There are some mornings that stay with you long after the last teacup is cleared. Our recent PoeTea Party at Panache Tea Boutique in Waterloo, Iowa was one of them. Hosted by the Waterloo Public Library, the gathering brought together poetry, tea, conversation, and the simple joy of slowing down together. It was a beautiful reminder that meaningful connection often begins around the table.

For many people, tea is something familiar. A quick cup in the morning, something to sip throughout the day, or a simple way to pause for a moment. A traditional afternoon tea is something else entirely. It is not built around convenience or speed. It is meant to be set apart, with its own rhythm and structure, allowing time to settle in and enjoy each part of the experience as it unfolds.

There’s a moment that happens here sometimes. Quiet…almost easy to miss. It’s usually right after the teacups are filled. The steam lingers, and soft fruity and floral notes begin to fill the air. And then… something shifts. The conversation softens. Phones remain face down a little longer. No one seems in a hurry to be anywhere else. That’s the moment I hoped to create when we opened Panache.