Th is year has been one most of us probably won’t soon forget. Some will remember it as a year of challenges, changes, and even of losses, while others will cherish it as a time of refocusing priorities and investing in relationships and pastimes in entirely new ways. I hope that in either case, you have found it possible to enjoy afternoon tea in some form as a daily ritual and that it has provided a sense of calm in the midst of these unprecedented times.
Our creative team has been busy developing the delectable recipes and inspiring settings in this TeaTime magazine issue to help you usher in the holiday season in grand style whether you celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas. Some of the foods are tea-sized, but others are larger and make decorative, yet flavorful, statements. Our “Christmas Brunch Teatime,” presented on MacKenzie-Child’s dishes, off ers something for the entire family while still keeping in mind the traditional afternoon-tea courses of scones, savories, and sweets. Tea pairings for each of the menus make it easy to know which infusion to serve in order to delight your guests, or choose one or more of the chais we selected for this installment of “Our Favorites” on page 15.

It truly gives me great joy to hear of tearooms and hotels reopening and gearing up to serve their patrons afternoon tea, especially during the holiday season. If you share that sentiment, then I know you’ll be delighted to read about the Fairmont hotels in North America that have resumed services in Britt Staff ord’s article that begins on page 49.
Contributing editor Jane Pettigrew enlightens us about the evolution of tea strainers in her piece that beings on page 54 that is beautifully illustrated with images from various contributors, with some of the items still for sale. I think you will fi nd this historical account to be most interesting.
In a non-partisan fashion and in celebration that our election cycle will soon be coming to a close, we present an article about the china used in Th e White House (page 58). We are most grateful to Matthew Costello, senior historian with Th e White House Historical Association, for the information and images he provided. It really is amazing to think that there are more than 65,000 objects in that collection. And if you’re looking to add to your own stash or are in search of a holiday gift for a fellow tea lover, be sure to turn to “Necessary Th ings” on page 13.
Wishing you a very happy and memorable and meaningful holiday season,
Lorna Reeves, Editor
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