About Camellia Tea Gatherings (Ochakai: OPEN HOUSE Teas)

CTO holds Japanese Tea Ceremony events at Camellia House in one of our 3 Tearooms. Each chashitsu (Tearoom) accommodates 6 – 8 guests maximum.

Camellia OPEN HOUSE Teas on Sundays in 2009:

January 11, March 1, June 7, Oct. 4, Nov. 29. All are held on Sundays with sittings at 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 pm).

To reserve, email us at info[at]camelliateas.net

Seating

For those who prefer sitting to kneeling on tatami, there is seating for 3 – 4 people on a shared bench (which is 5 ft long) within each Tearoom (be sure to specify how much space you'll need on the bench when making your reservation).

Tea Time

Tea service begins promptly at the appointed time. Guests are invited to arrive at least 5 – 10 minutes ahead of their sitting time. The Camellia OPEN HOUSE experience takes about one hour in total and we take reservations for 2:00, 3:30 and/or 5:00 pm.

Questions and Discussion is permitted; guests are encouraged to share their thoughts and reflections about the Tea Ceremony.

Traditionally, discussion of topics related to family, health, religion or politics are avoided in order to maintain the harmony of Tea Culture. Your Practitioner will provide a brief cultural/historical orientation in order to help you understand what is happening. After Tea has been served you will have additional opportunities to ask questions.

Click here for all our upcoming events.

Tea Dress & Etiquette

Tea is a quiet, contemplative experience that requires the participation and cooperation of host Temae and guests.

- Dress comfortably (formal wear is not necessary) enough to sit kneeling (or cross-legged) for an hour on the floor (cushions are provided if requested).

- Minimal perfume is appreciated as tearooms are compact, and some guests have allergies to strong fragrance. In the confined space of the Tearoom, such consideration for your neighbour is greatly appreciated.

- Guests are asked to wear clean white socks in the tearooms to protect the tatami. For the same reason, the wearing of jeans is also discouraged.

- Minimal jewlery, particularly rings, watches and bracelets which might knock against ceramics causing damage.

Click here to view a sample of TEA-EVENTS

 

Upcoming Tea Events and News - Click here for NEXT TEA details.


Give the GIFT of Tranquility... 
~Camellia Teas gift certificates now available!

Copyright 2007 Camellia Teas of Ottawa. All rights reserved.