SIGNATURE-TEA-PARTIES
At the PRECIOUS WOMAN GROUP we are noted for our PRECIOUS TEA PARTIES where we gather and have a tea experiences, trying all sorts of local, national and international tea beverages. Some sisters prefer to share herbal teas, coffee or cocoa [chocolate]. We are united in our style, approach, sisterhood. This unique custom sets our group apart from all others around the world. This is our signature and style [rich or poor] and we just let God breathe on us even as we bond in oneness and in His love.
HISTORY OF TEA
In 1706, Twinnings was one of the first companies to introduce tea drinking to the British when Thomas Twining began selling tea from his first premises on the Strand in London, United Kingdom. 300 years later, Twinning's is now one of the largest purveyor 's of teas worldwide. A lot has happened since those early days on The Strand. Let's take a look at the origins of tea and how it became one of the world's most popular drinks... WHAT IS TEA?
Tea comes from the Camellia family and there are two main species of tea bush; Camellia sinensis that originates from China and Camellia assamica that originates from India. There are also numerous hybrids from the above two species which have been developed to suit different conditions. The Camellia sinensis leaf is smaller and more delicate than the assamica leaf. The Camellia bush is an evergreen with a small white flower and left to grow wild becomes a tree that can grow up to 20 metres.

There are 4 main types of tea:
Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea and White Tea. There are also non traditional teas known as Herbal and Fruit Flavored Infusions.

Black Tea:
All teas are 'plucked', and the tea pluckers select the new shoots, typically the first two leaves and a bud. Tea pluckers recognize the exact moment the tea should be removed from the bush to ensure only the tender leaves are used to produce the finest tea.

Green Tea:
Green tea goes though a slightly different process to black tea. Depending on the type of green tea, the leaves may or may not be withered. The tea is then either steamed or pan-fired to stop the oxidation process. The leaves are then rolled and fired. The color of green tea is retained as the heating process stops any chemical reaction with oxygen (oxidation) preserving its greenness.

Oolong Tea:
Oolong tea is semi-oxidized and therefore falls between black and green tea. There are many types of Oolong tea, ranging from very light, fragrant teas to dark coppery teas with the taste of burnt caramel. The leaves are wilted and are then shaken in baskets to lightly bruise the edges and left only until oxidization has set in along the leaves' outer edges.

White Tea:
White teas are rarer than other teas and can only be plucked once a year. These teas are produced using only the first bud and top leaf from the new seasons tea bush. The tea is withered and then dried. White tea got its name due to the fine white downy hairs that covers the first bud. These teas are very pale in color, light and delicate in taste.

Infusions:
There are also other types of non traditional teas known as Herbal and Fruit Flavored Infusions. Herbal infusions are produced from plants, fruits and spices which do not originate from the tea plant Camellia sinensis but are infused using boiling water. There is a huge selection of plants such as Chamomile, Peppermint, Linden, Hibiscus and Rooibos to choose from that can be blended together to give a delicious alternative to other beverages.
The process of manufacture is different for infusions than that of tea. For example Chamomile and Peppermint leaves are placed in the sun to dry and then cut, cleaned, sieved, blended and steam treated to the requirements of the buyer.

Here are some popular tea selections:
English Breakfast
Lady Grey
Earl Grey
Darjeeling
Assam
Lapsang Souchong
Rooibos
Liquorice
Peppermint
Mint

Afternoon Tea Etiquette
Although traditionally served at 4pm, an afternoon tea party can run any time between 3pm and 6pm and should last no more than 2 hours.
Afternoon tea is generally a casual social occasion so formal dress is not required. Smart-casual clothing is most acceptable. Using both hands, always lift the teacup and the saucer at the same time and contrary to popular belief, it really is not necessary to position your little finger out at an angle!
Take small sips of tea and do not blow the top to cool it or slurp loudly! Use the tea plates (approximately 7 inches/18cm diameter) provided for the placement of sandwiches and/or pastries.

Do not overfill the plate.

Very small, bite-size pastries can be eaten without cutlery. Larger pastries should be eaten with a pastry or dessert fork. Sliced "dry" cakes such as fruit cake or Madeira cake can be eaten by breaking off a small piece one at a time with your fingers. When leaving the party, always thank the hostess and remember to send a thank you note shortly afterwards.
But above all, do not become unnecessarily stressed about etiquette. Instead, relax and enjoy the occasion.
An afternoon tea party is suitable for many celebrations such as a bridal or baby shower, a retirement party, a birthday celebration or time just to catch up with good friends and relatives. It can be held at any time of the year, any day of the week and in almost any location. As long as you get your planning right, it is possibly the easiest of all social occasions to host!