Country Tea Parties

From the book-  Did you know that Orange pekoe, is not a variety or a blend but a term that designates size of the tea leaf?
Tea leaves release their flavor in water- the hotter the water, the faster the tea steeps.  Brewing with boiling water takes 5 minutes , sun tea can take an hour, and refrigerator tea takes several hours. 
Remember green and white tea you do not use boiling water but about 175 degree water and steep for about 2-3 minutes.  If longer tea can become bitter.  Black tea you boil water and steep for 4-5 minutes.
When using a screw-together tea ball, fill it only halfway, loose tea expands severalfold when it steeps.
Store sugar cubes for tea in a jar with whole cloves or cinnamon sticks.  They will absorb the spicy fragrance.

For large tea parties, prepare a strong tea concentrate ahead of time; Use 4 teabags or 4 tsp. loose tea per one cup of boiling water; steep 2 minutes, then strain; leave at room temperature.  During the party keep a large kettle of water simmering on the stove.  For each serving, add 1/2 cup hot water to 1/8 cup concentrate.