I received a pretty little press kit this morning from the folks at Memorable Entertaining, a new Web site. It was a gold box wrapped in a purple ribbon which contained an invitation to visit the site.

Also inside the box was a package of two cookies and a tiny plastic baggie containing a strange green and pink ball. Was it animal, vegetable or mineral? It appeared to be vegetable.

My apologies to Memorable Entertaining (I will check the site, I promise), but it was this little ball that really drew my attention.

I found, after reading the attached pamphlet, that it is a Numi flowering tea. If you steep the little tea ball in hot water, it gradually unfolds into a beautiful underwater flower. I guess it wouldn’t have the same effect if you tried to steep it in anything other than a clear glass teapot, though.

Still, these flowering teas are so lovely that it might just be worth it to buy a glass teapot and a collection of these teas for the tea-lover on your gift list. What a wonderful birthday or Christmas gift that would be.

Not only is it soothing to sit down with a hot mug of tea when you’re chilly or tired, but now your private tea party can be soothing to the eyes, as well. Or better yet, invite some friends over, open a box of butter cookies, arrange a few truffles on a plate and catch up while your tea blooms in front of you.

Check out the Numi Web site to watch a tea ball flower before your eyes. You can also find flavors and ordering information there. Looks like a box of 18 tea balls can be had for only around $26.

Photo source: Worldpantry.com