Victorian Style

Victorian style decorating has been popular since its heyday during the Victorian Era, an industrious time of culture, change and discovery. Although the name finds its roots from Queen Victoria's reign in Great Britain from 1837-1901, Victorian style had spread across the globe.

In Europe, the architecture during the Victorian Era was very Gothic, with stone buildings featuring pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, pointed windows with decorative embellishments, pinnacles, battlements and an asymmetrical design. Also known as Gothic Revival Architecture, this style can be found in stone buildings such as churches here in the United States.

While there are many Victorian architecture styles here in America, including Italiante House Style, Folk House Style and Shingle House Style, the most notable seems to be Queen Anne House Style. Houses built and decorated in this way are also known as Gingerbread Houses, as their colorful and decorative designs make them look like they are right out of a fairy tale. Some of the characteristics these types of homes share are steep, pointed roofs, rounded towers, elaborate, large porches that wrap around 1 or 2 sides of the home, bay or oriel windows, fish scale shingle siding and ornate designs that are very asymmetrical.

Typically,Victorian decor has fanciful embellishments and intricate carvings. Louis Comfort Tiffany's famous stained glass lamps, with their beautifully carved bronze bases and nature inspired, hand cut stained glass shades, were a perfect fit for the Victorian Era. While original Tiffany lamps are hard to find and quite expensive, you can easily find quality Tiffany replication lamps from manufacturers like Meyda Tiffany. Being an authorized online dealer of Meyda Tiffany, I am currently featuring some stunning fabric and glass beaded fringe Tiffany lamps on my homepage at HomeTreasureCove. These classic Victorian style lamps are so elegant.

I've also updated my Classic Collectibles page to include a Vintage Replicas & Victorian Collectibles category. Here you can find nostalgic little treasures for your home and garden that are affordable replicas of vintage Victorian style decor. If you like retro, shabby chic, cottage style, feminine decor, check this page often to see what new items I've found.

Creating Garage Attic Living Space

By Mark J. Donovan

A garage attached to the main part of your home may lend itself nicely to finishing the garage attic. Frequently a garage has a large enough footprint to create some fantastic garage attic living space. For example garage attic living space can be used for such things as an in-law apartment, a recreation room, or a home office.

If you have a large garage attic space that you are contemplating finishing, there are a number of key items that you need to first consider. I have summarized those items below.

- Ingress/Egress – How will you access the garage attic living space, e.g. stairs or a door from the main home?
- How much standard headroom height will be able to be created and is it adequate for your needs and local building code requirements?
- Natural Light – Attics can be dark and hot places. Where will you add windows and/or skylights?
- Will plumbing be required and if so, how will tie into the main home?
- How will you cool or heat the garage attic space?
- Safety – Finishing garage attic space has specific fire and ventilation concerns that will necessitate using drywall in the garage first level, as well in the attic space. In addition you will need to include smoke and carbon monoxide sensors in your plans.

If you can properly address these concerns then finishing your garage addition attic space may be an excellent way to gain more living space within your home.

For more information on finishing attic space above a garage see my “Room Addition over Garage Bid Sheet”.

Boutiques Concept Design on Eyewear Gallery Store Interior

This stylish and natural unfinished wood interior design of concept fashion boutique and eyewear gallery store is designed and fabricated by Ilan Dei Studio. The store is located near their design studio and workshop in Venice, California. The design intention takes cues from a variety of inspirations, ranging from the Eames bent plywood processes and skateboard construction to the sand dune formations and ocean waves seen along the neighboring coast. moldresdes

Formulating a Bathroom Remodeling Plan

Every Successful Bathroom Remodeling Project Starts with a Plan

By Mark J. Donovan

If you are considering remodeling a bathroom make sure you have a complete bathroom renovation plan in place before starting your demolition. Bathroom remodeling plans mean more than just a set of blueprints or sketches. A complete set of bathroom renovation plans includes a documented sequence of items and events that must happen to successfully complete the bathroom remodel.

When kicking off a bathroom remodeling project grab a pad of paper and pencil and write down all of the things you think you need to do to have a successful bathroom renovation project. Then put the pad of paper and pencil aside and come back to it the next day. I guarantee you that over the next day you’ll have several revelations on what else you want to include in your bathroom remodeling project and additional things that must be done in order to complete it.

To give you some ideas on what to include in your bathroom remodeling plans I have put together a brief list below.

• Operating budget (Cash or Financing Required)


• Sketch of bathroom remodeling plans


• List of new bathroom fixtures (Vanity, Sink, Tub/Shower, Toilet, Window Treatments, Towel and Toilet Paper Racks, Mirror, etc.)


• Visiting Plumbing Supply Stores for Selecting Fixtures and determining lead times


• Flooring and Wall Plans (e.g. Ceramic Tile)


• Architectural Blueprints (if needed)


• Permits for framing, electrical and/or plumbing modifications - (Check with local building inspector to see if required)


• Demolishing and Trash Removal (will a dumpster be required)


• Who will do the work (Is this a sweat equity project, contracted project, or some combination thereof)


• Desired Timeline
  
• Finding and interviewing bathroom remodeling contractor candidates

This list is not a comprehensive list, but is a good start to any bathroom remodeling plan. If you would like a more comprehensive set of questions to ask yourself and prospective bathroom remodeling contractors see my Bathroom Remodeling Bid Sheet. Besides a comprehensive questionnaire for contractors to respond to, it also includes tips and advice to the homeowner on how to interpret the contractor responses and what to watch out for in bathroom remodeling contractor bids. This information is extremely valuable in ensuring you hire the right bathroom remodeling contractor. Hiring the wrong one could cost you a fortune in time, money and frustration, not to mention legal battles.

In addition to the questionnaire, and tips and advice sections, a separate Excel Cost breakdown spreadsheet is provided to allow you to track your own bathroom remodeling costs.

So before you start your bathroom renovation project, develop a complete set of bathroom remodeling plans. You’ll save yourself a great deal of frustration and money, and more likely end up with the bathroom of your dreams.

Affordable Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is on the horizon and now is a great time to find her that special gift. If you plan to shop online, its always a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to have it shipped. If mom lives in another city or state, you can have her gift shipped directly to her and save yourself a trip to the post office. Just remember to call ahead and tell her not to open her package until her special day, or better yet, get your father to hide it from her until then!

These beautiful home decor gift ideas will be sure to please moms of all types. These gifts are priced between $20.00 and $60.00. Just remember to spend whatever you can comfortably afford on mom. As she would say, its the thought that counts.

These flower touch lamps make a great, affordable Mother's Day gift. Or choose a traditional 6 panel or 8 panel touch lamp available in many different styles.
































Hand blown art glass makes an excellent Mother's Day gift. If you choose a beautiful art glass vase, you can collaberate with another family member to get fresh flowers to display in these beautiful, unique vases. See some of these examples:

Beautiful Gold & Blue Handblown Art Glass Vase

C25 Vase

Hand Blown Art Glass Vase


Beautiful Hand Blown Art Glass Rooster Vase Pitcher


Blue & Purple Sommerso Beautiful Hand Blown Art Glass Vase

If your mother likes Asian decor, there are many affordable gift ideas she would truly love. These sake sets would make a great gift and come in two different styles.

Black Flowers Sake Set

Blue Qing Ming Village Sake Set

Another great gift idea are these Tea Sampler Gift Baskets. Give mom the gift of good health, as the quality packaged Asian tea that comes in these gift baskets has many health benefits. You can customize your basket by choosing the tea pot, tea cups and tea that is included.

Hiring Deck Installation Contractors

Deck Installation and What to Watch Out for When Hiring Deck Installation Contractors

By Mark J. Donovan

A deck is an extension of your home. It is your home’s outdoor living space and if constructed properly should last many years. Unfortunately, more often than you might imagine, deck construction is performed at a subpar level. In many cases decks are constructed so poorly that they would not meet local building codes if permits had actually been pulled in the first place. Poorly constructed decks also create major safety hazards for your family.

When warmer weather arrives, many folks contemplate installing a deck or evaluating their deck for replacement. Before you hire any old deck installation contractor however, make sure you’ve done your homework on them first. Check their references and make sure they have insurance. Also see how long they’ve been in business. You don’t want to hire the deck installation contractor that just picked up a hammer for the first time.

It is also important to have a good idea of what you are looking for in a new deck and what type of materials you want to use. Composite decking materials look fantastic and are low maintenance, but they cost a pretty penny. Pressure treated decking material is relatively inexpensive but it can warp, twist and fade out in just a couple of years.

To learn more about hiring a deck contractor and installing a deck see my “Deck Installation Bid Sheet”. I guarantee you that you’ll save money and get the deck you’re looking for by using this product.

Check the Shingles Before The Roofing Crew Shows Up

By Mark J. Donovan

A neighbor of mine had their roof re-shingled last week. They went with a large home improvement box store for having their roof re-shingled, so they thought all would go well. Unfortunately it did not. The shingles arrived on the jobsite a day before the roofers showed up, which was all well in good. The problem occurred the next day when the roofing crew began installing the new shingles. They were about halfway up the first roof slope with the new shingles when my neighbor stepped out to see how they were progressing. Much to her surprise, the shingles were not the same color she had ordered.

She called the home improvement center to let them know about the mess up, and their response was “So how do you like the color?” and “Can you live with them?”. The store manager also said that he would give her a $100 coupon to use in the store if she stuck with them. This said, she had a contract that specifically called out for a certain color of shingle, and her response was “are you kidding”.

After further phone calls and uncomfortable discussions, my neighbor decided to stick with the wrong color shingles, and the home improvement center has significantly increased the number of dollars associated with the coupon. Needless to say, neither is very happy.

This entire issue could have been avoided if my neighbor had checked the shingles before the roofing crew showed up. Now she has to permanently be reminded of the mistake every time she rolls into her driveway and sees her roof.

Some may ask why the homeowner needs to explicitly check the roofing supplies. And it is a valid question. Unfortunately my answer is disappointing. When it comes to home remodeling contractors it is wise to regularly check up on them. In their defense, sometimes the problems are not always their fault. Sometimes it’s the homeowner or poor communication between the two. In this particular situation it was the home improvement center that made the mistake. They were simply installing the shingles that had been delivered to the job site.

So before the roofers show up on your roof to install new shingles, make sure to check the roofing materials first. I would also suggest using my Asphalt Shingle Roofing Bid Sheet. This bid sheet helps prevent the type of situation my neighbor found herself in.

Wood countertops, a reliable choice for the modern kitchens.

by: Adrian Laza

Wood countertops are becoming popular again in modern kitchens. We now know that wooden countertops, when properly cared for, are both long lasting and sanitary. The modern adhesives are strong enough to keep the wood staves bonded together even the butcher block is submerged into the water. The finishing oils (mineral oils) are safe in contact with food products and preserve the wood surfaces.

The solid wood, as a material of choice for counter tops, exhibits incontestable advantages such as:

Aesthetics

Imparting a warm, relaxing feeling, the wooden top is the natural complement of any solid wood or veneered cabinetry. The wooden tops will wonderfully go together with hardwood floorings, moldings, cornices and mantels, conferring a genuine sense of balance to your kitchen space.

Functionality

A hardwood top is very easy to cut to templates and even easier to install. Unlike the solid surface or laminate, wood tops have a minimum of chemical components, which make them extremely safe in contact with foods. Unlike the other countertop materials, any occurring scratch can be easily removed by sanding the area; the wood tops actually constitute the only known surface that can be renewed without employing special tools or requiring special skills. Hardwood surfaces can be used as kitchen island tops, inserted sink covers, sections of countertop, or as butcher block hidden under the countertop that can be pulled as drawer or cart. Your imagination will surely find plenty of other interesting, visually attractive applications.

Durability

If properly sealed and installed, a wooden top can literally last a lifetime. Unlike marble, granite or tile, the wooden tops have a great shock absorbing capacity that further assures considerable life span.

Hygiene

For a quite few decades, the plastic and laminate surfaces, due to their non-porous structure were considered much safer than wood for applications such as chopping meat or slicing vegetables. The wood, because of its porosity was thought an ideal surface for harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Staphylococus or Escherichia coli to thrive. However, a study undertaken in 1993 by the microbiologists of Wisconsin Food Research Institute and another one carried out in 1998 at university of Florida discovered the strong antibacterial properties that wood surfaces exhibit, properties that no other cutting surface appears to possess.

According to these studies and to others that followed them, on wood surfaces, bacterial populations disappear quite fast, without external intervention, while on plastic surfaces they persist and actually multiply. Although these properties vary among wood species, the wooden cutting surfaces are increasingly accepted as the first choice of health-conscious individuals.

Price

Hardwood is usually priced higher than laminate but are far less expensive than stone, granite, solid surface, tile or steel.

The butcher block counter tops supplied by Lafor Wood Products come in beech wood, cherry, walnut, oak, whitebeam (hickory look), acacia (black locust) or hard maple with a large variety of dimensions and grades. Mineral oil is supplied for free along to the purchase and helps to finish and preserve the butcher blocks. Availability is immediate and they offer samples of butcher blocks free of charge. Details at www.lafor.ca


About The Author


Adrian Laza




Sales manager




Lafor Wood Products




www.hardwoodcountertops.com




Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com

Truss Roof Framing versus Stick Framed Roofing

By Mark J. Donovan

When it comes to framing a roof you have two basic choices, framing with trusses or stick framing. Both offer advantages and disadvantages.

Truss Roof Framing

Truss roof framing offers several advantages. First it is significantly cheaper. Since roof trusses are fabricated at a manufacturing facility fewer carpenters are needed on the jobsite. In addition, assembling roof trusses on a home goes much quicker than stick building a roof. Also, roof trusses, for the same size roof, typically use less lumber material than stick built roofs. Finally, truss roof framing eliminates waste and mess on the job site, thus saving money on jobsite cleanup as well as in scrap material costs.

One downside of using roof trusses is that they are not conducive to creating useable attic space. Typically roof trusses have interior web members between their top and bottom chords which inhibits open attic space. Another issue with truss roof framing is that it does not necessarily work well for complicated roof lines that may include dormers and cathedral ceilings. Also, typically a crane is required to lift and position roof trusses into place.

Stick Frame Roofing

Stick framed roofing offers the advantage of constructing complex roof lines, such as roofs that include dormers and cathedral ceilings. In addition, stick framed roofs typically enable more open attic spaces.

The main downside associated with stick framed roofs is that they cost more to build. More skilled carpentry labor and time is required on the jobsite and typically there is more waste material.

John Deere Utility Trailer Review

By Mark J. Donovan

This past weekend I broke down and bought a John Deere Utility Trailer to complement my John Deere X304 tractor lawnmower that I had purchased last fall. I had been debating purchasing the utility trailer for months. However, this past weekend I finally broke down and purchased one. The tipping point for me was that I had to spread 5 yards of mulch, and when I pulled out my wheelbarrow and could not inflate the tubeless tire I said enough. I must have taken 2 or 3 different wheelbarrow tires down to the garage to have them pumped up over the past couple of years and I was fed up with it. I never remember having so many problems with wheelbarrow tires in decades ago. These new tubeless tires appear to be junk.

Anyways, I digress. After spending about an hour putting together the John Deere utility trailer I put it right to use. It holds 10 cubic feet and really helped to speed up the mulch spreading project. John Deere also sells a 17 cubic foot utility trailer, but I found the 10 cubic foot one to be more than adequate. What I really liked about my new utility trailer was the fact that it had an easy tipping mechanism to allow me to dump the mulch.

The only gripe I had with the utility trailer was that the tongue bent the back tractor hitch plate. With the X304 it has 4 will turning. Consequently you can make some really tight turns. Apparently the turns were a little too tight for the utility trailer. The utility trailer tongue pinched the sides of the tractor trailer hitch plate and caused some minor twists in the metal.

Other than that one problem, I am very happy with my new John Deere Utility Trailer purchase. I’ll just make sure I keep my turns a little wider going forward.

Town Sports International Modern Interior Design

Here are several ideas on creating a sport center interior, as the third largest fitness club operator in the United States, Town Sports International (TSI) recently relocated its corporate headquarters to Eighth Avenue in New York City. Gensler created a flexible, transparent and actively branded workplace setting for TSI's staff and executives. Replacing the original height perimeter windows and maintaining a 14-foot ceiling height reduced heat loads on the building's mechanical system. Sustainable materials and flexible elements such as movable glass walls were used throughout the project. -- gensler --

Installing a Basement Sump Pump

By Mark J. Donovan

If your basement has a regular water problem your only solution maybe to install a basement sump pump.

To install a basement sump pump properly it should be located in the lowest area of the basement. A hole should be punched through the basement floor and the sump pump mounted down into it. The installation of a sump pump can easily set you back over a $1000 if installed by a professional.

Besides the installation of the sump pump, a GFCI electrical outlet may need to be installed near it. In addition, if your basement requires the need for a sump pump you should also consider installing a portable backup generator. When sump pumps are needed the most, e.g. during heavy rain storms, the threat of a power outage is heighted. Heavy rain and winds, loss of electricity, and an inoperable sump pump due to the lack of a backup generator is a certifiable recipe for a flooded basement.

Modern Bedroom Design and Furniture in Violet Warm Color

Modern bedroom will looks more beautiful and comfortable if the color choice is suitable and dominant, here is the sample of modern bedroom design and its furniture in violet color. As we know that  bedroom is the most private and ’secret’, and you must get the right ideas in color to get the best and comfy interior bedroom.

Violet color in all its shades is a very interesting solution for an interior design, which could suit to any room. This color is adaptable for all styles. The furniture in violet color could look as very modern as delicate. In combination with white color they create light and very pleasant atmosphere. This exotic bedroom picture may inspire you to decorate the best and beautiful interior bedroom. --homezine--

Brighten Up Your Stairway with Stair Lighting

Stair Lights Provide Unique Character and Functionality to Dark Stairwells

By Mark J. Donovan

Lighting is often an afterthought in many home improvement projects. However lighting plays an important role in setting the mood and ambiance in a room. Consequently lighting should be near the top of the list in any home improvement or remodeling project.

One type of lighting to consider when developing your lighting plans is stair lights. Stair lighting, which is normally located in the walls just adjacent to the stair treads, or integrated into the stair treads themselves, provides both functional and aesthetic purpose. Stair lighting is idea for stairways that have limited to no natural light. Stairs to a finished basement, for example, are a prime candidate for stair lighting. Likewise stairways to attics are also candidates.

Stair lights are typically recessed light fixtures that sit flush with the finished walls, and are located usually just a few inches above the level of the stair treads. In some cases they are installed adjacent to every stair tread and in other cases every other stair tread.

So if you have plans of finishing a basement or attic don’t forget the lighting and think about adding some stair lighting to provide some unique charm to your home improvement project.

What Exactly Is Crown Molding?

What Exactly Is Crown Molding?

by: Patricia Tomaskovic

By definition, a molding is an ornamental piece of wood, metal, or plaster, used to decorate or outline something. It can be used on the interior or exterior of a home. Moldings frame walls, ceilings, windows, and door openings. Examples of moldings used to decorate with are baseboards, crown molding, and chair rails. Today, I want to talk exclusively about crown molding as a decorative architectural choice.

Crown molding, also referred to as crown moulding, or cornice, is probably the most important architectural accent used to detail any interior space. Most interior designers today would agree that every room can be improved with the use of crown molding. Crown molding smoothes the transition from the wall to the ceiling and does a wonderful job of defining the architectural style of a room. The size and style of crown molding used may vary widely, from a simple cove in a farmhouse kitchen to a large built-up cornice in a grand entry.

The initial use of a cornice in building design is anyone's guess. By the time the ancient Greeks had gained power, rules had already been created to define the use and design of crown molding. Originally, it was used as a structural element to help support the weight of the roof. It also served to keep water away from the building, thus protecting the lower walls and the foundation. However, the use of cornice as a decorative element was not considered any less important than it's more utilitarian functions. Most of the ornamental design patterns that you see on today's crown molding originated from the ancient Greeks. Egg and dart, dentil and acanthus leaf are the most obvious examples and these were used extensively in ancient times by both the Greeks and the Romans.

With the rebirth of the arts in the Renaissance period came a renewed interest in classical architecture as well. The rules of the classical orders were applied to the interior decoration of rooms. These were the rules of "3". A column, the basis of classical architecture, is divided into 3 parts: base, shaft and capital. The base and the capital were then further divided into 3 parts and prescribed rules applied to the relationship and the proportion of these divisions as well. The same divisions that apply to a column are also applied to the wall. The wall is divided into the baseboard, the wall and a crown molding. The lower wall can be further divided into the base, dado and chair rail. Finally, the upper wall is divided into the picture molding, frieze and crown molding.

When beginning any decorative project to include several types of molding, it is recommended that you choose the style and size of crown molding first, as it is the most prominently displayed. Then select the rest of the moldings to match. Regarding the proper sizing of the crown molding, advice is abundant and many guidelines have been written. Most often the advice directs you to select the size of the crown molding based on the height of your ceiling. This may be a common approach to this aspect of the design process, though, as larger crown moldings have often been used to impressively decorate rooms of more modest proportions. What IS important is to properly scale the casings and other moldings to the size of the crown molding that you wish to use. When choosing crown molding for your interior, feel free to select the size and style that YOU like. Historically, larger crown moldings were more frequently used than what is recommended today by many interior designers. Change is anticipated as the current architectural renaissance continues and more designers and homeowners endeavor to add warmth to their homes and to personalize their interiors. So have a go at it and don't be intimidated . You are limited only by your imagination.

copyright 2006 goceilingmedallion.com

About The Author

Patricia Tomaskovic is the President of http://www.goceilingmedallion.com Copyright 2006. Visit us soon and let us help you decorate with style. We look forward to serving you.

info@goceilingmedallion.com



Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com

Deadline for Homebuyer Tax Credit Looms Just Ahead

There Has Never been a Better Time to Buy a Home

By Mark J. Donovan

The deadline for the homebuyer tax credit is nearly upon us. This program started by the federal government was another tool in stimulating the economy. The homebuyer tax credit provides up to an $8,000 credit for home buyers who have not owned a home in at least three years. In addition, the homebuyer tax credit is also targeted towards some current homeowners. The federal government is also offering up to a $6,500 tax credit for those who have currently lived in their own home for at least 5 consecutive years and want to move.

The deadline to participate in this government handout ends soon. Contracts must be signed by May 1, 2010 and closings need to occur before July 1, 2010.

So if you are considering jumping into the housing market for the first time, or have a desire to move from your existing home, and have lived in it for the past 5 years, you should make your move now. All the homebuyer stars are in alignment; low interest rates, low house prices and government tax credits. This is most likely a once in a lifetime deal!

Clean Gutters in Early Spring

Clogged Gutters and Heavy Spring Rains can Lead to Undesired Roof Runoff

By Mark J. Donovan

The familiar phrase often repeated in early spring that goes like this: “April showers bring May flowers” should be amended to include a reference to cleaning gutters. With heavy spring rains it is a wise idea to clean out the gutters as soon as there is a hint of above freezing temperatures. Leaves and tree branches that may have fallen into the gutters can cause them to clog up. With heavy spring rains, un-cleaned gutters can overflow their side walls and spill roof rain water where it has not been designed or desired to go.

So make cleaning gutters in early spring an annual ritual and let the “April showers bring May flowers” phrase be a siren call as a reminder to clean your gutters.

What is Chimney Flashing

Chimney Flashing Creates a Seal between the Chimney and Roof to Prevent Leaks

By Mark J. Donovan

If you look closely at a where a chimney abuts a roof you will notice stepped metal climbing up from the roof and onto the chimney wall. That metal is referred to as chimney flashing and it is used to create a leak free seal between the chimney and the shingled roof.

Chimney flashing is installed when the roof is shingled. Chimney flashing consists of small sheets of metal that are formed and interwoven underneath the shingles near the chimney and slightly up the side of the chimney. To attach the chimney flashing to the chimney brick mortar properly the brick mortar is removed and the chimney flashing is slid into the seam and slightly up the back side of the chimney wall. Finally the chimney flashing seams are cemented and a bead of polyurethane caulk is applied to seal the flashing into the brick mortar seam.

Chimney flashing is available in a variety of metals including lead, copper, tin coated steel, and galvanized steel, and sometimes aluminum (however aluminum should not be used). All of the metals, with the exception of aluminum, can easily be soldered, brazed, or welded to create leak free seams. They are also used due to their ability to be easily formed to the contours of the roof and chimney wall.

See my Asphalt Roofing Bid Sheet if you are looking to have your roof reshingled and the chimney flashed.

Entertain The Healthy Way With Exotic Asian Tea

If you've managed to get your spring cleaning done, now would be the perfect time to plan a backyard or patio tea party with friends. There are so many great choices of tea available and many of them actually have great health benefits. I have recently expanded my inventory of exotic Asian tea which is all grown and imported from China. This quality Asian loose leaf packaged tea makes a great alternative for alcoholic drinks. Not that there's anything wrong with a little sake or wine party later ;).

Here are some of the new Asian tea flavors now available:
Gunpowder Tea- This type of green tea is grown in China's Zhejiang province and is made by rolling the large leaves into small balls that blossom in hot water. It has a satisfying, full-bodied flavor with a hint of smokiness. It is also known as Green Pearl Tea and is one of the world's most popular green teas. This tea is often served as a breakfast tea and pairs well with any food.

Lapsong Sauchong Tea- This smokey tea comes from the Fujian Province and is made by withering the leaves over pine fires, then rolling and pan frying them. After being pressed into barrels, the leaves are covered with cloth to ferment. Then they are fired, rolled and dried over pine fires. It can be served with or without milk and goes well with breakfast foods and fish.

Yunnan Golden Tips Tea- Actually considered a black tea, this tea is an extraordinary and rare treat. The golden tea buds steep into a deep red malty liquor with an incredibly long, rich finish.

Jasmine Silver Needle Tea- High in the mountains of China's Fujian Province, the downy buds of this fine silver needle white tea are picked and sun dried in April. In August, the dried buds are laid beneath a bed of fresh Jasmine flowers for a week, infusing the tea with the fragrant aroma of the flowers. Silver Needle tea has been grown in this beautiful, scenic place in China for over a thousand years.

Oolong(Wulong) Tea- Although this is not one of my newer teas, it's still worth mentioning because of its natural weight loss properties, including the ability to burn and break down fat, making it one of the most popular teas among Chinese people. It is often served in Chinese restaurants as it pairs well with meals and is believed to help regulate aging.

Black Dragon Pearl Tea- This tea is becoming harder to find as many growers are producing the ever popular Pu-erh Teas. A unique Chinese black tea, it is produced in the southern province of Yunnan and has a surprisingly sweet undertone and smooth body.

Try serving one of these amazing Asian teas at your next tea party or browse through my entire selection of quality, imported Asian tea. Here are some great oriental style tea sets to help dress up your next tea party.


5-Piece Porcelain Tea Sets- These beautiful porcelain tea sets imported from China come in five different styles including:

Black Double Happiness Round Tea Set




Red Double Happiness Round Tea Set







Blue Qing Ming Village Tea Set






Red Blessing Floral Tea Set





Goldfish Tea Set