Lemonade Tea aka The Arnold Palmer

Lemonade Tea

When suffering through the hot days of Summer, nothing is more refreshing to me than an icy glass of Lemonade Tea, also known as the Arnold Palmer. It’s easy to make and I’ve never known a tea drinker who turned down a glass.

Some serve this tea drink already mixed in a 50/50 proportion like the recipe below. Others bring separate pitchers of lemonade and tea to the table, then let their guests create their own mix according to preference. Either way, it’s a winning drink!

Lemonade Tea                                                           Makes 2 quarts.

4 cups prepared lemonade

4 cups prepared strong black tea

Lemon slices or wedges

Fresh mint leaves, optional

1. In a large pitcher, pour tea into lemonade and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. When serving, pour over ice and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.

You’re invited to click Teapots ‘n More and browse our newest selection of teapots, tea accessories, teacups and English bone china tea sets.

Introducing Karen Bell Watercolors

Tea and Roses by Karen Bell

A few weeks back, we reintroduced the internationally acclaimed art of Marty Bell. We’d now like to introduce nationally acclaimed watercolor artist, Karen Bell.

Karen, a California native, finds unique inspiration in the mystery and beauty nature, flowers in particular. Her natural eye for dramatic contrast in light and shadow combined with the soft translucence of watercolor, make her subjects appear to bloom off the page in bold, vivid hues.

Irresistible by Karen Bell

This exciting artist has honed her skills under many watercolor masters. She credits two classic masters as important sources of inspiration: Claude Monet for his use of light and Georgia O’Keeffe for her dramatic use of color and subject. The influence of these masters is especially effective in her still life subjects.

Her extraordinary paintings are displayed in many fine galleries and personal collections. We recommend to you the dramatic and beautiful art of Karen Bell: a masterful watercolorist!

Morning Light by Karen Bell

Are you interested is purchasing Karen Bell Fine Art? You’re invited to visit Teapots ‘n More and browse our growing selection of Karen Bell fine art prints.

Silver Plate vs. Nickel Plate?

Acorn Demi Spoons

Once or twice a year, I pull out my lovely silver plated demi spoons for a special tea party. I already know how they’re going to look even though I carefully packed them in a silver cloth. Silver tarnishes and that’s just the way it is!

It’s not a terrible thing, but I always say “good thing, I don’t mind the polishing or these babies would be gone!” Polishing the silver is a labor of love and part of the preparation for a special event. However, there are ladies who don’t want the extra fuss. Is there an alternative to silver or silver plate?

There is indeed! Nickel plated tea accessories are showing up in the market place this year. The price is good and the look is so similar to silver plate that you’d have a difficult time telling the difference. So, which is better?

There isn’t really a clear cut upside to either silver or nickel plating. It really comes down to your own preferences.

As previously stated, silver plate and nickel plate have a very similar coloring and brightness. Although, nickel can appear a little brighter. The obvious difference is the tarnishing aspect of silver whereas nickel doesn’t tarnish so no polishing is required. That, in itself, is a big plus for some gals.

Cake & Pastry Tongs

The debate over nickel plate vs. silver plate seems to be most rigorous when discussing musical instruments or jewelry findings. Silver plate is considered more durable for musical instruments such as flutes or horns. In regard to wearing jewelry, one of the more common metal allergies is to nickel. 

In my opinion, the durability and allergy questions aren’t particularly important to our discussion. In the average home, demi spoons are usually only used a few times a year: not enough to worry about durability and not enough skin contact to worry about allergies.

So, let’s sum up! The color of silver and nickel plate is very similar. Durability and allergies don’t really matter in regard to demi spoons, tea service or serving pieces. In the end, it comes down to silver tarnish. If you’re fussy about polishing silver, go with the nickel plate. If you don’t mind cleaning the tarnish, go for the silver. Either way, your table is going to be lovely!

Are you planning a tea party? You’re invited to visit Teapots ‘n Moreand browse our latest selection of English bone china teapots, tea sets, tea accessories and antique tea cups.