In my latest novel, ‘Wednesday Night Whites’, two of the characters enjoy a romantic and whimsical afternoon at a place in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, called ‘Spill the Tea’.

This delightful tea room is not imaginary, but owned by friends of mine, Amy and Deane Nash. And what a magical place it is.

The enchantment begins when one walks up the steps.

The patio is set with cloth-covered bistro tables, candles and decor, and chairs charmingly accented with seasonal faux fur throws.

And opening the door to the shop is like a walking into a Hallmark movie—ones senses are assailed, in a good way, with colour, texture, light, and the aroma of at least a hundred different types of tea leaves.

Rich. Sweet. Spicy. Earthy. Divine.

Music hangs gently in the air.

Amy and Deane purchased the building several years ago and worked tirelessly to convert an existing tea shop into an elegant, sophisticated, yet fun, tea room and gift shop. But it’s more than a place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea, and a raspberry scone or some other confection—sweet creations of Johanne’s bakery which is just next door.

It’s an occasion.

A lesson in gracious tranquility.

Tasteful pink and green wallpaper, creamy teal blue paint, wide sculpted buttery trim, and subtle wooden rose appliques, showcase the walls. Antique chandeliers, glittering with light, hang  from the ceilings. Handmade tasseled lace cloths adorn each table. Tea is served on a tray in individual cream-coloured china teapots with a matching cup and saucer, and usually with a bit of chocolate biscotti on the side.

And when I say ‘tea is served’ I don’t just mean traditional black tea in a box from the grocery store. There are so many to choose, many hand-blended by the owners, and their knowledgeable staff—Erin comes to mind. My favourite tea is one of Amy’s creations, called ‘Serenitea’, well worth a try.

There are at least 100 large glass jars filled with various blends of tea leaves behind the counter. Amy, Deane or Erin will scoop and weigh whatever amount you’d like to purchase and put it in a classy little bag with a label so when you get home, there’s no guess work involved.

The tea shop shelves are loaded with colourful teapots—poodles, tractors, lighthouses, cardinals, and everything in between—as well as cups and mugs and other treasures.  On the other side of the tea room is the gift shop, a treasure trove of delectable edibles (no, not cannabis edibles, but rather the chocolatey, yummy kind which may or may not cause one to put on a few pounds), many made in Nova Scotia.

Amy and Deane have even commissioned their own locally made pottery mugs, which say: ‘Spill the Tea, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia’, to sell in their shop. I believe they are made by a potter in Shelburne, NS, and if a mug could ever be a work-of-art, these mugs are that and more.

The shop is always lavishly decorated for each season. It’s December as I write this and I’m not kidding when I say it’s like walking onto the set of a ‘sky’s-the-limit-budget’ of a Hallmark Christmas movie. And the owners and staff are so bubbly and personable, it’s always a pleasure to bask in their warm, inviting presence.

‘Spill the Tea’ is a place to go when your soul needs soothing; a spot of tranquility, elegance and luxury, a vibrant gem set in the hustle and bustle of every day life.

And as an added bonus, you might even be able to find yourself a copy of ‘Wednesday Night Whites’, so you can buy it, take it home and curl up for a late night whodunnit. So far no one has guessed. ‘Whodunnit’, I mean. 😉

Enjoy the winter and may you always be the star on the top of your own tree.

MLM