"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!