Make Time to Have Some Jolly Good Tea, British Inspired Books and TV Shows
What a good day for tea time, reading British inspired books, and binge watching some British television shows!
Tea is a simple pleasure many British enjoy daily. Likewise, it’s one that we can also make a part of our day. Though we may not be British, let’s have some fun looking at a few ways to have a jolly good day by having a tea time, reading some British inspired books, and watching some British based TV shows.
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Tea Time: How to get started!
Tea parties are not just for kids! There are many experiences that call for a cup of delicious tea. Additionally, there are many kinds of tea to enjoy. Some are soothing and comforting while some are refreshing and invigorating. It may take a few tries to find the ones that are your favorites but it is worth the research. If you are new to tea, a variety package of different flavors might be the way to start. At the store or online, just choose one that contains some flavors you already love. To help you get started, here are a few kinds of tea that we enjoy, along with some good British based books and shows that would pair perfectly with your tea time.
These are some of our favorite teas, British inspired books and TV shows!
Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Teas
The first tea that I fell in love with was Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Herbal Tea. The main flavors are chamomile, spearmint, lemongrass. Before bed, there’s nothing better than to get cozy with a cup of this tea and a good book or some British based TV. You can pair this relaxing tea with the book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. It is a delightful book set in the aftermath of WWII mainly on Guernsey, a British island in the English Channel. The story is comprised of letters written between the characters. If you’d like to watch it, there is an equally enjoyable movie version available on Netflix. You’ll be relaxed and ready for bed in no time. Incidentally, there are several other yummy Sleepytime blends to try.
Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea
Another delicious tea is Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice. It is a blend of cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves. This tea comes in tea bag, sachet, and tea pod varieties. It will warm you on a cold day and it contains caffeine so it is a pick me up in the afternoon. A good book series or Netflix series to pair with this spicy tea is the equally spicy Bridgerton. The eight books, written by Julia Quinn, focus on the eight Bridgerton siblings as they look for love in 19th century England. The show seems to follow suit with season one focusing on the eldest Bridgerton sister, Daphne, and the dreamy Duke of Hastings. Looking for something a little racy? Then, check out Bridgerton for scandalous love scenes, feisty debutantes, and hot leading men to add some spice to your next read or binge-watch.
Twinings English Breakfast Tea
A good traditional tea is Twinings English Breakfast Tea. It is good with lemon, honey, a little milk or just as is. It comes in caffeinated and decaf. This tea would pair well with browsing through a lovely coffee table book such as The Heart of England published by Victoria Magazine. The stunning pictures of the British homes and countryside, the commentary, and the included recipes provide a look into English culture and tradition. If you’d like some tea time recipes from the Queen’s own chefs, Royal Teas: Seasonal Recipes from Buckingham Palace by Royal Chef Mark Flanagan and Royal Pastry Chef Kathryn Cuthbertson is perfect. It includes recipes of pastries, savory treats, and cakes from the royal kitchen. A great British tv series to pair with this classic tea is Downton Abbey. The grandeur and drama of the distinguished Crawley family and their domestic staff will keep you spellbound.
Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger Tea
If you love a robust taste of lemon, then Lemon Zinger is the one is for you! Add some honey and get ready to be refreshed and energized. A good read to pair with this tea would need suspense and intrigue. Ruth Ware is a British writer whose specialty is psychological crime thrillers. Her writing has been compared to Agatha Christie. The first Ware book that I read was The Woman in Cabin 10. Subsequently, I have since read the rest of her novels: In a Dark, Dark Wood,They Lying Game, The Death of Mrs. Westaway, The Turn of the Key, and One by One. They are page turners! As for a suspenseful British crime drama to watch while sipping your tea, catch Broadchurch on Netflix. It will keep you watching and guessing. There are only three seasons, but you will be wishing there were more.
Twinings Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea has been called the most popular tea in the world. It has a lighter, less robust taste. It’s good if you have not been a tea connoisseur before. You are in good company drinking this as it was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. So, let’s sip and read about the Queen by checking out this unique book, The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe by Angela Kelly. The author was the dresser for Queen Elizabeth II for twenty five years. It highlights the relationship they shared as well as featuring incredible pictures of the Queen’s wardrobe and jewelry. An excellent show to watch while enjoying Darjeeling is The Crown. It’s a series covering the history of the British monarchy since before WWII. You’ll be Googling to research the lesser known events portrayed. It’s completely binge worthy and entertaining.
Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea is one of the most well known. It has a unique taste and is distinctly British. It was Queen Elizabeth II’s most favorite, as well as having been Queen Victoria’s. While enjoying some Earl Grey go back in time with this non-fiction book by Julia P. Gelardi, Born to Rule, that weaves the story of five granddaughters of Queen Victoria who married ruling monarchs of different countries. It’s about their lives and the demise of their reigns. A captivating show to stream while enjoying Earl Grey is the PBS drama, Victoria. This show recounts the life of Queen Victoria from the time she, at eighteen, takes the throne after her uncle’s death. Many documentaries are available on Netflix or Prime Video to expand your knowledge of the history of the British monarchy, including some about Queen Victoria.
For More Info About Tea...
If you want more suggestions for delicious teas or information about tea check out this post on Luxe.com, Spilling the Tea: 15 Best Tea Brands In the World We’ve Tasted. That website will give you more information about the best types and brands of tea. Let us know if this post was of help to you or share with us your favorite teas in the comments below. It’s always a good day enjoy some tea, some interesting reading material, or a compelling tv show. Enjoy!
Check out this handy warmer that not only warms your drinks but also charges your phone!
- If you want to make some delicious sugar cookies to have with your tea, British inspired books and TV shows, check out A Valentine’s Day Cookie Swap Designed for Social Distancing for an easy recipe that turns out perfectly every time!
Have a good day!
Karen
Note: This post is from Karen @whatagoodday.com. All images and content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. I’m happy for you to share my recipe, but please link back to this post for the recipe. Thank you!
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