Conversations Over Tea

Good Fall Morning Everyone,

It is starting to get cold here and all of the trees are changing into their orange, brown, and red colors. It truly makes me happy, and I enjoy the layers of colors so much. This week I met a friend for brunch and then some girlfriends for dinner. I am also attending the Indiana Conference for Women and look forward to the networking that I will be able to engage in.

But wanted I wanted to share in this post is conversations over tea. There is something wonderfully special about sitting down for tea with a friend. Perhaps it is the ritual of preparing the teapot, selecting pretty china, or simply taking a moment to slow down. Whatever it may be, tea has a way of inviting us to pause, be present, and enjoy the beauty of good conversation.

Recently, I had the pleasure of sharing tea with my friend, Minju Witte, a local etiquette teacher. What began as a lovely afternoon together turned into a conversation about so much more than etiquette. We talked about living a beautiful life, setting goals, nurturing relationships, and the importance of knowing when to say yes—and when to graciously say no.

And, as I often find, the best conversations leave you thinking long after the teacups have been cleared.

photo credit: Mrs. Shockley

When I walked up to Minju’s elegant home, I was greeted with a warm smile and a beautifully decorated porch. We shared some laughs and then I walked into the dining room where I was presented with this lovely salad on a blue and white placemat of course.

I believe there is an art to creating these little moments. They remind us that a beautiful life isn’t necessarily built around grand occasions, but rather the thoughtful details and experiences we choose to make part of our everyday lives.

One of the things I enjoyed discussing with Minju was etiquette and how it continues to play an important role in our everyday lives.

Sometimes people associate etiquette exclusively with formal dinners, proper table settings, or knowing which fork to use. While those things certainly have their place, I believe etiquette reaches much further. At its heart, etiquette is about consideration. It is how we make others feel when they are in our presence. It is listening without interrupting, showing appreciation, being thoughtful with our words, and recognizing that kindness never goes out of style. Good manners are not about making ourselves appear important. They are about making other people feel valued. And isn’t that a lovely way to move through the world?

After enjoying our delicious salad and vegetable soup (Minju added some finishing salt to it that I had to order) that she prepared we headed to her living room to continue our conversation with tea. Minju had the most beautiful tea set. This is called the Wild Strawberry Tea set by Wedgwood. I did find a cheaper version on Walmart’s website. Minju shared her tea that she picked up while she was in France recently and it was such a moment for me. I really enjoyed it.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation centered around something many of us struggle with: saying no.

As women, we often find ourselves juggling professional responsibilities, friendships, family commitments, volunteer work, and all of the little things that fill our calendars. We want to be helpful. We want to be dependable. We want to show up for the people and organizations we care about. But there comes a point when saying yes to everything means saying no to ourselves. I am learning that there is a graciousness in knowing your limits. Saying no does not have to be unkind, dismissive, or accompanied by a lengthy explanation. It can simply be an honest acknowledgment that something doesn’t align with your current priorities. Sometimes the most thoughtful thing we can do is give ourselves permission to protect our time. A well-considered no allows us to give a more meaningful yes to the people, opportunities, and experiences that truly matter.

As our afternoon came to an end, I found myself appreciating not only the lovely tea but also the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation with a friend. Minju then brought out some delicious desserts for us to enjoy. It was cake that she picked up from Whole Foods. Now how great was that? She kept it simple.

There is something to be said for creating traditions around friendship. An occasional afternoon tea, a thoughtful lunch, or even a simple invitation to stop by can become some of the most treasured moments in our lives. Perhaps that is the real art of tea. It isn’t simply about the tea itself, the china, or the beautiful presentation. It is about what happens around the table. It is about connection, kindness, curiosity, and making room for conversations that matter.

We also talked about goals, relationships, and what it means to live a beautiful life.

I think it is important to remember that our definition of a beautiful life can evolve. What mattered to us ten years ago may look very different today. Our priorities change, our relationships deepen, and we begin to understand the value of our time in a different way. For me, living beautifully is about being intentional. It is about surrounding ourselves with people who encourage us, continuing to learn, making room for new experiences, and finding joy in the ordinary. It is also about investing in relationships. Not every gathering needs a purpose or an agenda. Sometimes friendship is simply about being together, sharing stories, exchanging ideas, and leaving the conversation feeling a little more inspired.

So, the next time you find yourself with a little time to spare, invite a friend for tea. Bring out the pretty cups, put the kettle on, and allow the afternoon to unfold.

You never know what a lovely conversation might inspire.