Monday, February 20, 2012

"Southern Teatime Pleasures" by Alda Ellis

Any new book with a gorgeous silver teapot on the cover is likely going to be one I like, and when it's written by the charming Alda Ellis, it's going to be one I love. I'll bet I'm not the only reader who has owned a pretty silver pen or Friendship Ball from Alda's lovely line of home decor products over the years. I had the pleasure of briefly meeting her at a trade show some years ago and found she is just as delightful in person as she comes across in her books. Her new release I just received from Harvest House Publishers is "Southern Teatime Pleasures: Simple Ideas and Recipes," and it gave me some great ideas for new teatime traditions to try, and new teatime treats to make.

Alda and her husband live in a National Register home in Little Rock, Ark., and today they share this home, Magnolia Hill, with others as a special events facility. "Everyone who comes through our door is offered a glass of Southern Peach iced tea," she says, and you get the distinct impression family, friends and clients are equally welcome. Chapters in the book include them all, such as Alda's neighbor Madge (Friendship Tea), her father (whose 92nd birthday was celebrated at a Birthday Tea) and of course the brides who have chosen Magnolia Hill for their ceremony (Wedding Tea).

Recipes in the book range from a helpful In-A-Hurry Cheese Plate to Mango Iced Tea, Tea Party Butter Cookies, Pecan Scones with Orange Glaze, Christmas Tea and Bridesmaid Citrus Curd. With lots of food and decor photos by Julie Johnson, the book is sure to provide inspiration to even the most veteran tea lover. It was a joy to read, and I'm happy to have another Alda Ellis book in my library!

16 comments:

  1. That sounds like a wonderful book. i am adding it to my wish list.

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  2. You are so bad! I ordered one for it seems like my kind of book! Thanks for mentioning it for I don't think I would have ever found it without your mention!

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  3. This looks like a good one. Thanks for the review.

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  4. This one is on my list, thanks to you! :-)

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  5. I am amazed at all the wonderful tea books out there! Thanks for letting us know about them!
    Ruth

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  6. OOOOhhhh love to add nice new tea books to the library arsenal!

    Thanks for the heads up!

    Do have a wonderful week.

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  7. This book looks like one to add to my library of tea books!
    donna

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  8. This sounds like a wonderful book!
    Thanks for telling us about it!

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  9. I have met Alda Ellis in past tea expo's and wondered what she was up to these days. I see she is definitely keeping herself busy.

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  10. Thank you! It's always fun to hear about a new tea book!

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  11. This sounds like a fun book! will have to be on the lookout for it!

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  12. I'm visiting Martha's Lines from Linderhof. I couldn't resist reading about the book she'd read about on your blog. What a lovely blog you have - I'm off to have a good look around and a good read.

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  13. This looks like a wonderful book.
    Thanks so much for the review, Joanie

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  14. thank you for this info, Angela. You always have the best recommendations!

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  15. WHat a nice surprise to stumble upon your blog...and my book. You are such a heartwarming writer, and I am truly honored you chose my book to highlight. Thank you so much for the kind words, and may all your teacups overflow with love and joy!
    Blessings always, Alda Ellis

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Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment! It makes my day to hear from readers!