A Cup of Glee

Fancy That announces Tea At Two Event Series

2012-02-10T11:07:00.004-05:00

Fancy That is excited to announce our Tea-at-Two Event Series! We hope to see you at one (or more!) of the following Afternoon Teas which will be held on select Thursday afternoons at our shoppe. Space is limited, so don't wait to make your reservation! (see important menu and reservation information below). The ticket price is non refundable and must be paid in full at the time reservations are made. Call us at 888-3232-TEA (888.323-2832) to reserve your seats.

2 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 / $22 per person
Afternoon Tea followed by a book reading and book signing with Katrina Avila Munichiello, Author of A Tea Reader: Living Life One Cup at a Time
This book is a collection of tea-themed essays, which aim to share the ways in which tea has changed our lives, one cup at a time. Books will be available for purchase the day of the event.

2 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, 2012 / $22 per person
Afternoon Tea followed by a presentation entitled Romance of the Rose by 'The Ultimate Tea Couple', Donna and Ron Lasko. We are thrilled to be hosting Donna and Ron at our shoppe and will have details about this presentation very soon.

2 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2012 / $22 per person
Afternoon Tea followed by a performance entitled: A Tale of Tea and Revolution! Storyteller/ actress, Joan Gatturna performs as Rachel Revere. Rachel tells of the Boston Tea Party, the Midnight Ride and the Siege of Boston through the eyes of a woman who had to keep the home fires burning while her husband fanned the flames of rebellion. (The character of Rachel Revere was developed with the assistance of the staff of the Paul Revere House in Boston.)

2 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2012 / $22 per person
Afternoon Tea followed by a presentation: Why Dickens Still Matter in the 21st Century by Boston University's Professor Natalie McKnight. Why and how Dickens’s popularity persists in the 21st century, in spite of the length of his novels and our culture’s preference for brevity in films, tv and communications is the theme for this celebration of the 200th year of Dickens' birth.

2 p.m. Thursday, December 6, 2012 / $22 per person
Afternoon Tea followed by a presentation entitled Victorian Christmas by 'The Ultimate Tea Couple', Donna and Ron Lasko. We will have details about this presentation very soon.

Afternoon Tea Menu provided by Baker's Best Catering:

The menu for each event will feature three types of tea sandwiches, on assorted crustless breads, from the following list (please note the actual sandwich selection for each event shall be determined by our caterer):

-English cucumber with boursin and watercress
-Turkey with cranberry and brie
-Asparagus with prosciutto and boursin
-Goat cheese with sun dried tomatoes and grilled zucchini
-Brie and apple with chutney
-Ham, smoked gouda and apple chutney
-Turkey with cheddar and cranberry wine spread
-Roast beef with blue cheese spread and watercress
~
Assorted Miniature Scones with English Clotted Cream and Jam
~
Assorted Miniature Pastries*
~
A personal pot of Tea - selection varies per event

Please note that seating is limited to fifteen (15) people per event. Reservations are required. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Fancy That toll free 1-888-3232-TEA (1-888-323-2832). Your reservations are not confirmed until payment is made. Tickets are non refundable.

These events will be catered: sorry, there are no substitutions to the menu. If you have food allergies, please ask in advance about ingredients, and we will check with our caterer. Seating will be 'community style' (i.e., four tables of four people). It is possible that parties greater than three may not be seated at the same table. Tea will be served sharply at Two O'clock in the afternoon on the day of each event. We will open our doors at half after One O'clock in the afternoon to offer you opportunity to browse the boutique and get comfortable before Tea time. The presentation will begin after Tea is served.

*pastries/desserts may be from a facility that has processed peanuts and/or tree nuts.

Fancy That in Romantic Living Magazine (from editors of Romantic Homes)

2012-02-02T06:57:00.007-05:00

Fancy That is so excited to announce that our "vintage rentals" are in the new (February 2012) edition of "Romantic Living Magazine" (from the editors of Romantic Homes). Turn to page 56 and 57 for some great shots of our vintage rentals! Run out and grab your copy of Romantic Living today :) (available at Walmart, Target and bookstores)

Courtship Tea now for sale at Fancy That's Tea Boutique

2012-02-01T07:19:00.008-05:00

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Fancy That is now carrying "Courtship Tea" in our Tea Boutique as a loose tea in tins that are 3 ounces. (Benjamin pictured above does not come with with tea...sorry folks, he is our mascot! :) )

First, I will say, we have a special love for this tea: we served it at our Afternoon Tea wedding reception in 2000. We know first hand how wonderful Courtship Tea is. Blended by Donna and Ron Lasko- the Ultimate Tea Couple in Osterville, Massachusetts- this tea is a unique blend of black teas and flavourings that create a truly smooth tasting afternoon tea (see Donna and Ron's web site)

The inspiration for this Romantic and Elegant blend emanates from Donna and Ron's mission to bring tea and civility into the 21st Century. Now, that is an inspiration we can relate to :)

Can't find Courtship Tea near where you are? We ship to anywhere in the lower 48 States of the USA. Just give us a ring, toll free: 1-888-3232-TEA (888-323-2832). Each 3 oz tin is $14, plus shipping.

Will You Be Joining Us For Tea?

2012-01-27T18:52:00.006-05:00

Will you be joining us for Tea?

We're excited to tell you about our upcoming "Tea at Two" series which will be held on select Thursday afternoons at two o'clock: Join us for afternoon tea and a special guest speaker or presentation. Reservations will be required, as seating will be limited to 15 people (per event).

Stay tuned for more information coming soon :)

Setting an Elegant Table? Use Vintage China that's pristine

2012-01-19T15:30:00.005-05:00

There will be times when using the Country-styled settings just won't do...no Shabby for you! You may look at the silver and see the blackened tarnish and think "it just looks dirty." When planning your elegant party or event, keep in mind that the eye eats first!

If your eye comes to the table and sees "vintage-y" or "shabby" and not pristine, you may be off-put, if just a little. How many times have you seen an elegant cup and saucer and instantly, you spot the crack that has weathered many cups of tea and is slightly browned from age? That is NOT the cup you want to use for your elegant affair.

When you are planning your event, check every piece that will go on the table and remove finger prints, remove the black from the flatware if using silver, ensure there is no "build up" inside the cups, launder and press the linens. Better yet, you could use Fancy That - we rent vintage china and unqiue glassware. We also rent vintage flatware - silver plated "hollow ware" from about 1860 to about 1945. Each piece is shined, cleaned, rinsed, sanitized and packed, ready for your use (there may be some use marks and light scratching on the china and flatware, but overall, the condition is good to great). You'll never find a "flea bite" on the saucer (those nastly little "dings" that take a small chip from the smooth china) or that under-glaze fine cracking called crazing. Each cup is inspected three times before they are packed for your use. All the silver, no matter if it is a serving tray or flatware, is shined to near perfection - if there is age that cannot be removed from the vintage pieces, we let you know in advance (like around the handle of the vintage urns or flower pots).

Enjoy your dinner party or event and remember...when you are looking for that elegant table, use the pristine china instead of the "shabby". Enjoy your party!

Tregothnan Tea mentioned in Conde Nast Traveler

2012-01-04T08:08:00.007-05:00

You may recall that Fancy That is selling Tregothnan Tea - the only tea actually grown in England - in our Tea Boutique here in the USA. It is always nice when a product we carry and adore, is mentioned in the Press.

In the latest issue of Conde Nast Traveler, Mr. Incognito visits Claridge's (a hotel known as an extension of Buckingham Palace for its hosting Royals) located in Mayfair, the poshest of London's neighborhoods. In the "tea" section is the mention of Tregothnan Tea - the only tea grown in England. You can see the article here.

If you are interested in trying Tregothnan Tea but can't get to Claridge's, give Fancy That's Tea Boutique a call and order up a box of sachets! We'd be pleased to fill your order! toll free 1-888-32-32-TEA (1-888-323-2832).

Enjoy the article!

Broken China Jewlery from Heirloom China

2011-12-20T08:04:00.009-05:00

Recently, a customer stopped in with an heirloom cup that was her mother's. The cup was broken. The customer knew we sold broken china jewelry at Fancy That's Shoppe. She wondered aloud, if we could do anything with the cup. her wish would be for four pieces that she could give as a Holiday Present to her sister, and three neices.

Well, even WE were surprised at how well the artist did with the cup! Take a look at the pictures below! All of these wonderful pieces, some strung with fresh water pearls, some with decorative clasps, all came from the vintage, heriloom cup.

If you have an heirloom that you would like made into such a wondeful keep-sake, for a present, or for your own personal remembrance, let us know. It takes about four (4) to six (6) weeks once we receive your china for the vintage piece to become a stunning piece of jewelry. Call toll free 1-888-32-32-TEA (1-888-323-2832) or email us. We are happy to re-purpose heirlooms, and happy to continue the tradition of sharing such awesome pieces of beauty.

Thanks for stopping by!

Apple Cinnamon Tea Bread at Our Next Open House Dec 18 2011

2011-12-07T06:50:00.003-05:00

For all of you who work on Saturdays, we are finally having an open house on a Sunday!

Join us on Sunday December 18 (starting at 1pm) for some yummy apple cider and our delicious apple cinnamon tea bread, and browse the Shoppe for that last minute holiday gift! No need to RSVP, just stop by on December 18!

Made with sliced... apples and buttermilk, and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar, this tea bread will have you coming back for seconds and thirds :)

We are located at 272 Main Street (RT1A), Walpole, MA (34E bus route). There is parking in the front of and in the rear of our shoppe. We are looking forward to seeing you on Sunday December 18 from 1-4pm :) Questions? Just give us a call: 888-32-32-TEA!

Fancy That at the Holiday Mice Vendor Crafter Fair 12.3.11

2011-11-28T07:16:00.003-05:00

Fancy That is happy to be a part of this year's Holiday Mice Vendor/Crafter Fair at the South Walpole United Methodist Church in South Walpole (SWUMC). The Fair is Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 from 9AM - 2PM. Fancy That's Shoppe will be closed until after the fair - so why not stop by the SWUMC at 1886 Washington Street in South Walpole from 9AM - 2PM this Saturday, December 3rd and say hi, sample some Lemon Tea Bread, and enjoy the Holiday Mice Vendor/Crafter Fair?!

From more information, contact Fancy That at our toll free number 1-888-32-32-TEA.

What to do with your Grandmother's Tea Cups - Fancy That consigns!

2011-11-16T13:23:00.004-05:00

If you are asking yourself what are you going to do with your Grandmother's tea cups, maybe you should consider an adoption service. Well, that's what we like to call our consignment service! :) Fancy That's Shoppe, selling gifts of tea and whatnot, now consigns fine china. We cannot tell you how many people have called or come into our Shoppe and asked if we would give their Nana's cup or cups a good home. Of course, we are always happy to immediately adopt - we have never met a vintage piece of china that we haven't liked!

We gladly accept individual cups and saucers, collections, or tea sets. The pieces must have no chips, cracks, crazing or "flea bites" (those nastly little dings that you can feel when you run your finger around the edge of the saucer). Our percentage is 30%. We "foster" the china for about 60 days depending on your request and the time of the year. We may "foster" longer if your china does not sell right away, may lower the price a little (with your permission), or may call you to come pick the little tykes back up (we ARE still talking china here folks!).

So now you have a place to go when you are confronted with that nagging question: what am I GOING TO DO with Nana's tea cup collection. Fancy That consigns! (call toll free for more info 1-888-32-32-TEA)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hand Knitted Fingerless Gloves

2011-11-06T13:52:00.007-05:00

Every once in a while, something so special comes across our desk that we feel like we need to tell the world. Well World, here it is! A dear friend of ours knits these wonderful wrist cuffs / fingerless gloves and wondered if we would be interested in selling some in our Shoppe. What do you think we told her? :)

From wonderfully Victorian colors, like the green and rose in the first picture, to these warm vanilla-like colors, each pair that she creates is more lovely than the last!

Yes, we ship :)
Just give us a call: 888-3232-TEA

Soy Candles in Vintage China Cups? It's ok :)

2011-10-24T07:07:00.008-04:00

Fancy That is thrilled to be carrying soy wax candles poured into vintage china cups and saucers handcrafted by The Pink Fence.

Reservations about using vintage cups to burn candles? Don't worry :) Here's a little primer (see below) about these unique and lovely candle holders, and just how easy it is to re-use the cup after the candle is gone.

Soy wax melts at lower temperatures than normal paraffin (used in main-stream candles). The soy wax, depending on additives, melts at between 130F and 180F. The only part of the wax that gets to "flashpoint" is at the tip of the wick where the "fire" is about 450F. Any melted wax stays between 130F and 180F.

Compare that temperature to placing boiling water in the same china cup… 212F. The water may stay above 200F for over 5 minutes, putting three times as much stress on a china cup when drinking tea than burning soy wax as a candle.

And when the candle is done (some of the candles can burn for over 20 hours), you have a beautiful keepsake that can be enjoyed, and used for years and years to come :)

So stop by Fancy That’s Shoppe Friday 11am-3pm, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5pm and select your favorite soy candle in a vintage china cup. (psst! They make a great Holiday Gift!) If you can't stop by, and would like one mailed to you, drop us a note or call toll free 1-888-3232-TEA....we are always happy to help! Thanks for stopping by! :)

What are you doing October 22? Fancy That's fall Open House

2011-10-17T07:02:00.010-04:00

Join us for an Open House from 1-4 pm on Saturday October 22nd as Fancy That announces, with cinnamon tea-bread and pumpkin tea bread the arrival of fall!

Since 2003, we've been providing rentals of vintage china and glassware for tea parties and special events. Now, we're tickled pink to also offer you a myriad of items for your shopping pleasure, such as flavoured teas, tea bread, imported jams and beautiful gifts and accessories, or as we like to say, "Gifts of Tea and Whatnot".
We invite you to browse the Shoppe, sample our truly amazing cinnamon tea bread and (or?! :)) pumpkin tea bread (so delicious we are excited to share it with you as free samples)!

We are looking forward to seeing you on October 22nd! No need to RSVP, just stop by our shoppe any time between 1pm-4pm. We are located at 272 Main Street (RT1A), Walpole, MA. We are on the 34E bus route (click here for the bus schedule). There is parking in the front of and in the rear of our shop. Please note: samples will be offered self-serve; this is not a seated event.

We are also thrilled to announce that we now offer beautiful vintage teacup candles for sale in our shoppe from The Pink Fence! Stop by on October 22 to see these lovelies in person. The candles are soy wax, scented, and lovingly made and poured into vintage china teacups and soup bowls. Once you are done with the candle (some of which will burn for 20 hours!), just clean the cup and you have a beautiful (and usable) keepsake!

We hope to see you at the Open House this Saturday, October 22nd from 1pm - 4pm. If you have questions, feel free to call toll free 1-888-3232-TEA. See you Saturday! :)

Fancy That is a Preferred Vendor on Best of Wedding Photography

2011-10-13T10:41:00.006-04:00

Fancy That is honored to be listed as a preferred vendor on Best of Wedding Photography’s web site and blog. Best of Wedding Photography is the premier, invitation-only association for the world’s top wedding photographers. By employing a unique system of peer-review, they ensure that their standards remain uncommonly high, as per their web site.

We are absolutely thrilled to join Best of Wedding Photography as one of their preferred vendors in the Boston Metro Area and Rhode Island.

If you have a moment, stop by the site and take a peek at some of the most incredible wedding pictures and portraits that you will ever see – hands down! Enjoy!

Updated evening pictures - Fancy Thats Tea Boutique

2011-10-08T19:05:00.007-04:00

Now that the nightfall comes earlier,
we were able to get some evening shots of the Tea Boutique.
Enjoy the pictures!

This is a shot of our new business cards on a glass fan plate.

Autumn Open House October 22 - Fancy That

2011-10-05T10:37:00.002-04:00

Now's no time to lament the passing of summer - not with our autumn tea bread flavours to look forward to! Join us at our next Open House on October 22 when you'll be able to sample our two new flavours in our shoppe: Our Pumpkin Tea Bread is a moist spice bread made with pureed pumpkin, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. A New England Fall favorite. Our Cinnamon Tea Bread is a rich buttermilk bread with a cinnamon and brown sugar center. Perfect with tea or warm cider. Trust me, you'll be hooked after just one bite! We look forward to seeing you on Oct 22 from 1-4, Fancy That, 272 Main Street, Walpole MA. For more info call toll free 1-888-323-2TEA.

Featured Vendor on Stylish Perfection

2011-09-30T11:14:00.003-04:00

We here at Fancy That are honored and pleased to be a featured vendor on Stylish Perfection's blog! If you get a moment, stop and and take a peek!

Thank you to everyone!

Fancy That sells tea actually GROWN in England

2011-09-21T07:54:00.002-04:00

Our latest press release!

Tregothnan Tea GROWN in England now for sale in the USA
by Fancy That

Walpole, Massachusetts. Fancy That, a rental company offering rentals of vintage English china and glassware, and purveyors of flavoured tea, imported jams, tea bread, broken china jewelry and beautiful gifts and accessories is pleased to be an authorized retailer of Tregothnan Tea. It is the only tea grown in England.Tea comes from a plant called Camellia Sinensis: Tregothnan was first to grow Camellia ornamentally outdoors 200 years ago.

Tregothnan likes to say that they are putting the “English” into English Tea. It was proven that high quality tea thrives in certain places on the Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall England. Translated from the Cornish language 'Tregothnan” means 'The House at the Head of the Valley” and the beating heart of the Boscawen Estate is the Private Botanic Garden. In addition to being England’s first tea plantation, it is also the only English location for manuka honey production. The Boscawen Family has lived at Tregothnan since 1335. The Tregothnan Garden is the home of English Tea and the inspiration for Tregothnan’s growing range of products.

“We know our Tea Boutique would not be complete without Tregothnan Tea,” Proprietress Sarah Erlandson said. “When we discovered that there was tea – and a good tea – grown in England, we cleared off a shelf and knew it would be filled with the wide variety of Tregothnan’s Teas.” Erlandson’s Tea Boutique is a specialty retail shoppe that was born out of Erlandson’s love for all things tea. Her company, Fancy That, rents English bone chine for weddings, bridal showers, garden parties, and any celebration that uses vintage items, from her collection of mis-matched silver plated flatware, to vintage mis-matched dessert plates. “Now in our eighth year of renting vintage china, the natural progression was to open a storefront and sell items that had a tea theme, including Tregothnan Tea from England.

“We are proud to be one of only a handful of specialty retailers selling their tea in the USA” Erlandson points out. “We knew our Shoppe wouldn’t be complete without the addition of the only tea actually grown in England.” Fancy That also ships Tregothnan Tea Products anywhere in the continental USA (FPO and APO's excluded). For more information, call (toll free) 1-888-323-2TEA (2832) or email info@aTeaBoutique.com

For more information, contact Brad McCracken, General Manager, Fancy That, 272 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081. Email brad@afternoontea.com Phone: 1-888-323-2832 Fax 1-866-551-2194.

Broken China Jewlery available at Fancy That

2011-09-09T20:54:00.013-04:00

Here are a few pics of some gorgeous broken china jewelry now available at our shoppe.... these one of a kind pieces won't last long! Aren't they beautiful?!

"Gigi" ring
$12.

butterfly bracelet
$32.

pendant and earrings
$36.

multi bracelet
$46.

bracelet made with Queen Anne's "Royal Bridal Gown" and "Sweet Violets"
broken china, Circa 1949
$46.

"Cherry" Bracelet
~SOLD~

"Sonoma" ring
$16.

"Lucy" ring
$16.

necklace and red crystal earrings set
$55.

multi bracelet
$46.

blue and green bracelet
~SOLD~

Fancy That has opened a Facebook Store

2011-09-04T14:56:00.012-04:00

We have had such great feedback about our Tea Boutique that, due to popular demand, we have opened a Facebook Store! We have a limited list of items but some of our favorites made the first cut, like:

Our lemon zest tea bread is topped with a sweet lemon glaze. The perfect companion for your tea.

Our Herbal Sugars come in three flavours like the Rose Geranium pictured above. They are wondeful and subtle when used on baking. The sugars are also a treat when used to flavour your tea.

And each pack of sugar (about a half pound of flavoured sugar) comes with a recipe card that will delight your senses...we made the shortbread cookies with lavender sugar and loved them so much, we made them again to "taste test" the product! (grin)

As we add new items on our Facebook Store, we will be sure to let you know here and on Facebook! (Log on and "be our friend"!) (Oh, and we sell gift certificates as well...perfect for the gentlemen to buy for their lady-friends!..hear THAT Hubby? huge grin) Thanks for stopping by!

Cord Covers - not left over packing material

2011-08-18T15:50:00.007-04:00

I know, I know. You are sick and tired of seeing the cords dangle from your computer or the back of your television set. Well, there are solutions! Of course there are the plastic covers that you can purchase at any big box electronics store, seen here.

Or, you can find the cord covers that are, front time to time, mistaken as packing material, by the unknowing. (grin) Renters, or anyone who has a cord sticking out from an appliance, can cover them with elegant materials. Imagine....silk...velvet...cotton.....in the colors and patterns that you could only dream of..

Cord covers are actually a part of electronic history. They were used originally to hide unsightly chains the allowed heavy chandeliers to be suspended from the beams in ceilings. And they worked nicely as well.

Then came the electrical cord. Piping for that nasty gas that was used to light homes was replaced by electric cords that usually were unsightly. Rahter than showing the gingam pattern or red and black checkers that were used in old cloth cords, cord covers were made out of velvet.

Even a chandelier hanging from a suspended ceiling can boast elegance when a cord cover us used. A simple Google search for cord covers will reveal the many different choices that you have. So enjoy your search for cord covers, and use them often and everywhere in your home. A helpful hint: find the cord covers with elastic on the ends. Otherwise your cord cover will fall and reveal the cord...u-g-l-y! And if you have a chandelier that you simply do not want to lower to install a cord cover, there are companies now who make the cord covers with Velcro(R) along the length so you can open the cord cover like okra, and then close it back up once it is around the chain.

Thanks for stopping by! Let us know how your search for cord covers is progressing!

Flavoured or Unflavoured Teas - Part III - Getting the Flavour IN

2011-08-11T14:20:00.003-04:00

Over the last several posts we have been talking about flavoured tea, how tea is graded, and how tea is "scented" as with the Lapsang Souchong. In today's post, I will be providing a great link as a primer on how tea is flavoured. The link will place you in Adagio Teas' Lesson Section of their web site. It is a great way to cover the "inclusion" (pieces of flowers or fruit added), "extracts" (agents derived from essential oils), "nature-identical" (agents that are natural but derived from chemical processes) and "artifical flavours" in tea flavouring.

Click here to start the learning process about Tea. The one main thing to remember is the tea leaf, so delicate and wonderful, accepts many flavours or scents if treated at just the right time. So while different ways are used to make the tea you drink "your tea", it all comes down to the Camellia Sinensis leaf (shown above) and how it is treated.

Enjoy your tea! And thanks for stopping by!

Flavoured or Unflavoured Teas - Grading and Orange Pekoe II

2011-08-07T17:46:00.004-04:00

Greetings!

We have had a few questions about the grading of teas since yesterday's post. Rather than fill these pages with the whole leaf grades, broken leaf grades, fanning grades, dust grades or other terms, we thought it better to provide a link here for those of you wanting to be "more in the know."

All of the grades listed on the link, and terminology with definitions to terms like "choppy", "fanning", "flowery", "golden flowery" or "tippy" can be located about half way down on this page.

Enjoy! We may build a trivia game app based on tea grades...wouldn't that be fun to play on your iPhone? :) Thanks for stopping by.

Flavoured or Unflavoured Teas - Grading and Orange Pekoe

2011-08-06T13:39:00.004-04:00

As a child, I used to think that Orange Pekoe was a tea that had orange in it...flavoured with orange essence. I remember thinking that when I was old enough to drink tea, I would try the Orange Pekoe first. I did, and it is not. Surprisingly, Orange Pekoe is a classification, or grading of the tea. Of course there are many stories about how it originally got the name, one story that is most widly accepted is:

The mispronounciation of the Chinese AMOY (pinyin or Xiamen) known as white down hairs (pehoeji or pehho). In an 1819 Chinese Dictionary by Rev. Robert Morrison lists this Chinese tea as one known by many Europeans and had white down-like hairs (pehoeji) on the leaf showing the finest, most tender leaves of the tea plant.

However, Sir Thomas Lipton , 19th Century Tea Importer, is credited with popularizing tea terms for Western markets. The Orange is from the copper color of the not-yet-dried leaves, but mainly because of the fininshed color once the leaves had been dried. The orange color is a result of the oxidation of the dried leaves.

Misunderstood in the modern times is, the grading of teas using the diagram above is mainly from Indian Tea or Sri Lankan Teas and not Chinese teas.

So in reality, Orange Pekoe is a grading system, and descriptive color of the tea leaves and not a flavour at all!

Next post will be on "how" tea is flavoured into the scrumptious flavours like "Sunny Passion", "Orange Cookie" and others! Thanks for stopping by!

Flavoured Tea or Non Flavoured Tea - Lapsang Souchong

2011-07-17T13:40:00.004-04:00

Greetings! Today we start a three part series on Flavoured and un or non Flavoured tea. There are a lot of strong emotions surrounding this topic...just ask your tea-purist friend and they will gladly, I am certain, impart their opinion on the topic of their favorite tea.

Well, to help clear some of the mystery about flavoured teas, and how they seemingly have gotten such a bad wrap over the years (not so much now, since flavoured teas are all the rage...we happily carry loose leaf flavoured teas in our Shoppe!) we will investigate, and see some of the types of teas, how they are graded, and how they are "treated." Read on, and stop back over the next few postings as we carry on for three posts on Flavoured or non Flavoured Teas.

Today, we are talking about the Grand-daddy of teas....Lapsang Souchong!

Lapsang Souchong is a black tea (check out our post next week where we will talk about the "color" of the tea and how the teas are graded). From the Fijan Province in China, this tea has a famously smoky aroma. As a matter of fact, in some restaurants, you can order a Lapsang Souchong and it comes to you with a "Tea Fog"...smoke rising from the glass of tea. Quite exciting.

Fijan Province in China

While this tea is being "finished" it is given extra drying time over a smokey pine fire. The smoking takes place while the leaves are withering and then again, when the leaves are either being rolled, or right after they are rolled and as they are oxidizing. At all times, the pine fire is made smokey with fresh pine wood, adding to the fragrance of the tea.

Now the question: would Lapsang Souchong have it's smokey flavour without being "flavoured"? Is Lapsang Souchong considered a flavoured tea? Talk amoung yourselves for the week, and stop back next week when we look at tea grading and flavouring.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tea on a stick - Whirl Ease Tea in five flavours

2011-07-10T16:22:00.007-04:00

It is all about simple - simple things for summer, and simple things to make life easier. Enter our latest product - tea on a stick known as Whirl Ease. From Strawberry Hill Confectionery in Massachusetts, these sticks have lightly sweetened tea on the end of the stick, ready to swirl into a hot cup of water. The best part about it is what these tea sticks are NOT - GMO free, Gluten free, Kosher and then, what they ARE - Certified Organic, with real cane sugar.

Simply uncover the Whirl Ease, and swirl them around in your cup of hot water. In just moments, and without much fuss, you will have a lightly sweetened tea that is organic, with mild flavours that enhance the tea. Each Whirl Ease makes about 15 ounces of tea. If your cup is small (like a classic china cup - 4 ounces) you can use the Whirl Ease for two or more cups.

If you cup is a mug and up to 15 ounces, it makes a great mug of tea! Hot water and a few moments of whirling in the water...viola!

Fancy That is happily now carrying:

Green tea with Mango

White tea with Cranberry

Black tea with Lemon

Black tea with Pomegranate

and our very favorite out of all the flavours, and only when organic peaches are in season...

Black tea with Peach.

We have the Whirl Ease (tea on a stick) displayed in personal sized tea pots to help you make your choice of flavours. If you are not local to our Tea Boutique and would like Whirl Ease, you can order by calling toll free 1-888-323-2832 and we can ship anywhere in the Continental USA. Even IF you are in Walpole, and you want to order, you can by calling toll free 1-888-323-2832. Thanks for stopping by! We hope to see you again soon.

Goji Berries and Gunpowder - all in time for the 4th Celebrations

2011-07-04T14:20:00.012-04:00

Fancy That has added four new loose teas to our collection bringing the total to 12 choices of loose tea sold in 1/2 ounce tins so you can sample the tea without being married to 4 ounces (especially if it is a flavour you care not to enjoy again!). The four new additions include goji berry (more about that flavour in a minute), Irish Morning, Cherry Vanilla and Sweet Sin.

Lets start with Sweet Sin! A Rooibos flavoured blend, this tea also has raspberries, real Bourbon vanilla crowns, and rose petals to make for a great basket of tasty, ripe fruits in your cup.

Now, along with the Vanilla line of thought, is Cherry Vanilla. A fruit tea blend, this tea captures your eye instantly with its color nuances of rose petals, cherry pieces, elderberries, beetroot pieces, and vanilla pieces. The taste of freshly picked cherries add to the bouquet of vanilla and other fruits for a mellow, creamy cup of tea.

Creamy? Try Irish Morning. This extraordinary blend of strong black tea with an intense lacing of rum flavour pep you up! A hint of soft, sweet cream flavour, white coconut shreds, green wild strawberry leaves and orange-red safflower make the color combination of this tea reminiscent of the Irish national flag...and the taste is a perfect taste for the early riser, or one who rises just in time for elevenses.

Our fourth flavour added is just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations here in the USA. This black and green tea blend is decorated with shining goji berries (pronounced go-gee) and golden rose buds. "Gun Salutes" of Gunpowder (tea that is rolled into little pellets like gunpowder - there is no actual gunpowder in this tea :)) and the flavour combos of the goji berry, pomegranate and orange make this tea a fireworks of taste.

Stop by our Shoppe to get our new flavour tea Fridays from 11am - 3pm, Saturday or Sunday from noon to 5pm. If you don't live locally but would like to try these or other tea flavours, we can ship them to you anywhere in the Continental USA. (and yes! we take PayPal!). Call toll free 1-888-323-2TEA to place your order. Thanks for stopping by! We hope to see you again soon. And Happy 4th of July - Independence Day!

Tregothnan Peppermint Tea now carried by Fancy That

2011-06-29T08:02:00.005-04:00

Fancy That is now carrying Tregothnan Peppermint Tea. We have had several questions about peppermint tea so we thought we would share a little primer on the newest tisane carried in our Tea Boutique.

Peppermint tea is a tisane (An herbal infusion or similar preparation drunk as a beverage or for its mildly medicinal effect) of peppermint, Mentha piperita. While not actually a “tea”(i.e. not made from the leaves of the bush (Camellia sinensis)), it is brewed like a tea and is sometimes called mint tea. It is naturally caffeine-free. A “tea” made from blending peppermint and spearmint leaves is referred to as double mint tea.

Though there have been no human clinical trials on the health benefits of peppermint tea, some believe it has healing effects because of the menthol that it contains. It is said to ease stomach problems and headaches. It is known that certain chemicals (properties) found in peppermint inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, and can also help relax muscles. Peppermint oil may be good for the skin, produces fresh breath, may be used to treat sinuses, and also is used to fight gingivitis. Drinking it in tea form may help you obtain some of these benefits. Stop by for your 10 sachet box of Tregothnan’s Peppermint Tea! No worries if you are not local- we can ship to you anywhere in the continental USA (call us toll free 1-888-323-2TEA (2832)).

Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again very soon!

Brief History of the Tea Infuser

2011-06-24T20:21:00.004-04:00

Did the tea infuser go extinct? Why, yes it did actually, for a while at least. Or perhaps it just lost a lot of popularity with the advent of the teabag.

A tea infuser is a small, usually ball shaped or oblong-cylinder container or spoon that is used for brewing a cup or a pot of tea, sometimes referred to as a tea ball strainer. Tea balls have been known to differ by the way they are constructed and how they are lowered into and pulled out from the hot water. Some are made from mesh; others are all metal with small perforations. Tea is placed inside the container of the infuser and then lowered in a cup or pot of near-boiling or boiling water (depending on the type of tea you are making. You can see a post here about how some teas are brewed).

The purpose of the tea infuser is to brew a cup or pot of tea without having loose tea leaves floating in the tea and without having to run the brewed tea through a strainer. Either a chain or a rod is attached to the sphere so it can easily be taken out of the cup or teapot once the tea is properly brewed. If there is a rod, the infuser is often called an infuser spoon and if there is a chain, that usually refers to an infuser ball.

History of the Tea Infuser
The Chinese have been brewing tea for centuries. They simply place the loose leaves into a clay pot and pour boiling water on it. Naturally the leaves swell and often fill up a good part of the small, squat pots. The Chinese developed certain tea accessories that still today make it very easy to take out the wet leaves and dispose of them.

The Brits, however, decided on a different method. They invented silver tea infusers, which became very popular towards the latter part of the 19th century into the early 20th century. Some were made large enough to prepare a pot of tea, others were small one-cup infusers, deliberately designed to fit nicely into a standard sized teacup. With the advent of the industrial revolution, mass production became fairly easy. It was around this era that the silver teapot was mass produced till most households boasted of having a silver tea set. Tea infusers were also mass produced till they also became a very common household item.

By 1910 the teabag was invented, accidentally at first. A tea merchant by the name of Thomas Sullivan shipped tea in small silk muslin bags. The tea was supposed to be removed from the bags, but customers soon found that it was much simpler to dunk the teabag into boiling water. The result was a no-mess, no-tea leaves beverage which was the beginning of the decline of the tea infuser. Teabags use fannings, not whole tea leaves but rather what is left over after processing the tea. While you can buy some teabags that have whole leaf tea inside, the majority of teabags today are still packed with fannings.

With the popularity of Oriental teas and their introduction into Western markets, people are once again turning to the infuser. Chinese teas are usually sold as loose, whole leaf teas. The leaves are dried and compressed, but when placed in water they expand rapidly and unfurl as the tea is being brewed. It is much simpler to place the tea leaves in a tea infuser and brew tea that way than to place the tea leaves into a teapot of boiling water, especially if you do not have the necessary tea accessories to extract the wet leaves from a teapot, or to unclog a teapot spout.

Styles of Tea Infusers
Tea Balls: As the name suggests, the tea ball infuser is a small ball or spherical shaped object, usually with a chain attached so that it can be easily retrieved from the cup once the tea is brewed. There are different styles of the tea infuser ball. The Mesh Tea Ball is a small container covered with mesh. This opens up in the middle, when one half slides open. The Metal Tea Ball, or Tea Egg is a stainless steel tea ball with small holes around it.

Pyramid Tea Infusers: These are pyramid in shape, and are made from mesh. The principle for brewing tea is the same as with the tea balls. These generally open on the bottom of the pyramid.

Snap Tea Infuser, or Tea Tongs: These are attached to long handles that, when squeezed together open the infuser on the end. The infuser part is usually made from mesh. You simply open up the infuser and tap the handle against the side of a trash can. The tea will naturally fall out.

Spoon Infuser: As the name implies, the tea infuser spoon looks like a little covered spoon. This is usually made from metal with small holes. These are often quite a bit smaller than the egg or tea ball infuser and do not always brew a very strong cup of tea.

Nylon Tea Infuser: This does not sit down inside the cup, but rather settles neatly on top of the cup. Water is poured into the top section where the tea leaves are and then gradually drips down into the cup.

Teastick or Teatube Infuser: This is a long pen shaped metal object, with holes perforating the metal. Tea is placed inside the stick and the entire object is submerged into the cup of hot water.

Novelty Infusers: Let’s not forget to mention novelty infusers. These are designed in many different shapes and sizes, usually made from stainless steel. You can find the heart shaped tea infuser, teddy bear infusers, dinosaur infusers, you get the point.

Whirl-Ease Infuser: The newest invention is tea, lightly sweetened with cane sugar, and a little tapioca juice, on the end of a stick. You swirl the stick into hot water and in moments, you have a perfect cup of tea. Whirl-ease tea stick infusers are available at Fancy That's Tea Boutique.

How To Brew A Pot Of Tea With A Tea Infuser
It all depends on the type of tea you are brewing. Regular black teas should be infused for at least three minutes, but no longer than five minutes. Green and Oolong teas are all brewed a little differently depending on the actual tea itself. For a great cup of tea you should carefully follow the directions on the package.

If you are wondering how to use a tea infuser you will be happy to hear that it is very easy to brew tea with a loose leaf tea ball. As a general rule you should only fill an infuser half full with tea leaves as the leaves will swell when they are wet. Whole leaf Chinese teas will need more room than the small leafed black teas, thus you should probably choose a larger size infuser if you are brewing whole leaf oolong or green loose tea. Small leaf teas or teas with broken leaves, such as many black teas, are better brewed in the tea egg as the mesh may allow the tea leaves to escape into the tea, and you will still need to use a tea strainer to get all the leaves out. If you must use a mesh infuser, look for one with a very tiny mesh so the tea leaves cannot get through into the tea.

Fancy That is carrying a tiny mesh ball infuser with two adorable glass “tea leaves” on the end. Perfect for all of the teas we carry at our Tea Boutique. Stop in and take a look! Fridays 11am – 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5pm. See you soon!

Update on Tregothnan Tea at Fancy That's Tea Boutique

2011-06-15T11:10:00.006-04:00

Tea from the Tregothnan Estate in England is being carried by Fancy That in our Tea Boutique. We are an authorized USA retailer for the only tea grown in England. The Tregothnan estate in Cornwall & Kent in England is internationally known for its fine English estate products grown and produced on Tregothnan land. A real working Estate with world renowned botanical gardens, the tea is gown, harvested and produced in England, distributed to the USA and being sold by Fancy That as an authorized retailer.

Gate leading into the Tregothnan Estate in England

While you can get the teas in loose leaf (call ahead to inquire – toll free 1-888-323-2TEA (2832)), the following are the offerings that you can purchase: (If you are not local to our Tea Boutique in Walpole, Massachusetts, call toll free 1-888-323-2832 to place your order, or email us! We can ship your order to any part of the Continental USA! or if out of stock, can order and have it in our Tea Boutique for your in a few days!)

Tregothnan Afternoon Tea – a fine Tregothnan Tea blended with Darjeeling.(Box of 10 Sachets or box of 25 sachets)

Tregothnan Classic – blended black tea. (Box of 10 Sachets or box of 25 sachets)

Tregothnan Earl Grey – a 200 year plus tradition of this black tea (box of 10 sachets or box of 25 sachets)

Tregothnan Green Tea – delicate and refreshing blend of Chinese Green and Tregothnan teas (Box of 10 sachets)

Tregothnan’s Royal Blend – a limited production of an exclusive Royal Wedding celebratory tea (loose by the ounce)

Chamomile (Box of 10 sachets)

Echinacea - grown on the Tregothnan Estate (Box of 10 sachets)

Eucalyptus (Box of 10 sachets)

Lemon Verbena – aloysia triphylla is grown on the Tregothnan Estate and yields the Lemon Verbena Tea (Box of 10 sachets)

Manuka – Infusion of Tregothnan Manuka honey (Box of 10 sachets)

Nettle – non-stinging of course! :) (Box of 10 sachets)

Peppermint (Box of 10 sachets)

Can you ever over-indulge? When enjoying this fine imported tea actually grown in England, we think there is no way to over-indulge. Start your day with Earl Grey, have Green Tea for Elevenses, Afternoon Tea at 2pm, then Manuka with dinner, and Nettle or Peppermint before bed. Now THAT’s what we call “A DAY”!
Call ahead to check on availability, or to pre-place your order. Call toll free 1-888-323-2TEA(2832). We can help you with your Tregothnan Tea Order now, and in the future! We hope to hear from you soon!

Love Affair Rooibos Tea is back in stock - tastes like chocolate covered strawberries

2011-06-08T06:56:00.003-04:00

Love Affair is back in stock! One of our favorite teas sold out during our recent open house celebration. We are pleased to announce that the Rooibos Tea that tastes like a chocolate covered strawberry, is back in stock! A creamy, sweet combination of heavenly chocolate, dried strawberry tart and irresistible rhubarb accented with red sugar hearts all go into making this tea one of the favorite of Fancy That and customers alike!

Stop by this Friday (11am – 3pm) or Saturday (noon to 5pm) and pick up a tin or two of Love Affair!

(If you would like your own ½ ounce tin that makes about 5 cups of tea for $2, and you cannot get into the store, contact us. We can ship anywhere in the Continental USA.)

Love Affair Tea is back in stock!

Seriously, where DOES the salad fork go?

2011-06-02T07:48:00.008-04:00

Salad forks are the fork (other than an ice cream fork, which was the subject of a prior post!) that seem to move around more than any other fork. How many times have to seen a table, and wanted to move the salad fork to the outside of the other forks? Well, there may be a reason the salad fork is closest to the plate. Continental Settings assume the salad is being served AFTER the entrée.

Continental Setting

American Settings assume no such thing! If there are multiple courses, there will be multiple forks, spoons and/or knives depending on what is being served. The first utensil on the outside edge will be the first you will use, regardless of the style of settings. If the first course requires a fork, use the first one on the far left. If it requires a spoon, use the first one on the far right. The knives are used in the same manner ~ the first from the outside edge moving in closer to your plate as the meal progresses.

American Setting

Settings and etiquette are two different things, of course. The difference between American and Continental silverware etiquette is , for American style, you have your fork in your left hand, tines up, and the knife in the right. When you are done cutting your food, you lay the knife down and put your fork back in your right hand. For Continental style, you keep your fork in your left hand the whole time, tines down, and your knife in your right hand. The knife is used to cut food, of course, but is also used to maneuver the food onto your fork.

So now, you can simply look at the place setting, and know if your host is European (using the Continental Style) or if your host is using American Settings. Simple, isn’t it? So where DOES the salad fork go, really? :)

A few of our Favorite Flavoured Loose-Leaf Teas

2011-05-30T16:51:00.005-04:00

We are thrilled how well our loose-leaf flavoured teas sold during our open house. We thought we would share a little description of the teas we are high-lighting this month (selections will be changing so you'll ahve to check back from time to time to see what our teas are for the month).

Cranberry Rose - (Green Tea Blend): Cranberry slices flattered by tender, sweet raspberry pieces and delicate rose buds in a Sencha base.

Earl Grey Cream - (Black Tea): A perfect, full-bodies aromatic black tea with a slightly creamy flavour.

Cocoa Orange - (Herbal Tea Blend): The sweetness of Orange, a hint of cocoa and a kick of lemon grass in combination with apples.

Love Affiar - (Rooibos Tea Blend): A creamy, sweet combination of heavenly chocolate, strawberry tart and irresistable rhubarb accented with red sugar hearts. (Temporarily sold out! We expect more in about a week!)

Enchanted Forest (Green Tea Blend): A blend of mellow Sencha and spicy, green mate offer a tempting aroma of Black Forect Cherry cake refined with a little sweetness.

Blueberry Yogurt (Rooibos Tea Blend): Combination of fruity, fresh blueberry taste with a little creamy yogurt.

Sunny Passion (Green/White Tea Blend): A blend of attractive Pai Mu Tan and Lung Ching provide for an oveall delicate note. Visually stunning with the addition of rosebuds, pinapple, mango and jucy pear.....cleary our very favorite!

Tiramisu (Rooibos Tea Blend): A light Irish coffee taste complemented by a hint of sweet caramel pieces with a dash of Mascarpone.

Stop by and pick up your tin (1/2 ounce sampler size). Fridays from 11am - 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays from noon - 5pm. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

What are you doing on Saturday May 28?

2011-05-27T20:33:00.009-04:00

Join us for an Open House from 1-4 pm on Saturday May 28th as Fancy That announces, with tea and tea-bread (while supply lasts!), it's new status as a "Tea Boutique"!

Since 2003, we've been providing rentals of vintage china and glassware for tea parties and special events. Now, we're tickled pink to also offer you a myriad of items for your shopping pleasure, such as flavoured teas, tea bread, imported jams and beautiful gifts and accessories.

We invite you to browse the Boutique, sample our lemon tea and some truly amazing lemon tea bread (so delicious we are excited to share it with you as free samples)!

We are looking forward to seeing you on May 28th! No need to RSVP, just stop by our shop any time between 1pm-4pm. Our address is 272 Main Street (RT1A), Walpole, MA. We are on the 34E bus route (click here for bus schedule). There is parking in the front of and in the rear of our shop.

Please note: samples will be offered self-serve; this is not a seated event.

Vintage Cake Stands added for sale to our Tea Boutique

2011-05-23T13:40:00.007-04:00

We are so thrilled to have these wonderful cake stands made from vintage china in the Tea Boutique. The yellow stand is one of my personal favorites! It is Royal Albert china. The color alone is so wonderful. Imagine having one of these lovely stands in your china cabinet or displayed on your vanity with your finest jewelry on the plates. Well now you can! Stop by and take a look! Fridays from 11am - 3pm, Saturdays and Sundays noon to 5pm. Enjoy the pictures!

Don't forget about our Open House this Saturday from 1 - 4pm! Enjoy some tea and lemon tea bread (while supply lasts) while you browse the Tea Boutique. There is parking in front of and behind the Tea Boutique. See you this Saturday? We're looking forward to saying hello to you!

New in May - Cute Tea Pot Shaped Little Tape Measure

2011-05-17T09:46:00.004-04:00

We just love dainty things that make you stop, look, and smile. When those little things are under $5, well, ladies and gents, that smile is even bigger! This tape measure is a miniature little white teapot that's more than just a keychain. You can hook them onto their keys or slip them into a purse or pocket and when you need to...you can measure up some fun! Husband hanging a picture soon? Needing that new end table but not sure how it will fit? This is your solution! Stop by during our Open House on Saturday May 28th from 1-4pm and sample some tea bread and black-lemon tea while browsing the Tea Boutique. While you are at it, pick up one or several of these cute little tape measures, new this May in Fancy That's Tea Boutique. (The Open House is not a seated event: the tea bread and tea will be served buffet style, while supply lasts. Parking is in front of and behind the Tea Boutique.)

See you on May 28th!

New in May - Scone Mixes from Woodland Fairy Acres

2011-05-07T10:32:00.008-04:00

Hello everyone! May 28th is fast approaching (our official launch of retail here at the "Tea Boutique") so we thought it would be nice to share a few pictures to show you how everything is coming together and also let you know about a great new product we'll be offering here. But first, some pictures:

We are thrilled to announce that we'll soon be offering five wonderful flavours of Woodland Fairy Acres old world floral scone mixes. We're excited to get them in stock. Such unique flavours:

Sweet Briar Rose
White Jasmine Flower
Country French Lavender and Dutch Cocoa
Lady Chantrey Violet and Wild Blueberry
Bouquet des Fleurs Orange Blossom

These beautifully packaged mixes make an elegant hostess gift and produce scones that have a uniquely delicate flavour- perfect with a cup of tea. I'm sure you will fall in love with them, just as we have.

We're looking forward to seeing you on May 28th between 1 and 4pm when you'll have a chance to sample some wonderful lemon black tea and our signature lemon tea bread (while supply lasts, so come early :))

Time for Tea - Yields and Brewing Instructions

2011-05-05T08:41:00.003-04:00

When purchasing tea, remember once ounce of dry leaf will give you approximately 8 – 10 cups of tea. The average serving uses one rounded teaspoon, or two grams of tea per 8 ounces of water (which is 0.1666 ounces of tea per 8 ounces of water). A dainty tea cup holds about four ounces of liquid. A coffee-cup-size holds about 6 to 7 ounces and a mug holds about 8 – 12 ounces of liquid.

Fancy That’s loose teas will be sold in one 1/2 ounce “sample sizes”.
1/2 ounce will yield approximately 4 - 5 cups
3 ounces will yield approximately 24 – 30 cups

Brewing instructions are simple:

Black Tea: Pour in boiling water that has been freshly drawn (previously boiled water has lost most if its oxygen and therefore tends to be flat tasting), steep for 2-4 minutes (to taste), pour into your cup. When you are making a pot of tea you will see the tea leaves uncurl and expand dramatically. This uncurling and expansion is called ‘the agony of the leaf’.

Green Tea: best enjoyed when brewed with spring water that is below the boiling point. Hot boiling water will make the tea into a very bitter brew. Try to use water that is between 175-180°F ….hot but not rapid boiling. Steep for 2-3 minutes and remove the tea leaves. Green Tea can become bitter quickly. Multiple infusions of the same Green Tea leaves (to make two or three cups of tea) allow for the best flavor and fragrance.

Rooibos or Herbal Tea: Measure the desired amount of tea leaves and place into a teapot or teacup. Use 1 tsp or 2.3g of tea leaves for every 8oz (1 cup) of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil Add enough hot water to submerse the tea leaves and let it sit for a few seconds before pouring out the water. Warming the tea leaves and teaware allow for a better brew. Add boiling water and let the tea leaves steep for 3 to 5 minutes.

Iced Tea of any type: use double the amount of tea and brew according to the instructions for the flavour of tea. Remove the tea leaves when the time for steeping has expired and chill the tea. Sweeten to taste. (For some fun, take a glass jar, add the amount of tea (double the amount that you would use for hot tea), place it and tepid water in the jar and set it in the sunlight for several hours, shaking the jar about every 15 minutes. Taste-test the sun-brewed tea until the desired taste is achieved…usually about three hours in the sunlight.)

There you have it! A simple guide on yields and brewing instructions!

Enjoy!

Yunnan or Dian Hong is a regal tea

2011-04-30T12:23:00.006-04:00

Yunnan Province in China

Dian Hong, or Yunnan, also known as Yunnan Gold, Pure Gold, Yunnan Red and Broken Yunnan is the subject of today's post.

Yunnan tea is from the birthplace of tea itself - Yunnan Province in China. Yunnan black tea is easily identified by its abundance of soft, golden tips and hints of savory cocoa and black pepper flavours.

Yunnan overall is a very foregiving tea; and in most cases will not taste bitter when over-steeped. Cheaper brands and lesser qualities of Yunnan tea can be bitter and have been known to have a lesser taste. However, Classic Yunnan like Yunnan Red as an example, is a Chinese black tea which is used as a relatively high end gourmet black tea and is sometimes used in various tea blends. The main difference between Yunnan and other black teas is the amount of fine leaf buds, or "golden tips" present in the dried tea. When you have blended or flavoured teas that included Yunnan, they are often called royal or regal teas because of the history and reputation of Yunnan.

We are proud to feature "Sunny Blossom" tea that has Yunnan Tea as a base. Stop by and get a sample size container to taste-test a cup yourself....you'll soon realize why Yunnan is a regal tea!

Please stop by again real soon! We'll see you then.

Rose Petal Confit - Jams, Marmalades and Confit - no Jelly

2011-04-20T08:32:00.005-04:00

Rose petal confit?

What is THAT, you are asking?

We thought we would take a moment or two and have some fun with the words “jam”, “jelly” “preserves” and “confit.” Fancy That is selling rose petal confit in our Tea Boutique. We also have other confit including lavender!

Not to be “stuffy”, but when you visit the Tea Boutique and ask for the jelly, we may cringle a little (quietly inside), and point you to the Fireplace Room where we have our jams, preserves and confit on display.

OK….here we go. Grab your rose-biscuit (oh! did we mention that we sell rose biscuits?! – that's for another post, dear!) and “Sunny Passion” tea, sit back, and enjoy the read! (grin).

From Fannie Farmer’s Cookbook:
Jelly is made with fruit juice and sugar.Jam is made with crushed or chopped fruit and sugar.
Preserves are fruits cooked with sugar to keep their shapes.
Conserves are jamlike mixtures of two or more fruits to which nuts or raisins are usually added.
Marmalades are soft jellies with pieces or fruit or peel.
A confiture is a confection, a preserve, or a jam.

And now for the Legal Definitions!
Legal definitions
US FDA definitions
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published standards of identity in 21 CFR 150, and treats jam and preserves as synonymous, but distinguishes jelly from jams and preserves. All of these are cooked and pectin-gelled fruit products, but jellies are based entirely on fruit juice or other liquids, while jams and preserves are gelled fruit that may include the seeds and pulp and interestingly, must contain at least 55% sugar. The US Department of Agriculture offers grading service based on these standards. (Taken from the Grading Manual of Fruits and Jellies” by the US FDA)

European Union directives on 'jam'
In the European Union, the jam directive (Council Directive 79/693/EEC, 24 July 1979) set minimum standards for the amount of "fruit" in jam, but the definition of fruit was expanded to take account of several unusual kinds of jam made in the EU. For this purpose, "fruit" is considered to include fruits that are not usually treated in a culinary sense as fruits, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins; fruits that are not normally made into jams; and vegetables that are sometimes made into jams, such as: rhubarb (the edible part of the stalks), carrots, and sweet potatoes. This definition continues to apply in the new directive, Council Directive 2001/113/EC of 20 December 2001 relating to fruit jams, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée intended for human consumption.

'Extra jam' is subject to somewhat stricter rules that set higher standards for the minimum fruit content (45% instead of 35% as a general rule, but lower for some fruits such as redcurrants and blackcurrants), as well specifying as the use of unconcentrated fruit pulp, and forbidding the mixture of certain fruits and vegetables with others (taken from the Council Directive cited above.).

So with all that said, let’s look closer at “confit” since that is the subject of today!

CONFIT, from the American Heritage Dictionary says: "A condiment made by cooking seasoned fruit or vegetables, usually to a jamlike consistency" "Confit" simply means to preserve or enhance the flavor of a food by packing it a substance. Typically, that substance is fat, sugar or salt. Duck Confit, for instance, is duck that has been cooked in duck fat, which enhances its flavor.

Confit is one of those words that is so mysterious, and wonderful, so gloriously French, that you guess anything with “confit” in the recipe is difficult, or has pound after pound of butter. Many “foodies” know of Duck Confit or Lamb Confit. Those with a sweeter tooth know of the Lemon Confit.

So, with the actual definition meaning “preserved,” we know that “confit” was originally devised to preserve meats and poultry in order to winter-over. Accoutrements began to be simmered as well, giving rise to some of the most wonderful confit such as Lemon, Lavender, Rose petal, and others!. Fruits and vegetables can become confit by packing them in sugar or salt.

Our confit are packaged in sugar to make it a wonderful spread that can be used on toast, biscuit or even a piece of cake. Stop by soon to browse our Tea Boutique and look for the Jams and Confit! They’re in the “Fireplace Room”.

Starting in May 2011, our Tea Boutique hours will be Friday 11AM – 3 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 PM. There is parking in front of, and in the back of the Tea Boutique. Thanks for stopping by! We look forward to seeing you again very soon!

Pai Mu Tan is a White Tea often called White Peony

2011-04-15T08:27:00.004-04:00

White Peony Tea from the Fujian province of China, plucked from a special varietal tea bush called chaicha, is also known as Pai Mu Tan or Bai Mudan, or Peh bo Tan which is the actual pronunciation in Chinese. This translates literally to White Peony. This tea is a sweet, mild tea made from unopened tea buds, as well as the two newest leaves to sprout. The freshly harvested leaf is allowed to wither dry in the sun. The natural oxidation which takes place during this withering gives White Peony beautiful, aromatic flavors. The nose is warm, floral and rich like fruit blossoms. The liquor is golden and bright. What you get when you drink this tea is a clean, floral-fruit flavor with a hint of what you would think how a peony would taste. As you reach for a white tea, or any tea-blend with white or green, consider this Pai Mu Tan as a reward for the experience, and a reward for your palate. It also offers anti-oxidants so there are other rewards in enjoying a cup as well! Fancy That is proud to offer “Sunny Passion” which is a Green and White tea blend. Best described as a noble blend of Pai Mu Tan & Yunnan, rosebuds, pineapple, mango cubes & a delicate touch of pear, this tea will delight you as an iced tea in the summer, or that special cup of tea after a long day. Reward yourself and have a cup of “Sunny Passion”. Now available at Fancy That: a Tea Boutique. Don't forget about our Open House on May 28th from 1pm - 4pm. You can sample tea and tea bread while browsing through the Tea Boutique. There is parking in front and behind the Tea Boutique. 'Hope to see you then! (The tea and tea bread will be offered buffet style as this is not a seated event.) Please do stop by again very soon.

High Tea Slide Show

2011-04-07T09:14:00.004-04:00

Whether you call it "High Tea" or "Afternoon Tea" (they are quite different! We'll discuss those differences in a later post!), here is a wonderful link to a slide show on High Tea Etiquette. Enjoy!

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Trivia Game

2011-04-03T18:40:00.006-04:00

There is always a little room for fun! We are delighted to add to our items that we will be selling, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Trivia Game. Did you enjoy the six hour version of the movie? Have you read the book more than three times? Do you know the name of Bennet's housekeeper? Do you know if "Sense and Sensibility" came out before "Pride and Prejudice"? Why not stop by in May, pick up a copy of the Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Trivia Game and have a "Jane Austen Party" including hours of fun and trivia?! Why NOT? :) Join us for our Open House May 28th from 1 - 4 PM and sample tea and tea bread. Browse the Tea Boutique and enjoy your afternoon with a cup (or two!) of tea. (The tea and tea bread will be offered buffet-style as this is not a seated event.) Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice Trivia Game! Soon available at Fancy That's Tea Boutique. Stop by again very soon!

Join Us for an Open House

2011-03-31T10:56:00.012-04:00

Join us for an Open House from 1-4 pm on Saturday May 28th as Fancy That announces, with tea and tea-bread (while supply lasts!), it's new status as a "Tea Boutique"!

Newest addition to Fancy That Tea Boutique - flavoured sugars

2011-03-27T20:05:00.008-04:00

We're excited to tell you about our latest offering: herbal sugars! Lavender, Rose Geranium and Mandarin Orange Spice are the flavours. The sugars add just a little something extra to your recipes - a subtle flavour to make your taste buds sing! Try them in iced teas or lemonade. By far the most popular is the Lavender Sugar. (Remember our earlier post about Lavender? It means "Devotion"!) Each sugar packet comes with wonderful recipes such as for shortbread cookies, lavender whipped cream, and others. Each packet of flavoured sugar will make a cake and cookie recipe. So if you are planning on making more than two cakes, you will simply need more than one packet of flavoured sugar! We can't wait for you to try these :)

A Tea Boutique

2011-03-26T13:28:00.004-04:00

This morning, Fancy That's sign was installed! We are announcing our new "status" as a Tea Boutique. After all, when you rent fine china and glassware, and when you are a purveyor of flavoured teas, scones, imported jams, beautiful gifts and accessories, what else could you be called? Simultaneously, we have launched our new URL ateaboutique.com. We are proud to have our sign up, proud to soon be offering some of the finest imported items, and proud to continue providing fine china and glassware for rentals, making your special event all the more memorable. Plan to stop by our Open House on May 28th from 1 - 4 PM! We're located at 272 Main Street in Walpole, MA (you can't miss our sign out front :)) You will be able to browse the shop, sample some offerings, and enjoy your afternoon with some tea.

Fancy That gets a Face Lift

2011-03-18T21:03:00.002-04:00

Check out the new design for our exterior sign! Love it!

Language of Spices and Flowers - Lavender is Devotion

2011-03-17T08:28:00.004-04:00

Lavender Field

In our next post, we will be announcing a new product line being carried by Fancy That in our shoppe. As a preface to our next post and the announcement (are you feeling the building excitement?) we would like to share some old Victoriana with you – what flowers and spices mean.

We all know that a rose means love. Did you know that different colored roses mean a different thing? That is for yet another post. Did you know that Lavender means devotion? Imagine giving a loved one, friend or husband (or bride) a gift of Lavender. You are saying “With Devotion”. Are you excited to hear about the newest item soon to be in the Fancy That Shoppe?

Sadly, a little time to wait will be needed. Until the time that the announcement is made, here are some meanings of flowers and spices:

Almond – Hope
Basil – Best wishes, Love
Coriander – Desire
Garlic – Courage, Strength
Lavender – Devotion
Rosemary – Remembrance
Sage – Wisdom, Long life

More about “Lavender” next week! Thanks for stopping by.

Tregothnan Tea in the USA

2011-03-14T08:57:00.003-04:00

Tea House in Tolverine, near the Tregothnan Gardens

Fancy That is pleased to be an authorized retailer of Tregothnan Tea. Let’s turn to Tregothnan Tea for a moment! It is the only tea grown in the UK! A little about the Tregothnan Tea:

Tea was first mentioned in British literature in 1615. The British took it to Africa and India, in fact wherever in the Empire it might be grown. Tregothnan has a history of botanical firsts and is home to original introductions of Magnolia and rarities from Darjeeling. These Magnolias now tower to 60ft and are among the worlds largest in cultivation. Tea comes from a special form of Camellia sinensis: Tregothnan was also first to grow Camellia ornamentally outdoors 200 years ago.From their web site: “The belief in doing things well has persevered at Tregothnan: the Estate has stayed within the same family since 1335. Seven years of trials have been undertaken to achieve these fine teas that really deserve the accolade ‘English Tea’! Tregothnan is putting the English into English tea. The search for the perfect tea was intensified when it was proven that high quality tea really thrives in certain places on the Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall. Translated from the Cornish language 'Tregothnan' means 'The House at the Head of the Valley' and the beating heart of the Estate is the Private Botanic Garden.”

Tregothnan is passionate about growing and collecting plants, including many rare specimens and this passion is the inspiration for our range of English Estate products and experiences, notably the UK's first tea plantation and manuka honey production.

It’s great to see this continuing as part of Tregothnan. The Boscawen Family have lived at Tregothnan since 1335. The Tregothnan Garden is the home of English Tea and the inspiration for the growing range of products.

So there it is! A fine tea from England, actually grown IN England, available now from Fancy That. Not able to come to our Shoppe in Walpole, MA? Fancy That ships Tregothnan Tea Products anywhere in the continental USA (FPO and APO's excluded). Call (toll free 1-888-323-2TEA (2832) or email info@aTeaBoutique.com for more info. Or you can purchase from our Facebook Store! Added to our line of fine imported confits, French Biscuits, and English Devonshire Cream, we proudly offer Tregothnan Tea in sachets: Tregothnan Tea in the USA at Fancy That!

We LOVE deliveries - from FRANCE

2011-03-10T13:01:00.002-05:00

Confit is in!

Tregothnan Tea is IN!

2011-03-06T12:38:00.004-05:00

Fancy That is happy to say that we are an authorized retailer to sell Tregothnan Tea...the only tea grown in England.

Tea is IN!

Biscuits de Reims soon available at Fancy That's Shop

2011-03-02T12:56:00.005-05:00

These delicate little biscuits from France are the loveliest shade of rose; made according to a 300 year old recipe and with natural ingredients. They of course pair perfectly with tea, but also with champagne or red wind. We are so excited to be importing these - can't wait for the first shipment to arrive! Stop by the Shoppe on May 28th (between 1pm-4pm) and sample some :)

Confit soon for sale at Fancy That's store

2011-02-26T19:39:00.004-05:00

Confit (con-FEE)

These subtle jellies are perfect to be tasted on toasts for breakfast or at tea time. We would also suggest using them as topping on cakes, fruit pies or ice cream, or to sweeten a hot drink.

Yummy!

Save the Date! May 28 2011 from 1 PM - 4 PM

2011-02-25T20:06:00.003-05:00

Fancy That is so pleased to announce our Open House to celebrate the coming of Summer. Save the date! May 28th, Saturday from 1PM - 4PM you can stop by our showroom and shop....sample some delightful sweets including ricotta tea cookies, tea bread, and more! Ice tea will be available to help welcome in the summer. While browsing around the showroom, you will be able to buy imported jams, comfit, and the tea bread and ricotta tea cookies that you are sampling, and MORE!

Plan on stopping by our Open House. May 28, 2011 from 1PM - 4PM.

See you then! Watch here for more info or send us an email at info@FancyThatFabulous.com.

Tips for visiting a bridal show

2011-02-16T08:42:00.005-05:00

Bridal Shows, Fashion Shows and Extravaganzas bring the excitement of New York's choreographed fashion shows and the highest haute couture to the location you are about to visit. No wedding would be complete without a visit to a bridal expo. From food to flowers to bridal gowns and formalwear, it is all there to help you plan, to confuse, and more importantly, for the fun of being there! You can plan your wedding from just one visit to a well run, and fully staffed bridal expo and fashion show.

Here are a few tips:

Before you go to the show, stop by the web site of the event, and look over the announcement of exhibitors. Call those who interest you and ask if they can meet with you at the bridal show. Mention the stage you are at, planning, just starting, finalizing vendors. This gives the exhibitors a chance to tailor the display or presentation to you specifically.
Check for local discounts for entrance tickets.
Register for all the give-away and raffles that are being offered.
Have a check list of the items that interest you the most including:

Limousines
Caterers
Rental Companies
Entertainment
Event locations
Wedding planners (maybe this should be at the top of the list!)
Dress makers

While you are at the show, make a list of the exhibitors who really “wow’ed” you. Within just a few days, contact those vendors even if the call or visit is only exploratory and say “I saw you at the Bridal Expo and really liked what I saw.” This is your way of telling the exhibitors that they did a good job, and a way to express your interest. Should your plans not include that vendor for your Wedding, at least they know their display and staff at the show made an impression on you.

Remember the truth about wedding fairs and bridal shows: the exhibitors are not as focused on YOUR wedding as you are. They are focused on helping as many people by answering questions and getting contacts. YOUR focus comes from you! If you need more attention, politely as for a moment of the exhibitor’s time. You will be surprised how quickly you get undivided attention.

Of course, if you wish, you can always visit a bridal show online and experience the fun and excitement of walking through the different vendors’ displays, even if it is in the virtual world.

It’s the Bridal Show Season. Get out there, and have some fun! We’ll see you at the Newport Bridal Show this weekend walking through the exhibitions. We’ll be exhibiting at the Commander’s Mansion in Watertown’s Wedding Faire on March 5th. We hope to see you there!

Again, remember…HAVE FUN! Thanks for stopping by.

Hearts and Snow The Valentine Window

2011-02-04T13:24:00.008-05:00

Thanks for stopping by!

As Seen On Style Me Pretty

2011-02-03T19:16:00.004-05:00

Fancy That is happy to be in a featured article on Style Me Pretty!
Lisa Rigby Photography took the amazing photos of a wedding at the Commander's Mansion
where our china and flatware were used.

Wedding Faire 2011 and other news

2011-02-01T07:37:00.003-05:00

Fancy That is very excited about displaying a table at the sixth annual Wedding Faire at the Commander's Mansion in Watertown, MA. The registration form is now available on the Commander's Mansion web site.

Fancy That will be displaying on Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 1 - 4 PM. Please do make a note to save that day, and stop by the Commander's Mansion in Watertown.

If you cannot stop by for the Wedding Faire, please keep an eye here for our announcement of our Spring 2011 Open House (Tea Buffet). Exciting things are right around the bend. All we have to do is somehow dig out from all of this New England snow!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fancy That will be at the Sixth Annual Wedding Faire at the Commanders Mansion

2011-01-28T09:23:00.004-05:00

We are thrilled to be part of the Sixth Annual Wedding Faire and Bridal Fashion Show at the Commander's Mansion in Watertown on Saturday, March 5th from 1 - 4 PM. Below is the ad that we created and will appear in the Wedding Faire flier. What do you think of the design?

As more information comes online about the Wedding Faire, we will let you know so you can stop by on Saturday, March 5 from 1 - 4 PM. Thanks!

Winter snows

2010-12-28T07:30:00.006-05:00

We had out first major snow of the 2010 season yesterday. The beauty of the snow cannot be disputed, even if you have to shovel walkways and driveways. We are pleased to share some of the shots of Fancy That's showroom in Walpole. Enjoy the snow!

Fancy That's Trees are up and shining

2010-12-22T14:57:00.003-05:00

The Holiday Trees are up in the Fancy That showroom. This year, the large white tree is in the left window when you look in from Main Street. We added a touch of green this year. Next year? Maybe a touch of purple...who knows?

A new addition this year for the right window, looking from Main Street, we have a dreamy pink table-top tree. We have had this tree for many yearsbut this year, it has become a centerpiece for our decorations, taking a place of honor in the front window display!

Feel free to stop by our showroom and come on in. During the holiday season we are open by appointment or by chance.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Fancy That is a Finalist for the Event Solutions Spotlight Award

2010-12-02T07:18:00.004-05:00

We are excited and proud to announce that Fancy That has been named as a Finalist for the prestigious Event Solutions Spotlight Award in the Best Rental Company category.

You can review our entry profile on the Voting Site here. Please take some time to check out our profile, see what we have been creating and vote for us! Remember, you can only vote ONE TIME for each category.

The recipient of the Spotlight Award is selected by an industry wide voting process. The Voting Site will remain open through January 31, 2011. Recipients of the Spotlight Awards will be revealed at the Spotlight Awards Event on February 28, 2011 in Las Vegas. Your vote (and the votes of your friends) will help us be the winner in the Best Rental Company Category for 2011!

Please spread the word and vote for Fancy That
Thank you :)

Fancy That at the Commander's Mansion

2010-11-17T18:18:00.005-05:00

We recently had the pleasure of working with Ashley and Howie,
who decided to serve "Elevenses" before their ceremony!
Below are just a couple of our favorite photos taken at the Commander's Mansion
by Lisa Rigby Photography. Be sure to see more gorgeous photos on LisaRigbyPhotography.com

Fancy That selected as a National Finalist Best Rental Company

2010-11-11T09:02:00.004-05:00

Event Solutiuons has selected Fancy That Unique Party Rentals as a National Finalist, Best Rental Company! More information about the National Spotlight Awards coming soon!

Yes Virginia, there is an ice cream fork

2010-11-05T08:37:00.003-04:00

We received a question: Is there such thing as an ice cream fork?

An ice cream fork is designed to make it easier to eat ice cream. Ice cream forks have the classic bowl shape of a spoon, topped with three to four tines to help consumers dig into their ice cream. The design of an ice cream fork is also known as a spork. The design of the ice cream fork has been around since at least the 1800s, with numerous patents for the design on file from around this period. While an ice cream fork was designed for eating ice cream it is very versatile.

The difference between an ice cream fork and a spork is usually one of quality and formality, given that the utensils are near-physically identical. Ice cream forks tend to be made from materials like silver, and their handles often have ornate patterns. This implies formality. The sporks tend to be more casual, and they are made from a variety of metals in addition to plastic and wood. Spork is also a term used when the utensil is functioning without eating ice cream.
It is perfectly acceptable to eat ice cream and other desserts with a spoon: the dessert spoon. However, setting out ice cream forks with an ice cream course can be fun, and will create quite a conversation around your table.

Thanks for the great question "Is there such thing as an ice cream fork?" Please feel free to send along your questions. We love sharing the finer things of life, and keeping the genteel life alive!

Vote for Fancy That on the Boston A List

2010-11-03T07:51:00.002-04:00

We are thrilled to be nominated as a competitor in the Boston A List competition. Fancy That is nominated in the Wedding Catagory under "Best Rentals." You can vote here. Your vote really does matter! Help us be The Number 1 Rental Company in Greater Boston! 50 days left. Voting ends on December 22, 2010.

Thanks for your help, and in advance, for your vote! Again, you can vote here! Thanks again!

Cream Soup (or creme soup) Bowls have arrived

2010-10-29T08:08:00.011-04:00

Sophisticated and elegant, vintage cream (or crème) soup bowls
are soon to be offered by Fancy That!

When added to a table setting of five pieces, these bowls take the table to another level of genteel splendor. The soup bowls have a delicate curve (if they were straight in their flue, then they would be bouillon bowls, but more on that in another post!) with handles on either side. And when you see the wonderful under-plate that accompanies each bowl, you know the dinner is going to be “something else” :)

What soup to serve with this type of bowl? I have provided a couple ideas below.

Corn Soup is a find from the Victorian Era. Simple to make, this soup filled the emptiness of crème soup bowls and hungry stomachs from the ploughman’s lunch to the fine Afternoon Tea. The recipe is as follows:

Gather 12 ears of the sweetest corn (try using white corn) and husk completely.
Cut the corn from the cob, put one dozen cobs to a gallon of water, which will be reduced to three quarts by the time the soup is done and boil the cobs for at least an hour.
Then add the grains (the eatable corn) and boil until the corn is soft and thoroughly done.
Remove the cobs; then pour on a pint of fresh cream from the top of raw milk (or shake the new milk to mix the cream into the milk for a smoother texture)
Add two well-beaten eggs (temper the eggs so they do not “cook” as you add them to the soup – in a small bowl, beat your eggs, add a table spoon of hot liquid from the soup into the eggs, mixing, and repeat that five or six times…..) then add the egg and soup mixture to the main caldron of the soup)
Salt and pepper to your taste; continue the boiling a while longer, and stir in, to season and thicken it a little, a tablespoonful of good butter rubbed up with two tablespoonfuls of flour.

Or for a modern twist on Crème Soup, try this Crème Artichoke Soup from Elise and “Simply Recipes” and the New York Times, which can be found here.

Pink Chargers have arrived at Fancy That

2010-10-27T07:31:00.006-04:00

Pink chargers have arrived! Fancy That unique party rentals is now offering pink chargers! How cool is that? :)

Hallowed Herb Tea House in Quincy re-opens for tea and scones

2010-10-14T08:41:00.004-04:00

We are happy to share some very good news! Hallowed Herb Tea House in Quincy MA is having a re-opening starting Thursday November 4, 2010.

Some of you may know there was a little hiatus, but starting November 4, 2010, The Hallowed Herb Tea House will be open from 1PM – 5 PM on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays serving tea (the beverage) and scones. Reservations are not required. You can call the Hallowed Herb Tea House for more information at 617-479-2759.

And if you are wondering if the scones are yummy, know one thing: Here at A Cup Of Glee, it is all about GOOD TASTE! Yes, the scones are yummy indeed! Some of the flavours offered by Hallowed Herb Tea House are:

Cherry Almond
Chocolate Cranberry Walnut
Traditional Currant
Blueberry Coconut
Double Chocolate
Chip Maple Pecan
Brandy Infused Golden Raisin
Ginger Chocolate

Not doing anything on Saturday November 6th? Stop by Hallowed Herb Tea House at 25 High School Avenue in Quincy MA and enjoy a cup of tea and a scone!

Enjoy!

No furbelows?

2010-10-12T14:36:00.005-04:00

Serving a dinner party in courses again? What a wonderful idea. However, you do not want to advertise it as “frills and furbelows” since the latter, furbelows, may carry a less than appealing meaning.

Recently I saw an invitation that included the line: no furbelows.

Oh my!

As per the OED (Oxford English Dictionary): "A piece of stuff pleated and puckered on a gown or petticoat; a flounce..." Through use, it became a contemptuous term for unnecessary ornamentation, stuff and fluff.

If you advertised your formal dinner with “no furbelows” you would be in err since your formal dinner in itself, would be full of fluff and stuff: escort cards, menus, fine china, more forks than spoons (we’ll discuss this in another post in the future!), centerpieces, and on and on.

If you wanted to have a nice dinner party with no furbelows, you can abstain from the name cards. Instead, use a piece of ribbon with the guest’s name written in gold ink and tie it to the napkin. Place the napkin on the plate and there you have it! Your first exercise in no furbelows.

No need to abstain from multiple courses! After all, a multiple course dinner party is making a comeback to such a degree that caterers are bringing plating for only three courses knowing they can wash the dishes in between courses.

Try to think outside the box and to the wind, cast the idea of “no furbelows.” Add the frills and furbelows, and enjoy!

Visit our page on Facebook!

2010-10-09T10:55:00.002-04:00

You can now find Fancy That on Facebook! Visit our page and 'Like' us today! :)

A Visit to Fancy That's Showroom

2010-10-08T10:14:00.007-04:00

From time to time we love to open our doors and show off our Showroom. Consider this your invite to our "open house" and "walk through" the Showroom through the pictures below. Our storerooms that house the fine china and vintage glass are off this room to the right. Our "work room" is in the back where the rental orders are cleaned, sanitized and packed for delivery.

Enjoy the "open house" below!

We call this piece "Jessica" after the designer, Jessica McClintock.

We have tables mocked up to show how the china fits nicely on a 48 inch round. The seating is so you feel comfortable while discussing and planning your elegant event.

This is the beginning our of Shoppe which we will formally "open" in the Spring of 2011. Watch here for more info as we get closer to our Shoppe Opening with a Tea Tasting Open House!

In the Fireplace Room, you can pull up a chair, browse through one of the many Tea Books we have lying around, and enjoy the afternoon. You are welcome by appointment or by chance!

Thanks for stopping by Fancy That's Showroom!

See you again soon!

All the Girls are home and clean, ready to go out again

2010-09-21T13:49:00.003-04:00

All of the Girls are home, cleaned and ready to go out again!

Before there was porcelain...

2010-09-10T08:40:00.008-04:00

We’ve come a long way from the loaf of bread to the fine china.

Not long ago, porcelain was very expensive and only the richest of the rich were using the fragile items from which to eat. At dinner time, at almost every European castle throughout the Middle Ages, trenchers were used instead of plates.

Trenchers were a vital feature in medieval feasts. They were made from stale loaves of bread, cut out so as to hold soup, meat, stew. After the meal, the loaves were either eaten, flung to the dogs, or handed to the poor. Later, trenchers evolved into a small plate of metal of wood.

Colonists of the USA had an individual salt dish or a squat sale cellar near the trencher. These salt cellars came to be known as trencher salts.

The porcelains from China arrived in Europe as the trade with Asia opened up around 1500. It still took another two centuries until hard porcelain was actually made in Europe. That happened around early 1700. It then took another two centuries to make the use of porcelain common and to ensure its place in every household and at every table.

Fancy That offers rentals of fine china and not trenchers. (grin). We also offer vintage glassware and other unique accessories for your special event. As the holidays begin entering our consciousness, keep in mind that you may need fine china, ruby red glasses, or other items for your holiday party. We’d be pleased to help.

Thanks for stopping by!

Our visit to All Things Tea in Plymouth and the discovery of Tregothnan Tea

2010-09-01T15:10:00.012-04:00

Recently, we visited All Things Tea in Plymouth Massachusetts.

Once we entered the quaint little town, we know we were in for a treat. The town brims with salt air, cooling the hot outside of the later summer day. Once inside, we were greeted warmly and quickly. Immediately to our left was a retail section that included wonderful petit fours shaped in hats, or shortbread cookies shaped in tea-themes.

It was then off to tea. As we had a wonderful Victorian tea, we noticed the brand of tea that All Things Tea serves up proudly: Tregothnan Tea.

Let’s turn to Tregothnan Tea for a moment! It is the only tea grown in the UK! And here it is, being imported by All Things Tea as the distributor in the USA for this wonderful tea! A little about the Tregothnan Tea:

Tea was first mentioned in British literature in 1615. The British took it to Africa and India, in fact wherever in the Empire it might be grown. Tregothnan has a history of botanical firsts and is home to original introductions of Magnolia and rarities from Darjeeling. These Magnolias now tower to 60ft and are among the worlds largest in cultivation. Tea comes from a special form of Camellia sinensis: Tregothnan was also first to grow Camellia ornamentally outdoors 200 years ago.

From their web site: “The belief in doing things well has persevered at Tregothnan: the Estate has stayed within the same family since 1335. Seven years of trials have been undertaken to achieve these fine teas that really deserve the accolade ‘English Tea’! Tregothnan is putting the English into English tea. The search for the perfect tea was intensified when it was proven that high quality tea really thrives in certain places on the Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall. Translated from the Cornish language 'Tregothnan' means 'The House at the Head of the Valley' and the beating heart of the Estate is the Private Botanic Garden.”

Summer House on Tregothnan Estate

Tregothnan is passionate about growing and collecting plants, including many rare specimens and this passion is the inspiration for our range of English Estate products and experiences, notably the UK's first tea plantation and manuka honey production

Quaint seaside town of Tolverne on the banks of the River Fal.

Tolverne on the banks of the River Fal is one of the most intriguing tea houses in the UK and has recently entered an exciting new phase in its history.Until 1832 it was known as Tolverne Passage Inn and was a transport hub for the Fal. The pub licence continues to this day as does the licence to ferry passengers on the river. It’s great to see this continuing as part of Tregothnan. The Boscawen Family have lived at Tregothnan since 1335 and Tolverne is a very special part of Tregothnan. Tolverne is within sight of Tregothnan Garden, the home of English Tea and the inspiration for the growing range of products.

Tea House at Tolverne

Again from their web site: “Whether arriving by land or boat, Tolverne is the hub for the Fal, a truly special place in Cornwall.Tregothnan believe they have developed the perfect Cream tea to enjoy at Tolverne. Tregothnan is well known in London and beyond and we have no doubt that Tolverne will become a favourite destination for anyone interested in tea. Tregothnan at Tolverne ensures continuity of the centuries of management of the banks of the Fal. From tea bush to tea cup: the first fresh leaves are plucked by hand, from sunrise. The 2 leaves and a bud are quickly taken to the withering racks where they are usually laid, supported by bamboo. They leaves are gently withered to allow softening. Rolling then takes place if we are processing black tea. This can literally be rolling the leaves between two surfaces, traditionally by hand. Oxidation is then allowed by spreading the leaves on a surface at a controlled temperature- this stage is also known as fermentation. As the natural liquid in the cells interact the colour changes from green to brown. The final stage is then to dry the leaves to 2% moisture. Green tea varies from the above in that oxidation is replaced by steaming, this retains the green leaf colour.All processes are entirely free of chemicals and have been sustainable for 4 millennia. 36 hours after plucking the fresh leaves the tea is ready for drinking. Blending is a vitally important part of creating tea brand identity. Tregothnan is developing blends that really identify quintessential English tastes by blending traditional imported teas added to our own leaves.”

Delicate tea leaves resting under a blanket of snow

So there it is! A fine tea from England, actually grown IN England, available now at All Things Tea in Plymouth. Please do visit their web site, and their quaint and adorably cute shop at your first convenience!

Thanks for stopping by! Please do tell your friends about Tregothnan Tea, and that you can buy it from All Things Tea in Plymouth Massachusetts.

Fancy That now has a Certified Wedding Coordinator on staff

2010-08-31T08:16:00.005-04:00

Fancy That is pleased to announce that we have a certified wedding coordinator and event planner now on staff. If you are in the midst of planning your wedding, your shower, or other fabulous event and just cannot seem to get the “ends tied”, think of Fancy That!

Offering rentals of fine china, vintage glassware and unique accessories for your special event, we now can offer you the pleasure of assisting in your wedding coordination and planning, afternoon tea planning, or just another ear to listen to your plans.

If you rent items from Fancy That, there is no additional charge for any of the consultation services. If you do not rent from Fancy That, you have to ask yourself WHY? (grin) Take a look at our web site! Surely there is SOMETHING that fits your special affair!

Join us! Make an appointment to stop in, and let us hear about your plans for your next event! (Call toll free 1-888-323-2TEA (2832)). We look forward to having you join us in our showroom in Walpole.

The Rechaud

2010-08-27T09:51:00.012-04:00

Beautiful to look at, but awful to clean. No wonder they all but disappeared in the 1960s and early 1970’s. No, I am not talking about bell bottom pants, or tie-dyed shirts.

I am talking about the rechaud.

Antique Rechaud

Good restaurants did not have plates in the kitchen. They stored the plates in warming cabinets that were usually located near the guests. Once the guests arrived, the proper quantity of plates was removed and placed on a heating rack called a rechaud. The rechaud had a candle or other heat source, and kept the plates warm and toasty.

“Back waiters” or those who service the “back of the house” (we call it the kitchen! And frankly, the only reason my home HAS a kitchen is because it came with the house...viva la’ take-out and delivery service!) or kitchen area would bring the food to a service table next to the guests’ table. The food, if on a “Hotel-Silber” tray (called that from the German, heavy silver-plated trays that were used to carry the food from the kitchen) was then placed on a warming rechaud.

Many of the rechauds were hand made. Made mainly from brass and silver, the more elaborate were footed, sterling silver, or ornately decorated to match the theme of the rooms where they were used. At the time of closing, you could see the newest waiters snuggling up to the rechauds, working for hours getting the candle wax off the contraptions.

Mid Century Modern Rechaud

Modern inventions all but killed the rechaud. In the 1970s, the electric heating tray, often brown in color with arms that formed the legs, were being sold. You could find them everywhere. Cloth cords hung off the ends like a tail. Now, modern “rechauds” are electric, made of stainless steel or cast metal, and are easy to clean and maintain.

If food is to be kept warm at the side of a table, the front waiter will place the food in what we now know as chaffing dishes. Of course, there would be nothing wrong with affectionately calling the modern chaffing dish a rechaud…I am certain it would make the chaffing dish blush a little, and make the waiter wonder what other words in French you know.

Enjoy your next buffet!

Types of Service, Russian, British, Butler and French

2010-08-18T13:42:00.002-04:00

Having been at a few weddings this season, and visiting friends at restaurants where the servers actually know what type of service they are offering, I thought it fun to review some of the normal styles of service. Imagine the look on your caterer’s face when, planning for your wedding, you ask for Butler Service as guests arrive, Russian Service for the entrée, and French Service for the dessert. Imagine the look on your groom’s face!

Let’s give them a look.

Russian Service is when the experienced chef precuts the protein of the meal, and assembles them back together in the kitchen. What you, the diner sees, is a tray that looks like the whole goose even though it may only be a portion of the goose. Said to have originated during the time of the Czar, Russian service is perfect for the one-table banquet when all guests see the entrée brought out.

French Service is when the food is worked at the side of the table. Many times the food is precooked in the kitchen, and finished at table side along with the sauces and garnish. At times an entire fish could be filleted at your tableside. When you have the faming meal at your table, that is French Service.

British Service may be familiar to you as “family service.” Big platters and tureens are brought out from the kitchen and placed before the guests. The guests then happily help themselves. British Service is perfect to get the table’s talking and have a family atmosphere. British Service can be formal as well.

Then there is Butler Service. When a canapé is brought out and placed in the hands of the servers, this is called Butler Service. Often times, the servers then have pre-arranged sections of the room and ensure that each guest gets their opportunity to enjoy the wonderful delight.

Now that you are informed of the styles of service, let your mind wander to your next event. Imagine British Service for your Holiday Party! Enjoy! And while you are thinking of planning your next event, don't forget to include Fancy That! in your next plans. Thank you!

Holiday Mice Vendor/Craft Fair December 4 at the SWUMC in South Walpole

2010-08-06T07:47:00.005-04:00

Fancy That loves being part of the community, so we are pleased to say that we will be part of the South Walpole United Methodist Holiday Mice Vendor/Craft Fair this December! We'll have a display table showcasing some of our vintage rentals, and we'll also be selling some yummy tea-time treats!

Mark your calendar for the Vendor/Craft fair on December 4th from 9 AM - 2 PM at the historic South Walpole United Methodist Church, where you can register for a chance to win a vintage cup and saucer, a gift certificate for a future rental order, and other items.

For more information about the fair, contact Sharon Gunn at sgunn01757@aol.com.

See you at the Holiday Mice Vendor/Craft Fair!

More photos from the Gracie Lou Photo Shoot

2010-07-14T08:27:00.004-04:00

Fancy That! is pleased to have been part of the photo shoot hosted by Gracie Lou Events. The china and goblets are on loan from Fancy That!

Simplicity Tea Pots, Cups and Saucers

2010-07-07T13:12:00.006-04:00

Looking for a personal tea pot to rent that won't break your budget? We are now offering a budget friendly line of personal tea pots which are 16 ounce. They come in six colors that you can mix or match. This picture below has the personal tea pots next to a more "standard" tea pot for estimating the size. Do personal tea pots fit on a table? They most certainly do! Settings for four on a 48 inch round is perfect!

A closer look at the personal tea pot compared to a regular tea pot.

Add to the Simplicity Line personal tea pot, these cute Simplicity Line tea up and saucer, and you are celebrating in style without breaking your budget! These are "modern" cups and saucers which means they are a little heavier than the fine china vintage cups and saucers we also rent. But when it comes to celebration, this is really "your cup of tea."

Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions about the Simplicity Line, feel free to ask! We love talking about our rentals of fine china, vintage glassware and unique accessories!

Photo Shoot with Gracie Lou Events

2010-06-14T07:23:00.010-04:00

Jamie R. Doyle Photography

Jenn Alton Photography

It really IS all about Pink!

2010-06-09T09:11:00.007-04:00

No Matter what anyone tells you, it really IS all about pink.....

Other colors add accent...pink adds life!

Enjoy the pink life!

Gracie Lou Events

2010-06-08T07:06:00.005-04:00

click here to check out Gracie Lou Events' post about Fancy That!

Tea Examiner

2010-06-02T07:49:00.005-04:00

Check out the article about me on Tea Examiner!

Fancy That, a unique business for those planning to hold an afternoon tea

Here's a pic of an awesome vintage cake plate I just added to the rental inventory!

Isn't it gorgeous?!

Wood Land Fairy Acres' generous help on our Kickstarter Project

2010-05-18T10:47:00.004-04:00

I want to send a "virtual bouquet" as a thank you to Deanne at Wood Land Fairy Acres for her generous support. You can read the post on Kickstarter.com here. Deanne contacted Fancy That and offered a 10% discount on their awesome floral scone mixes to the backers of our project at Kickstarter.com. I am thrilled to accept the offer. By all means, you should check out the web site for Wood Land Fairy Acres here and browse around. You will be hard-pressed to close the browser without purchasing one or many scone mixes. Coming from me who has tried the floral mixes, you won't be disappointed!

Thanks Deanne. Thanks Wood Land Fairy Acres!

Back our Project on Kickstarter and receive awesome rewards! And thanks!

Blue Too (it doesn't always have to be pink! - bite your tongue!)

2010-05-10T07:10:00.004-04:00

Yes, you can have a blue-themed party, as well as a pink party! And yes, you have a cheery table with the color blue!

The cobalt blue flutes are the newest offering from Fancy That! Regardless of your color theme, the timeless elegance of the blue flute is known across all cultures and all times!

As Sarah, proprietress of Fancy That! says when confronted with "it doesn't always have to be pink" she exclaims - "bite your tongue!"

Enjoy!

Jamie R. Doyle Photography

2010-04-15T07:17:00.006-04:00

More whimsical shots captured by my niece (Jamie R. Doyle Photography)

at Fancy That's showroom/shoppe on Easter Sunday:

Showroom Shots - Jamie R Doyle Photography

2010-04-06T15:13:00.008-04:00

Some shots of the things in Fancy That's Showroom.

All photos by Jamie R. Doyle Photography

Hobnail Creamer and Sugar Bowl

Trim of the custom made valances in the Showroom

Plates n things

Spoons with hearts

Stems of Grappas and water goblets

A Cup Of Glee and Floral Scones! Woodland Fairy Acres

2010-03-23T12:45:00.007-04:00

A Sweet Briar Rose

If you are as inquisitive as we are here at Fancy That! (which you MUST BE dear, since you are poking around the Internet), then you have a few items that are your “must search” items. We are no different. Our list includes:

Royal Bridal Gown Bow In and Bow Out (if you know, then you KNOW!)
Fan Plates
Cake Breaks (also known as Cake Breakers)
Best Scones on Earth
Tea Sandwich Sources
Anything Sweet

Well, you get the hint. I am delighted to share a wonderful find! Some of the best scone mixes on earth! Check out the Woodland Fairy Acres for scones mixes that made our knees weak! There are Sweet Briar Rose Collections including flavors like Sweet Briar Rose and Clover Bud, Sweet Briar Rose and Winter Cranberry, and….

Better yet, check out the Link! But don’t forget to stop back here at A Cup Of Glee!

Oh, and a bit of information about the Woodland Fairy Acres Scones – Fancy That! loves the scones so that we will be carrying select flavors in our Rental Showroom and Retail Store in Walpole , Massachusetts after June 2010. So do stop by after June for a sample, and to pick up a flavor or two of scones.

By all means, let us know what you think!

Thanks for stopping by!

Thinking Spring - The Power of Flowers (as a garnish that is!)

2010-03-10T08:00:00.006-05:00

Edible flowers that have not been sprayed with pestacides, and that are organically grown, make the nicest garnish for your cookies or tea. While the flower is fresh, dress with a light coat of egg whites (lightly beaten) and some sugar, and you have a wonderful treat for the eye and for the palate.

(Of course, if you are like me, you will find your favorite retail source for the flowers already dusted with sugar, and buy them!)

Enjoy!

Tea with Ben - Manners, Manners, Manners

2010-03-01T07:42:00.002-05:00

As always and not just when having Tea With Ben, wait patiently until all guests arrive before beginning the procession known as taking tea! Once all the guests arrive, open your eyes, stretch slightly, and then begin the conversation by thanking those who are joining you for their kind acceptance to your invitation.

Thanks for stopping by!

Fancy That's New Sign

2010-02-27T16:55:00.006-05:00

We've finally completed the design for our exterior sign! whadaya think?
a friend pointed out that it's the color of tea (or honey, come to think of it) - isn't that a nice coincidence? it makes me think of caramel - YuM :)

In Memory of my Beautiful Mother

2010-02-19T19:10:00.023-05:00

“I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: “there, she is gone!”

“Gone where?”

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear the load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout:

“Here she comes!”

- Henry Van Dyke

~In memory of my beautiful mother~
08.24.1930 - 02.21.2009

My first day of school:

Beautiful birthday card:

Pics of us taken when we were about the same age:

Taken in October 2008

My wedding day:

Notification of an Open House

2010-02-16T07:54:00.002-05:00

We at Fancy That! Unique Party Rentals are putting the finishing touches on the new Showroom and Shoppe and are looking forward to our first Open House. The Open House will feature a harpist, tea tasting buffet, and your ability to look over the items Fancy That! has available to rent. Be our Guest at our first Open House!

Our Open House date is still in the planning but will be in late Spring 2010. If you would like to be notified of the date, for planning purposes, please do contact us. We will put you on our "first contact" list and notify you once the date has been set. The pleasure of your company will be our pleasure!

See you then!

Adorable! Fancy That adds Personal Tea Pots to the Simplicity Line

2010-02-02T09:42:00.004-05:00

We are adding to the Simplicity Line of items for rent! When we add such an adorable item, we just have to take a moment and blog about it so you all can share in the fun! The "personal tea pot" pictured below (green color in the foreground of the picture) is 16 ounces and perfect forjust two cups of tea. (We will explain all of the cups-to-ounces-to-pots issue in a near future post!) Of course, a larger, more "standard" tea pot is in the foreground to the right - covered in those lovely pink roses.

So that the budget stays friendly and manageable for you, Fancy That! is renting the adorable personal tea pots at a Simplicity Pricing - affordable and yet accessible! The color selection is shown in the picture below. In most cases, please allow us to select your assortment. This picture shows how well the Simplicity Tea Pots coordinate with the Simplicity Tea Cups and Saucers which are also pictured. Ah, a match made perfetly for tea....for two...or more!

Let us know what you think of our new additions to the Fancy That! family! We love to hear your thoughts! Stay warm until our next post!

Hearts n Hearts - Fancy That's Showroom and Shoppe gets decorated for Valentine's Day

2010-01-26T14:54:00.005-05:00

Overnight, the decorating elves came by the new showroom and shoppe of Fancy That and left many Hearts n Hearts all over the place

The Elves left cushy hearts in the glass decanter (which Fancy That rents!) for all who visit to reach in and grab one of our hearts! Just like "bobbing for apples" only no mess.

If you look closely, you can see the tiny decorating elves still working on decorating the showroom...did you see that? There was one right there.....now the elf is over in that corner.....did you see that? There!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fancy That! - Showroom and Shoppe - Coming Together

2010-01-05T16:09:00.004-05:00

We had so many inquiries about "how did the new colors come out?" that we thought we would post a picture to give you an idea. Keep in mind, we are still organizing and painting other rooms before our "Grand Opening" in the Spring.

This is a shot of the Front of Fancy That's Showroom and Shoppe decorated for the Holidays. Our front window displays will keep changing - we are already receiving comments on the windows. A friend's Nana said she wanted to get out of the car, and go to the window, pressing her nose on the glass so she could see all that is inside.

Thanks for stopping by! More soon!

Fancy That! As the Showroom and Shoppe Come Together

2009-12-26T20:36:00.011-05:00

As you enter what will be the Reading Room,
you will see this teapot (actually, it's a coffee pot!) lamp.

Cups-n-Cups
Teacups are getting unpacked and ready to rent!

Another shelf. You can just see a tiny bit of blush pink paint (lower right corner of pic).
That's the color we're going to paint the two small storage rooms that are off of the main room
(it will be fun to walk through and look at the cups,
and the paint color will give everything a warm glow:))

The Front of the Showroom in the daylight.

Notice the "girls" (a.k.a. our floral chintz teapots).
They found a place of prominence on the front window sill.

Cherished items are here...for now!

Did we mention that we rent these vintage tray tables?
We used them for our own Christmas Celebration.
They really came in handy, and got lots of compliments.
This is what we're calling the 'Reading Room'
it's where you'll be able to come to sit back, relax
and peruse some of our fun books on Afternoon Tea and etiquette.

Thanks for stopping by!
More photos soon.

If you want to be added to the list for the Grand Opening in the Spring 2010,
just let us know! We'll add you to the list and send you reminder as the date gets closer!

Fancy That Showroom and Shoppe - Getting Settled

2009-12-17T19:28:00.002-05:00