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Té Lovers Newsletter - the Holidays!
In this issue
One day we were strolling along the Strand and came upon a small antique store. Inside, we discovered a precious dinner set made in "Occupied Japan", i.e., the short post-War World II period in Japan. Hand-painted, its earthy colors and intricate patterns were quite unique. The set included a tea pot, sugar bowl, and creamer, but only two tea cups and saucers. The tea cups were so thin they were translucent, yet very strong, and tapping them produced a crisp bell-like sound. Being incomplete, the whole set was available at a bargain price, so we couldn't resist the purchase.
Shortly thereafter, one of our close friends announced she was getting married ... and the wedding was soon too! What to buy the young couple?! Well, we were in love with the Japanese tea cups, but we immediately thought that they were the most precious, perfect gift for them to receive. And they were the perfect gift for us to give -- we still recall these tea cups fondly, and imagine our friends (still married!) calmly drinking from them first thing in the morning, a moment of peace together before they start their day.
To us, and to many cultures, tea is a gift of peace. It represents calmness and togetherness. In Irish homes, as in many other countries, tea is offered almost immediately to arriving guests - "would you like a cup of tea?" is a gesture of peace and non-hostility much like the hand shake.
Tea cups and tea sets, especially unique tea pots, make excellent gifts for the budding tea drinker. And for the tea aficionados, tea accessories (spoons, strainers, etc.) and perhaps the more exotic, never-tried teas are always welcome. If you discovered you still haven't found just the right gift for your friend or loved one this holiday season, drop by our tea shop soon to see our gift baskets and other items for ideas. We can recommend and make a custom gift basket for you. Spread a little peace!
Thinking of a gift, but perhaps not related to tea? We highly recommend Ten Thousand Villages at 2424 Rice Blvd. in Rice Village. This is a non-profit, fair trade crafts store, with unique, hand-crafted items from around the world. Or, perhaps you're thinking more along the lines of pampering someone with a service instead of a gift? Try Dolce Vita Day Spa, a few blocks from our store at 2503 S. Shepherd Dr. Dolce Vita is our newest partner, as we have blended a special "detox" tea for them, made of delicate white tea, organic lavender and rose petals. Try it at our shop or while you're enjoying a massage, facial, or other special service at their Spa. Definitely pampering!
Still not the right gift in mind? Then think Alternative! We had a very successful Alternative Giving Market in the early part of December, and brochures on alternative giving and available charities are still available at our shop. Contact Inspired Legacies for more details, and consider giving ... as a gift!
Té House of Tea
www.tehouseoftea.com
- Tea is the Gift of Peace
- Christmas Eve Specials: Victorian Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, and an elegant Dinner
- Holiday Hours
Tea is a Gift of Peace
Shortly after college, we moved down to Galveston with our young, very ill infant daughter. We were poor in finances, but rich in friends and opportunities. Galveston Island was our little paradise, with all-we-could-fish crabs in a private lake near our apartment, the peaceful beach just 5 minutes away, and interesting architecture and exciting histories just around the corner to explore.One day we were strolling along the Strand and came upon a small antique store. Inside, we discovered a precious dinner set made in "Occupied Japan", i.e., the short post-War World II period in Japan. Hand-painted, its earthy colors and intricate patterns were quite unique. The set included a tea pot, sugar bowl, and creamer, but only two tea cups and saucers. The tea cups were so thin they were translucent, yet very strong, and tapping them produced a crisp bell-like sound. Being incomplete, the whole set was available at a bargain price, so we couldn't resist the purchase.
Shortly thereafter, one of our close friends announced she was getting married ... and the wedding was soon too! What to buy the young couple?! Well, we were in love with the Japanese tea cups, but we immediately thought that they were the most precious, perfect gift for them to receive. And they were the perfect gift for us to give -- we still recall these tea cups fondly, and imagine our friends (still married!) calmly drinking from them first thing in the morning, a moment of peace together before they start their day.
To us, and to many cultures, tea is a gift of peace. It represents calmness and togetherness. In Irish homes, as in many other countries, tea is offered almost immediately to arriving guests - "would you like a cup of tea?" is a gesture of peace and non-hostility much like the hand shake.
Tea cups and tea sets, especially unique tea pots, make excellent gifts for the budding tea drinker. And for the tea aficionados, tea accessories (spoons, strainers, etc.) and perhaps the more exotic, never-tried teas are always welcome. If you discovered you still haven't found just the right gift for your friend or loved one this holiday season, drop by our tea shop soon to see our gift baskets and other items for ideas. We can recommend and make a custom gift basket for you. Spread a little peace!
Thinking of a gift, but perhaps not related to tea? We highly recommend Ten Thousand Villages at 2424 Rice Blvd. in Rice Village. This is a non-profit, fair trade crafts store, with unique, hand-crafted items from around the world. Or, perhaps you're thinking more along the lines of pampering someone with a service instead of a gift? Try Dolce Vita Day Spa, a few blocks from our store at 2503 S. Shepherd Dr. Dolce Vita is our newest partner, as we have blended a special "detox" tea for them, made of delicate white tea, organic lavender and rose petals. Try it at our shop or while you're enjoying a massage, facial, or other special service at their Spa. Definitely pampering!
Still not the right gift in mind? Then think Alternative! We had a very successful Alternative Giving Market in the early part of December, and brochures on alternative giving and available charities are still available at our shop. Contact Inspired Legacies for more details, and consider giving ... as a gift!
Christmas Eve Specials
This Sunday we're going Victorian! We are offering some elegant specials on Christmas Eve. Come in the morning or lunch for a Christmas Eve Breakfast special of a spiced black tea, Victorian carrot scone, and a crumpet or crepe. Or, enjoy the afternoon with a Victorian Afternoon Tea, including scones, tea sandwiches, vol au vents, sweets, and a Victorian sponge cake. In the evening the candles and white table clothes come out for an elegant Christmas Eve Dinner, consisting of roast beef (or a Vegetarian "beef" puff pastry for all you vegetarians!), Victorian carrot soup, three bean salad, and sweets. Dinner will be available from 5 pm to 8 pm, and we recommend making reservations: give us a call at 713.522.8868. For more details, read our Specials page.Holiday Hours
We've had a very busy year since we've opened -- we can hardly believe it's already been nine months! We're going to slow down just a bit next week. Here are our adjusted hours:- Sunday, Christmas Eve: 10 am - 8 pm.
- Monday, Christmas Day: Closed
- Tuesday, Boxing Day (Dec. 26): Closed
- Wednesday & Thursday (Dec. 27-28): 10 am - 8 pm
- Friday, December 29: 10 am to midnight (Téngo Tango starts at 9pm!)
- Saturday, December 30: 10 am - 8 pm
- Sunday, New Years Eve: Closed
Té House of Tea
www.tehouseoftea.com
