If I had to sum up this book in one work, that word would be
'Beautiful'. The layout and design is
simply spectacular. This is easily a
book that could be displayed with pride in any home. Royal Teas with Grace and Style is filled
with rich pages featuring beautiful photography, great quotes about teas and
interesting information on how to host your own Royal Tea.
Once I got past the beauty of the layout and design, I was
totally engaged in learning about tea! The
first two chapters discuss tea in detail starting with a general history of tea
given in little tidbits and then followed by the second chapter which itemizes the
varieties of tea. These chapters are naturally
followed by the third chapter which goes into detail about how to prepare teas;
including how to prepare crystal clear iced tea.
Now that this book has given you basic information about
teas, it is time to learn about actually hosting a Royal Tea. The next six chapters go into incredible
detail about the planning stages, the invitations, the menu, the atmosphere
and, of course, manners. An example of
the incredible detail this book provides can be found in chapter 7, “Creating
an Inviting Atmosphere”. The reader is not only led through the process of
setting the table and providing relaxing music; details about how the main
bathroom should be presented are also included.
With Ms. Shafer’s step by step
comprehensive approach anyone should be able to adequately organize a delightful
tea party in which all the facets of making your guests comfortable and welcome
are planned.
After all the plans are made and the details taken care of,
we finally get to the menus. Three
courses are presented in “Royal Teas with Grace and Style”; Tea sandwiches and spreads,
scones, shortbreads and tea breads, and cookies, cakes and other sweets. Of course, this book would not be complete
with a chapter devoted to tea and beverage recipes and Ms. Shafer presents this
information with the style and grace that the rest of the book
demonstrates.
I found this book informative, well detailed and full of
wonderful ideas and would recommend it to anyone who even dreams of throwing a
Royal Tea.