The art of serving tea

Sunset River Marketplace’s “Creative Exchange” series continues with “The Art of Serving Tea” by Kathy Cody and Anna Arlington, owners of the Calabash Garden Tea Room and Gift Shop. It will be from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash.

A long-time dream came true the day Kathy and Anna opened the doors to the Calabash Garden Tea Room. After nearly a quarter century of relentless collecting, Kathy has finally found a home for her garden furniture, vintage linens, antique teacups, pots and silverware. All of these treasures now decorate the Victorian-style teahouse in downtown Calabash.

Kathy and Anna moved to the North Carolina coast in 2003 after visiting the area for a golf vacation. They fell in love with the people and the relaxed ambiance of Calabash. They decided this would be a wonderful place to live and work.

Kathy has been involved in the catering and staffing industry for many years and is well known for the quality and presentation of her food. Anna began working with Kathy in 2001 after 18 years in the childcare business and five years teaching elementary school. It was a big change to be sure, but with a love of cooking herself, a partnership was born.

While back in N.J. this past spring for a family party, they visited several tea rooms and became intrigued with the prospect of opening up a tea room of their own. Thus, the concept for the Calabash Garden Tea Room was born.

Upon returning to North Carolina, they began scouting locations to showcase Kathy’s collection as well as her flair for cooking. They set out on a mission to learn everything they could about selecting and brewing teas from around the world.

Before long, the building that is now home to the Calabash Garden Tea Room became available. From the first glance, they knew they had found the perfect spot. After several months of decorating, painting, planting and planning, they opened the doors to the teahouse and the reviews have been positive.

Together they have created a tea room with ambiance and charm. Tea sandwiches are served on ornate tiers decorated with fresh flowers. Twenty different types of teas are available and brewed to order. The tables are set with fine china, silver and linens. The walls are adorned with antique pictures and dcor. Soft music plays in the background while guest enjoy the experience of “taking tea” in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere.

Quaint and quiet with a lovely outdoor feel to it, Kathy and Anna feel they have accomplished what they set out to do—create a place where people can sip, relax and enjoy life for a while.

This is the fourth event of the new “Creative Exchange” series—an interactive monthly event at the gallery. The gallery is at 10283 Beach Drive (N.C. 179), Calabash.

The cost of the tea is $12 per person and payment is required in advance. Please R.S.V.P. by calling the gallery at 575-5999.