A Cozy Autumn Tea Gathering

^{This post has been sponsored by Mark T. Wendell. All opinions expressed are my own.}

There's an unspoken beauty when the seasons shift, particularly when the leaves turn to auburn, the sky fades into a fiery twilight before extinguishing into a blanket of stars against smoky billows of nearby fireplaces.

And yet, as the world prepares for its winter slumber, my soul feels more alive than ever. Ready to embrace the changes of the season and the days ahead.

That being said, what better way to evoke the holiday spirit than with an afternoon tea party? As many of you know, we have been long-time partners and fans of Mark T. Wendell Tea Company. Their teas truly stand out amongst the rest for their quality, aromatic blends, and unforgettable aromas.

I am excited to share some snippets of my Autumn tea party with you, along with some tips and ideas on hosting your own. There truly is nothing more comforting than a freshly brewed cup of loose-leaf tea. So, put the kettle on!

🫖 How to Host an Autumn Tea Party

The holidays often sweep us off our feet as they approach swiftly. Each year, it seems the holiday season starts earlier, but let's roll back the start of the season. Autumn is about slowing down, and we should embrace that, especially during the holidays. Let's pause here and savor the warmth of conversation over a pot of perfectly steeped tea.

• Tablescape like a Pro: We turn to the queen herself, Martha, for seasonal inspirations that will elevate your fall tablescape. I always lean towards earthier tones mixed with rustic charm, and fall is the best time to truly embrace those elements. I like using winter fruits (think pears, apples, pomegranates, and cranberries), gourds, and mini pumpkins for the centerpiece. Acorns add texture for a harvest display. I like mixing things up, but if you prefer working around the quintessential floral centerpiece, try swapping the florals with sprigs of wheat for warmth and other seasonal botanicals. It's a refreshing take on the ordinary. To tie it all together, add candles for a whimsical touch.
• Tea Sampler: If you're hosting a lot of people, a fun idea would be to set up a few different mini tea pots, each featuring your desired tea blend. This is where Mark T. Wendell's loose tea sampler boxes would be perfect. Today, I'm featuring their Founder's Choice Selection, which includes a tin of Cheericup Ceylon, Hu-Kwa tea, and Formosa Oolong. If you shop between 11/28 - 12/1, MTW's loose tea tin samplers will be on sale: 15% off list price!
• The Finishing Touch: To complete the setting, I love adding a personalized finishing touch. Include handwritten place cards, a simple "menu" describing the teas you're serving, or maybe even goody bags of the teas you have served. These small details elevate the moment and make it truly memorable. I think this is even a fantastic take on 'Friendsgiving' if you're looking for a low-key and easy gathering.

Tea Menu

Time to spill the tea. Now, before you get too excited, I'm talking about today's Founder's Choice Selection- which is something to get excited about if you're a tea enthusiast like myself.

• Hu-Kwa Tea - This is Mark T. Wendell's signature tea, and for good reason. It is a uniquely crafted black tea from Taiwan. This one isn't like your other black teas. It offers a distinct smokiness, which is achieved from being fired over burning pine wood during the final drying process. It is reviewed to be milder than other Lapsang Souchong black teas, offering earthy notes reminiscent of barbecue and bourbon. This is a perfect choice for cozy bonfire nights.
  • The Rundown: Lapsang Souchong hails from the Wuyi mountains of China's Fujian province. Legend has it that this particular tea was born out of the Qing Dynasty when troops passed through the region, interrupting the tea-drying process of one of the local factories. To ensure the tea would make it to the markets in time to sell, the artisans lit fires of pine to rush the drying process along. The distinctive yet unusual smokiness was widely received within the export market, and so the process of keeping smoke to dry the teas was kept and passed down.
• Formosa Oolong - Also hailing from Taiwan, this blend is most unique as the oxidation scale places it somewhere between a green and black tea. Its dark brown and noticeably twisted leaves produce a vibrant amber cup of tea when brewed. It's rich and smooth, perfect for any given day when you're craving something warm and comforting on its own.
• Cheericup Ceylon Tea - I absolutely loved this brisk blend and served it for my tea party. When brewed, the bright and sparkling liquor has a sweet and distinct taste that makes for the perfect afternoon tea served alongside something sweet. This invigorating blend of Ceylon tea leaves is indeed a "Cheery Cup" of tea!

Tea Pairings & A Menu

Let's reimagine how tea parties look. Traditionally, delicate finger foods and petit fours come to mind, but let's imagine something abundant in the spirit of the holidays. Here are a few of our favorite pairings for today's teas. Some are sweet and some are savory in an unexpected way.

• Apple Pie - If you're looking for a traditional apple pie, I highly recommend our Brandy Caramel Apple Pie or Classic Apple Pie, which are both reader favorites. However, if you feel like something a little unexpected yet elegant, my personal favorites are our Viennese Apple Strudel and Basque Apple Tart. The Cheericup Ceylon complements the subtle sweetness of the apples beautifully.
• Charcuterie Boards & Appetizers - Oolong pairs quite nicely with a buttery pastry or mild cheese. This immediately made me think of my Artisan Charcuterie Board, Baked Brie Pastry with Jam, and Spinach and Feta Rolls. I love making a meal out of various appetizers. It's perfect for a fuss-free, casual gathering.
• Breakfast & Dinner - Alternatively, if you're hosting a more formal gathering, the Hu-Kwa tea pairs lovely with our Marinated Grilled London Broil or Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb. I think serving tea with supper is such a cozy experience. If, however, you are sticking to the 'light, effortless brunch', our Zucchini and Onion Omelets or Kale and Provolone Quiche are the best alongside the smoky tea.

That's a wrap on our Cozy Autumn Tea Gathering. Remember, Autumn invites us to embrace simplicity- to linger over a cup of tea, share stories, and savor life's quiet moments. So brew a pot, slice that pie, and gather around because the best memories often begin with the smallest gestures.

And don't forget that there is no better time to restock your tea collection or discover a new favorite blend. Mark T. Wendell Tea Company's November Tea Sale is the perfect opportunity to experience the Founder's Choice Tea Sampler and explore their collection of fine teas and gifts. Shop your favorite teas!

Cheers!