Part of my ongoing project for “creating a beautiful life” includes an afternoon tea ritual. I’m happy to drink tea anytime but setting aside a special time in the afternoon to take a break gives me a bit of breathing room during a busy day.

Create an afternoon tea ritual

There is something about preparing a perfect cup of tea which becomes a true pleasure when approached as a ritual. Choosing the tea, selecting just the right cup and saucer, heating the water to the correct temperature, brewing exactly the right amount of time and adding the desired amount of milk and sugar…a perfect cup of tea doesn’t just “happen”.

I’ve posted my method in exhaustive detail here:

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A Few Favorites

I usually drink tea at least two or three times a day. I usually drink Choice Organic Earl Grey which I purchase by the case:

But oftentimes I like to drink something different during my afternoon break. I will sometimes make it even more of a ritual by using loose leaf tea, too. Here are a couple of teas I enjoy:

1. Harney and Sons Paris tea – It’s no surprise I would like a tea named after one of my favorite cities, right?

2. Tazo Berry Blossom White – I first tasted this when friends served it to us at their home in Laguna Hills a couple of years ago. I loved it so of course I had to buy some for myself.

3. Or how about a sampler if you’d like to try a variety?  Stash organic tea sampler

I have quite a collection of teas and am always on the lookout for others. In fact, if you have a favorite you’d like to recommend, please leave me a comment.

I also have a collection of pretty cups and saucers which I like to use for my afternoon tea ritual. A mug is fine for coffee but for tea, I find a proper cup and saucer adds a little touch of elegance which I enjoy.

After I prepare the tea I like to curl up in my chair in the library and sip slowly while reading a book or listening to music. Such a lovely way to enjoy a break in the afternoon!

Books About Tea

If, like me, you enjoy the ritual of tea or would like to start doing so, here are some books and other resources you might enjoy:

Tea at Downton: Afternoon Tea Recipes From the Unofficial Guide to Downton Abbey – I don’t have this one yet but it’s on my wishlist and I do have a birthday later this summer.

Tea Celebrations: The Way to Serenity by Alexandra Stoddard 

This one is no longer in print but you might be able to get it through your public library or luck upon a copy in a used book store. I adore everything this woman writes.

An Invitation to Tea: Special Celebrations with Treasured Friends by Emilie Barnes – Tea is also something special to share with friends.

19 Lessons On Tea: Becoming an Expert on Buying, Brewing, and Drinking the Best Tea – If you’re going to do something, you might as well do it well.

 

Health Benefits of Tea

I drink tea because I adore it but the fact that it has health benefits just makes it all the better.

How a daily cup of tea may improve your health

The Surprising Health Benefit of Drinking Tea Every Day

Medical Benefits of Drinking Hot Tea

Tea Etiquette

English Tea Ceremony

Etiquette Faux Pas and Other Misconceptions About Afternoon Tea

British Tea Etiquette: How to Drink it Downton Abbey-Style

So, what about you? Do you enjoy a nice, hot cuppa? If so, have you elevated it to the status of a ritual? If so, I’d love to hear about it. Leave me a comment.

And now I’m going to go brew myself a cup and enjoy my favorite ritual.

~~~~~

Other posts you may enjoy:

Creating a Beautiful Life With Rituals

Resources to Help You Create a Beautiful Life

Create a Beautiful Life With an Evening Routine

Creating a Beautiful Life ~ My Bedside Table

Make Someone Else’s Life Beautiful By Volunteering