Gift Books: Spotlight on Tea

December 30, 2008

Tea drinking is trending up. The ceremony and experience that surrounds the serving of tea has attracted new aficionados to enjoy the beverage. But it is its health benefits have really drawn a whole new audience to appreciate its relaxing qualities and savor its various flavors. And if you are in any doubt about tea’s growing popularity, coffee vendor Starbuck’s is trying to woo the tea-drinking customer. An article that just appeared in the Business section of the newspaper reported that Starbuck’s "will begin selling three new tea-based lattes and two nondairy tea drinks [in the new year] as part of a push to offer customers healthier choices." The article goes on the quote Michelle Gass, Starbuck’s executive vice-president of marketing, "The same way we transformed American coffee culture, we want to deliver an exceptional tea experience for customers with our new [lattes and infusions]."

Here is a short list of gift books to suggest as add-ons to tea sales, to tuck into a tea gift basket or simply as an enjoyable read for the tea-loving customer.

In Tea Party, Tracy Stern presents suggestion for 20 different themed parties for different occasions, from showers to other small gatherings. Stern includes recipes for each occasion and provides tips on choosing and brewing teas. Among the recipes offered are classic accompaniments such as Scones with Clotted Cream and Cucumber-Mint Tea Sandwiches, as well as more novel offerings. In addition to the themed suggestions and recipes, there are many more ideas and inspirations offered, ranging from invitations to decorations to party favors. The emphasis is on ease and fun. $27.50. 208 pages with full color illustrations. Hardcover. Clarkson Potter, div. of Random House, New York. (212) 572-2537

Not exactly a book, but a handy box of reference cards, the Tea Deck by Sara Perry presents "50 ways to prepare, serve and enjoy tea." The deck is comprised of 50 4 1/16"x5 5/8" cards filled with essential information on an assortment of tea varieties — from black and green to red and white teas. Also includes tasting notes, tips on preparation and recipes for complements such as Buttermilk Scones and French Almond Cakes. $14.95. Chronicle Books, San Francisco. (800) 722-6657.

Little Girls love to play at pretend tea parties, so why not offer them the knowledge to hostess their own real tea party. Princess Tea Parties, Royal Gatherings for Little Ladies is written and charmingly illustrated by Michal Sparks. Sparks begins with a primer chapter "Getting Started," in which she discusses tea and how to brew it, and the indispensible teatime tools. Next are six different "royal" party themes, from "A Royal Princess Tea" to a "Sweetheart Princess Sleepytime Tea," complete with suggestions for crafting invitations, decorations and accessories; setting the tea table; planning the menu and other fun activities. Hardcover, 8"x8". $14.99. Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. (877) 307-0662.

Tea Bliss, Infuse Your Life with Heatlh, Wisdom, and Contentment by Theresa Cheung suggests to the reader that he/she spend a few moments to relax and enjoy. It offers inforamtion on brewing tea, its rituals, tea lore and more. It also offers an inspirational look at tea and its health benefits. It offers therapies, meditations, as well as tea recipes. There’s a glossary of terms and even a look at the reading of tea leaves. This book, as well as its subject, encourages us to slow down and savor the moments. Softcover. $15.95. Conari Press, Newburyport, MA. (978) 465-0504.

Coffee & Tea is a new title in the Gooseberry Patch Classics Collection of cookbooklets. The booklet is filled with tried and true recipes for such beverages as caramel cappuccino, razzleberry tea and iced honey coffee, and sweet treats such as espresso biscotti, cherry coffee cake and vanilla-pecan quick bread. There are also plenty of helpful tips as well. Softcover, 32 pages. $4.95. Gooseberry Patch, Delaware, OH. (877) 854-7400.