch bowl isn’t big enough for the entire amount, add a portion of punch to the bowl leaving room for an equal portion of ginger ale.)
Serving ideas:

Make an ice ring incorporating fruits (raspberries, strawberries, oranges sections, pineapple bits in any combination).

Float fruit in the punch bowl.

Garnish with mint leaves.

Garnish with fruit picks

Pour ½ cup prepared mixture into an iced beverage glass and add ginger ale to fill.

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Nov 15

A Progressive Tea

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Most of you have heard of a Progressive Dinner, where the group of diners travels from home to home for each course.  The same practice can be used for a Progressive Tea.  Each hostess is responsible for one course and the tea that pairs with it.  The tea can be as simple or complicated as the group decides and with as many courses as the group decides.  A Progressive Tea is a wonderful way to showcase participants’ holiday decorations.  It could also be a feature of a Girl’s Day Out where each course follows shopping, a movie, spa treatments or even helping each other decorate for the holidays, wrap presents or bake. By sharing the duties, a progressive tea is an easy way to begin entertaining or start the holiday season in a simple, yet fun manner.

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Nov 2

Cookie Swap Tea with a Cause

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

As the holiday season approaches thoughts turn to holiday baking.  For many, this includes baking cookies for a “swap”.  It is easy for you to host the event. It can be as simple as a project for a few friends or as big as a project for your woman’s club.  Set the date and invite your friends.  As soon as you have confirmed the number of participants, let all know the number.  Each participant will make a dozen cookies for each of the others.  By doing this, you have completed your holiday baking and only have to make one kind of cookie.  The more participants, the bigger the variety.  Also ask the participants to bring an extra dozen for sampling at the tea, 2) make an extra two dozen for a bake sale and/or 3) ask each participant to make a contribution for a “bakeless” bake sale.  You can provide some boundaries if you desire, such as cookies that ship well, bar cookies,

Sounds interesting?  If you ask each participant to bring an extra dozen cookies for sampling, you provide the tea, decorations, and place settings for a gathering of friends, as well as a table for placement of the cookies for the swap.  Your cooking is done for you (save for the cookies that you make for the swap).  Provide some holiday music and let the participants gather in friendship.  During the tea time let members tell about the recipes, play a few games (trivia, guess who made what cookie, etc.) and get in the holiday spirit.  You might even want to watch a holiday movie together.

It is a good idea to find out from each participant what cookie they are making and let the others know to avoid duplication or, if the group doesn’t mind, just let it be a surprise.  If there are eight dozen chocolate chip cookies for each person, so be it.

You may ask that all send you a copy of their recipe in advance and as a gift make little recipe booklets or recipe cards for them so they all have the recipes for future use.  If you make the cards you can print them for free either from downloading a template from the Microsoft Word or HP.com (I’m sure there are others), cut them to size and wrap a set for each participant with curling ribbon or raffia.  The booklet templates can also be downloaded in Word.  Or, you can ask each participant to make enough copies of their recipe to share.

If you ask them to bake cookies for a bake sale, make arrangements to hold it at a craft fair, church bazaar or at a grocery or department store.   You will need to arrange for the swap at a time suitable for the bake sale.  Donate the proceeds to a worthy cause such as  The Great American Bake Sale to help end childhood hunger or the cause of your choice. 

If this is too much work for you or your volunteer time is dedicated to other causes, you can ask the participants to participate in a “bakeless” bake sale.  In this instance, they would donate the money that it would cost them to purchase the ingredients for the recipe they chose.  You would be the “treasurer” for these events and see that the funds get to the proper place.

For more information on how to hold a cookie swap go to www.dominosugar.com/cookieswap or at www.cookie-exchange.com.  It can become a wonderful tradition and signal the start of your holiday season.  Tea, cookies, friends and the warmth of giving.  What could be a better start?

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Aug 22

More on Iced Tea

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Iced tea, yes it is “iced” tea.  “Ice” tea is tea made of ice.  Iced tea is a refreshing drink for the warmer months, but it doesn’t have to be tea and ice.  Presentation can make all the difference to your iced tea party, whether it is for a few, a crowd or a party of one.  Pamper yourself and your guests with these ideas.  Freeze whole strawberries and add them to the drink.  Edible flowers frozen into the ice cubes make a lovely presentation.  Dress the drink with lemon balm or mint sprigs.  Add a thin slice of lemon, lime or orange.  Actually freeze some of the tea in an ice cube tray.  They can be added to your drink without diluting the beverage.  Now, find a tea flavor you like, dress it up as you like and indulge yourself.

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Jul 7

Summer Tea Parties

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

As we come full into the summer season and the flowers come to full bloom, a lovely garden party comes to mind.  Your guest list can be as large or intimate as you like, depending upon the seating you have available.  Yes, blankets on the lawn are an option.  However, you need to consider your guests.  Getting up and down from the ground may not be graceful or comfortable for some, especially those who are older.  Be sure that the lawn furniture is clean and that the yard is mowed.

Perhaps you think of a lovely tea party with tea dresses, big hats and soft music on the patio or maybe your idea of great party is more casual, around the pool, bright colors, upbeat music and a gaudy hat.  Whatever your style, please be sure to convey the message clearly in the invitation.

You will want to have your party at a time of the day that’s cool enough for people to enjoy the outdoors, either in an outdoor setting or with wide windows where the outdoors can be enjoyed.  It is probably wise to consider having alternate plans in case of inclimate weather if the party is to be outside.  If you do wait for evening and it is an outside event, be sure to plan for bugs with either citronella candles or other bug removal equipment.  Be sure there is adequate lighting as the evening progresses both for safety and so that people can see each other.

On a summer day, iced tea will probably be more appreciated than hot tea, especially if served outdoors.  As for food, keep it light and summery.  Avoid creamy dressings, cheese and other foods that will melt or curdle.  Yes, ice cream is an option, but be sure it is kept frozen until time to serve.  Pay attention to food safety.

You can brighten the event by using a tropical theme or bright colors both in the decorations and the tableware.  Many such items can be found inexpensively now.  If you opt to have an indoor party, you can still use the tropical theme and/or decorate with summer flowers.  Perhaps you would opt to float one bright rose in a small water dish, or decorate the table with hydrangeas. 

Take the time to envision your party, the decorations and the menu.  By keeping it simple, you will have more time to enjoy the party yourself.  Have a great July!

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Jun 8

Just what should I call this tea party?

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Most people think of “tea” as an afternoon event.  However, a tea can be held just about anytime.  But just what does one call it?

Elevenses is like an America’s “Coffee Break” and is usually a small snack between breakfast and lunch.  This is a good tea for beginners to serve.

Cream Tea is an easy to do event consisting of scones, clotted  cream, marmalade, jam, curd and tea.  This is a good starting place for a beginner.  It is an informal event and is easier to plan and prepare.

Low Tea is also known as Afternoon tea and is really a meal.  It consists of scones, sandwiches, and a dessert or two in addition to tea.  It is called “low tea” because it is not served at the dining table, but in a more informal setting using side tables. 

High Tea is a full evening meal and usually meat and potatoes or other substantial foods are served in addition to the other foods.  It was originally a “working class” meal, but now has a connotation of elegance.  In earlier times, the”rich and famous” would often have a High Tea on Sundays when the servants had the day off or lighter duties.  It is also called a “man’s tea.”

Royal (or Royale) Tea is a social tea with champagne being served early in the meal and sherry at the end of the event.

 

 

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May 26

Preparing for a Party

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

Using your imagination is an important part of planning a party, but so is the “reality check”.  Look around your abode.  Take an honest stock of your resources.  How big is your kitchen?  Do you have enough room, experience and equipment to prepare a detailed menu or should you pare down to a more simple repast?  Be realistic.  A menu does not have to be full of complicated recipes to be enjoyed.  How many people can comfortably sit at your dining room table, kitchen table, living room, patio, or whatever entertaining setting you choose? Overcrowding can make all uncomfortable.  If you have a large list of those to invite, consider breaking the guest list into smaller groups and have more than one party.  You can use the same menu, same decorations, etc.  Think about the personalities of your guests and how they would interact with each other in order to let them have an enjoyable experience.

Obviously, the more you can prepare in advance, the more you will be able to relax and enjoy your party.  Make the following preparations several days before the party:  Review guest list (who is coming and who isn’t) and plan menu (do a trial run of new recipes); major cleaning; inventory linens, dinnerware, flatware, accessories, equipment and utensils that will be needed for the menu and party theme selected (wash, polish, augment as needed); shop for all food except perishables; and freeze a good supply of ice cubes (or add a bag of ice to the perishables to be purchased list).  Then the night before the party you can do any last minute cleaning, put out guest towels, check space and hangers for the guest closet, set the table and arrange centerpiece or other decorations.  Of course, if you are using live flowers you may want to save this detail until the morning of the party.  Last minute shopping for perishables also fits in here.

Even spur-of-the-moment parties take some advance planning – the kind of planning that has the freezer and larder stocked with staples for a party.  By keeping your inventory (staples, equipment, tableware, decorations) updated you can more easily prepare for a party. 

A final suggestion – keep a journal or notebook of your parties.  Include not only your inventory list, but recap each gathering.  Things to include are the guest list, the menu (maybe even the recipes), the decorations, any borrowed item (who lent them to you and when you returned them), the equipment used, and what you liked and disliked about the party.  Perhaps that lovely teapot does not keep the tea warm or you found that the special tea from your favorite shop really works well with the new spice cookies.  Perhaps you would want to include a copy of the invitations and photos (not just the guests, but of the table setting and the food.)  With a bit of practice and some planning and organization you can be a polished hostess.  Enjoy your own party.

 

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Apr 24

Enchanted Pines Bed and Breakfast

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

My husband and I spent a wonderful night at the Enchanted Pines B&B in Bolivar, Ohio. (330) 874-3197.  www.enchantedpines.com  Owners Linda and Earl Menges spent time with us telling us about their tea business and gift shop.  In addition to the Bed and Breakfast, they conduct teas by reservation for groups of six or more and their gift shop is open to attendees and guests or by reservation.  If you are in the area or planning a trip to Amish country, consider them.  They also specialize in Diva Days and Nights and Red Hatters Retreats as well as romantic getaways.  Thanks go to Linda and Earl for their advice and tips.

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Mar 28

Social Teas

by teaattheunicornwineguildllc

When you think about a social tea what comes to mind?  Ladies in “Sunday Best” at a table with a three-tiered stand full of cute little sandwiches, scones and desserts?   A “cuppa” with a few friends around the kitchen table?  A formal event with the best china and tea served from a silver teapot?  These are all “social teas.”  Formal or informal, a tea is a vehicle for bringing people together.  It’s an ideal format for a club meeting, a shower, a reception or just a chance to catch up on the everyday events in the lives of good friends. 

Try an intimate and informal tea with two to four friends.  Think about where you will conduct this tea.  Will it be around the kitchen table, served in the living room or den, or perhaps served outdoors on the porch or patio?  The seating you have available will dictate how many people you invite.  When and where you plan to have the tea will have an impact on the rest of your plans.  For instance, if you plan to have the tea in your den or on the porch how will the guests handle the cup and plate?  Are there side tables beside the chairs where plates and cups may be placed or should you invest in cute plates that have a space for the cup so your guests can easily handle both?  If you plan the event for outdoors you had best have alternate plans in case of inclimate weather.  If you plan the event indoors and you have pets, how will these members of your family react?  Are they moochers?  Would they tolerate being confined to another room without being a distraction?   Can you handle both your cat and your plate vying for space on your lap?  Do you want the event to be more formal and serve it in the dining room or the living room or would you enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere of the den or kitchen?

Think about what you will serve with your tea.  Cookies, small desserts, even small sandwiches or appetizers are appropriate.  Are you daring enough to try out a new recipe on your guests without a trial run or would you feel better serving an oldie, but goodie?  What about the tea?  Are you planning hot or cold tea?  Are you new to loose tea?  Are they?  Have you found a new flavor you’d like to try?  Do you have the necessary items for making a loose tea? If  you let your guests know that this will be an adventure for all, go for it.  It will be fun.  The time you have for preparation will also have an affect on what you serve.  There is no need to stay up all night making those elegant desserts when a simple cookie will serve just as well.  The idea is to relax and enjoy your relationship with your guests. 

The timing of your invitation depends upon the lifestyle of you and your friends.  In today’s busy lifestyle, your guests may need a few day’s notice.  Or, if your group always meets on Saturdays at the local deli, just change the venue to your place.   Perhaps you can begin a new tradition or the tea can become a “traveling” event going to the home of each guest in turn.  The possibilities are endless.  Take time out of your busy schedules to reconnect and relax with friends.  You’ll be glad you did.  Please be sure to find out about the progress of our business by visiting the website at http://www.unicornwineguild.com

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