Making Tea the Center of Happy Hour

Our Press Release for Tea Infused Cocktails....

For Immediate Release

Local Tea Room Puts a New Spin on Drinking Tea

Fancy That’s Tea Room in Walpole, Massachusetts is making tea the center of “Happy Hour.”

Fancy That, a Tea Room and gift shoppe is expanding their line of tea for sale to include tea infusers that steep in alcohol rather than water.  Fancy That is a tea room and gift shoppe where customers can enjoy afternoon tea by reservation, shop for tea, imported jams, beautiful gifts and accessories in an inviting environment with a warm, personalized atmosphere.  “Our customers feel like they have walked into my home,” says Sarah Erlandson, proprietress of Fancy That.  And they have, because Erlandson lives upstairs.

To launch this new line of tea infusers for cocktails from Tea Forte, Fancy That is hosting a ticketed Tea Cocktail Event the evening of July 11, 2014.  The excitement over a new product line is apparent in the number of customers who have expressed interest in getting tickets to the Tea Cocktail Event.  “We haven’t made the tickets available yet and customers are already asking for two, four or more tickets” Erlandson says.    Tickets to the Tea Cocktail Event July 11, 2014 will be made available to Fancy That’s mailing list first and then to their Facebook followers.

The tea infusers for cocktails come in the following flavors:  Lavender Citrus containing white tea, lavender petals and lemon balm; Lemongrass Mint containing lemon myrtle and spearmint; and Silkroad Chai containing black tea, cinnamon, ginger and cardamom.  “The tea infuser is steeped in an alcohol like rum or vodka instead of water, poured over ice and mixed with a juice or cocktail mixer,” Erlandson explains.  “One cocktail we will be making at our Tea Cocktail Event will be a Lavender Pear Martini.   Perfect way to end the week and welcome the weekend.  It is the perfect way of taking tea during cocktail hour,” Erlandson quips.  The Tea Infusers (less alcohol) come with a cocktail recipe booklet and can be purchased at Fancy That during their gift shoppe hours Thursday and Fridays 11am – 3pm and Saturdays and Sundays 11am – 5pm. 

For further information, contact:

Brad McCracken, General Manager, Fancy That

888-323-2TEA (2832)

272 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081

www.AfternoonTea.com

ExtravaSconeZa!

ExtravaSconeZa!

Celebrating one year of serving tea with an Open House

Walpole, Massachusetts.  Fancy That, serving Victorian-styled Afternoon Tea, selling tea and gifts and offering rentals of vintage English china, is pleased to announce a celebration of one year of serving Afternoon Tea.   An open house at Fancy That, 272 Main Street in Walpole, to be held on Sunday, May 18^th from 1pm to 5pm will highlight various fresh-baked scones.  The celebration is being called an “ExtravaSconeZa”.  Different flavours of scones will be available for complimentary sampling and for purchase.

Sarah Erlandson, proprietress of Fancy That points out, “we are celebrating our eleventh year of renting vintage china, the third year of our gift shoppe and now, one year operating the Tea Room where you can escape the stress of the day and unwind with a cup of Tea.”

“When you enter our Tea Room, it is intimate and welcoming as if you walked off the street into our front parlor,” Erlandson said.  “We love welcoming guests for Afternoon Tea.  It’s appropriate for us to host this open house – our way of giving back to our customers and the community with a free, open to the public event.”  Fancy That plans to have for sample different flavours of fresh baked scones and tea, offered in the comfy atmosphere of the tea room and gift shoppe.

FancyThat’s Tea Room is an elegant Victorian-inspired tea room with an air of genteel sensibilities.  Afternoon Tea is served by reservation only, Thursdays and Fridays at noon and Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 2pm.  You may make reservations by ringing up-888-3232-TEA (1-888-323-2832) or email Reservations at AfternoonTea dot com [spelled out to prevent spam-bots from using the email address].

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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.

The Tea Napkin or Serviette

When setting your table for Afternoon Tea, remember the napkins.  A tea napkin, or serviette, is a dainty napkin of 9 inches to 12 inches square.  From the British or Old French, "serviette" (pronounced ser VEE Ett) is a piece of cloth that goes on the table during tea service.

Of course you can use any size napkin you wish, but keeping the napkin dainty near 12 inches square, with maybe a little bit of embroidery, adds that classic touch to your Afternoon Tea.

For points of reference, Luncheon napkins are about 12 x 16 inches, Dinner napkins are near 15 x 17 inches to 20 x 20 inches and "Lapkins" or a cloth to cover your entire lap is over 22 inches square.  Classic linen Lapkins have also been used at Afternoon Teas when a lady preferred to protect her dress from any crumbs.

We hope you enjoyed this little post.  The pictures above are from Fancy That's Tea Room where we use 12 inch square cloth napkins for each tea service.  We find the touch and feel to be reminiscent of days gone by, with a little color (pink!) added to bring the napkins "up to date."  Thanks for stopping by!  :)

Afternoon Tea is popular! VERY POPULAR!

It has been several months since we last posted.  But we'll tell you, it hasn't been slow!  We have hosted over 450 people for Afternoon Tea in those short months since we got our permitting and are continuing to book guests well past the Holidays!  We started with the Dining Room, then added the Pink Room, then added "Yolla's Table" and the Very Little Table.  Then we added an earlier sitting, and a later "4PM" sitting - the proper tea time!  Yes, it has been fun...and busy! 

We continue to enjoy changing our menu monthly to bring some wonderful tea sandwiches and awesome desserts to our tea takers.  We think we have enjoyed it more as we "open" our test kitchen and try out each item.  Diet?  meh!  (grin).

We also managed to host four open houses!  We hosted the May Open House when we celebrated getting all of our permits and began serving Afternoon Tea.  We had a Parisian Open House where we served Paris Tea, Maria Antoinette tea from Nina's and a host of French-inspired desserts.  It was our best-attended open house yet.  We tried an evening Open House where we had Pink Champagne and Truffles.  Well attended.  And most recently, we hosted our Autumn Open House where we sample the fall flavours of tea breads - pumpkin and cinnamon - always a favorite of our customers!

So what's on tap?  We are now serving Afternoon Tea by reservation on more Fridays due to demand.  We added Friday November 15th and December 13th.  You can now book Tea on a select Friday!  We are having a Tea for Thanksgiving (almost fully booked!), a book signing special tea with Bruce Richardson (author of Great American Tea Rooms), Champagne Tea on New Year's Day by reservation, and two sittings with Pink Champs on Valentine's Day 2014 - one at 2pm and one in the evening.  Pfhew!  Check out our Facebook Event's Page for more information on what we have coming up.  We will be posting more often here with recipes from the Tea Room, notes about stories from tea takers, little bits of etiquette, and the like.  We like to say, when you enter our Tea Room, you leave all of your cares and worries at the door.....same here.  When you are sharing your time with our Blog and Facebook Pages, for just a little while, you can leave all of your cares ad troubles behind you.  Sit back, relax, cuddle your "cuppa" and enjoy The Tea Life with Fancy That with our "Cup Of Glee"!  :)  Thanks for stopping by!

Parisian Open House at Fancy That sampling Marie Antoinette Tea and Paris Tea plus sweets

Please save the date of Sunday August 4th for our "Parisian" Open House!  This is a public event, so there's no need to RSVP - just mark your calendar and stop by on 8/4 between 1-4pm (there's no charge). 

You'll have the chance to sample some amazing sweet treats (mini "tiffany box" petits fours, imported french macarons while supply lasts), not to mention two really delicious teas:

Straight from Paris all the way to Fancy That's shoppe, we can't wait for you to sample Nina's of Paris "Marie Antoinette" Tea.  This is a black Ceylon tea, scented with delicious fresh apples and rose petals from Le Potager du Roi (the King's Unique Kitchen Garden) at Versailles palace.  It's an honor to be one of the few stockists in the U.S. to carry this blend. A limited amount will also be available for purchase($25 per tin).

 We'll also be brewing the always fabulous "Paris" Tea from Harney & Sons, a fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavours, and a hint of lemony Bergamot

 There is no charge!  And, no RSVP necessary.  Just stop by between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday August 4 for our Parisian Open House!

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday August 4th!  :)

Afternoon Tea (high tea) at Fancy That in Walpole Massachusetts

It has been a journey (some of which we chronicled here) from the idea of wanting to serve Afternoon Tea, to the place where we are now - serving Afternoon Tea by reservation on Saturdays and Sundays.  We have to say, we are absolutely THRILLED with the reception!  We are fully booked for this weekend (there are tables available for next weekend!).  With a few moments to spare,  just thought we would share some pictures of Afternoon Tea at Fancy That.  Enjoy the photos!  :)

Mini desserts served at a recent Afternoon Tea

 

 Table for two in the Dining Room

Dining Room with tables set for three guests each

The yummy part of Afternoon Tea!

When making reservations, be sure to request The Pink Room for a private room (up to a group of four)

The Pink Room can accommodate up to four guests

We are crazy about the vintage china we use for Afternoon Tea

The savories

Thanks for stopping by!  We look forward to welcoming you for tea!  :)

Join us for a Parisian Open House, French Macarons, Petite Fours, and Paris Tea

Fancy That is announcing an Open House at our Tea Room, Gift Shoppe and Showroom on Sunday, August 4th from 1pm - 4pm.  We are calling it a Parisian Open House...we will have imported French Macarons and Petite Fours to sample, along with Paris Tea. 

Paris Tea, one of our personal favorite teas, is a fruity black tea with vanilla and caramel flavours and a slight hint of lemony Bergamot.  The tea smells almost like an Earl Grey but the hint of vanilla catches your nose, and you, off guard!  Then the hint of caramel blends to create an experiece even before you take your first sip.  The tea has a medium body and flavours of black currants along with hints of vanilla and caramel.  Really, you will be wonderfullly surpised at the complex, fruity, caramel-vanilla taste and smell!  It will be a Parisian Love Affair - your Paris Tea and French Macarons!  (grin)

Please do mark your calendar now.  Sunday, August 4 from 1pm - 4 pm we will be sampling Paris Tea, French Macarons and wonderful Petite Fours (while supplies of these items last).  Stop by!  You never know what other surprises we may offer!  Say "Oui Oui!" to joining us at our Parisian Open House!  See you there!  Check out our web site for more information or call us toll free 1-888-32-32-TEA.  Thanks for stopping by!



Becoming a Tea Room - Tea is Served!

The time has come for us to announce that tea is served in Fancy That's Tea Room!  We are thrilled (and a little jittery) that the day is here for us to say "tea is served"!  We have put more information about reservations and times here.  Call on or after May 10th for reservations beginning on Saturday May 25th, and then each Saturday and Sunday thereafter.  Tea is at 2PM on each Saturday and Sunday by reservation only.  If you are a party of one, or a party of 8 you can escape from the stress of the day, if only for a little while.  Sipping tea "far from the madding crowd" is as easy as calling for a reservation.  Shall we see you for Tea?  

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and now the "fine print": 

Consumer Advisory and Allergy Notice:

Consuming raw or undercooked meat, poultry, dairy or seafood may increase your risk of food-borne illness and pose a risk to your health.

At the time of your reservation, please advise us if any person in your party has a food allergy.

Open House to Celebrate becoming a Tea Room - Sunday May 5th 2013

Join Fancy That this Sunday, May 5th from 1pm - 4pm as we celebrate becoming a licensed and permitted Tea Room!  We will sample some Jasmine Earl Grey tea and cute mini desserts that we will serve as part of our Afternoon Tea.  If you have ever wanted a mini vanilla bean cupcake, now is your chance!  (grin)

Becoming a Tea Room has started almost a year ago.  We hired an architect, hired a floor installer, hired an electrician, hired a plumber, had inspections by the Town's Board of Health, Building Department, Electrical Inspector, Plumbing Inspector, had safety and Fire Marshall inspection (and installed additional emergency lighting and fire extinguishers), filed three different applications, went before the Selectmen (Town Fathers) and became a licensed Common Victualler.  Pffffhew!  Time to take a breath, and celebrate.

If you can stop by, please do and say hi.  We will be taking reservations for Afternoon Tea soon.  Our Gift Shoppe is open and has been open through the construction so there is a reason to stop by regardless of the Open House!  :)  Stay tuned here or like us on Facebook to keep "in the know" of reservations, special events, and the like.

Thanks for stopping by!

Becoming a Tea Room - Plumbing Passed!

You may be asking yourself - where has Fancy That been the last month?  Well, getting the Prep Room ready in our path to becoming a Tea Room.  You may recall, we are now licensed Common Victuallers.  Today we passed and have approved plumbing that is required to plate the food and wash, rinse and sanitize the vintage china.  Even if you don't like the looks of plumbing, you have to admit, it is a work of art - what with all the copper!  (PVC is not allowed in commercial applications in Massachsuetts.)

Thank you to our plumber, Norfolk County Plumbing and Heating.  We highly recommend their work, their attitude, and their willingness to help!  Thank you!

On to the last two inspections.  Now that we have the proper fire extinguishers throughout the Tea Room and all tagged, the proper lighting and emergency lighting, the proper signage in the Prep Room, and a little ramp by one of the thresholds (more on that in a later post), we are near ready for the final inspection by the Building Inspector/Commissioner, and then the final inspection by our Board of Health who will then issue our License to Operate as a Food Service Establishment.

Thank you for following us as we continue on the home stretch of Becoming a Tea Room!  :)  Thanks for stopping by! 

Saucer Crackers now at Fancy That's Shoppe

Saucer Cracker are back in stock in Fancy That's Shoppe.  Afternoon tea becomes extra-special with saucer crackers.  Each cracker contains a "snap" and an entertaining scroll to raise a smile or create debate.  Floral style and fun, fun, fun.  Add a snap to your afternoon tea.  :)

Press Release - Fancy That Opens a Tea Room in Walpole

This is the press release that was sent out to local media sources today!!

 

 

For IMMEDIATE Release                                            February 3, 2013

Fancy That opens a Tea Room in Walpole, Massachusetts

The dry spell of “no local tea room” soon to end 

Walpole, Massachusetts.  Fancy That, selling tea and whatnot and offering vintage rentals of English china and glassware, is pleased to announce the opening of a Tea Room in Fancy That’s Shoppe in Walpole, Massachusetts.

 

Sarah Erlandson, proprietress of Fancy That points out that she started her vintage china rental company in 2003 before “vintage” became the popular theme for weddings and showers that it is today.  She opened her “tea” themed retail shoppe in 2011.  The Shoppe was born out of Erlandson’s passion for all things tea.  Her company, Fancy That, rents English bone china for weddings, bridal showers, tea parties, etcetera.    “Now celebrating our tenth year of renting vintage china, and two years as a tea themed retail shoppe, the natural progression was to open a Tea Room where you can enjoy a proper Afternoon Tea and a unique selection of teas including a locally blended tea called Courtship Tea which my husband and I served at our own “Afternoon Tea” wedding.  We are thrilled to be opening a Tea Room in Walpole to offer a place where you can escape the stress levels of the day.”    Erlandson notes that the licensure process is on track and they expect to be taking reservations by April 2013.

 

According to the Tea Association of America, the US Tea Industry has grown to over a $10 billion industry with only more growth in sight.  Given the stress levels of modern day living, the respite being offered in a cup of tea in a tranquil atmosphere may be just the relaxation you are hoping to find.  “Like stepping back to a different time, Fancy That’s Tea Room will offer old world charm and the respite you can find only in a cup of tea.  We plan to keep the Tea Room intimate – only seating for eight or ten guests,” Erlandson continues.

 

Fancy That’s Tea Room will be an elegant Victorian-inspired tea room.  Working with a local caterer, their expectation is to be serving tea by April 2013, only by reservation.  Contact Fancy That by ringing them up toll free 1-888-3232-TEA (1-888-323-2832).

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Proprietress, Sarah Erlandson.  For more information, contact Brad McCracken, General Manager, Fancy That, 272 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081.   Phone: 1-888-323-2832  Fax 1-866-551-2194.

Now Serving Tea (well, almost!)

photo credit: www.etsy.com/shop/vintagebella 

Exciting 2013 update: Fancy That is pleased to announce that we expect to soon be taking reservations for Afternoon tea! If you are from the Norwood/Walpole, MA area, you already know it has been far too long since there has been a local tea room. The drought is almost over :) visit out site (www.AfternoonTea.com) to sign-up for our infrequent e-newsletter and be among the first to be alerted to our exciting new expansion!

Becoming a Tea Room - Common Victualler's License

In getting licensed to open as a Tea House or Tea Shop, we have found out two important things: 1 – It is always easier to find a commercial property in a proper zone than it is to find a nice property and try to get a variance and 2 – you will need to get licenses. If you are serving tea, you will become a Common Victualler (pronounced VIT-ler). The only way to become a Common Victualler in the USA is to get permitted through a license. Let’s look at the process right now:

A Victualler is traditionally a person who sells foods or other provisions, serves food or other provisions, similar to a grocer, and in particular, British usage can be used to mean a person licensed to sell alcoholic beverages (of course, that is another license in the USA).  Here’s a summary (very generic) of how to get open, properly with licenses in hand….

Step 1 - get the architectural drawing of how the kitchen or food prepare SHALL BE (there is usually a certification affidavit that you will sign with the Common Victualler application that says you will do the work as drawn – you will provide that affidavit with the drawing.)

Step 2 - take drawing to Board of Health and Building Inspector (be prepared to leave a copy with them for review) for their approval - providing initial spaces or signing spaces would be perfect. If they choose to sign elsewhere that will be up to them).

Step 3 - Complete application for Common Victualler and submit along with the fee to BOS (Board of Selectmen), Town Aldermen, or designated board. They will notify when a public hearing will be accomplished.

Step 3 A - for the application: letter and/or lease from owner; affidavit of workman's comp; affidavit of tax payments made to department of revenue; bank reference.

Step 4 - Appear before the Board of Selectmen Public Hearing with a copy of package for each selectman and answer any questions. Getting supporters to join at this meeting would help! :)

Get Victualler's License and start construction. Upon Final Board Of Health inspection and their permit issued, OPEN!

More very soon!  :)



Fancy That's Process of Becoming a Tea House - Chronicling the Process

Got Tea?

Over the next six months or so we'll be chronicling the process of becoming a Tea House, or if you prefer, a Tea Room.  It just seems like the next logical step for us, and we're excited about it.  
 
Fancy That started almost ten years ago as a small, woman owned, family run vintage china rental company with a penchant for tea parties :) ...Almost ten years on, our inventory includes pristine mismatched silver plated flatware, beautiful dinner plates, vintage tea cups and saucers and so much more.

In May of 2011, we opened our retail gift shoppe.  So many of our clients and customers wanted to be able to purchase items for tea, we simply had to help out! (grin).  Our Shoppe offers imported British lemon curd, clotted cream, Double Devon cream British jams, French jams, vintage china cups and saucers and many more unique tea related items (like Scottish Clotted Cream Fudge!  YUMMY!).

All of the above has led to our newest and best idea yet...

We want to serve afternoon tea, and we're hoping to do so to coincide with our Tenth Year Anniversary Celebrations starting March 2013!

One little problem.  The cute bungalow we lease is not quite equipped for the whole process. 

So, we have a little bit of work to do, and we thought it would be fun to share the process with everyone here!  So stay tuned as we chronicle the process of Becoming a Tea House - Victorian-Gentility-Style!

Thanks for stopping by!

The Softer Side - Softening Exposed Brick Walls

courtesy of raleighweddingblog.blogspot.com  

The question is simple:  What to do with exposed brick walls and how to soften them!  Abandoning fear of the "harsh, cold brick" is the first step.  Once you pass through your fear, you can begin the decorating!  Art work always works well when softening the walls.  Like the picture above, shine halogen lights directyl into the artwork.  This allows the art work to stand out allowing the brick walls to take a secondary view perspective.

Trendy London Shop from keepcalmandharryon.com

Placing color on the walls either on shelves or with items you love to display (as in the case above, retail items), detracts the eye.  You are immediately drawn to the color and afterward, you notice the wall.  Of course, you may not see the brick at all if you only are focused on the awesome items that are on display!  :)

Kitchen from atticmag.com

Hanging floor to ceiling curtains over an "imaginary" window softens the walls as well.  In the cae of the kitchen above, the stainless backsplash "softens" the brick on either side.  Adding artwork further takes the brick down several tones.  Imagine a wall where you have two panels, a faux fireplace then two more panels - you may never see the brick walls at all!

 Living Room from BrickUnderground.com

Of course there always is the one of the best tricks - glue wainscotting on the wall!  Before attaching the wainscotting, glue the top rail in place then install the entire unit.  From about 36" down there will be no more brick!  This also give the room an early 1900's feel - like you have walked into a Victorian Parlor.  You can also apply lincrusta at the dado level using heavy wallpaper clay.  Once set, a paint technique or a rub that will look like leather will indeed make the walls softer.

Marvimon House  from 100layercake.com

Softening the walls of exposed brick is just a matter of taste.  From the sublime, to the modern, Victoriana to Edwardian, or even a wedding venue as above at the Marvimon House, plants, colors and lighting make the walls less cold which means they will stand out less.

MaryLay Lonneman from cincinnati.com - mktotebags

Defining space - not dividing space, as Mary Kay Lonneman from mktotebags did on her shoppe as pictured above, defines vignettes in wide open areas.  The vignettes create intimacy and intrigue.  Try creating each vignette around a color pallet - pinks, baby blues, smoking room burgundy.  Separate wide open spaces with display shelves - try simple book shelves with wallpaper inside the shelves on the inside back, and then again on the exposed back to the shelf so each side has a point of interest. 

Softening those exposed brick walls is as simple as using your own design esthetic, color, and some unique ways of "hiding" some of the brick!  And don't forget the floor as well.  Adding area rugs, or better, painting the floor with link squares, will add to the softness of the entire space - softening the exposed brick as well. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Clotted Cream in the USA at Fancy That's Shoppe

Clotted cream (sometimes called clouted cream) is a thick cream made by indirectly heating full-cream cow's milk using steam or a water bath and then leaving it in shallow pans to cool slowly. During this time, the cream content rises to the surface and forms 'clots' or 'clouts'. It forms an essential part of a cream tea. In the USA, it would be classified as butter since it has over 55% fat content – in most cases, it is 64% of fat content or higher.

Although its origin is uncertain, the cream's production is commonly associated with dairy farms in South West England and in particular the counties of Cornwall and Devon. The current largest commercial producer is Rodda's in Reduth, Cornwall, which produces up to 25 tonnes (25,000 kg; 55,000 lb) of clotted cream each day. In 1998 the term Cornish clotted cream became a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) by European Union directive, as long as the milk is produced in Cornwall and the minimum fat content is 55%.

Whether or not it was brought to England from abroad, it has long been disputed whether clotted cream originated in Devon or Cornwall, and which county makes it the best. There is evidence that the monks of Tavistock Abbey were making clotted cream in the early 1300s. After their Abbey had been ransacked by Vikings in 997 AD, the monks rebuilt it with the help of Ordulf, Earl of Devon. Local workers were drafted in to help with the repairs, and the monks rewarded them with bread, clotted cream and strawberry preserves. The 1658 cook book entitled "The Complete Cook" had a recipe for "clouted cream".

In the 19th century clotted cream was regarded as better nourishment than "raw" cream because that cream was liable to go sour and be difficult to digest, causing illness. An article from 1853 calculates that creating clotted cream will produce 25% more cream than regular methods. In Devon, clotted cream was so common that in the mid-1800s, it was used in the formative processes of butter, instead of churning cream or milk. The butter made in this way had a longer lifespan and was free from any negative flavours added by the churning. It has long been the practice for local residents in South West England, or those on holiday, to send small tins or tubs of clotted cream by post to friends and relations in other parts of the British Isles. Food regulations for perishable goods prohibit it being sent abroad.

We at Fancy That are proud to carry Devon Luxury Clotted Cream (as well as Somerdale Devon Cream) in our shoppe. We cannot ship it to all States, but if you are interested in purchasing some clotted cream, you may ring us up, and we will happily explore the possibility. Or, you can stop by our shoppe in Walpole, Massachusetts where we have Devon Luxury Clotted Cream and Somerdale Devon Cream displayed for your purchase.  Thanks for stopping by!  :)

Dress rehearsal for Tea At Two Event Series

We were having some fun today dressing a table for tea. Our up-coming Tea-At-Two Event Series will start with Afternoon Tea, followed by a presentation. You can see the schedule here.

Shall we see you at tea?

Fancy That announces Tea At Two Event Series

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.

(The April Event is sold out. Tickets are available for other dates!)
SOLD OUT - 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2012 / $22 per person - SOLD OUT
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
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Assorted Miniature Scones with English Clotted Cream and Jam
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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.

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

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.