Table of contents for September - October 2008 in TeaTime

As the first red or yellow leaf appears on the maple trees outside my dining room window, my thoughts turn to the coming of autumn, and I begin to dream of cozy days to be spent indoors. When the trees are cloaked in the most brilliant colors of nature’s paint box, I pack away the last vestiges of summer and pull out my needlework projects so that I will be ready to enjoy the serenity of longer evenings. Handworked embroidery, especially the perfection of counted crossstitch, has long been a passion of mine, and I have been fortunate to be a part of a group of like-minded women. We enjoy a sense of community through a guild created to honor the impressive history of samplers, the works of young girls…

The Victorian household did not run itself. There were servants to be hired and trained, meals to be prepared thrice daily, decorum to be strictly observed, and, of course, the ever-present pot of tea to be carefully infused and served to dwellers and visitors alike. In 1861, the publication of Beeton’s Book of Household Management helped women negotiate the maze of duties, skills, and subtle artifice required to care for a home and its inhabitants—from every aspect of cookery and recipes to the social dictates of morning calls and formal galas. Today, we honor dear Mrs. Beeton and her iconic work with a sentimental look back at her enduring advice and charming parlance—join us! To make old crape look nearly equal to new: Place a little water in a teakettle,…

Cover “Amelia” Demitasse Cup and Saucer, $18, available at Anthropologie. “Rose and Daisy” Teapot by Pickard Gold, $229.95, available at Replacements, Ltd. Tea and Etiquette Page 10: For more information, visit www.teaandetiquette.org. Lindsay’s List Page 12: Tiramisu Reed Diffuser, $54, large Tiramisu candle in ceramic pot, $39, small Mint & Green Tea candle in ceramic pot, $19, all available at Hillhouse Naturals. Vanilla Shimmer Bath, $30, Honey & Lemon Foaming Jelly, $20, Honey & Lemon Hexagonal Soap, $6 each, all available at L’Occitane. Dessert Dish Towels, from $6.95, available at Christine’s. Chocolate Epiphany by François Payard, $35, available through Random House Page 13: Tea Cake Bundt Pan, $34, available at Bed Bath & Beyond. The Gentle Art of Hospitality by Alda Ellis, $16, available at Alda’s. Organic Tea-Infused Truffles, $15.85,…

Q My college friends and I ordered tea at an upscale local restaurant. We were each served a tea bag, along with a small teapot of water and a cup and saucer. Does one brew the tea in the teapot or in the teacup? A Tea is served in different ways at different places. In this case, remove the tea bag from the wrapper, and place the tea bag in the teapot of water. Allow it to steep for three or four minutes. Please do not lift the tea bag by the tab on the string and jiggle it up and down continuously to hurry the process as this gives the appearance of impatience. When the tea has reached the desired strength, pour it into the cup. Do not remove…

He had brought the little print of butter upon a currantleaf … — Laurence Sterne Finy enough to cradle in a lady’s hand, yet durable enough to withstand the wear of many generations, butter pats are precious collectibles that have not only stood the test of time but transcended it. Once considered mere curiosities of a bygone era, these dainty tablewares are again becoming popular, beloved for their delicate beauty and their charming versatility. Butter pats first found life and use in the midnineteenth century, in an age of elegance when the elaborately set dining table was both expected and revered. Butter pats, which are sometimes called butter chips, are two to three inches in diameter, designed to resemble miniature dinner plates in a woman’s chosen china pattern. Decorative yet…

Inspired by the rich and striking color palette as well as the freshest ingredients of the season, this salad is filled with fall favorites, such as tart cranberries and crisp, sweet pears. Rosemary Roasted Walnuts add crunch and another layer of warmth and flavor. The star role, however, belongs to a silky herbed panna cotta. Velvety smooth and rich with a hint of tanginess, it elevates a humble salad to an elegant teatime starter. Panna cotta is an Italian custardlike dish that is most often sweetened and served as dessert. In this version, herbs and shallots replace sugar for a savory, luscious centerpiece to a fresh yet filling salad—a beautiful start to a lovely fall tea. FALL SALAD WITH SAVORY PANNA COTTA Makes 6 servings 1/4 cup white-wine vinegar 1…

In the cool days of autumn, warming comfort can be found in a host of unexpected ways—the sweet aroma of a twinkling candle, a gathering of friends and family, or even an indulgent bite (or two!) of spiced chocolate. These finds will keep you cozy even on the chilliest fall day.…

With a discerning eye and an open mind, you can find hidden treasures anywhere—from high-end antiques stores to rummage sales and flea markets. It’s helpful to develop a relationship with the owner of your local vintage or antiques shop—he or she may set aside newly acquired pieces just for you. Be discerning and use your best judgment when selecting items, but above all, have fun and think outside the box. These venues offer inspiration as well as interesting items. The soft patina of well-worn leather, the beauty of broken-in cotton and linen, even the imperfections on a well-worn piece of wood furniture lend a warm, lived-in feeling to a room. Take cues from displays—colorful birdhouses look even more winsome when grouped together; try mixing old and new pieces to give…

Though the summer season is lauded for its bright beauty, there is a quiet majesty to the golden-hued autumn. Whereas summer bursts forth from spring with heat and brightness, fall approaches as regally and elegantly as a queen. Like silken robes, cool, dry breezes gently replace humid afternoons. The late-afternoon sun crowns the earth in rich gold, and foliage creates a jeweled necklace with leaves of garnet, topaz, and deep emerald. It seems only appropriate to greet this stately season with a delicate china cup of tea in hand. The drifting steam and warm taste of spiced black tea, coupled with a flaky pastry, crumbly scone, or something equally sweet, bring comfort in the chilly months. One such sweet treat is our deliciously appointed plum cushion, filled with buttery melted…