Growing up in a British family, my grandmum was from a small town in the UK called Castle Donington. She met my grandfather in 1953 when she was nineteen. Though he was only seventeen at the time, he claimed to be older in hopes she would agree to go out with him. After college and the end of World War II, they married and soon after emigrated to Montreal, Canada, on the Queen Elizabeth, which was essentially their honeymoon cruise They brought a few belongings in a couple of trunks and wooden chests, including a tea set.
Growing up with my grandmum, tea time was an essential part of every visit. Her house was conveniently located just behind my school, and it wasn’t uncommon for me to stop by after classes, where I’d be welcomed with her famous tea spreads. How could I possibly complain? As her only granddaughter, I was the perfect companion for these little rituals.
These tea times became a cherished occasion—piping hot tea, sugar, finger sandwiches, scones, and sometimes a touch of milk. Now, at almost 26, when I come home to visit family, nothing brings me more joy than reliving those moments by dropping by for a treasured tea time. Sure, spilling the tea with friends can be fun, but there's truly something special about the gossip and stories shared by a 92-year-old woman.
One of my most treasured possessions is her delicate white and blue eggshell tea set, passed down from her mother. She gifted it to me a few summers ago when I moved into my first apartment in Chicago. I've hosted a few tea parties capturing the essence of the cherished times spent with her. That’s how Spill The Tea was created—curated to help you host your next high tea, whimsical brunch, or anything in between.
I truly hope this kit not only helps you set the table for an unforgettable event but maybe helps you Spill The Tea along the way.
With Love Always,
Laura
