Writer Henry James said, "There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."

Tea has been an intrinsic to me for as long as I can remember. Since I was a little boy, tea - and the ephemera accompanying it, from teapots to kettles, tea cups, saucers, and making the perfect cup- has fascinated me. In truth, can anyone remember a time before tea? Tea has been a staple in our commerce and politics for centuries. The history of tea is complicat...