My discovery into the world of tea began when I met Emilie Barnes. Before that time I really had no recollection of tea parties, imaginary or real. The idea was somewhat appealing but having nothing in my memory to recall, I was content. Then I was invited to my first tea party. Although I was a coffee drinker and really didn't like the taste of hot tea then, I was intrigued by the beauty and serenity of taking time for tea-beautiful china teacups, delicate lace, candles, and delicious treats to eat. But most of all I loved the idea of spending uninterrupted, quality time with those I love. What a treat getting reconnected and catching up with those I treasure in my heart.

Since those early days of learning to "tea" I have become a "tea fanatic." I now love the delicious taste of tea and have my very own favorites. I have learned the pleasure of taking time for tea alone or with a friend or two. I host teas, from the very simple, to the very elegant. For you see, it is not the tea party itself-the decorations or the food-it is the spirit of the tea party that holds such an attraction for me. I love the solitude of taking a few precious minutes in my day and sitting down to a tea party for one. I love the laughter of tea with some of the precious neighborhood children, or wonderful conversation and catching up with my mother and grandmother or a few close friends.

It doesn't matter where or when or what you serve at your tea parties. With a little care and a minimum of expense, you can enjoy this lovely ritual in your own home. You may need to change your mental gears to enjoy it fully. You may need to practice waiting and learning to enjoy the repetitive freedom of the ritual. But once you do, the change of pace will renew your mind and refresh your spirit.

Just for Me ? A Solitary Tea

You don't need a lot of people to enjoy a lovely tea party. Taking the time to prepare a lovely tea just for you will calm you down and give you a wonderfully pampered feeling. Why not take a break in a long afternoon to enjoy a quiet cup in a lovely spot? Or if you have the luxury of an evening to yourself, why not prepare tea with fruit and sandwiches around five o'clock and then not worry about dinner? You'll have more time to enjoy the evening, and you'll sleep better because you ate early and light.

Here's a simple menu for a solitary tea that is easy to prepare, healthful, and satisfying.

? A Perfect Pot of Tea  (see instructions below)

? Orange or Apple Slices or a Beautiful Bunch of Grapes

? Cream Cheese, Celery & Walnut Sandwiches  (see recipe below)

? Homemade or Store-Bought Cookies

While waiting for the water to boil and the tea to steep, prepare one or more sandwiches and arrange them on a plate with the fruit and cookies. Lay a pretty cloth on a tray or on the table and add a flower and a candle for elegance. Then sit down at the table or carry your tray to a cozy spot. Enjoy!

Brewing a Perfect Pot of Tea:

Preparing a perfect cup of tea takes time! But these little steps can make the difference between a mediocre cup of tea and an excellent one.

? Empty the teakettle and refill it with freshly drawn cold water. Put the kettle on boil.

? While the kettle is heating, pour hot water into the teapot to warm it. Ceramic (china, porcelain, stoneware) or glass teapots work best; tea brewed in a metal teapot may have a metallic taste.

? Pour the hot water out of the teapot and add the tea. Measure a spoonful of loose tea for each cup desired into the warmed (empty) teapot, plus one extra spoonful for the pot. (Most teapots hold five to six cups.) If you are using teabags, use one bag less than the desired number of cups. Put the lid back on the pot until the water boils.

? As soon as the kettle comes to a rolling boil, remove from heat. Over boiling causes the water to lose oxygen, and the resulting brew will taste flat.

? Pour boiling water into the teapot and let the tea brew from three to six minutes. Small tealeaves will take less time to brew than large ones.

? Gently stir the tea before pouring it through a tea strainer into the teacups. If you used teabags, remove them.

Cream Cheese, Celery and Walnut Sandwiches

This easy-to-do filling can be made in minutes.

¼ pound cream cheese, room temperature

¼ celery heart, very finely chopped

¼ cup diced walnuts

White or whole-wheat bread

Parsley sprigs (for garnish)

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in celery and walnuts. Make

sandwiches with cheese mixture. Trim off crusts of bread and cut sandwiches into

rectangles or triangles. Garnish plate with sprigs of parsley. Enjoy!

A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is

until she gets into hot water! - Eleanor Roosevelt