Morning Reception - One Steep at a Thyme, Jamesburg, NJ

Properly brewed pots of tea placed upon warming trays quietly waited to be poured. The Annual Seminar for the Mid-Atlantic Tea Business Association was held at One Steep at a Thyme in Jamesburg, NJ were tea room owner and hostess Kathleen Hippeli was ready and waiting for the arrival of fellow tea business entrepreneurs traveling from PA-NJ-MD-VA to enjoy a full day of seminars that included never ending pots of tea.

The tea room, located in a stately old Victorian home, full of history, charm and elegance proclaims that they are 'Elegantly Victorian... Graciously County'. With large windows draped in lace, and wall paper in a soft palate, the home is as welcoming and gracious as our hostess, owner Kathleen Hippeli.

The seminar begins with a Welcoming Reception that features a light breakfast and endless cups of tea. The beautiful table was set for our group, and a breakfast selection was available on the buffet table. Kathleen prepared two varieties of morning eggs, one with fresh asparagus and the other a cheesy combination. Fresh fruit was served alongside morning scones and petite croissants.

Following this casual repast, members moved to the front parlor of the tea room where MATBA president Deb Raab (center) of Tea-for-All introduced our guest speaker Cynthia Gold who joined us from Boston. Cynthia is a tea sommelier, trained chef, and renowned author (Culinary Tea). We were thrilled to be able to welcome her to our Association Annual Seminar.  More about Cynthia's first presentation (Tea and Food Pairing) in tomorrow's post.