The Art of Taking Tea - June 14th, 2017

The Lightner Museum will be hosting an evening of education and entertainment for participants to learn about the development and social customs of  “taking tea” - whether Afternoon, High, or a working class dinner tea- while also enjoying period-correct food and service.

 Tea and the social structures, customs, and etiquette related to “taking tea” have evolved over the centuries beginning in China in 2737 B.C. when some leaves fell into the Emperor’s boiled drinking water. The British, however, are mostly credited for their tea drinking finesse.  The Brits have been consuming the stuff for the past 350 years and now it is a daily part of the British way of life.

 “In order to ‘take tea’ properly, one must be educated on the subject of tea and all of the social customs involved.  This tea and lecture will help to prepare participants for proper afternoon English teas the Cafe’ Alcazar will be hosting daily during the exhibition Dressing Downton™, which is coming to the Lightner Museum this fall,” said Lightner Museum Educator and Program Coordinator Elizabeth Graham.

 The event will be presented by Ms. Graham in coordination with the Cafe’ Alcazar.  Teas from Cultivate Tea & Spice Co. will be featured.

 “As Cafe’ Alcazar gears up to host daily afternoon teas this fall, we are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our expertise at May’s Tea & Talk.  I have been traveling the southeastern United States, visiting various tea houses and am very excited to bring similar experiences to Cafe’ Alcazar and to St. Augustine.” – Sean Thompson, Manager of Café Alcazar.

Cost for this event is $50 per person which includes an array of teas, tea sandwiches, scones, and cakes.  Champagne may be purchased for an additional $5 per glass.

 The Lightner Museum is a non-profit cultural institution sustained by the generous support of individuals, businesses, and sponsors.  Donations are appreciated.

 For more information about “The Art of Taking Tea”, please visit www.lightermuseum.org/taking-tea.  For more information on Cafe’ Alcazar’s English Afternoon Teas beginning this fall, visitwww.lightnermuseum.org/high-tea.  For more information about Cultivate Tea & Spice Co., visit www.cultivateteaandspice.com.  For more information about the Garden Club of St. Augustine, visitwww.gardenclubofstaugustine.org.

 “The Art of Taking Tea” is funded in part by the Tourist Development Council of St. Johns County and the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.