Texas TEA & TRAVEL Summer 2015

Hhomes istoriC tour G A LV E S T O N



M AY 2 , 3 , 9 & 1 0

AGED TO PERFECTION.

THE 1856/1889 JOHN H. HUTCHINGS HOME

Nine homes. Two weekends. Numerous special events and more.

Tickets on sale now at galvestonhistory.org.

Galveston

Monthly Magazine •Exploring Your Island Paradise•

Ming Tea Murder a Tea shop MysTery

The newest novel from New York Times bestselling author

Laura ChiLds “Tea lovers, mystery lovers, this is for you.”*

Praise for the series:

“A love letter to Charleston, tea, and fine living.”

A spectacular gala opening for an exhibit of an eighteenth century Chinese teahouse is cut short after Theodosia Browning discovers the body of a wealthy museum donor.

—Kirkus Reviews

“Murder suits Laura Childs to a tea.”

—St. Paul Pioneer Press

Don’t miss

Steeped in Evil— now in paperback!

On Sale May 5th DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS INCLUDED! LAURACHILDS.COM *Susan Wittig Albert (on The Silver Needle Murder)

Texas Welcome

letter from the editor

Raise Your Cups!

What is a Texas summer?

If you are new to Texas, summer can be the most challenging of the seasons. It brings the heat, pesky bugs, high humidity, kiddos at every corner and long endless days. This summer chaos is an splendid recipe for tea lovers, since we have a solution for any seasonal woe.

For the heat, ice your favorite glass of tea.

Ahmad tea (pg.15) has an easy recipe for a cold brew. Then, join the tea madness at the first annual Lone Star Iced Tea festival (pg.34).

Norwood Pratt and Lee Q Garcia embrace the excitement of the 2015 Texas Tea Festival in Austin (pg. 50).

For the bugs, use cold tea bags as anti-itch pads (old wives’ remedy). Black tea has been known to contain antiseptic properties.

For the humidity, play inside your local antique mall and have lunch at a quaint tearoom. This issue is filled with remarkable options. Texas has over 120 tea rooms and tea shops within it’s borders.

For the kiddos, it’s a perfect time to enjoy afternoon tea with little ones (2-3pm is preferred) and practice table manners (pg.40).

Sharing your sewing and craft hobbies is also a great way to inspire new generations of creative Texans (pg. 29).

For the long days, it’s bonus time to kick your spurs and savor the highway. The Dallas Arboretum (pg. 11) has an amazing botanical garden, while the top 2015 Texas B&B’s offer the finest Texas hospitality (pg.48).

During a Texas summer, less traffic on the main roads (since schools are out) and more daylight to cook (plus enjoy iced tea by the grill) make it a fabulous time.

From Houston to Austin to the Rio Grande Valley, our Texas culture offers respite for all tea lovin’ travelers. Cheers!

Five year old Madeleine Huh enjoys green tea and macarons while hosting French teatime with Lee.

Lee Q Garcia Editor

"We love Texas Tea&Travel. The story about our retreat was honoring. Thank you for the wonderful articles. I love your focus!"

Stacy Seely Whitworth Ranch, Scurry

MODERN TEA TRAVELERS REJOICE!

There's never been a more exciting for modern tea travelers, and by modern tea travelers, I mean YOU! Love to find a quaint tea room during your weekend getaway? Smitten with antique clocks and vintage lace? Excited to find an artisan festival in town? Yep- you are the modern tea traveler, and we're so excited to be a part of your passion.

Jun e is Na tional Iced Tea Mon th TRAVEL

Houston -Roundup Gulf Coast Southern

contents summer 2015

n o t

s u o

h

11 | Dallas Arboretum 16 | Plano's Vintage Bridal Show 26 | Texas Quilt Museum 47 | Galveston's Historic Tremont House 48 | 2015 Top Texas B&B's TEA 15 | Ahmad Tea Cold Brew 34 | Houston's Iced Tea Festival 50 | Norwood Pratt Texas Visit 54 | Austin's White Cloud World Tea CULTURE 18 | Folk Artist Clementine Hunter 24 | Quilter Kate Adams 30 | Highclere Tea with Lady Carnarvon

Join us on lin etea tra velers love to sha re!

TEAinTEXAS TEAinTEXAS TEAinTEXAS TEAinTEXAS

traveling

TEA

tea lectures 5 Hour Bus Outing in Houston!

Step-On Guide educates guests on Houston’s Heritage and It’s Craze with Tea, Local Museum Visit, Door Prizes, Three-Course Afternoon Tea, Shopping and Tea Tasting.

2 Museum Options in 2014: -Kirby Pioneers -Braes Ticker Tape

hosted by TEA&TRAVEL

$19.95 + Lunch for Seniors (min 20) $39.95 + Lunch for Groups (min 8) Transportation not included, Call for details.

Lunch stops at local tea rooms vary on group size $14-16.

have a

precinct bus scheduled?

flexible

schedules and senior discounts

free lunch for bus driver

Tell our advertisers tha t you hea rd about them in TEXAS TEA&TRAVEL!

tours offered tues-thurs 9-2pm

info@texasttravel.com 832-955-1767 Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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Houston - Gulf Coast

Elizabeth Escobedo is a culinary instructor, food writer and tea lover.

She teaches at Central Market, Lake Austin Spa, and private events. Elizabeth loves to incorporate tea as a surprise ingredient in many of her recipes. She resides in Houston, Texas.

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

Dallas - North Texas

summer event

CALENDAR

north texas

April 30 – May 3 May 28-31, July 2-5, July 30-August 2 Canton’s First Monday Trade Days Explore a world of antiques, home décor, clothing and gifts at Canton’s First Monday Trade Days. While in town, visit the charming Square. At the First Monday Grounds, there are more than 7,000 vendor spaces, providing an amazing treasure hunt. 1-877-462-7467 firstmonday@cantontex.com May 1 – 2 Jefferson, Texas 68th Annual Historical Pilgrimage The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club invites you to enjoy fabulous gardens in bloom and lovely architecture that make the gracious city of Jefferson a jewel in the Lone Star State’s crown; jeffersonpilgrimage.com Second Sat: An Evening of Art, Music and Wine, McKinney Explore downtown art galleries, great local and regional music and enjoy dinner at one of McKinney’s outstanding eateries.

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

May 9 Mother’s Day Tea Beatitudes, Grapevine 3 course meal with mini vanilla cranberry scone with strawberry butter, chicken salad, pimento tea sandwiches, mini cheescakes, mango chipotle fruit salad and more. Choice of Yellow Rose of Texas hot tea, peach herbal tea and iced teas. Seating at 11:00am $24 per person 817-488-8850 June 2 - 8 Celebrate the American Bride, Chic Cherie, High Street Antiques, Plano In honor of Wedding Month, festivities include a June 6 fashion show featuring fabulous antique and vintage bridal gowns, an afternoon tea complete with wedding cake. Lecture

by Steven Porterfield, vintage expert, on June 5. Door prizes, music demonstrations, and lovely wedding gifts selected by the antiques dealers. You won’t want to miss it! 972-509-7878 June 14 13th Boas & Tairas Hilton Garden Inn, Allen This author event by Fresh Fiction incudes a keynote address and book signing along with a lovely tea. Boas are optional and tiaras are required; Freshfiction.com.

August 22 17th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea and Fundraiser, Fort Worth A fabulous tea, auction, pink carpet salute to survivors, hat contest and more, all to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer Division. breastcancertea.org.

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August 29 Tea Party Tablescape Contest, Corinth Show your table decoration skills at this fun tea event at the Comfort Inn, Corinth Texas 972-420-8892 8111 S. I-35. Host a table for this afternoon tea. Prizes. Learn more at http://www.candlesandrosesball.com/tea-partytablescape-contest.html december_skies28@hotmail.com

louisiana

May 8-10 Mother’s Day Tea Covington, LA Celebrate Mother’s Day with that special mom in your life at Covington’s English Tea Room. Friday & Sat 9am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm Reservations are encouraged. 985-898-3988 englishtearoom.com May 10, 2015 Mother’s Day Traditional English Tea, Sunset, Louisiana On Mother’s Day, a traditional English tea at one of Acadiana’s Best New Restaurants, Le Petit Gateau Bakery and Tea Parlor.

Sit on a chaise lounge beneath crystal chandeliers and enjoy a properly brewed pot of tea, English tea sandwiches, and a variety of desserts and sweets at Le Petit Gateau Bakery and Tea Parlor. 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. 337-662-3000 June 5-7 Girls’ Getaway Weekend, Natchitoches Visit this lovely Louisiana destination, which is Louisiana’s oldest settlement and graced with lovely architecture, fun shopping, fabulous restaurants, and abundant natural beauty.

The setting of the movie “Steel Magnolias,” Natchitoches is the perfect place to celebrate with the girls! Wine & cheese reception, movie night at Beau Jardin, exclusive shopping discounts, and a tour of the Steel Magnolia home are included!

Register arnatchitochesHDBA.com July 17-18 NSU Folk Festival, Natchitoches This year's theme is: "Backroads and Bayous: Celebrating Louisiana's Rural Folklife" This festival celebrates folk art, music and food! Held inside at Prather Coliseum on the campus of NSU. louisianafolklife.nsula.edu July 30–August 2 The New Orleans Antiques Forum 2015 It's Only Natural . . .

Now in its eighth year, this four-day program—complete with presentations by noted experts, an optional guided tour, and plenty of fun in historic New Orleans—is nationally known as one of the premier events of its kind for antique collectors and enthusiasts throughout the nation. The 2015 New Orleans Antiques Forum will explore the South’s fascination with objects reflecting the beauty and intrigue of nature and the talented people who created them hnoc.org

Dallas - North Texas

Your Getaway Destination!

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Tea Room • Gift Shop JUST STEPS FROM HISTORIC MAIN STREET IN GRAPEVINE, COME JOIN US FOR A DELICIOUS MEAL AND LOVELY GIFTS.

Now Open for Breakfast

Catering Available Available for Parties, Showers & Special Luncheons

Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 2:00pm

RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED 817.488.8850 216 W Wall Street • Historic Grapevine

www.BeatitudesGifts.com

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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private parties, afternoon tea by reservation, holiday high tea

Dallas - North Texas

The Chestnut Tree Teahouse and Bistro Lunch served Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Brunch served Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wedding Wedding Receptions Receptions and and Rehearsal Rehearsal Dinners Dinners

www.chestnuttearoom.com 107 West Hickory Street Denton, Texas 76201 (940) 591-9475

private parties, afternoon tea by reservation, weekend brunch

Experience Tea on the Square in Denton at

Love, Like Everything, Is

Bigger In Texas They’re from different worlds, but this city girl just might tame his rancher heart…

The Tylers of Texas Series

“Rugged, handsome cowboys, mystery, [&] romance.”

—RT Book Reviews on Texas True

The Fat Chance, Texas Series

Hoping for a second chance in life and love, a group of strangers try to strike gold in a tiny Texas town…

“A fresh, heartwarming voice.”

—Jodi Thomas ENSINGTONBOOKS.COM

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

By Stephanie Miller The Dallas Arboretum is one of the most serene and picturesque botanical gardens in the country, overlooking beautiful White Rock Lake, and known for its spectacular floral displays on 66 glorious acres.

Always meticulously groomed and bursting with color and an amazing variety of blooms, it is a great escape from the bustle of the city for Dallasites and visitors from around the world.

So it is little wonder that afternoon tea, also a great escape, lifted off as gracefully as one of the garden’s butterflies when it was introduced here in the 1980s. It has since become de rigeur for sophisticated Dallasites seeking a special setting for afternoon tea.

Tea is offered in the lovely DeGolyer House, an historic estate with a knowing Southern ambiance and a view of the lake. It is the kind of bespoke tea destination that makes us sigh with admiration of its loveliness.

Yes, we love to linger here with a friend over another cup of Earl Gray, and savor

the ambiance with each of those three beautifully presented courses.

Because in a setting such as this, we are even farther away from any outside cares than we usually are when we sit down to tea.

Here tea is impeccably served by waiters such as Mr. Robert Nelson, who has been with the Arboretum since the first day of the Arboretum’s tea service, which was directed by noted caterer and author Judy Scott.

Judy, whose book “Afternoon Tea at the Arboretum” shares her cherished recipes from the Arboretum’s tea service, was a popular Dallas caterer who was asked to create the menu and run the tea in the 1980s.

“I went to tea everywhere I traveled. The Ritz and Hyde Park in London. Grand Hotel in Olso Norway and many other places including Dallas. The Arboretum asked if I would be interested in a tea at the Arboretum, Judy recalls. “We started at the Camp House and moved to café when it opened. The cafe was perfect – people were in awe of the beauty of the Arboretum and it definitely put them in the mood.

“At first we would have two reservations a day, then four a day and then it took off and we got to the point where we were serving 200 people a day,” she shares. Distinguished guests included celebrities and even a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II. He especially loved the scones, she said.

Scones, of course, are an iconic element on a tea menu, and an important indicator of a tea room’s quality. Judy said she worked for 7 years to perfect the recipe for the Aboretum’s scones, shared here. “You want them crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside, but you want them to crumble.”

Over the years that Judy ran the tea (she retired in 2007), she accumulated many new recipes such as the Cranberry Relish recipe that was given to her by a 100-year-old tea enthusiast who had a special tea at the Arboretum, or the Chicken Divan that came from a couple who requested it for their anniversary celebration. Requests from frequent customers for some of her tea recipes led Judy to write the book, which was published in 2010.

The afternoon tea that Judy created featured a first course of Tomato Herb Broth with Cheese Wafer, followed by tea sandwiches such as Egg Salad, Tarragon Chicken Salad with Apple and Pecans on a croissant, banana nut bread with cream cheese, and a third course featuring the Orange Currant Scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream and desserts such as pecan tarts, amaretto brownies, lemon bars and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Judy’s influence is still seen on today’s Arboretum tea menu.

For example, the Garden Tea, served daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. from April 13 – September 18, includes a first course of Chicken and Vegetable Consomme, a second course of tea sandwiches, including Curried Egg Salad, Creamed Cucumber Salad, Pimiento Cheese, Bluberry Cream Cheese, and Chicken Salad, followed by the dessert course with chocolate truffles, pecan clusters,

chocolate covered strawberries, assorted scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and a choice of three hot teas – Vanilla Mint, Peach Cinnamon Hibiscus and Earl Grey.

Judy has many fond memories of managing tea service at the Arboretum, and she shares some in the book. But most of all, it was about the specialness of being in such a beautiful place and sharing tea with such lovely customers, who come to the Arboretum from around the world.

“Every morning, I would walk through all the gardens and by the time I got to the cafe, I felt so good. You could not feel bad walking in this beauty,” said Judy, whose memories of the area stretch all the way back to her childhood, when she had picnics on these grounds overlooking White Rock Lake before the Arboretum was established.

Among the thoughtful touches that make the Arboretum’s tea truly unforgettable, is the refined service offered by Robert Nelson, who stood out to Judy among the candidates for the job of server when the tea was launched.

“I liked the way he did things. I liked his style,” Judy recalls, noting that he always dresses up for work, including wearing white gloves to serve tea, and he just knows how to make afternoon tea a special occasion. “He is a treasure. So many people ask to sit with him when they call to make their reservation.”

It is truly the heart of hospitality to make the occasion unforgettable and make the guests feel special. That is what Judy understood when she undertook the exciting challenge of creating an afternoon tea in this majestic setting, and that is what tea at the Arboretum still conveys today.

Learn more about afternoon tea at the Arboretum by visiting www.dallasarboretum.org or calling 214-534-6500.

SELECT RECIPES FROM AFTERNOON TEA AT THE ARBORETUM written by Judy Scott

CHAMPAGNE PUNCH Ingredients Makes approximately 5 quarts.

2 cups apricot nectar 1 6-ounce can frozen orange juice

2 cups sugar 2 cups water Juice of 6 lemons 2 12-ounce cans apple juice 2 cups pineapple juice 1 12-ounce bottles ginger ale 2 fifths champagne

Directions Boil sugar and water for 1 minute. Cool. Add juices. Freeze. Thaw 1 to 1 ½ hours before serving. Add ginger ale and champagne. Serve over circle of ice in punch bowl. (Freeze a few pieces of sliced fruit in a ring mold.)

SCONES Ingredients Makes 18 scones. Freeze dough and bake a few scones at a time. ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick) 2 ¾ cups flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ cup heavy whipping cream

1 egg beaten ½ cup dried cranberries or currants 1 orange zest (grated orange rind) 1 ½ tablespoons orange juice

Directions Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in butter with fork or pastry blender until blended. Add cranberries or currants (soaked in orange juice) and orange zest. Add heavy whipping cream whipped with egg. Mix until dough will separate from bowl.

Do not overmix. Turn out on lightly floured board. Roll or pat to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with floured 2-inch round cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

27th Annual Mad Hatter’s Tea Benefits Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and A Woman’s Garden This Spring-time tradition took place on April 9, featuring a fashion show, live auction and luncheon at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

The event is sponsored by the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Monies raised grow and maintain A Woman’s Garden, a majorgarden at the Dallas Arboretum.

More than 500 guests, some from as far away as California, plan their trips to Dallas not only to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – many in wild and wonderful over-thetop hats - but to view the glorious springtime azalea displays and flowers that grace the Dallas Arboretum.

Sherwood Wagner, Honorary Chair and Marena Gault, President, Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Experience a Seated Tea at the Dallas Arboretum Seatings Daily at 11am & 2pm Time spent with a close friend or loved one is priceless. Enjoy a day at the Arboretum strolling 66 acres of beautifully displayed gardens starting or ending with a seated tea. This elegant service begins with a demitasse of select soup, followed by a second course of assorted tea sandwiches and a third course of sweet treats. Also served are scones with clotted cream, jam, and a seasonal tea selection.

Reservations required.

Price includes general garden admission and parking.

Available to guests 13 and older.

Call 214-515-6511 to reserve your seating.

DallasArboretum.org 8525 Garland Road • Dallas, Texas 75218 • 214-515-6500 The Dallas Arboretum is a non-profit organization that is supported, in part, by funds from Dallas Park & Recreation.

Donated to the State of Texas in 1958 by philanthropist Ima Hogg, the VarnerHogg Plantation State Historic Site in West Columbia, encompasses more than 100 years of Texas history, and tells the stories of the site’s three owners: the Varner family, who first settled the site in 1824, the Pattons who used it to operate a profitable sugar enterprise, and Governor Hogg, Texas’s first native-born governor. Today, the plantation house is home to a large collection of 19th-century decorative arts acquired by the governor’s daughter, Ima. Her treasures encourage an appreciation for early American and Texas antiques.

One particular object that showcases Ima’s love for Texas history, and for other historic locations, is a wooden purse specifically designed for her by craftsman Ralph Doppler between 1968 and 1969. It represents a church, and the roof of this oneof-a-kind piece lifts up for the storage of wallets and personal items. It serves as a miniature model of the Vereins Kirche or "Community Church" building, now a historical museum located in Fredericksburg, Texas. Constructed in the German architectural style known as the "Carolingian octagon,” this object highlights Miss Ima’s interest in the history of German immigrants in Texas, which she later showcased in her preservation efforts of the German community of Winedale.

Her development of the Winedale site throughout the 1960s turned the property into a museum for her collection of 19th century Texas and Pennsylvania German crafts and is

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By Angela Pfeiffer, Curator

reminiscent of her efforts at VarnerHogg Plantation to bring an interest in Texas history to the public.

Ima Hogg also sought to encourage a love of United States history through her efforts to bring artifacts from across America for display in her Texas museum. The elegant chandelier currently on display in the plantation’s French Room, was purchased by Miss Ima Hogg herself on January 7, 1957 while shopping at the French Antique Shop in New Orleans, Louisiana. A flaming torch placed in the center of the chandelier is surrounded by six winged cherubs, each supporting a candle, with a large acorn hanging centered underneath the entire fixture. Made sometime between 1815 and 1835, the gilt piece is reflective of the Neoclassical art movement prevalent in Europe at that time. Neoclassicism sought to revive the “classical” art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome through new artistic designs. A tour through the Varner-Hogg Plantation house today serves to educate and introduce visitors to a number of decorative styles, including Neoclassicism and Rococo Revival.

Miss Hogg’s collection at Varner-Hogg includes many hand-made crafts, such as a home-made crazy quilt pillow sewn sometime between 1880 and 1900.

Like many crazy

texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

quilts, this square pillow is constructed of multiple fabrics and features a border of gold oak leaves and acorns on a red damask border. A black velvet center patch trimmed with gold metallic cord features a painted red floral design, surrounded by a variety of turquoise and hunter green patches.

The reverse side of the pillow is adorned with an array of satin pieces arranged in the shape of a fan in one corner. The pillow case’s interior is lined with woven cotton fabric, and closes with the aid of five buttons and their handmade button holes, all qualities of fine craftsmanship that Ima’s mother, Sallie Stinson Hogg who herself was an accomplished seamstress, taught her daughter to look for and appreciate from a young age. It is this kind of high level of skill and attention to detail that Ima hoped to highlight in the many pieces she collected for display throughout the plantation home.

A stroll through the Varner-Hogg Plantation House any time of the year introduces visitors to history and decorative arts. Items like Miss Ima’s collection of English Staffordshire tea sets and china, as well as other European antiques, encourage people to explore not just Texas, but the world outside it.

With over 4,500 artifacts on site, Ima left an enduring legacy of adventure and education that will last for many years to come.

Dallas - North Texas

True Tea Lovers Steep Ahmad Founded on a passion for the finest quality tea, Ahmad Tea is a family business with four generations of tea blending and tasting expertise. Over the years, as their reputation grew and our reach spread, it became obvious that people throughout the world shared this desire for a cup of tea that was much more than simply refreshment, but an enjoyable, memorable and satisfying experience. Ahmad teas are now enjoyed in over 80 countries around the globe.

Ahmad Tea has taken this expertise to offer a convenient way of making delicious and refreshing iced tea, a staple for Texas summer heat.

Ahmad Tea has taken out the need for boiling water:

Simply pour cold water onto the teabag, leave to brew for 5 minutes and then add ice, sugar or a slice of lemon, as desired.

Try all 3 delicious varieties, including a customer favorite Peach & Passion Fruit. Available at ahmadteausa.com.

Let us help you plan your visit to Tyler!

VisitTyler.com • 800-235-5712

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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Dallas - North Texas

Waxahachie’s Home Tour Celebrates Storybook Charm Don’t miss the chance to experience five of Waxahachie’s artchitectural works of art, along with the antiques and arts and crafts featured in the 47th Annual Waxahachie Gingerbread Trail.

Gingerbread Trail gives visitors a once-a-year chance to visit some of the cities’ loveliest historic homes in a weekend festival that also offers and arts and crafts fair, antique market, and an invitation for artists to paint outdoors.

The Antique Market will be held in Getzendaner Park, along with arts and craft. Before the turn of the century and into the 1920s, Waxahachie and Ellis County were among the most influential areas of the state, and the wealth that was concentrated here resulted in some exceptional homes and buildings.

Waxahachie is located only 35 miles south of Dallas. June 6-7th waxahachiegingerbreadtrail.com

On Friday June 5th Mr Porterfield will present a lecture on wedding traditions from the Victorian era thru the Edwardian era, with gowns from the periods. Seating will begin at 3:00 p.m, the lecture will begin at 3:30 p.m.

A wedding gown made of feathers and other antique and vintage bridal fashion masterpieces are among the highlights of a weeklong celebration of the American Bride taking place at High Street Antiques Mall in Plano in June. Festivities will include a bridal-themed tea and a vintage bridal fashion show.

The American Bride: A look at the History and Traditions of Weddings kicks off June 2. Steven Porterfield, renowned textile expert and “Antiques Road Show Appraiser” will bring to High Street an exhibition of wedding gowns from Victorian to Edwardian (Downtown Abbey era) as well as a fashion show of gowns from his museum collection recently shown at the University of North Texas Fashion exhibit reflecting the 1920s through the 1980s. As an added treat the models will be wearing the fashions of the mothers of the brides as well as guests of the same eras.

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

On Saturday June 6th reservations will be required for a very special bridal tea at The Chocolate Angel during the Wedding fashion show. Presented by Mr. Porterfield, an unbelievable collection of gowns and period clothing will be featured. The cost is $25 per person, which includes a 3-course tea complete with wedding cake and a toast to all brides. Seating will begin at 3:00 for guests with reservations others not participating in the tea are welcome to view the fashion show, however, seating is limited so come early. For reservations for the special wedding tea on June 6th call The Chocolate Angel at High Street 972904-9597.

Mr. Porterfield will also do a meet and greet during the week, with hats and other items from the Downton Abbey era on display.

The entire mall will be participating in the Celebration of the American Bride. The tearoom will be decorated for a wedding reception, dealers will be presenting their finest items on our special wedding gift display tables. A special collection of Antique and Collectible wedding items will be on display from various collectors. There will be door prizes, music demonstrations and other lectures as well as many other surprises.

Call 972-509-7878 for more details.

The Scoop

Dallas - North Texas

North Texas News

The Chocolate Angel Café & Tearoom

Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano 14th Annual “Hats Off!” Valentine Tea Newcomer Friends of Greater Plano gathered at Reflections on Spring Creek in Plano, February 10, 2015, for their 14th Annual Valentine Tea. Members and their guests enjoyed a delicious array of tea time delicacies, served at tables graced with fine china and beautiful fresh rose centerpieces.

Each centerpiece went home with the lucky woman who found a heart shaped sticker under her plate, and sixteen other lucky winners received door prizes as their names were drawn prior to the program.

Women’s hats were everywhere; accessorizing carefully chosen outfits, and serving as the theme for the entertainment. Singer, entertainer, and motivational speaker, Janie Oliver, delighted and enchanted her audience with her “Hats Off!” musical review of millinery fashions across the decades.

Wearing hats from her collection of over three hundred vintage, show and novelty hats, Ms. Oliver shared memories of special people and dispensed tidbits of fashion history as she sung and modeled hats from various fashion eras. As each hat was displayed, the audience heard a song from the related time period. Tea attendees were charmed by her renditions of, “Hats, Hats, Hats,” “The Bird on Nellie’s Hat,” “Easter Parade,” “I’m Old Fashioned,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” and more.

For more information about this vibrant women’s organization, visit www.newcomerfriends.org.

KEEPAND CALM HAVE DESSERT

Inside High Street Antiques 800 N. Central Expressway, Plano Buffet Brunch Sundays 11 am - 3 pm Open for Lunch Tues - Sat 11 am - 3 pm Afternoon Tea Thurs - Sat 3:30 pm Reservations Recommended 972.904.9597

chocolateangel.com

Classic Vintage for the Contemporary Lady

The Chic Cherie

Vintage fashions of the Golden Age.

Shop our fine line of Vintage Fashions: Day, Evening & Designer

Handbags, Hats and Accessories Fabulous Furs Large Collection of Jewelry

Contact Marilyn Harris vintagechiccherie@gmail.com Inside High Street Antiques

800 N. Central Exp Plano, Tx 75074 972-509-7878 www.chiccherieboutique.com

age y V int We bu welr y, furs s, je clothe ccessories. and a

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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Clementine Hunter, one of the most important self-taught American artists of the 20th century, produced thousands of paintings drawn from her experiences working and living on Melrose Plantation in the Cane River region. The exhibit, The Murals of Clementine Hunter at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, 800 Front Street in Natchitoches, presents Hunter’s nine African House murals, other large-scale works by the artist as well as artifacts from her life.

“Clementine Hunter is a great example of the creative genius who arises from the most unlikely circumstances,” Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne said. “After the age of 50, with little more than her own vision and fierce determination, she picked up a brush and painted her way to wide acclaim.”

The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to see a number of this acclaimed folk artist’s large works. Two of the nine African House murals are 48-by-96 inches, with the others only slightly smaller.

A mural from the Yucca House, also on Melrose plantation, is 96by-144 inches.

Best known for her smaller paintings, Hunter created the African House murals in 1955. Working primarily at night and with remarkable speed, Hunter completed the murals in less than two months.

On loan from the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches, the murals decorated the walls of one of Melrose Plantation’s outbuildings, the historic African House, which dates to the 1820s, until they were removed for restoration last year.

Above: Panoramic view showing several Clementine Hunter murals on site at the African House, Melrose Plantation, 2010. All murals by Clementine Hunter, 1955, oil on wood. Loaned by Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches. Bottom left; Harvest Time: Hunter, who picked cotton for much of her life, said she could pick 150 and sometimes 200 pounds of cotton in a day. Bottom center; Baptism (Detail): Hunter’s religious imagery is rooted in Catholic and Baptist teachings, and infused with African elements. Bottom right: Honky-Tonk and Pecan Harvest: While children shake pecans out of the pecan trees, adults play cards, drink and dance in the nearby honky tonk. Below top: Pictorial Map of Cane River Country: Hunter based this representation of the area between the Cane and Red rivers on a Cane River commemorative plate. Below bottom: Cane River Funeral (Detail): Hunter’s depiction of a traditional Cane River funeral suggests that, while tears are shed, a funeral is a happy occasion celebrating the journey to a heavenly reward.

The exhibition also includes unrestored murals from the Melrose’s Yucca House and Ghana House. Significant paint loss on the Ghana House mural reveals Hunter’s pencil lines, offering a view of the artist’s creative process.

Private collectors have also contributed large-scale works and artifacts to the exhibition, including a whiskey jar with Hunter’s paint brushes, her palette and a program from her funeral.

Like many of Hunter’s other works, the murals document the social life and customs of the African- American community, the rural Cane River region and the individuals who helped shape her life and art. They also demonstrate her versatility and skill as an artist, working on a scale much larger than usual.

Clementine Hunter was born Clémence Rubin in late 1886 or early 1887 on Hidden Hill Plantation, south of Cloutierville, Louisiana.

Her maternal grandmother was a slave; her father’s family was Irish. She moved with her family to Melrose Plantation when she was 13 years old and lived on or near the plantation all of her life.

Hunter first worked at Melrose picking cotton and pecans.

She eventually moved into the Big House to help with kitchen and laundry duties, where she also completed her first creative endeavors: making dolls and quilting. She began painting in the late 1930s, with leftover brushes and oils from New Orleans artist Alberta Kinsey, a frequent Melrose visitor. Once Hunter started painting, she never stopped, working until just a few days before her death New Year’s Day 1988.

During much of the time that Clementine Hunter lived on Melrose Plantation, it was owned and operated by Carmelite Garrett Henry, known as Miss Cammie to her friends and family.

Strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, Henry developed Melrose into a haven for artists and writers, even inviting them to live in the outbuildings and work for extended periods.

François Mignon, who worked at the house as a librarian and research assistant, befriended Hunter and helped her work gain international attention. He suggested that Clementine Hunter, who was approximately 67 years old at the time, paint the murals for the walls of African House. Because of Hunter’s inexperience painting murals, Mignon was involved in the initial design and layout of the early murals. Click here to view the exhibition fact sheet.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition runs through April 30, 2016.

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

Ted Seuss Geisel fell in love with La Jolla, CA on his first visit in 1928. Ted built his permanent home around the Tower,

In 1963, Ted Geisel donated a painting to a charity auction benefiting the La Jolla Art Center.

Courtesy of San Diego Museum of Art This prized artwork titled Mrs. Norilee Schneelock Poured, Miss Nesselroda Sugared, or Raising Money for the Arts in La Jolla, won the top auction bid of the night, more than was paid for a Cezanne drawing.

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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Regional Travel Houston - Gulf Coast

In 1957, Dr. Seuss, revolutionized the way that generations of children would learn to read. In the nearly 60 years “since The Cat in the Hat exploded onto the children’s book scene, Theodor Seuss Geisel has become a central character in the American literary mythology, sharing the pantheon with the likes of Mark Twain and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

making it his studio. Becoming enmeshed in the social comings and goings of the beach town gave Ted a lush playground for concocting not only elaborate gags on his stylish neighbors but also for teasing them artistically. As one of the few men in town who worked from home, Ted lightheartedly considered himself a “bird watcher on the social scene,” always looking to create gentle spoofs of his chic female friends taken up in their whirl of luncheons, parties, and charity balls.

“Fashionable Ladies” by Valeta Hensley, Courtesy of National Quilt Museum

Quilting & Crafts Dallas - North Texas National Quilt Museum Hosts “The Gala of the Unexpected” QUILT CONTEST In honor of its 25th anniversary, The National Quilt Museum is inviting quilters to participate in a contest designed to challenge common perceptions of what a quilt is.

With the theme “The Gala of the Unexpected,” the contest gives quilters a chance to share their work with an international audience. The National Quilt Museum, founded in 1991 to honor the work of today’s quilters and bring quilts to expanding worldwide audiences, attracts millions of visitors, and its traveling exhibits and educational programs expand the museum’s reach worldwide.

“At its most basic, a quilt is three layers held together by some means,” said Judy Schwender Museum Curator/Registrar. “There is really no limit to what makes up a quilt as long as (this) structure is adhered to.” Twenty-five quilts from the

contest, which has a deadline of December 1, 2015, will be chosen as finalists and will be included in a traveling exhibit that will visit museums around the world. Cash prizes will be awarded in the amounts of $25,000; $10,000 and $5,000.

“Star Struck” by Cheryl See, Courtesy of National Quilt Museum

So get quilting and head to http://quiltmuseum.org/documents/25thAnniversary_Web.pdf to download the brochure. Contact Museum Curator Judy Schwender with questions, at jschwender@quiltmuseum.org. The National Quilt Museum is the world’s largest museum devoted to quilts and fiber art. It is located in a 27,000 square foot facility in Paducah Kentucky.

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

Quilting & Texas Crafts Dallas - North LA PORTE- Quilters and other tourists descended into La Porte, Texas, on March 21 to attend the city’s Inaugural Airing of the Quilts event (shown above). The city, which has been home to one of the most coveted quilt shops in Texas, the Painted Pony n' Quilts, for more than 25 years is embracing it’s growing visibility in the quilting community.

Now, with the help of an Enhancement Grant from the City, quilters can make a retreat weekend out of their trip! And Sew It Began – Pieceful Stitches is the first quilters retreat to open in the Houston area and is located in the heart of La Porte’s historic downtown area. La Porte’s historic downtown has a variety of shops, boutiques and eateries to fill a weekend of adventure for all. For more information on our quilters haven visit www.visitlaportetx.com/quilting.

CLIFTON- If you anywhere near the Central Texas area in June, you will want to plan to attend the Bosque Arts Center’s Quilt Show and Competition, which will be held June 12 and 13, 2015 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the BAC in Clifton.

Allow some extra time to explore the BAC’s art collection.The Show includes a Grand Prize of $500, Viewer's Choice award of $300 and the SAR (Special Arts Recognition) award of $200. Quilt entries are being accepted through May 1.

The Bosque Arts Center is a vibrant cultural resource in Central Texas, hosting many cultural events. Clifton is distinguished as one of the 100 best rural art communities in the country. The BAC is home to an extensive permanent collection of Western art, contemporary art and photography. It also offers live theater, art clubs and guilds, as well as classes. Recent quilting exhibits included the My Stars!

Antique Quilt Exhibit last December and the display of The Supper Quilt in March. bosqueartscenter.org 254-675-3724 Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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Quilting & Crafts Dallas - North Texas

Piecemakers

By The Bay Quilt Guild Rockport, Texas Presents:

Texas Quilt Museum Names Kate Adams as Second Bybee Scholar The Texas Quilt Museum and the Faith P. and Charles L. Bybee Foundation announced on February 9 that quilt historian and scholar Kate Adams has been named the second Bybee Scholar.

Quilt Show

Adams, quilt curator for the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin, will use this opportunity to further her research and complete her book, Comfort and Glory: Quilts from the Briscoe Center for American History, which UT Press is scheduled to publish next year.

“I was surprised and delighted when the Texas Quilt Museum invited me to be the Bybee Scholar for 2015,” Kate said. “This is a huge honor – the invitation literally moved me to tears. “I study quilts and their history nearly every day, undoubtedly one of the best jobs in the world.”

In addition to the scholarship the Bybee Foundation has committed $2,500 to develop a water-harvesting project in the Texas Quilt Museum’s “Grandmother’s Flower Garden,” which is on the grounds adjacent to the museum and boasts a wide variety of plants and flowers, according to the news release from the Texas Quilt Museum.

Charles and Faith Bybee were well known Houston philanthropists and noted collectors of American decorative arts. They established the Texas Pioneer Arts Foundation to preserve the architectural and decorate arts legacy of German-American Immigrants in Central Texas.

January 30 - 31 2016 Ya’ll save the date and join us for a 2 Steppin’ good time.

Rockport – Fulton High School 1801 Omohundro St Rockport, TX Piecemakersbythebay.org

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

“The Bybee Foundation is proud to participate in the Bybee Scholar program at the Museum,” said Barry Moore, Senior Associate of the Foundation. “Faith Bybee was a big fan of quilt collecting and accumulated an impressive collection of Early American examples. She would have loved to get to know all of her scholars.” Teresa Duryea Wong was the first Bybee scholar.

The Texas Quilt Museum in LaGrange is an amazing source of inspiration for quilters. Current Exhibits include April 2 – June 28 Sue Brenner: Circling the Square; Antique Log Cabin Quilts from the International Quilt Study Center and Museum; Vintage Apps: Block Quilts and Applique.

Upcoming Exhibits include July 2 – September 27 Intuitive Symmetry: Works on Silk by Judith Content; Kimono Quilts and Kimonos; and Antique Four Poster Quilts.

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howcasing the finest in contemporary and antique quilt art year-round, the Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange is a must-see destination whether you are an avid quilter or just appreciate wonderfully creative and inspiring artwork.

Exhibits change quarterly, and feature a wide spectrum of works from rare 19th century quilts to today’s cutting edge modern masterpieces made by the art form’s biggest names. Some are grouped by theme or artist, while others are special collections or winners from prestigious competitions like winners from the International Quilt Association’s annual judged show.

Visitors have already come to the Museum on the charming city square of La Grange from all over the U.S. and scores of different countries around the world.

The Museum also hosts frequent programs and Gallery Talks by artists and experts, educating visitors about both special showings and the exhibit quilts on display. And they are always free!

While you’re at the Museum this spring and summer, though, be sure to visit Grandmother’s Flower Garden. This period garden, adjacent to the Museum, features scores of flowers and plants laid out in an old-fashioned design reminiscent of patterns! Labels also identify everything that’s growing for all budding botanists.That’s also where you’ll also get a glimpse on the side of the building of the 85-foot long mural, Quilts…History in the Making. Depicting a series of antique quilts, it’s a stunning piece of outdoor art that certainly sets the mood for your visit!

And don’t be surprised to see a few flying critters among the flowers, as the Garden has been certified as a butterfly attraction by the North American Butterfly Association, as well as being named an official Monarch Waystation by Monarch Watch. And check out all the butterfly quilts pictured in the Museum’s first catalogue, available in the Museum Store.

Also at the Museum Store, are other one of a kind items from local artists, such as quilt charms, earrings, embellishment kits, trendy framed collages, and handmade special occasion cards… plus a special cookbook benefiting the Museum!

To find out more about the Texas Quilt Museum, check out www.texasquiltmuseum.org, or Facebook or follow the Museum on Twitter to get the latest news and information as soon as it is available!

Left: “Concert Hall(s) II after Sam Francis” by Sue Benner Right: An antique Princess Feather quilt from “Vintage Apps: Block Quilts and Appliqué.”

May 9 Art Walk, Eunice, Louisiana Enjoy music, refreshments, and a little culture as well. Niche Artist Gallery & Studio and the Eunice Community Art House will host its third art walk in downtown Eunice amongst local shops, eateries, and a cafe displaying local art work. Attendees are encouraged to dress according to the theme, White Linen Night. From 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Downtown Eunice, 211 S. 2nd Street, 337-466-7114 eunicecommunityarthouse@gmail.com May 22-24 Hill Country Quilt Guild 2015 Quilt Show, Kerrville, TX The show will include 180 fabulous beautiful quilts, Silent auction of small theme quilts. Attendees can shop at a boutique with handcrafted items and other surprises as well as 16 vendor booths and cast their vote for Viewer’s Choice.

Admission is $7. hillcountryquiltguild.com

friends, discover new quilt shops and have fun collecting rows!

July 11 Texas Assoc. of Quilt Guilds Rally Day, Mesquite, Texas Rally Day 2015 will be a day filled with quilting fun, a great nationally known speaker, lots of Raffle Quilts and mini quilts, and as always prizes. For more information, visit http://taqg.org/rally-day-2015/ July 17-18 “Quilts of Joy Quilt Show”, Quilt Guild of Greater Houston, Stafford Mark your calendars because it’s time for the Quilts of Joy Quilt Show, the 5th biennial quilt show hosted by the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston. The event, July 17-18, will return to The Stafford Centre in Stafford, Texas. Something new to the quilt show this year the the category, “Modern Quilts”, which features a fresh approach to quilts and embracing younger quilters. qgghouston.org

June 15-16 Bosque Arts Center Quilt Show, Clifton This exciting new event includes a fabulous raffle quilt, and $1,000 in prize money.

Prizes include $500 for Best of Show, $300 for Viewer’s Choice, and $200 for Special Arts Recognition. Vendor booths, scissor sharpening, quilt appraisals and door prizes. The Bosque Arts Center is located at 215 S. Col-lege Hill Drive; 254-6753724; .bosqueartscenter.org

July 17-18 Quilts! Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Quilt Show, Creative Quilters Guild of Ellis County, Midlothian, Texas Enjoy two days of quilts on display and a variety of vendors. elliscountyquilters.com

June 21-Sept 8 Row by Row Experience: A New Kind of Shop Hop, Quilt Shops Nationwide and Canada Row by Row Experience is a shop hop type event with no fees, no passports and all summer to play. Simply visit any of the participating shops and receive a free pattern for a row in a quilt. Combine your rows in any way to create a unique quilt that represents the fun you had traveling throughout the summer. Travel with

Sept. 18-19 Golden Needles Quilt Guild, 2015 Quilt Show and Live Auction, Lone Star Convention Center, Conroe, Texas The 2015 Quilt Show, “Quilty Pleasures” will host guest speaker, Denise Green, who will also present a"Bed Turning" of her Judy Neimeyer quilts. goldenneedles.org

August 14-15 Quilters Guild of Plano Quilt Show, Plano Centre, Plano, Texas Event runs from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day at the Plano Centre, with more than 300 quilts.

Admission: $8. qgplano.org

Tea Time QUILTING

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OPEN: Mon-Fri 10 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday 10 AM - 4PM

Exhibits at Texas Quit Museum, LaGrange Through June 28, view these exhibits: “Sue Benner: Circling the Square,” “An-tique Log Cabin Quilts from the International Quilt Study Center and Muse-um,” and “Vintage Apps: Block Quilts and Applique.” From July 2 – Septem-ber 27, enjoy “Intuitive Symmetry: Works on Silk by Judith Content,” “Kimo-no Quilts and Kimonos,” and “Antique Four Poster Quilts.” Museum, located at 140 W. Colorado, is open Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sundays noon – 4 p.m. Learn more at www.TexasQuiltMuseum.org Now Through April 30, 2016 Clementine Hunter Murals, Natchitoches Enjoy this opportunity to view the famous murals of acclaimed folk artist Clementine Hunter, whose work depicts the social life and customers of the Cane River region of Louisiana. The exhibit also includes other artifacts from her life. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum. Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., 800 Front St.

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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Quilting & Crafts Dallas - North Texas

quilting & craft CALENDAR

Quilting & Crafts Dallas - North Texas

14070 Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77079 281-496-0170 Fine Fabrics, Smocking buttonsnbows.net & Heirloom Sewing Supplies Quilting Supplies and Fabrics

Classes Offered

Beat the Summer Heat Mark your calendars because it’s time for the Joy of Quilts Quilt Show, the 5th biennial quilt show hosted by the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston. The event, July 17-18, will return to The Stafford Centre located at 10505 Cash Rd in Stafford, Texas.

10am – 5pm Monday – Saturday store@buttonsnbows.net

“Our members are very talented quilters and we showcase their talents with quilts made specifically for this show,” said Quilt Show Chair, Linda Stokes. “Our entry rules do not allow quilts seen in other Texas shows in the past 3 years to be in our show, so attendees are seeing new, fresh quilts, with the latest in designs, colors and fabrics.”

Something new to the quilt show this year the the category, “Modern Quilts”, which features a fresh approach to quilts and embracing younger quilters. Modern quilts are sometimes improvised in their piecing and minimalism is a central characteristic of these quilts. The Quilt Show is looking forward to introducing the works of Houston's modern quilters.

Along with viewing a variety of quilted creations, attendees will have a variety of booths to show at and continue to find inpiration. “Our vendors carry everything from antiques, crocheted items, jewelry, notions, embroidery items, quilting services and of course, fabric,” Stokes said. “We also have knife/scissor sharpening on the premises and quilt appraisals – to assist attendees wondering how much the family heirloom quilt is worth.”

Stokes added that they event will again have door prizes from either the guild or the vendors, and two popular activities are back, the Win-A-Basket and the live quilt auction on Saturday July 18 at 4pm.

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

By Lisa Walker It is finally a beautiful, sunny day, void of the rain and cold that has plagued us this winter. The azaleas are in full bloom and a there is a feeling in the air we are in the final stretch of school and summer will be upon us.

it fun by playing music and keeping the class light: criticism is not allowed in the classroom. It gives me such a feeling of satisfaction to know that I am passing on the craft that I love to the younger generation.

Summer ... a time to relax and do things that we don't have time for during the school year. Tea parties and lemonade stands are a great way to spend a summer afternoon. I have always felt that it is also a great time to learn something new. When my youngest daughter turned eight I thought it was time to teach her to sew. She loved it!

In the past this was how young girls learned to sew; mothers teaching daughters. That's how I learned to sew.

After seeing their girls getting so excited about sewing, I often have a lot of interest from the moms in learning to sew. They will tell me that their mothers sewed but they didn't have the time or patience as a child to learn.

As a quilt shop owner, I see that there is a great void of sewers in my generation. So, we at Buttons 'n' Bows decided to help solve that problem and have spent about seven summers teaching young girls to sew.

I would love for more people to enjoy the art of sewing. In these electronic-heavy times it is such a fun bonding activity for mothers and daughters to do together.

The first step in learning to sew is commitment to actually learning how to do something new and the second step is to take a class. Lessons definitely reduce the amount of frustration and mistakes that are made at first and confidence is built when learning correctly from the start.

A class begins with the handsewing of buttons. It seems like such a simple thing to me, but so many people don't even know how to sew a lost button on an outfit and the kids love it because the simplicity of it builds their confidence. From there we move into instruction on the use of a sewing machine where they make a couple of simple projects.

Summer lessons for children allow them to focus without worry about school or extra-curricular activities competing for practice time. Most adult sewing lessons are offered during the school year, when their focus in not distracted by children juggling summer activities.

The look of excitement and satisfaction on each girl's face when they create a usable project is priceless.

They are so proud and can't wait to show their parents and grandparents their wonderful creations. We make

So regardless of your age and experience, grab your friends and take the time to learn a life-long craft. You won't regret it. Visit buttonsnbows.net for class dates and times.

HIGHCLERE CASTLE

Best Known as Downton Abbey The television show has brought worldwide fame to Highclere Castle.

Built in 1842 on 1,000 acres of English countryside near Newbury, the house costs $1.5 million a year to run and it has not received the windfall that viewers of the show would assume.

However, Downton’ has helped revitalize an interest in British history.

By Heather Clary

In addition to bringing in more film and television companies to shoot in Highclere’s less recognizable chambers, it is rented out the home for weddings, including that of the model Katie Price, at rates starting at about $22,000.

HIGHCLERE SECRETS: In a real-life incident that mirrors the show this season, Highclere Castle was turned into a hospital for World War I soldiers in 1914.

During World War II, it also became a home for evacuated children who had been shipped out to the countryside from blitz-weary London.

The mahogany desk and chair in the Music Room belonged to Napoleon.

The fifth earl of Carnarvon helped to discover King Tut’s tomb, so some fear a "mummy’s curse" at Highclere.

Unlike the half-dozen or so staff you see on the series, Highclere Castle employs 60 to 80 people, “from gardeners to chefs, electricians, and guides,” Lady Carnarvon said. “The youngest members work in the tearooms during the holidays and are as young as 16, and some of the older members of staff are in their 70s, and one is nearly 90.”

Hearing about the enormous amount of money needed to repair Highclere Castle, Andrew Lloyd Weber suddenly offered to buy it in 2010.

The gigantic portrait of a man on a horse that’s often visible behind Hugh Bonneville’s head in the dining room on “Downton Abbey” is a 1635 portrait of King Charles I by Anthony van Dyck. “There are three Van Dycks in the dining room,” Lady Carnarvon said, adding that texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015 Highclere is full of art and antiques.

Lady Fiona Carnarvon, the eighth and current countess of Highclere Castle, made a surprise visit to the Houston area recently, for a Houston Public Media Foundation fundraiser. Highclere Castle is the filming location for Masterpiece’s Downton Abby. Texas Tea&Travel was given a one on one interview before the fundraiser.

Born Fiona Aitken, Lady Carnarvon is the oldest of six daughters. She attended St. Andrews, was an auditor for Coopers & Lybrand, as well as the CEO of Azur, a fashion company she ran for nine years, before marrying Geordi Herbert, the Eighth Earl of Carnarvon (and Queen Elizabeth II’s godson), in 1999. She soon moved into the sprawling country house designed

by Sir Charles Barry, the architect who envisioned Britain's Houses of Parliament. Downton Abbey, created by Julian Fellowes, would later make the castle one of the world's most recognizable buildings.

Lady Carnarvon had just flown in the day before my interview. During her few day stay in the city, she was able to partake in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo along with watching a performance at the Houston Grand Opera.

TT: What is your favorite tea?

LC: Earl Grey TT: Can you tell me about tea service at Highclere Castle?

LC: Tea is served around 4pm. Tea is a time to relax and take a breather. Highclere Castle has an 18th century tea cabinet that has different compartments for Indian and Chinese teas. For the past

Lynn Wyatt and the Houston Public Media Foundation hosted Highclere Tea, with special guest, Lady Carnarvon, Countess of Carnarvon of Highclere Castle on March 20, 2015. The event, held at the St. Regis Hotel, treated guests to Earl Grey tea complimented with scones and petit fours while mingling with Lady Carnarvon.

couple hundred years each countess has been placed in charge of sorting out the tea along with tea sandwiches and cakes for guests. Depending on the time of year depends on the assortment of biscuits, scones and cakes that are served. During the winter, fruit cake is typically served.

During the summer, Victorian sponge cake is served. One of my favorites with tea is an 1827 family fruit biscuit recipe.

TT: Is there a book in the works on proper tea and entertaining at Highclere Castle?

LC: I am currently writing a book on tea at Highclere using recipes that have been used over the last couple hundred years. The book is built around stories, antidotes and narratives over the years which includes how we would prepare dinners, entertain and handle tea service.

Lady Fiona Carnarvon beautifully described the history of Highclere Castle during a sit down presentation following tea. During the presentation, she told vibrant stories of the conversion of Highclere Castle to a hospital in World War I, the hardships of World War II and the ongoing refurbishments of the estate.

TT: Do you have a name for your current book?

LC: The book name keeps on changing. The working title is currently Seasons and Secrets.

TT: How did the name come about?

LC: The book is divided with seasonal point of views.

Lady Fiona Carnarvon was extremely gracious and personable during my time interviewing her. She has passion and enjoyment on sharing Highclere Castle globally, just not regionally. You can continue to stay up-to-date through her personal blog at ladycarnarvon.com.

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

31

When I was a student in southern France, one of my favorite pastimes was taking mid-afternoon strolls down the petite rues during my tea breaks and searching for new pastry shops, known as "patisseries."

By Elizabeth Escobedo

I was wooed by the colorful, bite-sized petit fours, decorated tarts, and delicate macarons lined up in pretty rows in glass cases. Although the sweets were enticing, I was always drawn to the quiches, something heartier to accompany my favorite cuppa. There would be the traditional, Quiche Lorraine, an egg custard made with heavy cream, eggs and bacon, baked in an open shell, as well as other variations from the Alsatian-style onion quiche to modern versions using goat cheese, salmon, leek and broccoli.

After making my selection, I would sit in the patisserie and quietly enjoy my afternoon treats and watch people go about their day.

I was amused to later discover that one of the dishes most commonly associated with France is of German origin. The word ‘quiche’ is derived from the German word ‘Kuchen’, meaning cake. Although quiche originated in Germany, it was France who adapted and popularized the dish that is now a staple of French menus today. After World War II, quiche became popular in England because of its primarily vegetarian ingredients and later made its way to the United States during the 1950’s.

Quiche is an excellent accompaniment to tea parties and gatherings. Elegant and simple, it assembles quickly and lends itself to endless variations of ingredients, including vegetables, meats, shellfish, and different cheeses. You can use homemade or store-bought crusts, (white or wholewheat), puff pastry shells, or even prepare crust-less versions. I like to bake my quiches in different tart pans and mini-muffin tins to create bite-sized portions for afternoon tea. Quiche can also be made ahead since it can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

The next time you are searching for an afternoon lift, look to quiche and a cuppa and celebrate one of the wonders of France.

EVERYDAY QUICHE Makes: 8 servings

This healthier version of quiche is my go-to base recipe. The Greek yogurt in the filling lends creaminess to the quiche without the added fat of heavy whipping cream. I make variations of it using anything I have in the fridge, including left-overs. I often bake it crust-less in muffin tins for a quick and healthy to-go snack. It is perfect for any meal of the day.

INGREDIENTS 1, 9 inch pie crust, homemade or storebought, recommended Pillsbury (or omit the crust) 4 large eggs, room temperature 2 large egg whites, room temperature 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, depending on how salty your toppings are Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, optional, omit if making a variation below 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or preferred cheese, see note DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Fit the crust in a 9 inch pie pan. If making a crust-less version, coat a 9-inch pie pan with cooking spray.

Trim the crust so it evenly overhangs the edge by about 1 inch, then tuck the edges under at the rim and crimp with your fingers.

2. Spread your desired toppings, if using, on the bottom of the crust. *See note for

variations. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, milk, yogurt, salt, pepper and nutmeg, if using. Pour the mixture into the crust. Top with Parmesan (or desired cheese, see variations).

3. Bake the quiche until puffed and firm when touched in the center, 40 to 50 minutes. (Less time if using muffin tins or small tart pans) Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. To serve, cut into 8 pieces.

DIRECTIONS 1. Butter and flour a 9 inch pie pan. Fit pastry inside the pan and trim the edges. Crimp with your fingers.

Variations: MUSHROOM AND BACON: 1 cup diced mushrooms, 3 strips cooked bacon, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage'

5. Bake at 375°F (convection 350°F) for about 40 minutes or until set.

SPINACH AND FETA: 1 large handful cooked, fresh spinach, ½ cup crumbled Feta, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley SMOKED SALMON AND ASPARAGUS: ½ cup chopped smoked salmon, 1 cup chopped asparagus, and 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR: 1 cup chopped broccoli, ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese, and 1 teaspoon diced fresh rosemary

7 Yummy 8

QUICHE LORRAINE Yield: 6 Servings

This is a recipe for traditional Quiche Lorraine made with bacon and ham and no cheese. The texture and flavor come closest to what I remember eating in France. The recipe comes from my dear friend, Danièle, who has shared French culture, cuisine, and friendship with me for many years. She is truly a bon vivant, devoted to enjoying life, people, and wonderful food.

INGREDIENTS 4 ounces smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled 4 ounces cooked ham, cubed 4 large eggs, room temperature ½ cup of cream Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste pinch freshly grated nutmeg 1 shortcrust pastry, recipe follows Butter and flour for the Pan

2. Add the bacon and ham over the pastry.

3. In a bowl, beat the eggs; stir in the cream.

Salt slightly (because the bacon is salty), season with pepper and add a pinch of grated nutmeg.

4. Pour this mixture over the bacon/ham mixture.

Prepare the shortcrust pastry: 8 ounces all-purpose flour 4 ounces cold butter, cut into pieces 1 pinch of salt 1 egg yolk ½ cup cold water, approximately DIRECTIONS Place the flour, butter and salt into a large bowl. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs, working as quickly as possible to prevent the dough from becoming warm.

Add the egg yolk and water ( a little at a time) using a pastry cutter or two forks until the dough binds together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for a minimum of 15 minutes before using.

Houston - Gulf Coast

summer event

CALENDAR gulf coast

Celebrate Independence Day at Houston’s home for American decorative arts and paintings. The annual event offers up an extravaganza of Americana: performers, crafts, activities, refreshments, and more. A reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by birthday cake, starts at about 3 p.m. on the Diana Terrace (north side) of the house. Don’t forget to sign the giant Declaration of Independence before you leave!

713.639.7750 mfah.org

TEXAS T TRAVEL

May 2, June 6, August 1 First Saturday Arts Market, Houston First Saturday Arts Market is a monthly outdoor fine arts event featuring the works of dozens of visual artists. Located in the historic Houston Heights the market showcases paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handcrafted items. Enjoy live music and delicious fare from some of the area’s best Aug 9 Lone Star Iced Tea Festival gourmet food trucks.713-802-1213 Houston's first annual iced tea firstsaturdayartsmarket.com celebration. houstonteafestival.com May 13 Book Signing, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston Annelies Zijderveld will discuss and sign her cookbook, STEEPED: RECIPES INFUSED WITH TEA. In order to go through the signing line and meet Annelies Zijderveld for book personalization, Please purchase STEEPED from Blue Willow Bookshop. At the time of your purchase, we will issue a signing line ticket that indicates your place in line.

Your book and signing line ticket can be picked up at the event. 281 497-8675 May 15-16 Galveston Island Beach Revue, Galveston Retro swimwear is chic and vintage is king at the Galveston Island Beach Revue, at Beach Central, 2102 Seawall Boulevard.

Here, contestants from across the country will catwalk across Galveston’s historic Seawall shoreline modeling vintage and vintage-inspired swimwear that echoes the “good ole days” of Galveston's summertime history. This year, a hot rod, classic car and vintage trailer show has been added to the lineup. A charcoal championship and live concert add to this weekend of vintage inspired fun. galvestonbeachrevue.com July 4¬ The 4th of July Celebration at Bayou Bend , Houston

34

texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

central texas

May 9 Mother’s Day Tea Mad Hatter Tea Room, Caldwell In Honor of Moms on this day enjoy a 3 course English Tea, Fashion Show, and complimentary certificate for $10.00 off the purchase of $40.00 or more. Reservations required. Seating is available at 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

979-567-3504 madhatterstearoom.com May 9, June 13 and July 11 High Tea at Prairie Street Heritage House, Columbus Every third Saturday of the month, explore historic Columbus and stop in for teatime. Stop by for tea in a traditional elegant tea room fare in an historical venue and atmosphere.

Reservations required.979-¬732-¬5555 prairiestreetheritagehouse.com June 12-14 Lavender Festival, Blanco Event includes Lavender farm tours, market, and presentations about growing and cooking with lavender. Events will take place in various locations in the city.

830-¬833-¬5101 blancolavenderfest.com

ATMA’s Tea Mastery certification class whetted Amanda’s appetite for more tea learning: in 2013, she took a Tea Blending course from the International Tea Education Institute (ITEI) and attended the World Tea Expo. In 2014, she earned her ITEI New World Tea Certification at Onomea Tea Company, a working tea plantation in Hilo, Hawaii. The World Tea Expo made a big impression on Amanda. She thought to herself: “Why not hold a tea festival in Houston?"

A Tea Master and Festival Fan Dives Into a Tall Glass of Iced Tea Amanda Vermillion’s dream of organizing a tea festival in Houston is finally coming to fruition.

Amanda has had a lifelong interest in teas and herbs. Growing up in Philadelphia, Amanda’s French mother introduced her to “tisanes” (herbal teas) as a child. In college, Amanda took an herbal medicine course to learn about the healing properties of herbs. As an adult, she has always preferred tea over coffee.

She moved from New York to Seabrook, Texas in 2005 and started a tea meetup group (Tea and Good Conversation) in 2011 to explore the various tea rooms and afternoon tea venues in the Houston area w i th l i k e - m inded folks.

Photo Credit: David Baldock

A tragic loss in Houston’s tea community inspired Amanda to take the world of tea more seriously: Thia McCann, beloved owner of The Path of Tea in Houston, passed away in December 2012.

Upon reading Thia’s obituary, Amanda learned that Thia was the first ATMA-Certified Tea Master in the state of Texas. Curious, she located The American Tea Masters Association’s website. As fate would have it, there was a Tea Master Certification class starting two weeks later in San Diego.

Meanwhile, in Austin, great minds were thinking alike, as the saying goes! When Amanda learned that the first Texas Tea Festival was being held in Austin, she was excited! Attending that festival proved to be a wonderful experience. Amanda met the festival organizers, ran into some old friends from the tea industry and made some new ones. She left Austin with renewed inspiration and motivation as well as the good wishes of the festival organizers.

Alas, The Lone Star Iced Tea Festival is scheduled for Sunday, August 9 in Houston, and The Houston Tea Festival will take place in February 2016. There will be tea talks, classes, vendors, samples, entertainment, food, and, of course, plenty of your favorite beverage!

This Summer

Sunday, August 9, 2015 11am – 5pm

Houston, Texas

Vendors, speakers and performers wanted!

Volunteers needed!

Get Involved Festival@houstonteafestival.com 832-405-9160 Sponsorship opportunities available!

houstonteafestival.com Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

35

Houston - Gulf Coast

A few days before her first class, Amanda was chatting with some friends about becoming a Tea Master. A friend suggested that she name her business “The Tea Mistress’”; thus The Tea Mistress, LLC was born. Amanda’s original vision was tearelated events and talks.

Houston - Gulf Coast

BECAUSE LIFE IS ABOUT THE LITTLE INDULGENCES. Afternoon Tea Served Every Saturday 2-4 pm.

Four course tea featuring our special chai blend, Champagne, tasty open faced sandwiches, home made desserts and scones with clotted cream.

4100 Westheimer (next to Highland Village)

kiranshouston.com 713.960.8472

281-413-4714 PennyWard.com

BritishINIsles THE VILLAGE

Bellaire, TX

60+ Organic Teas Private Party Room for Events Lunch & Afternoon Tea (”High Tea”) Unique Tea Accessories & Gifts Amazing Custom Cakes Pies, Quiches & more Cooking Classes Tea Classes Catering

Where Houston Shops in Britain

BritishIslesOnline.com 2366 Rice Blvd.

713.522.6868

36

9:30-6:30 Mon-Sat 12-5 Sun

texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

Monday-Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM 5305 Bissonnet

713.218.6300

mchughtea.com

CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE INGREDIENTS

3 sticks butter 3 cups sugar 6 eggs 3 cups flour 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350. Beat cream cheese and butter together until well blended. Add sugar, then eggs, alternating with flour.

Add vanilla. Pour into greased and floured mini loaf pans and bake about 30 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean.

By Paula Myers Whether your summer involves staying in hotels or welcoming friends at home, a few “at the ready” touches can mean the difference between an average weekend and a memorable experience. The same hospitality you show to your guests travels quite well to upgrade your own getaways. Outfit your guest room, and your suitcase, with a current magazine (like this one!), a candle, and a pretty pack of tissues. Add an electric kettle and a selection of tea bags at home, and an inexpensive immersion heater to your travel bag, so you won’t have to make your tea in a coffee pot. Don’t forget to include some chamomile for restless nights in an unfamiliar place.

Bake your favorite pound cake in mini loaves, wrap well, and freeze so you have a ready midnight snack for hungry travelers. If a road trips threaten to include dreaded drive-thru meals, a picnic takes lunch from expected to adventurous.

Pack a small cooler with mason jar salads, fancy crackers, and a tiny pound cake.

Try this delicious recipe and don’t forget the iced tea for that Texas summer heat!

Summer 2015 |

texasTtravel.com

37

Tea Etiquette Q&A

TeaEtiquette

Q& A

by Penny Ward

I have several girlfriends I like to travel with, but lately a lot of our time together has been taken up with their excessive photo taking and then posting to social media. It would be ok if this was just a picture or two to mark the occasion, but it is much more than that. Not only does this take away from my enjoyment of our time together, I just really don’t want my picture and my whereabouts constantly posted on social media. How do I politely handle this situation?

following socially appropriate social media tips with them.

• Remember, it is best to wait until after you return home to post vacation pictures. It is amazing the lengths we go to in order to secure our homes before we leave with alarms, timers, mail pick-up, etc., so people will think we are home.

Yet, we think nothing of posting to the internet as soon as we leave that we are, in fact, not home!

• Don’t “party and post”! The funny, but compromising Cancun Cantina photo may not seem like such a good idea a few days later so it’s best to wait. Don’t forget to “un-tag” yourself in less than flattering pictures as well. With more and more employers viewing your social media pages prior to hiring, and during your employment, you will not want to post anything that will tarnish your reputation.

• Be mindful of your safety and the safety and comfort of others while you are taking pictures. Don’t block the path of others or put yourself in a dangerous situation to get the perfect shot; it’s just not worth it! Also, leave the Selfie Stick at home. While it is tempting to try to get the perfect Selfie

It does seem our society has b e c o m e obsessed with posting life’s every detail to social media, and much to the dismay and annoyance of many!

Your friends may not actually realize how much time they are spending doing this or how much it bothers you. Try sharing your wishes and concerns with them at the beginning of any outing. Politely ask them not to post your picture, tag you, or give your location so often (or at all if you prefer).

If this doesn’t help, you may need to go separate ways for a few activities, and then meet up later. Alternatively, you can volunteer to take the pictures so you are not in all of them.

Finally, share the

next to that monument or priceless artifact, more and more museums and other venues are banning the use of them.

• Post a few well-chosen pictures. A few is not 50. Try to find a balance somewhere nearer 5. You do not want to become this generation’s version of the 60’s post-vacation party and slide projector viewing of 1000 pictures while your friends and neighbors snoozed!

Enjoy your travels with friends and family by being “in the moment”. Your well-mannered and socially responsible handling of your pictures should enhance and extend your traveling experience. Have fun and be safe!

...a charming and friendly Texas tearoom with a unique atmosphere for you and your friends with a garden, gifts and great food!

Open Mon. - Sat. 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM Reservations Encouraged - (281) 426-3670

flowers

tea and

the perfect duo.

Come to Baytown

for the finest floral arrangements at Boyd’s Blossoms and stay for lunch at the Mustard Seed Tea Room.

Serving Faith Daily

112 Denny Street, Highlands, TX 77562

(20 miles east of downtown Houston, exit 787 from I-10 east)

TeapotDepotGreatFood.com

The Art CENTer of Baytown, CelebRating 60 years The Art League of Baytown is pleased to welcome visitors to our beautiful Art Center. You will find the work of over twenty local artists offered for sale, including paintings, drawings, pottery, sculpture, hand-painted porcelain and glass, original design jewelry. All work is original and falls within a variety of budgets.

JunE JUNE: Youth Summer Art Camp ages 7 - 12 years old

art-league-of-baytown.org

Art lessons and special needs art class offered.

Home school classes are monthly.

Photography Interest Group and Gourd Art Interest Group starting soon.

SepT SEPTEMBER: Collector's Show The Art League partners with CAMEO to showcase private area collectors "2015 Clay and Gourds"

110 W. Texas Ave, Baytown, Texas Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10-4 pm.

281-427-2222

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

39

By Elizabeth Cerda With the changing of weather, from cold to warm, I'm excited as we spend more time enjoying the outdoors!

The table is set on the porch for those little tea parties we plan to have and the afternoon teas that will be served. I sit back and watch as my preschool granddaughters sit preparing for their own tea party using their toy Cinderella tea sets.

It's the perfect time to start teaching them proper etiquette and manners:

• Teaching them to be respectful of others

• Saying please and thank you

• Washing their hands before eating

• Placing a napkin properly on their laps

• Keeping elbows off the table

• Offering to serve others

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

When teaching your children table manners, make it fun and allow them to participate in the preparations.

• Help set the placemats and napkins

• Excitedly set the utensils in proper order

They will appreciate the education when they are older and you will be glad you took this precious time to share.

The internet is filled with ideas and pictures of table settings that inspire any occasion.

I hope you take some time this summer to have tea parties with your children or grandchildren. Teach them proper etiquette along the way, and don’t feel bad if you discover something new in the etiquette books, after all, we are all still learning, I certainly am! Now, for the BIG etiquette question! Pinkies up, yes or no?

Let’s just say at Grandma’s house, It’s pinkies up, always!

If you would like more information regarding proper etiquette feel free to contact me at tea4us2@aol.com.

Houston - Gulf Coast

Summer Treasure Hunt in Houston Are you looking for a special gift? Are you a collector of china, glassware or even Hummel figurines? Antiques on Memorial has all of this and more at their store located on Memorial Drive in Houston. The shop boasts a collection of large furniture pieces, handmade lace and linens and quilts.

Antiques on Memorial, home to an extensive collection of china, even has staff members to help you find pieces in that special pattern that you received as a wedding gift or as a treasured family heirloom.

Currently on display, is a beautiful 5 piece coffee and tea service with tray by Reed n' Barton.

This exquisite tea set is sure to be the centerpiece in a beautiful collection soon. A fantastic century-old needlepoint chair (right) is admired by many collectors.

Antiques on Memorial is located at 14034 Memorial Drive, Houston.

Antique com

Voted Best Antique Store in The Heights- 2013 by The Leader Best in Houston- 2014 by City Voter .

Gen’s

TRAIL .

Antiques

When you're outfitting your home, Gen's Antiques has the selection of furniture, art and collectibles to satisfy any taste and budget.

From Seeburg Jukeboxes to Mid-Century and Classic European and American Antiques.

BBB Accredited Business

(713) 868-2368 GensAntiques.com

540 W 19th St Houston, TX 77008

With over 300 pieces of local and vintage art on display, Gen’s Antiques is proud to partner with The First Saturday Arts Market every month.

Monthly Outdoor Fine Arts Event 10 YEARS OF AWESOME!

www.FirstSaturdayArtsMarket.com

BROCHURES WEBSITES & MAPS FOR VINTAGE & ANTIQUE STORES

256.797.5640 Info@AntiqueTrail.com

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

41

Houston Gulf Coast Book -Reviews

ummer’s arrival heralds the long awaited Book Reviews S time for vacation fun. Wherever our summer

By Janet Pool

Marilyn J. Miller’s delightful book TEA OUTDOORS beckons us to relax with the oft overlooked teatime picnic. This simple way of serving tea can be enjoyed alone or with family and friends “at the ocean side, a park, on the deck or porch, a road side stop, or on a hike in the woods,” and provides countless opportunities for creating memories.

Tea Outdoors inspires us with a variety of tips for picnic planning and preparation, travel-friendly recipes (including teas best suited for brewing in a thermos), beautiful photographs, and eloquent tea quotes.

Like Miller, readers will find themselves enticed “to slow down and celebrate the outdoors with tea” all the while being “captivated by this wonderful experience.”

Additional tea picnic ideas may be found on Miller’s site: www. marmaladys. com

42

plans take us, when accompanied by a great book and refreshing tea, they’re sure to become a favorite vacation venue.

Once again, Janet Dailey vividly brings to life the mystique that embodies Texas in TEXAS TRUE and TEXAS TOUGH which readers will want to read in tandem.

Artfully weaving romance, intrigue, greed, jealousy, and murder, Dailey creates multiple dramas swirling around the Tyler family.

TEXAS TRUE brings Beau Tyler back to Rimrock Ranch for his father’s funeral where the last thing he wants is to reconnect with Natalie Haskell, “the girl he left behind.” Learning that Will is shorthanded, Beau extends his visit to help with the cattle round-up. And, because Natalie is now the local veterinarian, they soon find their paths frequently crossing.

Amidst many challenges to keep Rimrock afloat, family love and loyalty prove strong, especially when Beau becomes a prime suspect after Natalie’s husband Slade is found murdered on their ranch.

TEXAS TOUGH seamlessly picks up where TEXAS TRUE leaves off, and readers are quickly “back in the saddle” joining Beau and Will Tyler along with Sky Fletcher at Rimrock Ranch. The plot thickens when Sky learns he’s a “secret third Tyler son,” along with the discovery of a “dangerous conspiracy threatening his land, and their ranch.” And, after falling in love with Congressman Prescott’s daughter Lauren, the sparks begin to fly!

texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

In this newest release, MING TEA MURDER by Laura Childs, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning finds herself at the Gibbes Museum in Charleston’s “gala opening for an exhibit of a genuine eighteenth century Chinese teahouse.” While waiting for her boyfriend Max to join her, she decides to take a closer look at the teahouse. En route, she stops at the photo booth where she “makes a grim discovery behind the booth’s curtains: the body of museum donor Edgar Webster.”

Unexpectedly, Max finds himself a suspect, and Theodosia is soon hot on the trail to exonerate him and find the real killer. As her investigation ensues, the list of suspects grows to include Webster’s wife Charlotte and his former mistress Cecily Conrad.

Interspersing lightheartedness with suspense, Childs will keep you enthralled up to the very end.

Readers in search of tea themes might gather new ideas from the Titanic and Tower of London teas. In addition, teas featuring Sherlock Holmes, Van Gogh Sunflower, Ming, Floral, Russian, and French might spark inspiration. Childs makes menu planning a breeze by including several recipes such as Green Tea Donuts, Chicken and Green Goddess Tea Sandwiches, Haley’s Honey Scones, Blueberry Sour Cream Muffins, and Sausage and Gnocchi Soup which are sure to please your tea party guests.

A quaint and traditional English Tea Room in the heart of Houston.

Open for Lunch and Tea

Antique Sewing Machines and Unique Home Decor We sell and service antique sewing machines. One of the largest selections of antique sewing machines for sale in Texas!

www.junkandtrunks.com

Bridal Showers Bridal Luncheons Bridesmaids Tea Rehearsal Dinners

281-253-9785 5722 3rd Street Katy, TX 77493

713-334-4832 2620 Fondren urcupoftea.com

A world of German treasures beer steins | cuckoo clocks pyramids | glass ornaments amber jewelry | nutcrackers plus German food items 210 Gentry St | Spring.TX

281-528-8877 germangifthouse.com Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

43

Houston - Gulf Coast

Kimberly’s Junk in the TruNk

Your Cup of Tea

Loose Tea + Tea Balls + Texas Trivets + Pecan Scones + Cookie Cutters

TEA in Texas

Available At Fine Shops WEST HOUSTON KAY’S TEA PARLOUR Katy, TX (281) 392-7970 BEANS CAFE West Houston, TX (281) 920-9620 CENTRAL HOUSTON MFAH- BAYOU BEND Houston,TX (713) 639-7750 SOUTH HOUSTON BOARDWALK FUDGE Kemah, TX (281) 538-4165 TEACAKE FACTORY Sugarland, TX (281) 565-0966 ONLINE TEXASfoods.com NORTH TEXAS BEATITUDES Grapevine, TX (817) 488-8850 CENTRAL TEXAS CHE BELLA Austin, TX (512) 671-4438 BwB Salon New Braunfels, TX (830) 627-3838 CONROE DEBRA's BOUTIQUE CUT N' SHOOT, TX (936) 537-0426 EAST HOUSTON TEAPOT DEPOT Highlands, TX (281) 426-3670

Lone Star Inspired Teas Blended Locally with Texas Herbs TEA in TEXAS 832-955-1767 • TeaBlessings.com

SINCE 2010 Hand blended in Houston.

Proudly supporting our local herb farm community.

Taste the difference today!

Dallas - North Texas

Thank You

for hosting the 2015 Texas Tea Affair

Historic Bed & Breakfast

Exquisite c.1870 Historic Island Venue

Featuring

Afternoon Teas Quilter’s Guild & Scrapbooking Retreats Family Reunions Historic Galveston Island

Blocks from the Beach

Incomparable

Exquisite

Lavish

409-939-5563 info@laskerinn.com WWW.LASKERINN.COM

Dallas Galveston - North Texas The Tremont House is located in the 1879 Leon & H.Blum Building in the heart of historic downtown Galveston. The hotel's restored lobby and Toujouse Bar reflects a European-style hotel decorated in black, white, grey and green palettes, featuring new JANUS et Cie furniture, new Calacatta marble and an expanded front desk. The historic Toujouse Bar, dates back to the 1870's.

Cheers to Thirty Years at The Tremont House When The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel, opened in 1985 it was a catalyst for the revitalization of Galveston’s historic downtown. The boutique-style hotel is now surrounded by shops, galleries, restaurants, and museums making it a popular choice for visitors. In celebration of this 30 year milestone the hotel has scheduled several events during the year.

Reviving earlier traditions, Tremont House Afternoon Tea is scheduled on June 14, Sept. 13 and Dec. 13, 2015. Guests will gather in the hotel’s atrium, dine on a variety of customary treats while sipping tea or champagne and enjoying the classical sounds of live harp.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the new history display in the lobby on the hotel’s history and the Mitchells’ role in the revitalization of Galveston’s historic downtown.

The Tremont House, A Wyndham Grand® Hotel, offers live jazz on weekends and houses Galveston’s only rooftop bar.

TheTremontHouse.com

sunday afternoon tea on galveston island

NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS: JUNE 14, SEPTEMBER 13 & DECEMBER 13

Enjoy an afternoon of conversation in The Tremont House atrium while sipping hot tea. Assorted mini salads, tea sandwiches, pastries and sweets will be served promptly beginning at 3pm, while a harpist plays softly in the background. Sunday overnight package available.

..........................................................

2300 SHIP’S MECHANIC ROW, GALVESTON ISLAND, TX FOR RESERVATIONS CALL 409.763.0300 OR VISIT TheTremontHouse.com

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

47

Texas Stay

TEA&TRAVEL

Preferred by savvy visitors, historic Bed & Breakfasts are a living piece of history.

Steps from stunning Texas landscapes, these B&Bs offer the best of the Lone Star state - gracious hospitality and nearly instant access to the antique and shopping districts, historic sites and restaurants.

SANDSTONE STREET B&B

Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfast in Llano, Texas has the welcome mat out and the front door open to welcome you to this 100+ year old historic home. Enjoy a wonderful night’s sleep in one of the spacious rooms custom decorated with period antiques and modern amenities. Feast on a gourmet breakfast in the formal dining room that has been lovingly prepared by owner, Virginia. Follow the rock path through the gardens with bird baths and water fountains that leads to a beckoning gazebo to enjoy an evening beverage and some star gazing. sandstonestreetbnb.com MOSHIEM MANSION Historic Moshiem Mansion is located in Sequin, Texas. This elegant B&B has original features and period-style rooms and gourmet breakfast was built in 1894 by Emil Mosheim who came from a part of Germany where all the Jews had been forced to convert to Catholicism and change their last names. The family name had previously been Moses but was changed to Mosheim, meaning "Moses home". It is said that President Wilson slept in what is now the San Antonio Room. The Moshiem Mansion has six themed guest rooms. mosheimmansion.com

BLISSWOOD LOG CABIN For fans of Little House on the Prairie, Cat Spring's 1800-style cedar Log Cabin is complete with wood-burning fireplace and antiques from the 19th Century. It's two story, with a queen bed downstairs and two twin beds upstairs. The staircase is a steep ladder, made in the style that is comenserate with its 1800's era.

The bathroom features an antique clawfoot tub with antique hand-held telephone shower. Dine on an antique farm table.

The refrigerator is circa 1926. Great for people that love to be up close & personal with farm animals, including ranch dogs, a resident kangaroo, and roosters crowing! A true Texas R a n c h experience. blisswood.net

OLD MAGNOLIA HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST Located in the beautiful and historic city of Paris, Texas, Old Magnolia House was built in 1871 by the Ledger family. It is a 2 story Victorian home with original stained glass windows. Old Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast offers three comfortable and elegant rooms, each with its own special character.

Comfort, beauty, and timeless elegance ... the Old Magnolia House is the perfect getaway for anyone dreaming of an escape from the norm. oldmagnoliahousebandb.com

Summer Finds for Tea Lovers

THE BLOOM GARDEN PARASOL by Davy Grosemans for Sywawa Belgium is a 'fun but serious' garden parasol with plenty of substance as well as style. Made in waterproof Airtex with polyester 'flags', & a 4cm thick powdercoated stainless steel pole. gomodern.co.uk $2200

SPECIAL TEA TINS Personalized 5lb. metal canisters in a lovely white color with looped handle, can also double up as storage tins for bits and bobs. Made in Houston, can be personalized with your choice of words. TEAinTEXAS.com $40

HOLLYWOOD DISHES TEA TOWEL This wonderful tea towel deserves an Oscar and a star on the Hollywood walk of fame! The Hollywood Dishes tea towel features five of Hollywood's hottest stars Johhny Depp, Brad Pitt, Jake Gyllenhall and George Clooney! The Hollywood Dishes tea towel is designed by New Zealand based illustrator Dear Colleen.

Owen Wilson "aka ... the butterscotch stallion"! maidenshop.com $25

HIGH TEA CUP The cup features an elongated stem that keeps your lovely cup of tea at a perfect height.

Why not arrange cakes around the stem to present to your guests?

They’re sure to be impressed. giftoasis.com $10

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

49

Talking Tea with James Norwood Pratt

By Lee Q. Garcia

James Norwood Pratt recently visited Texas to participate in the 1st Annual Texas Tea Festival, which took place this February at the Saengerrunde Hall of downtown Austin. During the festival over 700 visitors enjoyed different types of tea and food served by various tea shops and sponsors.

Upon signing in, guests received goodie bags, Texas Tea&Travel magazines and tea bowls to take along the aisles of vendors. They sampled rare green puerhs, delicate whites, oolongs and fruity blends while attending wonderful seminars from very knowledgeable tea experts.

Talks included Great Mississippi Tea Company’s Jason McDonald who announced his first flush in the spring of 2017. For years, he has been developing a new tea plantation with the patience only a tea farmer could have. Emeric Harney, grandson of the late John Harney of Harney Teas gave an energizing talk on modern tea adventures. Georgetown’s tea enthusiast John Sharp offered a German East Frisian tea ceremony with a very strong black brew poured over a glassy cube of sugar and an explosion of cream dropped in the center.

To everyone’s surprise Devan Shah, of the Waterfall Tea Co, graciously sponsored Norwood’s guest appearance. Devan, a prominent giving figure in the tea industry, supports tea education and non­profit children's efforts worldwide. Thank you for this outstanding gift, Devan!

It was truly delightful to see my friend Norwood Pratt, perhaps America’s most prolific tea author and speaker, walking through the doors! Such an impassioned tea pioneer, Norwood shared his experiences in a delightfully charismatic way with a packed audience. "I have been serving the cause of tea for thirty years now, let me tell you what I've seen..." he began. Author of the renowned Tea Dictionary, his humble presence left guests awestruck with wonder, like meeting Willie Nelson.

Norwood was equally impressed by Texas' growing community of knowledgeable tea students. "Tea isn’t always necessarily about the tea itself, but its ability to turn strangers into friends,” Norwood said as he continued by praising local enthusiasm. "The greatest asset Texas has is its people, we

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Top to bottom: The lineup of tea devotees for the event was impressive, last minute public were turned away as the sold- out event gained such momentum; Norwood signed the New Tea Dictionary and gave a warm lecture on his personal tea journey; Guests enjoyed treats, Texas Tea&Travel Magazines and tea samples from kind tea vendors; Guisepi and Edna Lu (the bus) shared with Devan and Norwood at the after-party celebration, free tea and community for all!

Guests were also impressed by Kyle Stewart's talk on Wabi­Sabi philosophy: the teachings of a Japanese tea bowl.

While Connie Lacobie of Houston's Te House of Tea shared savory cooking and baking advise. Her tea breads were divine!

Texas' yaupon tea was a new item that intrigued, yaupon holly is a native plant of the southeastern United States naturalized in many Texas counties.

Event organizer Ellen Simonetti was thankful for the enthusiastic volunteers, guests and sponsors for this inaugural triumph. "The festival was a fantastic success, our vision came to life," she reflected. "Participants were generally curious about a true tea experience." Her desire to create a community meeting space resulted in overwhelming support for the connoisseur­-grade loose­-leaf tea movement.

Guests came from near and far to share heartening stories. From Canada to Mexico they dressed in boots, vintage costumes and Japanese kimonos to embrace Texas’ tea culture. Austin's Raindrop Turkish House was one of the

Top to bottom: Norwood was moved to visit with so many Texans who were awakened by tea; Ellen Simonetti shared with Raindrop educators; Canadian tea purveyor Katherine Burnett visits with New York's Emeric Harney; San Antonio's Garden Tea Lounge had plenty of samples to share.

most popular spots in the hall as it served famous Turkish flavors, including tea and delights. These flavors were accompanied by the traditional tea pot, the samovar.

Ellen will continue to bring more tea culture to Texas. "For me, tea culture represents a calm, no stress time to make yourself present.," she revealed. "I will take a cup of tea and scone to recenter, it can be a unique experience for each one of us."

It was such fun to be a part of the fellowship that we cannot wait for next year’s festival.

Listening to Norwood speak was delicious.

He called on us to become tea ambassadors.

"Each one of us needs to reach out, share in service, grow in tea," he added.

"This event was very rewarding for me, it was a memorable moment to encounter fellow tea lovers. The intensity of the crowd was remarkable," Norwood concluded. "I was across from Emeric and Devan all day yet we had no time to visit. New faces kept us busy, it was absolutely inspiring and I felt appreciated."

Perhaps Norwood will mosey back to share his light once more. Happy trails, dear friend.

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Photo Credit: tealet.com

Norwood had such inclusive command of his audience. "Tea is a place of sanctuary and genuine human connection. Let us discuss the power of tea," Norwood invited. Outdoors, the tea bus man Guisepi Spadafora shared that his favorite healing property of tea was that it cured loneliness.

Dallas North Texas Tea- Treasure

love you guys! We think it's our mission to drink tea and the excitement here is outstanding. The shear geography speaks volumes. I see things here that are answered prayers from twenty years ago.

From Jeffrey Lorien at Zhi Tea to Emily Morrison at The Steeping Room, humanly speaking this is a such success," he shared.

GEAR UP

LAVENDER NAPKINS Brighten your table with the best Hill Country scene.

TEXAS

TEA

PARTY

Good times in the Hill Coun try!

CENTERPIECE

Welcome guests with rustic sentiments.

PAIRING

These aren’t your supermarket tea bags!

Find local inspired blends such as Texas

MENU

Corral the gang for fun treats!

COCKTAIL: Sweet Tea infused Vodka by Austin's Deep Eddy MOCKTAIL: Blanco's Lavender Lallie

Twist (black tea infused with bits of cinnamon sticks, sweet orange peels and citrus oils), and Queen's Blend (black tea with black currants and rose petals).

SIDEBOARD: Roast Beef and Asparagus Sammies Stuffed German Potatoes Peach Scones Chocolate and Pecan Strudel

Get recipes at texasTtravel.com/cookbook

BOOT GLASSES It’s German heritage to it’s finest…

Older cowboys would drink from a giant glass boot, passing it around in a large circle of their partners. It was important not to set the boot down, and to drink it until it was finished.

INVITES Ecru ribbon and tea stained doilies.

PEACH PLATES Don’t do the dishes!

Celebrate peaches with chevron dessert plates.

Afternoon Tea Meetup Celebrates with Chef Kiran

Downton Abbey in the Texas Hill Country On February 17, 2015, the Kingsland Community Center in Kingsland, Texas was transformed into the dining hall of Downton Abbey. The setting was the 8th annual afternoon tea fundraiser hosted by the Lambda Nu Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International. Table decors were reminiscent of the Edwardian Era and reflected the elegance of the Downton Abbey residents. Guests wore their vintage attire and awards were given to the best hats in the room. Funds from the tea support the chapter’s many philanthropic projects.

100-year old colonial revival home

Sandstone Street Bed & Breakfast

Three upstairs Rooms non-smoking, newly decorated, with period antiques, spa robes, Wi-Fi, HD-TV Full three-course breakfast served in dining room Afternoon Tea served daily

325-423-2581 508 E. Sandstone Llano, Texas

“Where southern charm and Texas hospitality reside”

www.sandstonestreetbnb.com

Within walking distance to Courthouse Square, Shopping, Restaurants, Library, Museum, Llano River Available for small events such as Small Weddings, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Birthday Parties, Tea Parties, Card/ Bunco Luncheons

We think He had this in mind all along?

Blisswood Bed & Breakfast

Have afternoon tea at Enchanted Lake, surrounded by beautiful country scenery. Then spend the evening gazing at stars before turning in to your choice of turn-of-the-century Texas Homes.

13300 Lehmann Legacy Lane, Cat Spring,Texas

713-301-3235

Summer 2015 | texasTtravel.com

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Central Texas

Houston's latest social club enjoyed tea wearing the snazziest (not sure if that is actually a word) pair of tights/stockings this January. The group enjoyed their second afternoon tea at Kiran's Restaurant in Houston. "It was so good, we had to do it again," shared organizer Lindsey Buckley.

What's your best leg wear? The snazziest tights received a prize. "We all have such busy lives, from our careers to our families. This group is our chance to unwind and have a little fun, as well as making new friends along the way," adds Lindsey. They meet least once a month for either Afternoon Tea or any other event that sounds like fun!

Central Texas

The World Comes to Texas With everything moving so fast these days, Lauri Smith believes that there is still a place for the timeless ritual that is tea.

Tea is that rarest of nature’s gifts that is not only wonderfully delicious but supports a healthy lifestyle as well. She has found that steeping loose leaf tea is the best and most beneficial way to get the maximum flavor, benefits and satisfaction from her new teas. "Whether you prefer it by the cup or by the pot, on a quiet afternoon or at the office, you will find a silver lining that comforts you," she says.

White Cloud World Teas was born in Austin, “steeped” in the heart of Texas.

The simple delight of Lauri and her husband Kris are a vegetarian relaxing into a moment owned company and of mindfulness and very community minded.

They searched the reconnecting with what world’s markets to find their favorite teas and is truly important is what the finest, most flavorful we would like to offer. blends.

They bring their collective decades of tea experience together to present you the best menu and information available. Visit WhiteCloudWorldTeas.com for 20% off your first order.

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texasTtravel.com | Summer 2015

Celebrating Food History

and Tea Culture Consciousness

MOSHEIM MANSION Cooking Classes

Events

Stay

409 N Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155 (830) 372-9905 www.mosheimmansion.com

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