Customer Reviews

Tea Celebrationsco

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

What a rare treat this little volume is! I had to pace myself to prolong the enjoyment. Reading it was like having a wonderful conversation with a kindred soul over a great cup of tea. Alexandra shares inspiration and wonderful recipes as an added bonus along with her great conversation.

I havae read this book numerous times and have each time found new and interesting items missed the last time through.Ms.Stoddard presents tea celebration in such a way that one looks forward to being able to have friends over to enjoy. It is too amazing the way one looks forward to enjoying a cuppa alone. I have decided that when I enjoy tea by myself--as Ms.Stoddard encourages the preparation is also important-but when that cup is poured I can sit back, sip by sip, and watch the world go by.

Any fan of Stoddard's will welcome this little book as yet another of her musings upon elements that can make everyday moments transcend the ordinary. If you're looking for a taut, informative book on tea, continue looking as you'll not find it in this text. However, for the person who simply wants to relax and share the author's enjoyment of the little touches that make life more pleasant, this book will entertain and delight. "Precious drivel"? Well, perhaps, although I find in the author's obvious enjoyment of cherished objects a reminder to look around my house at the lovely things I have with a fresh appreciation for them.

This book instructs in the use of tea, with all its accoutrements, for fine living. This is useful for people who have room for collections of pitchers, teapots, wooden trays and fine linens. It helps if you have a "buttery" off the kitchen, as does Alexandra Stoddard, where you can store items such as your glass swizzle stick collection. Ironing those lovely linen napkins needn't trouble you. Make it part of the rituals. Iron on rainy days while you listen to lovely music. No problem! An added bonus is the suggestion for spending hours in bed while you drink tea, write letters and read. This book reveals that Oprah filmed Stoddard doing just that.

This book is a must read for our hurried drive through society. I have bought more than three copies of this book and given them away to several people. My 23 year old daughter loved it as well as my over 59 friends. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to step back and begin to enjoy everyday life on a whole new level.

This book ends up being a personal account of Ms. stoddard's day-to-day life, which is really far from interesting. As far as information on tea, it is sadly lacking and even, on occasion, presents inaccurate information; a much better choice would be Jane Pettigrew's The Tea Companion. If you want a disorganized, "dreamy" little book about nothing, this is it. The question arises: who would compose a work that is so self-absorbed?