A Christmas Tea Party and How To Brew the Perfect Pot of Tea

It’s almost that time of year for the Christmas gathering with our loved ones! Now is the perfect time to make reservations for you and your holiday guests to join together for a warm cup of tea while being nestled in the lovely Mountains of Julian, California. Good news! I have a special treat for those of you that are reading this post, just mention that you read this post on Lindsay’s Tea Party and you will receive 15 percent off your next merchandise purchase!! 

Julian Tea and Cottage Arts is now featuring their famous Victorian Christmas Teas. The 18th annual tradition will be held daily from Saturday, December 8th thru Sunday, Dec. 23. The menu includes a variety of finger sandwiches, savories, tea breads, scone with curd, jam and whipped cream, and a selection of seasonal desserts.

Seatings are from 11:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 3 p.m. Cost is $24.95 per person excluding tax and gratuity. Children 12 and under are only $12.95 and may choose from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or fresh turkey and cheese sandwiches, served with a warm buttermilk scone, jams, cream and desserts.  Reservations and a deposit are required for all bookings. LTP has attended these special Christmas teas for over 10 years now and they are a delightful time that truly embrace the holiday spirit each year!

During the holiday season, the tea house is also open for their regular afternoon teas which are exquisite. Recently, I took my two daughters for tea here for some special Mommy and Me time! What a treat! I ordered the Drew Bailey Tea, which is a full sandwich (choices include chicken salad, Turkey or Ham, choice of bread, a cup of their homemade soup (seasonal) and desserts and tea (you select). I chose something off menu, Edie’s cucumber dill croissant (oh my gracious this sandwich is heavenly) it’s fresh and has crunchy cucumbers with a famous secret made dill butter on a toasted crossiant, it’s mouthwatering good.

Then I had a cup of the homemade hot pumpkin soup (it is so yummy) and topped it all off with the house tea (Yorkshire Gold- which is my favorite with a little cream and lots of sugar) and desserts. I even added a warm buttermilk scone, clotted cream and lemon curd to my dish because I couldn’t resist seeing my girls devour theirs! This was such a fun time.

To top it off, we did some Christmas shopping in their store. They have beautiful handmade scarves upstairs and tons of tea china and gifts to choose from. They have so many great gift items from Tea bags to neat books and aprons or gift towels.

Julian Tea and Cottage Arts also offers a yummy “Take Home” menu. The following items are available for purchase when you check out: Pumpkin soup, lemon curd, frozen buttermilk scones, almond shortbread cookies and a large variety of teas.

At our most recent visit to the tea house, we took home five scones and they were so yummy later that evening, just popped them in the toaster oven to warm and then we split open and pasted with cream and lemon curd. If you haven’t tried these scones before, you need to know that they instantly melt in your mouth. Just delicious.

Special events with a menu tailored for your group are held in the main tea room. If you have a birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, group on a retreat, or a group that just wants to get together for tea, call and ask for Edie to plan and reserve your special occasion.

Be sure to call early and a deposit will be required. Lindsay’s Tea Party has had numerous group gatherings up to this Julian Tea House and had a wonderful time at each visit. I have celebrated my wedding shower, bridesmaids tea, daughter’s birthday, baby showers, and even took my Girl Scout troop up for a “Troop Tea” last year. It made for a great opportunity to share manners and etiquette with my local Girl Scout Troop.

We hope you are able to stop by this wonderful Tea House soon, don’t forget to call first and be sure to tell them “Lindsay’s Tea Party” sent you to receive a special 15 percent off discount on your tea room merchandise purchase!!

The tea house may be reached by calling toll free at 1-866-765-0832 or by email at juliantea@yahoo.com. The Cottage is located at 2124 Third St., Julian, CA. You can also LIKE their FB page.

I will leave you with a tip from Julian Tea & Cottage Arts on the proper way to brew your tea.

How to Brew Tea Basics:

1. Bring cold (preferably filtered) water to a rolling boil
2. for loose leaf tea, add tea leaves directly to the pot, infuser or filter, using approx. 1 teaspoon tea leaves per 6 oz of water or adjust to taste
3. For bagged tea, follow instructions on tea container
4. when water has reached a rolling boil (or the recommended temperature per guidelines below), pour water directly over tea & cover
5. Let the tea steep for the recommended time depending on the type of tea, following instructions on tea container or using the general guidelines below
6. Do not over steep, or tea can become bitter; if you prefer stronger tea, use more tea leaves
7. Remove tea infuser or tea bag and ENJOY!