There are few customs in which the Irish spirit of welcome is better exemplified than afternoon tea, and no visit to Ireland is complete without partaking in it. From a remote 800-year-old castle in the countryside to a modern institution in the hear

For Alison McArdle, owning Cupán Tae, a tea shop/restaurant in her native Galway, is much more than just a business. It’s an investment in a long-standing Irish tradition. The Irish have a huge emotional attachment to tea, Alison says, like what time

While tea’s history in Ireland might be more than a century younger than the island’s neighbor across the Irish Sea, the Irish thirst for the beverage is just as ardent as that of the English. Since tea’s introduction to the Emerald Isle in the 1830s

Nestled among flowering cherry trees in a hidden garden in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, is Take Thyme. This charming delicatessen is situated between a complex of distinctive boutique shops. I remember the day I was first introduced to this fine

John Aynsley Durham Maroon teapot (out of stock); Royal Tara Carina footed cup and saucer set (out of stock) from Replacements, Ltd., 800-737-5223, replacements.com. Gracie China white cake stand ($12.99) from HomeGoods, 800-888-0776, homegoods.com.

Buttermilk Frosting 37 Cream Cheese Topping 27 Irish Whiskey Icing 47 Plum Buttercream 38 Red Onion Marmalade 44 Vanilla Bean Glaze 27 Apple & Pork Sausage Rolls 43 Colcannon Potato Cakes with Smoked Salmon 24 Corned Beef & Cabbage Tea Sandwiches 24

As we ring in the New Year, we do so with great hope that in 2021 we’ll be able to gather with dear ones for afternoon tea and to enjoy traveling domestically and internationally. A few months ago, a friend of mine at church asked me, “If you could h

THE LARKIN TEA COMPANY larkintea.com • 304-707-0142 TEACUP: Raphoe Royal Tara “Vibrant green shamrock sprinkles are a whimsical touch amidst the leaves of this festive, dessert-like black tea with lively notes of chocolate and strawberry.” —Katherine

United Press Photograph from the Benjamin Press archives During our first visit to Ireland, my wife and I explored the Boyne Valley, one of the most sacred spots in Celtic history. We came away with a profound sense that those rolling green hills wer

Since 1857, Belleek Pottery has made its mark as Ireland’s oldest working pottery, housed in a neo-Georgian building in the company’s namesake village. Throughout the years, the brand gained notoriety for its Parian pieces—porcelain crafted to resemb

Makes approximately 11 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided½ cup chopped napa cabbage1 tablespoon sliced green onion1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided¾ cup mashed Yukon Gold potatoes6 tablespoons sour cream, divided1 large egg½ teaspoon fresh dill¼ teaspo

Makes 8 2¾ cup almond flour¼ cup coconut flour1 tablespoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt4 tablespoons unsalted Irish butter*½ cup shredded Irish Cheddar cheese*½ cup cooked diced ham¼ cup diced fresh chives¼ plus 1 to 2 tablespoons cup cold heavy whip

Makes 8 2 tablespoons mayonnaise¼ cup whole grain mustard4 slices white sandwich bread3 ounces Irish Cheddar cheese*, very thinly sliced½ pound thinly sliced deli ham½ cup rocket (arugula) • In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise and mustard to ma

Makes 12 6 slices firm white bread2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature1 to 2 cherry tomatoes2 hardboiled eggs1 to 2 tablespoons chopped green onion1 to 2 lettuce leaves, finely shredded2 tablespoons mayonnaiseSalt, to tasteGround black pep

This is a story of how necessity and evolution gave us some of our most prized silver tea wares. It’s the story of how the humble teaspoon evolved into a multipurpose, long-handled straining spoon, which was remodeled to become the tea strainer, whic

The White House serves as the setting for a number of events throughout the four-year term of a president—from formal state dinners to intimate afternoon teas. Teatime is scattered throughout the history of the United States presidency. In 1961, Jacq

For almost two decades, the ladies of Heritage of Hawk Ridge—a community of adults ages 55 and older, nestled in Lake St. Louis, Missouri—have gathered for the charming holiday tradition of their A Cup of Christmas Tea event, inspired by the book of

Blueberry Sauce 29 Cinnamon Roll Icing 43 Coconut Glaze 27 Cream Cheese Frosting 39 Honey Butter 47 Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Bagel Chip Crostini 25 Curried Sweet Potato Latkes 25 Everything Bagel Stratas 46 Hash Brown Canapés 46 Israeli Salad Cups 2

This year has been one most of us probably won’t soon forget. Some will remember it as a year of challenges, changes, and even of losses, while others will cherish it as a time of refocusing priorities and investing in relationships and pastimes in e

elmwoodinn.com • 800-765-2139 TEACUP: Tirschenreuth TIR8 “Anyone looking for a caffeine-free chai alternative will thoroughly appreciate this blend of South African rooibos with cardamom, cinnamon, and clove.”—Courtni Bodiford, stylist trueleaftea.co

When my wife, Shelley, opened her central Kentucky tearoom in 1990, I would often stand in the foyer of the Elmwood Inn and chat with guests as they departed. Time after time, they would say, “You know, we never drink hot tea, but we consumed two ful

While Christmas calls to mind evergreens and holly berries, the rococo aureate design on Schofield’s Baltimore Rose silver teapot demonstrates a new way to incorporate the beloved flower into a festive vignette. Set upon a table adorned with live blo

Delight your teatime guests with three teas perfectly paired with the courses of this festive menu. Order from Simpson & Vail online at svtea.com or by calling 800-282-8327. Cozy Comfort Tea Russian Caravan Tea Burgundy Blast Herbal Tisane Makes 12 2