Silver Tips Tea Blog » Tea Events

World Tea Expo 2011

Anupa — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:46:49 +0000

Just back from Vegas where I was a speaker at the World Tea Expo 2011. My topic this year was “Help! My Tea Room Needs More Revenue”. I focused on practical tools to generate revenue – a purposeful analysis of product and pricing, proactive customer strategies, event scheduling and clarity of mission. Questions from the audience confirmed that several Tea Room owners were looking for inspiration and did not always know their costs, profitability or sometimes, their daily or monthly goals. I was glad to have the opportunity to answer questions and meet several Tea Room owners after the class and on the show floor. Many said I had motivated them and given them ideas. Exactly what I had set out to do.

The show was not as busy as in previous years with fewer new entrepreneurs and many of the same exhibitors as before. The energy was a bit subdued and I would have liked to have discovered additional new items. I did see some interesting tea-dyed fabric products which may be of interest to us. I found a new supplier with small personal-sized tea cozies, gorgeous tea canisters and some beautiful patterns of china which we will surely order. The lovely rabbit and bird creamers pictured here will definitely be on our shelves soon. I look forward to World Tea East at Philadelphia in September where I will be speaking again, this time on “How to Conduct a Successful Tea Tasting”. Hope it is a bustling, exciting show.

Day trip to Baltimore

Anupa — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:00:49 +0000

I was asked to speak at the Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association quarterly meeting at Baltimore yesterday. It was held at a charming Tea Room in a historic Stone Mansion in the heart of Baltimore called Tea by Julia Faye. She hasn’t had it very long but has done a wonderful job with it. You could see her creativity in every corner. Just look at her table arrangement here with the stunning backdrop. It was a gorgeous day in the low 80′s. I taught a class on How to Conduct a Successful Tea Tasting to about 20 members – Tea Room Owners, Tea Educators and Tea Enthusiasts. Following my seminar, I was fortunate to attend Kirsten Kristensen’s talk on the gong-fu style of enjoying tea with a high quality Jade Pouchong from Taiwan – one of the all-time great lightly oxidized Oolongs. It was fascinating and I may even try to replicate it in some form for our own customers. Thanks for inviting me. It was a great opportunity to meet so many knowledgeable and thriving women entrepreneurs.

Planning for a Trip is Hard Work

Mother’s Day, Sunday May 8, 2011

Anupa — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:12:10 +0000

By popular demand, we are having 4 seatings this year for our Special Afternoon Tea on Mother’s Day. They will be 10.30, 12.30, 2.30 and 4.30 pm, by reservation only. Mother’s Day is the one holiday where families typically procrastinate in making plans. May 1 rolls around and everyone suddenly realizes, Oops, what are we doing for Mother’s Day? By then, some of our seatings are already sold out and panic ensures. This year with Easter being as late as it is, this may be exacerbated. So please think ahead and book early. You can call 914 332 8515 or e-mail at events@silvertipstea.com and specify the number of people in your party, your preference of seating and any special dietary needs you may have. It’s a fixed menu but we can make accommodations for those who are vegetarian, ‘fishetarian’ or with other specific requirements. We love this day and enjoy serving everyone. We hope you celebrate this special day with us.

Tea Trade Shows

Anupa — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:40:35 +0000

The Winter Fancy Food Show is on in San Francisco. Some tea trends noticed there:

Several companies launched lines of Herbal teas – tisanes, herbs, Tulsi.
The Republic of Tea launched a full line of loose leaf teas. Known for their beautiful packaging, significant market presence and lines of teabags, this was a different direction for them.
Established companies continued to strengthen their position in the tea industry.

Next stop – Vegas! I will be teaching a class there at the World Tea Expo in June. The Summer Fancy Food Show will be in Washington, D.C. this year in July. September brings a World Tea East in Philadelphia, a first for this organization. Will be posting notes on all these as they occur.

Hungry Hollow Co-op – Tea Sampling, June 9

Anupa — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 01:47:17 +0000

One of my earliest customers, 15 years ago, was The Hungry Hollow Co-Op. My product line consisted of just Makaibari Biodynamic Tea and The Hungry Hollow Co-op was part of a larger Rudolf Steiner initiative, the founder of biodynamic farming and Makaibari was a natural fit. It was Demeter-certified which is the official biodynamic stamp. Tomorrow, I will be back there sampling several teas, among them Makaibari Darjeeling Autumnal and Makaibari Green as well as some Organic Jasmine and Breakfast. If you are in the area, stop by – it’s at 841 Chestnut Ridge Road in Spring Valley, NY 10977. I plan to be there from 11 till about 2 pm. The Co-Op was started in 1973 and carries an astonishing variety of biodynamic, organic, natural and local foods and products. It is part of the larger Threefold Fellowship Community which includes Green Meadows Waldorf School, an Education Center, the Co-Op, a Nature Day Camp and, of course, a branch of the Anthroposophical Society. It is worth your time and an excellent day trip for those looking for an uplifting experience.

Our party dessert plate

Anupa — Sun, 23 May 2010 13:50:29 +0000

By popular demand, we’re now offering an Assorted Mini Dessert plate as part of our Afternoon Tea service for private parties. Previously, we only offered slices of cake. We’ve always done something similar for special events like Mother’s Day where we go all out with fresh fruit tarts and petit fours but now we’re including this as an option for Private Parties. We had one yesterday and this was our selection – eclairs, cream puffs, cheese cakes and lemon bites – all mini, all individual and all delicious!

Private parties are most popular during the summer and we can accommodate up to 36 or 38 people. Smaller groups of 10 – 15 are also possible where we offer half the Tea Room. Contact us at events@silvertipstea.com for further details. This morning we’re busy preparing a catering order for an 11 am pick-up – sandwiches plated and garnished and petite scones with cream and preserves.

Valentine’s Day preparations

Anupa — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 17:26:08 +0000

Tomorrow is February 1 – where did January go? We are working on specials for you – teas, menu specials on Sunday, Feb. 14 and lots of red and hearts for ambience. This year’s teas will be St. Valentine (Not for Lovers Only!), Passion Berry and a new one for the occasion, Sweet Tart. Gina at the office came up with this brilliant idea to package it with the well-known heart-shaped candy. More in a couple of days but here’s the picture.

10 Years & Counting

Anupa — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:42:06 +0000

We had a grand party yesterday and thanks to all our friends and customers who came to say Hello. When the last slice of Pumpkin Cognac Cheesecake was served at 3 pm, we knew it was time to call it a day. Today we will be getting our Tea Room back in order, writing a check to the Community Center as promised and re-stocking the shelves. The Quiz posed few problems. The Ten Questions game was more difficult than I had imagined it would be! I’ll think of something easier next year.

The party continues..

Anupa — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:49:41 +0000

Even with a steady drizzle all day yesterday, we had our tables filled all day. With a little help, some cheating, a bit of nudging, we gave away many prizes for our Quiz.

The surprise answer for the day was to one of the questions in our Ten Questions game. Question: What is the name of Anupa’s dog? (Hint: He’s a grey toy poodle). I was amazed at how many thought out of the box and came up with Earl as in ‘Earl Grey’. Wrong answer but points for creativity.

Strong winner for the day – our Cognac Pumpkin Cheese Cake. We welcomed many friends and will be ready and open at 11 am to see many more today. Thanks to everyone who came yesterday. A good time was had by all. Today promises to be a much better weather day. Our balloons will flutter outside today – we had to keep them indoors yesterday.

Party Today!

Anupa — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:56:51 +0000

I believe we are finally ready for our Grand party today, even with the weather being a bit dreary. I took over the Prize Sheet to the Tea Room yesterday, in prominent display to entice our customers to play. We have a mini quiz and a game of Ten Questions. We also have 10th Anniversary Pens, mini cinnamon rolls, chocolate rugelach, pumpkin muffins, truffles and other munchies for our customers. And of course, wonderful accessories on each shelf, priced right. Hope to see you there!