It's the seventh Duchess of Bedford, Anna Maria Russell, who we have to thank for the invention of afternoon tea, Ann was a close friend of Queen Victoria and a prominent figure within London society. It was quite an honour to be invited to tea with Anna.

Making a perfect pot of tea is all in the details. It seems odd that as we come to the end of our hot tea month that I should finally share these great tips with you. It just seem to be the natural progression. What is tea, where does it grow, how to process, manufacture, blend, and now recipes on how to enjoy.

At its most simple, a tea latte is just like a coffee-based latte, but with tea instead of coffee or espresso. Tea lattes blend steamed, frothed milk with brewed tea and sweetener for a cozy, satisfying drink that's surprisingly easy to make at home.

It was fascinating to learn that just as wines take on distinctive flavors from the regions in which they are grown, different types of tea take on unique characteristics depending on where they are grown.

January is national hot tea month, there's nothing quite like a good cup of tea. A wonderful way to create a good start to your day, this week, month or year. Whether you've resolved to drink more tea for health reasons or are just in the mood for something cozy and comforting.