Sunday, December 12, 2010

Ole Christmas Tea

I went to a Christmas Tea at Toronto's First Post Office yesterday (put on by a tea group that I belong to).  It was quite intimate with just two tables and very cozy as we nibbled our treats by the fire.  The host of the tea had a nice spread set out of homemade scones with butter and strawberry jam, gingerbread cookies, butter tarts, shortbread and mini sandwiches.  There was a lovely selection of loose teas including Coco Chai Rooibos, Organic Silk Dragon Jasmine and Margaret's Hope Darjeeling.  I opted for the Coco Chai which was really delicious.

In addition to tea time, there was also an informal program in which the host led us through some Victorian Christmas traditions.  Here are a couple of interesting tidbits:

Sir Henry Cole invented the Christmas card in 1843 by printing a thousand cards and selling them in his print shop in London at a cost of one shilling each.

The Christmas cracker was invented in 1848 by Tom Smith, a London candy maker.


[Ah, London...]




It was a really lovely little gathering and a nice experience.  Tea at the post office...what a perfect combination!