Tea Celebrations

by Alexandra Stoddard

An Invitation To A World Of Beauty, Grace, And Tranquility Whether it is a formal Japanese tea ceremony, an English high tea, or simply a pot of tea and some cookies shared with friends, the act of drinking tea has long been a way for people to achieve a feeling of serenity. Now bestselling author Alexandra Stoddard explores the many ways in which a cup of tea can lift our spirits, soothe our souls and deepen our friendships.

Genres: Lifestyle, Food, Cookbooks, Tea, Nonfiction, Cooking

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

ALEXANDRA STODDARD is a philosopher of contemporary living and author of many best selling books, including the classic Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life, Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life, Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life, and You Are Your Choices: 50 Ways to Live the Good Life. Alexandra's newest book Happiness For Two: 75 Secrets for Finding More Joy Together, published in January 2008, is now in its second printing.

Reviews

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember in my mid-30's, when I finally had created a garden that I could be proud of, the first thing I wanted to do was throw a tea party. I dressed up dandy, baked gluten-free blueberry scones and stocked up on teas of all varieties. It was a bright, shiny and beautiful day and the energy of it stayed with me for long after the party.

Recently, I felt the buzz to make a couple of cups of tea and stop in to see one of my amazing kids. I could feel that they had something heavy in their heart and my unexpected arrival and my open ended questions and presence cracked something big open for them and brought us much closer.

I often find myself steeping a cup of tea and just sitting and enjoying it and letting my thoughts wander. Sometimes there is a purpose and sometimes none. It is always a beautiful moment in time in my wild and wonderful life. A little moment for myself where I can unwind and just be.

I found myself absolutely delighted by Alexandra Stoddard's book on tea celebrations. She tells stories and shares recipes, but mostly focuses on why savoring a cup of tea alone or with a friend or family member or with a group is a delight.

If a great tea master were to reincarnate as a bodhisattva and choose the life of Marth Stewart as her vehicle for serving humanity, I am pretty sure her name would be Alexandra Stoddard. I have no idea why I picked up this book, but in a world that can feel so serious and heavy, this little slice of service, humanity and gentility seems to be just what I needed.

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure when I first read this -- but I did get this copy to have in Belgium. I am a bit of a tea afficionado and so I also tend to pick up the odd book related to tea from time to time as well. Stoddard's is lovely and I've explored some others of hers as a result.

[AlohaKarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like tea, tea parties, gracious writing, calm, peace ,and beautiful things, this book will totally work for you. Even though it was written in 1994 like the Elaine St. James book I read on simplicity, this one does not feel dated at all. Maybe a little bit old-fashioned (think Bridgerton or Downton Abbey) and slower-paced, but my goodness, couldn’t we all deal with a little more grace and old fashioned kindness and good behavior? This was a delightful book.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had never read it, but apparently I had. Found another review that I did - and I loved it then. Still do. All about the simple joys of tea - alone, with two, and how to have a party. Includes great stories of her own experiences, recipes, and the feeling when you open the book that you just want to take a deep breath and sit in the garden with a cup of tea! Loved it.

[Judie Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed my daily tea as well as an elaborate High Tea. I now understand the delight I always get from this simple beverage.

[Susan]

If you are not a tea drinker, you may not like this book. It brought back memories of going to have tea with my mother's friends or coming to our house for tea. Also, memories having tea with my grandmother, my cousin, and close friends. The author also shared some elements of serenity and inner peace that having tea alone or with a friend can provide

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! it would have been a 5 star if not for the eastern philosophy.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in 1994,Alexandra writes that long before the recent renaissance of tea drinking in America,she learned the beauty & serenity of the Tea Ceremony at the feet of Japanese Masters when she was only sixteen.Discovering a whole world of grace,peacefulness and aesthetic balance it became her custom to have a tea ceremony with herself everyday.

Stoddard discusses various types of teas,tea etiquette,what to serve,her travels as a young girl and the wisdom she embraced at an early age.The book also offers grace notes that celebrate tea AND delicious recipes. GRACE NOTES:i.e._"Very little is needed to make a happy life"~Marcus Aurelius~

Whatever,the circumstances,the important element for Stoddard is Spiritual:the centeredness,serenity,and inner peace that the occasion of having tea can provide.I cherish my signed copy,visiting with her & knowing she's a kindred spirit.

A Quieting of the Mind Book_good for Quieting a Noisy Soul,~Namaste,Pam~

[Johnny Galt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quaint little book abut tea. If you like Martha you will most likely enjoy this book also. For me, she extrapolates examples of tea a bit too much. I enjoy tea also, but reading this book makes me think she is obsessed and thinks of nothing else in her life except ways to glorify tea.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll read anything she writes.