02/19/2026
A RITUAL FOR WEARY SPIRITS: Did you know that Pétale has a monthly newsletter? “The Whole Leaf” shares behind the scenes insights into afternoon tea, personalized tea rituals, and slow entertaining. If you are a newsletter subscriber you probably learned a little bit about my newest tea ritual: a ritual for weary spirits. The middle of winter is a difficult time for many people. The buzz of the holidays is over. Spring is still weeks (even months) away in many parts of the country. The gray skies, cold temperatures, and saddle brown landscapes can drain on our spirits. And while the redeeming qualities of a hot cup of tea are many, sometimes even tea leaves need a boost. If any of this resonates with you, try this simple tea ritual today. Right now, in fact. 1) Heat up the kettle and choose a tea that suits your mood. 2) While the kettle heats up, warm your cup or mug. Then, find a coffee table book, photo book, or cook book that is full of photos, sketches, or artwork: beautiful flowers, luxurious furnishings, dreamy landscapes, sumptuous dishes, and exotic ingredients. No non-fiction. No book club titles. No how-to manuals. 3) Pour yourself a cup of tea and find a comfortable spot to sit down. Leave your phone, laptop, and smartwatch somewhere else. 4) For the time it takes to drink your tea, flip through the book slowly. You won’t be here long so enjoy the colors and textures of the photos or drawings. Let your mind wander over the pages. No timers. No deadlines. Once you’ve finished your tea, close the book and return to your day. It’s that simple. Want to know what books I’m reading above? Leave a note in the comments below ⬇️ If you’re interested in learning more about Pétale’s newsletter and enjoying rituals like this one, you can signup for “The Whole Leaf” newsletter on Pétale’s website www.mypetaletea.com #ᴛᴇᴀʟᴏᴠᴇʀ