Thursday, December 20, 2012

Early Christmas Gifts

The first Christmas present I received came via U.S. Postal Service twelve days before Christmas from a dear friend.   The package contained fabulous tea books.  I wanted to share two of them with you because they are books I haven't seen before or heard about.
 
The Tea Drinker's Handbook
by Francois-Xavier Delmas
Mathias Minet
Christine Barbaste
 

I haven't had time to sit down to read it yet, but a quick scan shows the book is divided into three categories:  What is Tea? [with five sub-headings]; Tasting [with five sub-headings]; and The World's 50 Best Teas [with six sub-headings]. 
 
Tea - History, Terroirs, and Varieties
by Kevin Gascoyne
Francois Marchand
Jasmin Desharnais
Hugo Americi
 
 
This book is divided into four parts:  From Garden to Cup; From One Terroir to Another; From Cup to Plate; and Tea and Health.   I am so anxious to read these books, and will review them on my blog as soon as I do.
 
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After my girlfriend and I returned from our outing to Meadow Brook Hall on Tuesday we exchanged Christmas gifts.  Below are photos of my gift from her.
 
A beautiful yellow and blue chintz china teapot by PTS International.  The pattern is Adelaide.  It was accompanied by four matching dessert plates and four mugs. 
 

Isn't it lovely? 

 
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And last, but not least, do you remember me writing about the disappointing Russian Imperial Tea Reception at the Detroit Institute of Arts on December 10th?

My girlfriend and I were among those who lingered longer at the tea, because I was busy taking photos for my blog.  As we  sipped the last of our tea, a lady, who appeared to be the coordinator of the event, approached me [and the few remaining others] with a piece of paper and asked for my name and address.  She was well aware that many were disappointed with the event, and said the DIA would make it right.   I didn't know specifically what that meant, but I signed the paper.   Three days later I received this letter:
 

Two complimentary VIP passes to the Fabergé exhibit accompanied the letter.   As soon as Christmas is over my girlfriend and I will attend.   It was a very nice gesture on the part of the Detroit Institute of Arts, and since I shared the disappointment, I felt it was only right to share the joy as well.

 
Thank you Detroit Institute of Arts, Ruth and Sandy!
 
 
  

4 comments:

  1. The books look quite interesting and the yellow chintz teapot set is so pretty and cheerful! Won't it be a perfect spirit-lifter on a gloomy winter day in January or February? And how nice that you get to be VIP's! That's a good thing for the DIA to do, it is never good to leave people disappointed. Enjoy, enjoy!

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  2. Hi Phyllis,
    What a beautiful teaset from your friend! It would be lovely for a spring tea! Your tea books sound so interesting, a perfect read after the Christmas rush! Great that you got a VIP invite, too!
    Seasons Greetings!
    Nancy

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  3. Oh, tea books are such wonderful gifts! I have read the first one but not the second one. And I love that pretty yellow tea set you received -- I can just envision the tea party you will have with it. Also, how very nice that the DIA has tried to set things aright--terrific! (But they still need to have YOU in charge of the tea next year!)

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  4. Lovely holiday gifts, and two books I'm not familiar with. Also, happy to hear the DIA has attempted to keep their customers happy. Merry Christmas, Phyllis!

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