6 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 21-27, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com 831 Having a cup of tea is a ritual for many people, one that has been carried with them through their lives. “It’s just been part of my life since I was a kid,” says Connie Carey, owner of House of Fuchsia in Carmel, which specializes in vintage-glam events, including weddings and tea parties. “When I was sick my mom would just go into our backyard, she’d grab some herbs and make a tea.” Tea parties can take place almost anywhere, as long as there is a kitchen nearby (or a respectable thermos), such as at the beach, in a garden, at historical places or at home. In Monterey County, such places are plentiful. Dorothy Findlater, owner of Rosemary and Thyme High Teas in Monterey, says one of her favorite places to organize tea parties is Casa Serrano in Monterey, since it can hold up to 50 people. Findlater, an English native, says “it’s marvelous” what happens at tea parties. Her events feature round tables and guests aren’t assigned seating. The atmosphere changes once people at the table start to interact with each other, Findlater says. “It’s a very satisfying feeling to see that they’re sitting down enjoying something with people they’ve never met, engaging in conversation,” she says. Drinking tea is a centuries-old tradition. It originated in China around 2750 BCE and evolved from chewing leaves to brewing them. It has since spread around the world, creating traditions and rituals around making teas, tisanes (also known as herbal teas) and infusions. In South America, yerba mate is prepared in a mate cup with leaves and water, then sipped through a metal straw (with a strainer on the bottom) and shared. In Japan, a common ceremony includes carefully preparing and serving green tea while following four principles: harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. High tea parties became popular in England in the 19th century as elegant social gatherings. In Monterey County, some vendors and places offer a high tea experience with china and finger food. Some are held monthly, such as Beth’s Afternoon Tea at the Steinbeck House in Salinas. Others are pop-ups or private events for small or large groups where tea enthusiasts gather, meet new people and socialize over a cup. “It’s not only the taste of the tea, but more like the community within the tea,” says Maria Garcia, a Salinas resident and tea enthusiast. She’s been into English high tea for more than a decade after her youngest daughter, Victoria, started talking about tea houses when she was studying at UC Davis. “She was always talking about different teas,” Garcia says. Garcia enjoys English tea events; scones and cucumber sandwiches are favorites treats at a tea party. One of her favorite places was Eddison & Melrose, a former tea house in Monterey then P.G. that was founded by Chef Karen Anne Murray, a tea enthusiast raised in Britain. Murray made it a mission—seemingly a successful one—to make the high tea experience accessible locally. Now, Garcia, along with her daughters Victoria and Yolanda, frequent pop-up events and have attended an annual Mother’s Day tea party at Compass Church. Carey’s first experience at a tea house was at Lisa’s Tea Treasures in Campbell. “Everybody was dressed up in a summer dress,” she recalls. “Everyone was like a princess, and then we got to sit down and be treated like royalty.” Carey plans tea parties from the bottom up, creating a theme and ambiance. Her tea parties don’t follow any particular tradition. “I like a fusion,” she adds. “Different cultures do tea time, so it all depends on what culture we’re looking at as far as food goes and then we incorporate that into the tea party.” One of her tea vendors is Zum Zum Tea, a family-run tea business based in Salinas. She has her own blend with them called Countryside Cottage, a floral tea with several ingredients including lavender, rose petals and vanilla oil. The mix-and-match approach— from traditions, flavors and styles—is gaining traction. “I want it to be a perfect experience for everybody,” Findlater says. Tea Time For centuries, a cup of tea has been a proven way to try new flavors, have fun and socialize with others. By Celia Jiménez “It’s the community within the tea.” TALES FROM THE AREA CODE DANIEL DREIFUSS Connie Carey pours a cup of tea for her daughter, Luna. Carey is the owner of House of Fuchsia in Carmel, which plans tea parties and other events. Join Today! at montereychamber.com Seeing two nonprofit CEOs recognized among this year’s honorees at the 2026 Annual Awards Dinner speaks volumes about the Chamber’s inclusive approach and its clear understanding that nonprofits are an essential part of our business community. I appreciate the Chamber’s leadership and would encourage organizations that value collaboration and community to be part of its work. WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING: Dan Baldwin President/CEO Community Foundation for Monterey County
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