“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”

–Henry James

It’s unfortunate that afternoon tea never really caught on in America; it’s so much more civilized—and probably healthier—than grabbing a soft drink and a candy bar from a vending machine, and, since tea and scones are hard to eat on the run, it allows you time for a proper break from your daily routine.

The Fairborn Library is hosting a High Tea on Monday, May 19^th, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. (which is quite late for tea, but we wanted to allow as many people as possible to come). Members of the various Library book clubs will be present to answer questions and sign up new members. Please call to register at 878-9383, ext.4312.

In case you are not able to come, but are inspired to add a little tea time to your life, here are some books on the subject:

Loving Tea: A Tea Lover’s Guide to Types of Tea, Brewing & Preparation, Herbal Teas & Health, Ceremonies & Parties, by Jane Resnick
The Book of Tea & Coffee, by Sarah Jane Evans and Giles Hilton

If you want to know more about tea as ceremony, you might want to read:

The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea: The Art & Pleasures of Taking Tea, by Helen Simpson

The Afternoon Tea Book, by Michael Smith. Rock Cakes with rose petal jam, anyone?

If rock cakes aren’t your cup of tea (sorry, couldn’t resist), we have lots of books with recipes for biscuits, muffins, quick breads, etc.Two you might consider are:
Scones, Muffins & Teacakes: Breakfast Breads and Teatime Spread

Totally Teabreads: Quick and Easy Recipes for More Than 60 Delicious Quick Breads and Spreads, by Barbara Albright and Leslie Weiner

There are those who love tea so much that they enjoy collecting teapots. If you are among that number, you might take a look at
Collectible Teapots: A Reference & Price Guide, by Tina M. Carter

Many of us had our first tea party as little girls. If you know a little person who would love to have a tea party, perhaps inviting some friends, perhaps only a few stuffed animals, here are some books:

Teatime with Emma Buttersnap, by Lindsey Tate

Winnie the Pooh’s Teatime Cookbook, inspired by A.A. Milne

Let’s Have a Tea Party: Special Celebrations for Little Girls, by Emilie Barnes