Tea & The Titanic

There's something magical about the perfect pairing of tea and a good book. It's like a Calgon Take Me Away moment..

Today, I'm excited to share a special tea that recently arrived at my doorstep, courtesy of the wonderful folks at Harney & Sons, along with three captivating books that pair perfectly with this delicious blend.

When Harney & Sons reached out and offered to send me their RMS Titanic tea to try, I was immediately intrigued. I already have a HUGE stash of Harney & Sons tea (see photo below) and this was one I hadn’t tried yet.

My love for tea has no limits… I even have a TEA SHOP page you can check out with all my favorites from Harney & Sons paired with Jane Austen novels.

Here’s the description from their website of the RMS Titanic tea -

Harney & Sons created RMS Titanic Blend as a tribute to the tragedy and heroism of A Night to Remember. P. H. Nargeolet, one of the divers with the French exploratory group at Woods Hole in Massachusetts when the Titanic was found, encouraged John Harney to create a commemorative tea to honor the 100th anniversary of those who perished when the Titanic sank. John created this special blend to reflect the quality of tea that was served on that voyage. It features Chinese Keemun, one of the last teas from China that the British still consumed in 1912. By then, they had mostly shifted to black teas from Assam, India, and Ceylon. The blend also includes Formosa Oolong, which was popularized in both the UK and the US by an enterprising Brit. This blend would have been recognizable to tea lovers of that era. A portion of the sales of our RMS Titanic Blend tea will go to The Ocean Conservancy, the dedicated organization committed to preserving our planet's oceans. We hope you will enjoy this tea and "remember."

One of my favorite things about Harney & Sons teas are the collectible tins. I have multiple tins that I have purchased the refills for numerous times (Shoutout to my most sipped tea, Paris) When I saw this tin and tasted the tea, I knew I had to create a book pairing post.

Have you always been captivated by the story of the Titanic? I know I have. My son and I have even visited the Titanic museum (which I highly recommend). It’s truly an unforgettable experience.

A random side note - I have never seen the Titanic movie.. I’ve seen plenty of clips, but never in it’s entirety. Do I need to watch it?

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abé

Without question, this stands as one of my absolute favorite historical fiction reads of 2024. Abé masterfully tells the story of Madeleine Force Astor, the teenage bride of John Jacob Astor IV, one of the wealthiest (and divorced) men in America.

This intimate portrayal of their controversial romance, marriage, and Madeleine's experience as a survivor of the disaster offers a deeply human perspective on events often reduced to mere statistics. The novel's rich detail and emotional tone make it the perfect companion to pair with the RMS Titanic tea blend.

As you sip, you'll feel transported to the lavish staterooms and moonlit decks alongside Madeleine, experiencing both the opulence and the tragedy through her eyes.

Check it out HERE. This is also available in KU.

A Dress of Violet Taffeta by Tessa Arlen

This extraordinary novel completely transformed my understanding of what happened in the aftermath of the Titanic disaster. Focusing on the life of Lady Lucile Duff Gordon, a pioneering fashion designer who survived the sinking but faced brutal scrutiny and scandal afterward, Arlen weaves a tale of resilience and reinvention.

What makes this book particularly compelling is how it explores the ripple effects of survival—the guilt, the judgment, and the determination to move forward.

Lucile is a story of strength and an inspiration to pave your own way in life.

Check it out HERE.

A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice by Rebecca Connolly

Though this book still sits on my "to be read" shelf, I'm drawn to it every time I pass by. The stunning cover—which does indeed pull you in with its evocative imagery—promises a unique perspective on the Titanic story.

Connolly's novel focuses on Captain Arthur Rostron of the Carpathia, the ship that raced through dangerous waters to rescue Titanic survivors, and Kate Connolly, a passenger on the Titanic fighting to stay alive. This dual-perspective approach promises to explore both the desperate hours in the water and the heroic rescue mission that saved so many.

I can already imagine how wonderful it will feel to curl up with this book and a steaming cup of RMS Titanic tea, experiencing the chill of that April night and the warmth of human courage simultaneously.

Check it out HERE.

One quick non-fiction recommendation that I have if you want to explore the story of the Titanic from a truly unique perspective is The Band That Played On.

The movies, the documentaries, the museum exhibits. They often tell the same story about the "unsinkable" Titanic, her wealthy passengers, the families torn apart, and the unthinkable end. But never before has "that glorious band," the group of eight musicians who played on as the Titanic slipped deeper and deeper into the Atlantic Ocean, been explored in such depth--until now.

Join renowned biographer Steve Turner as he shares an extraordinary portrait of eight men who were thrown together on a maiden voyage, never having played together as a band, and whose names will be forever linked because of an extraordinary act of courage in the face of death.

In The Band that Played On, Turner asks and answers key questions, including:

• How did the faith of the band members allow them to react with grace under pressure?

• Why does the story of the Titanic continue to fascinate?

• How does the legacy of that glorious band live on today?

There's something profoundly moving about holding a cup of tea inspired by the Titanic while immersing yourself in stories of those who were there. It creates a sensory connection to history that goes beyond facts and dates.

Check it out HERE. This book is also available in KU.

As the news of the world flies at us with crazed speed, these moments of connection with history through taste and story are grounding. I find they remind us of the human experiences behind historical events and allow us to think about how the past continues to echo in our present.

What historical events have captured your imagination?

Do you have favorite tea and book pairings that transport you to another time?

I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Want to shop for tea? Shop from the comfort of home.

Thank you to Harney & Sons for providing the Titanic tea for this literary pairing experience. All opinions and book recommendations are entirely my own.

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