OK, got ya at the newly resurrected “tea party” language. That usage is of different importance; mine is of a true tea party with a beautiful spread of little sandwiches and sweets and a lovely floral cup and saucer presentation. Does not have to be that particular place setting, but the look is important, it lends dignity to the event. If you have never hosted a tea party, or even attended one, nothing is more trendy now: The good old fashioned food and beverage one.

In this stressed-out society with the economy still in neutral, we look for ways to entertain and dine out in fun, affordable ways. Sitting down to a tea event is one such way to take a break and breathe a sigh of reality relief. Check out your local, upper tier hotels, or one of the many tea stores that have literally popped up throughout the country for an elegant, fun afternoon.

While you’re cupping and sipping, let’s add another health note to the mix. A lot has been written about green tea and its healthy antioxidants. Another study just demonstrated the power of this pour in staving off glaucoma. That’s a serious eye disease that seems to be lessened by drinking green tea.

A final tea caveat for today: Go for whole leaf teas when you purchase them. That’s the purest form of tea so any benefits one could derive would not be mitigated by a collection of chopped up tea that has lost its potency.

Enjoy the tea party.