Third Thursday Afternoon Tea Series at Antietam Ironworks (2pm-4pm)

Natoma Reed-Vargason of Antietam Ironworks and Judy Larkin, The Tea Lady, are combining their talents to present The Third Thursday Tea Series. Each month will feature a different tea-related program and seasonal tea menu. Ms. Larkin, a tea specialist and cultural historian, is a member of the Specialty Tea Institute, an association dedicated to the promotion of quality tea. As a U.S. trade delegate she has traveled to Sri Lanka, India, and China to study the cultivation and production of tea. Antietam Ironworks and the Tea Lady will combine recipes and skills to prepare an exciting variety of tea sandwiches, desserts, and home-made scones. All will be served on elegant English bone china accompanied with imported vintage tea accoutrements. As part of Antietam Ironworks’ commitment to serve food provided by local growers who embrace environmentally sound methods, all ingredients for these savory delights will be fresh from the garden of Antietam Ironworks or produced by local growers. Teas, homemade desserts, jams, and other specialty items will be available for purchase.

December 18, 2008 from 2pm-4pm – A Christmas Tea Party in Victorian England
Tea Specialist and Tea Historian, Judy Larkin, attired in period clothing, will share with you the delights of a typical Victorian Christmas Tea Party. Her light-hearted program is certain to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the twenty-first century and may introduce new activities to add to your own family’s Yule Time traditions.

January 15, 2008 from 2pm-4pm – Tea and Laughter
Tasseography, or tea-leaf reading, started in China and traveled with the spread of tea drinking and the migrations of the Gypsies? The Romanies originated in Northern India, West Pakistan and Afghanistan where they developed the habit of drinking tea and the ability to foretell the future in the tea leaves. "Gypsy Rose Tea," in a program of simple and frivolous amusement, will introduce the audience to the fundamentals of tasseography and share many old superstitions connected with tea drinking. Essential components are a lively imagination and a sense of humor. Seriousness is totally out of place.

February 19, 2009 from 2pm-4pm – A Romantic Victorian Tea
The Victorians were very sentimental and romantic and much of their "billing & cooing" was played out before the tea table. Discover how flower combinations, jewelry and movements of the fan conveyed tender messages. The Tea Lady will share how composer Johann Strauss, created romantic waltz music for some of the famous lovers of this period, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She will also recite the love poetry of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. You can also choose your own date to celebrate a bridal shower, girls day out, birthday party, or other special event.