Dear ,

When was the last time you had a tea party? If it's been a while, it's time to break out the lace table clothes and handwritten invitations. You are never too old to invite a friend to tea.

Now, I'm not British, but this is my understanding of the High and Low Tea traditions there. Unlike the drink, these 'teas' are meals during which tea is served. Low tea is the afternoon snack version meant to tide you over until supper. High tea is the supper itself. Low tea is often called afternoon tea, and that's usually what our tea parties model.

Have I made an error? If so, please reply to this email and let me know!

The tea I use for tea parties is almost always a light herbal tea, like lemon balm-chamomile. However, tea parties are an excellent time to try new varieties. Just have an old favorite on hand if the flavor du jour doesn't work out. Earl Grey is my trusty Plan B.

Tea paired with small, crustless sandwiches, pastry, chocolate and fruit, a tea party makes for a refreshing snack on a hot summer's day. Place your offerings on a three-tier tray for extra oomph, or arrange them in whatever way is best for your guests.

Sometimes, we spread out a blanket in the backyard and set up next to the sprinkler so the kids can periodically run through the water. Add a case of sidewalk chalk, a clothes line, paint, paper and brushes, and you have an artist's retreat.

What does your perfect tea party look like?

Plan Your Next Tea Party Then Enjoy a New Book!

Mystic Pieces

by Ada Bell

Aly’s got enough on her plate, with finishing her degree and taking care of her nephew and starting her new job at the antique store while crushing on the owner's son. No visions.

Alas, the universe doesn't care what Aly believes. When she turns 21, she starts to feel psychic impressions left on objects. A disorienting power when you’re surrounded by antiques. Then cranky customer Earl is killed, and Aly's new boss Olive is the prime suspect—not to mention the only person who understands Aly’s gifts. Who hated Earl enough to kill? Police would rather make a quick arrest than investigate, so it's up to Aly to clear Olive's name.

Shady Grove is reeling from the first murder in decades. If Aly can get her hands on the right object, she'll know what happened. Can she learn to control her visions before the killer sets their sights on her?

Until next time,

Katie O'Keene ☆