Steeped in Tradition

Fortnum & Mason: Time for Tea by award-winning food writer Tom Parker Bowles presents readers with a brief history of tea as well as many tea recipes and pairings. In the book, Bowles laments that it’s hard to get a decent cup of tea, and thus describes how to properly steep, blend, and prepare the beverage. “There is a lot more to tea,” writes Bowles. “Tea has a lot of variety, depth, and excitement.” Overall, the author swears by his religion and states that preparing his morning cup of tea is not only meditative, but a great source of caffeine and antioxidants. fortnumandmason.com

Experience the crystal-hued Grand Salon during afternoon tea at Baccarat Hotel New York. The tea service starts with Champagne served in handcrafted Baccarat crystal and moves forward to an indulgent selection of boutique blends by In Pursuit of Tea. Beverages are paired with canapés, house-made scones, and petit fours that are almost as beautiful and delicate as the shimmering crystals cascading from the chandeliers. baccarathotels.com