A CUPPA WITH REBECCA WESTBY

A few peeks of Alder & Co. -- they recently welcomed Hillary Horvath and her amazing flower stand to the shop, congrats ladies! It looks and smells amazing in here.

Rebecca Westby is 1/2 of the most amazing shop I've ever had the pleasure of daydreaming, shopping and occasionally photographing, Alder & Co. Rebecca's experience in retail, styling, art direction and love of travel come together beautifully in her work at the shop. It's a magical place, Alder & Co., and so reflects the creative sensibilities of the gals who run the joint, Rebecca and Carla.

Ms. R and I first met when we lived within the same big yellow house for about a year in NE Portland -- what a neighbor to have!! Dave and I were the luckiest recipients of a steady stream of shortcakes, sips of wine, fruit desserts, creamy pasta dishes and treats from the downstairs kitchen. We started going for morning walks together, ending in scones and tea and the rest is history! I'm so grateful to get to know Rebecca even more, with every visit back up to Portland, we come together to sip tea, eat something fabulous, talk shop, work together making images and share giggles and secrets, as only kindred tea junkies can do. I'm honored to talk tea with Rebecca today on the blog.

What is your favorite type of tea and how do you take it? All teas floral - earl grey, rose, or jasmine. Loose leaf Mariage Frères Earl Grey French Blue or Rose D'Himalaya. Lightly steeped and without additions.

My tea accompaniment of choice is: Toast and jam or some fresh picked berries.

Dolly, Françoise or Gram . . . is on when I'm having tea.

I first started drinking tea when . . . I was old enough to travel alone. Its such a window into other places and I love the different rituals that surround it. Plus I could endlessly collect the pretty things that go along with it


My dream tea party would include . . .  Friends, white porcelain, garden roses, tealights, dusk and champagne to finish.

When I sip from my tea cup, I . . . feel the day has begun.