Tea with a Twist: Entertaining and Cooking with Tea

By: Lisa Boalt Richardson 
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-0736925792
Reviewed by: Lynette Latzko
Review Date: July 16, 2010

If you enjoy a good cup of tea, and envision yourself hosting a tea party but don't know exactly what do to, or you're afraid the party will be too stuffy, old-fashioned and boring for your friends, let tea specialist, Lisa Boalt Richardson guide you through the eight modern tea party suggestions of, Flower Power, Bubble, Tropical, Mexican Fiesta, Southern Tailgate, Chocolate, Indian Chai, and finally, Under-The-Table. But first the author gives directions on how to brew a pot of both hot and cold basic loose leaf tea and explores some shortcuts to preparing the tea party, such as, if on a tight budget, feel free to cut some of the menu items out, but she warns, don't skimp on serving good quality tea! Marvelous photographs by Lauren Rubinstein are provided on each page as well as numerous recipes for dishes like savory and sweet scones, cheesy cornbread sausage balls and chocolate strawberry salad.

Tea With a Twist expertly brings tea parties to the modern day person who wants a lively and simplified way to plan and host an event, and is strongly recommended for both young and old, tea enthusiasts or anyone who just wants to create a superb, fun, themed tea party.

Ms. Richardson easily conveys a wonderful overall feel to her book which is not just about creating a great party filled with delicious food, but about creating a feel of fun and camaraderie with friends and family with, of course, the assistance of great suggested menu items and coordinated decorations. The vivid photos inspire the inner party planner in us all, while the recipes, party directions, and further resources suggested at the end of the book gives our inner party planner great fodder to adventure forth into fun and ease of planning the best tea parties ever.

Quill says: If it's an awesome tea party you crave, give Ms. Richardson and Tea With a Twist a try, this certainly isn't your grandma's doily ladened book!