I continually promise myself that I will initiate a daily teatime in my schedule, but I always fail to follow through on this. I enjoy tea, but I am also thoroughly particular about how I enjoy it. For instance, it may be consumed from a vulgar ceramic mug only during the winter months when it is taken for warmth as well as catharsis, and even then you should only do so when at the computer or standing by the kitchen counter. During the spring and summer, it can only be sipped from a delicate china cup, like so:
(This one in particular is from my Lenox Solitaire set: ivory fine china, banded in understated platinum. It's one of those rare and funny bits of elegance that was introduced to my impoverished estate through the death of an old family friend who had few heirs and apparently quite expensive taste in dishes. I use it whenever I feel my elegance quota is low for the week, and while it does little for my personal level of class, it does create a serene ambiance that simultaneously makes me pay greater attention to my manners. One does not slurp from a platinum-rimmed cup.)
In addition to the proper vessel, the tea must be taken at the table with the proper amounts of accompanying sweets and savories. My personal preferences are cucumber sandwiches, deviled ham, shortbread cookies, or scones with fruit preserves and clotted cream. The amount of food needed plus the length of time required to prepare and properly enjoy such a tea is what, unfortunately, has prevented me from making it a regular occurrence. Perhaps I should have a more ready supply of scones and cucumber.
