Tea and Tales is an event at Zuber’s which evolved from a conversation my daughter and I had several years ago. We have enjoyed taking advantage of every opportunity we have had to “take tea” at a tea house, tea room, or tea event in the area. I took Jaclyn to her first tea at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, Christmas teddy bear tea. Along with another mom and daughter we dressed up for the tea and while eating tea and cakes, we listened to “Herbert Hoover” talk about his life. We all enjoyed this event, and it was something that Jaclyn and I remember yet today. So when Brian and I purchased Zuber’s, Jaclyn reminded me what a great place the Wagon Wheel Room would be to host a tea. As I shared in the last blog, I took some time, went to a tea convention, read some books and subscribed to a Tea magazine, all the while beginning to formulate my ideas of what I’d like to offer. As with the rooms at Zuber’s, I wanted to connect the tea with the Amana Colonies. Hence the name “Tea and Tales”. Each tea would include a 3 course afternoon tea (scones, savories, and sweets) and a local guest speaker who would share ‘tales’ about the Amana Colonies – often connecting their stories with the event being held that weekend. My first tea was held as part of “Girls Get Away Weekend” in November of 2015. Since then I host a tea every November and April (part of ‘Take A Bite’ weekend), I have hosted several Christmas teas, and a few private teas. I vary the menu for each tea, I always share some tea etiquette, I put out a variety of teapots I have collected, the tables are set with different china sets, I have had several local people from the Amana Colonies share stories, we’ve sold ‘tea hats’ at a couple of the teas, and with the tea coming up in April – I have collected some lightly used tea cup/saucer sets that will be for sale if guests would like to purchase one to take home.
A poem that I always like to share was written by William Gladstone – “If you are cold, tea will warm you; If you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.”
Enjoying a cup of tea is a relaxing experience, sharing it with a friend makes it even better! If you are interested in coming to tea – what my Tea and Tales pull down for information on the next tea event! Below are some pictures from different tea afternoons.