Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Yellow Rose Tea

The flowers seemed to have reached their peak this past week which means it must be time for our annual summer garden tea.

 
A couple years ago tea lady and neighbor Margaret gifted me with a yellow rose teacup.  This was the only yellow flowered teacup I had, and since you can't have a collection with only one, the hunt began for enough yellow rose teacups for a tea.  An antique outing last week resulted in my 6th rose teacup and a new yellow rose tea pot as a bonus so naturally this had to be a "Yellow Rose Tea".
 

 
The table is set and the view of the gardens is the perfect setting for our afternoon tea.
 



The menu is set and the party begins.
 


Yellow Rose Tea

Prosciutto, Tomato and Ricotta Tart
Lemon Coconut Scones with Lemon Curd and Devonshire Cream
Chocolate-Almond Surprise Coconut Cakes
Glazed Lemon Cookies
Raspberry Trifles
***
Rosebud Tea
Plantation Peach Tea
Coconut Macaroon Tea
Chocolate Coconut Tea
 
I've covered the red roses on my tiered server with crocheted potholders and hot pads with yellow flowers.  The crocheted hot pads under the teapots belonged to my grandmother and were always on the table for holiday dinners.
 
 
The ricotta tomato tarts are ready to go.
 

 
Scones, cookies and one tart to complete the tray.

 
Desserts
 
Raspberry Trifles

 
Chocolate Almond Surprise Coconut Cakes
with Johnny Jump up Garnish
 
 
 
The mandatory group photo

 
Close up view of my new teapot and doily
 
 
My first yellow rose teapot  and cup with matching pattern in reverse.
 
 
 
My six yellow rose teacups waiting transport to the garden.  All different shapes and designs found at antique shops over the past two years.  The hunt is what makes collecting so much fun.
 
Thank you friends for joining me for tea today.
 
 
 
 





Thursday, July 17, 2014

Tea for the Birds

I've asked the birds to join me for tea in the garden.  Although I've seen several I've yet to capture them on film.
 
There are several places for the birds to visit. 
 Perhaps they'd like to take tea at this silver teapot house.
 

Or perhaps they'd like to visit next door at this Victorian House painted years ago by my dear Aunt Margaret.
 

 
 
 My Aunt has been gone for several years now but her birdhouses continue to bring  a smile to my face and many found memories of a truly talented lady.
 
 
The detail of her painting amazes me.

 
Their progressive tea could continue at this  birdhouse located in the shade garden.
 


 
The birds often stop and rest on the pergola bench.
 
 
 
The last of the three houses is in "Mables' Garden".  This garden is named for another of my Aunts.
 
 
"Mabel" is lying on her tummy guarding a bird nest with 3 eggs in her hands.  Not much blooming in her garden when this photo was taken.
 


  The birds can  wash up after tea at this teacup birdbath.
 
 
I hope you've enjoyed tea with the birds in my garden today.