Contains a collection of twelve tea parties that includes menus with easy-to-follow instructions, information on creative entertaining and decorating ideas, and stories about the customs of Christmas.

In 1994 the gift book market welcomed If Teacups Could Talk, and thousands of women discovered the warm hospitality of Emilie Barnes and the gracious spirit of artist Sandy Lynam Clough. Now with a fresh new cover, this bestseller (more than 260,000 copies sold) will inspire even more people to savor the blessings of teatime traditions.In chapters overflowing with ideas for gracious living, Emilie encourages readers to embrace and pass on to others the gifts of friendship, tradition, comfort, celebration, and imagination...all with a cup of tea.Those who have already made this beautiful book a part of their teatime traditions will now be eager to introduce this dear old friend to others in their lives.

A full year of special teatime ideas from Emilie Barnes invites the blessing of friendship into readers? home every month. Each special theme includes tempting recipes, ideas for d?cor, and delightful details about the story of tea. These 12 ready?to?plan parties place friendship as the centerpiece for every celebration: Start the new year off right: A Celebration of Beginnings Chocolate brings friends together: A Celebration of Sweet Pleasures Mothers are queen for the day: A Celebration of Women As she did for the popular "The Twelve Teas? of Friendship," artist Susan Rios accompanies Emilie's inspiration with new paintings of tea services and idyllic settings that invite the reader to create memories of good cheer with a friend.

This fun, attractive collection rejoices in all there is to learn, savor, praise, and enjoy about tea. Every turn of the page offers a feast of quotes about the wonder of tea facts about tea's history and qualities tea-for-two (and more) party tips sips of inspiration for everyday living suggestions to make the most of every cup Sized and designed for maximum gift-giving appeal, this presentation will serve joy to anyone longing for the restorative and flavorful spirit of tea.

Celebrate the warmth and intimacy of friendship with the warmest and most intimate of celebrations -- a tea party! This collection of seasonal celebrations -- complete with easy recipes, doable decorating tips, and other imaginative ideas -- will inspire you to nurture your friendships through the seasons, through the year.