Monday 6 December 2010

Tea Time Tuesday & Christmas with Victoria.


Faithful friends who are dear to us, Gather near to us once more.

Hello friends and welcome to another Tea Time Tuesday. Today I am joining Kathy's Christmas with Victoria party.

But before I serve the tea, I have an important announcement to make! As some of you have already heard, my Christmas present came a little early this year! A little pink bundle by the name of 'Jenna-Lynn' Carina arrived Saturday, December 4th, at 4:00 in the afternoon, weighing 5 pounds 9 ounces. She wasn't due until Christmas Eve but as we all know, babies have their own schedules. Anyway, I am one happy Nanny! My first granddaughter after four adorable grandsons. This was taken about three hours after she was born. She's not a Victorian lady but I know she's going to love tea parties someday!

I love Christmas and I enjoy perusing Christmas magazines for inspiration. Victoria is especially inspiring so please join me and all of Kathy's guests as we celebrate Christmas with Victoria.

The magazine pictured below is the Victoria Bliss January 2011 issue. It is a lovely issue filled with beautiful photography, recipes, and ideas for making your Christmas holiday very special. I hope you were able to get yourself a copy.

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another, the warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer to each other.~ Emily Matthews

This time of year we are met with the beautiful melody of Christmas music playing and wonderful smells coming from the kitchen as we bake up our secret family recipes. The air is often permeated with the spicy scent of cinnamon and cloves and fragrant evergreens decorate the mantel. Of course there is the glory of the Christmas tree itself adorned with all our treasured ornaments and heirlooms passed down from one generation to another. Surprise is wrapped up in every beautiful package and there are lots of secrets being kept until Christmas morning! The giggles and laughter of children can be heard as they play the part of little angels while waiting for the big day to arrive.

Time spent together at Christmastime is somehow even more meaningful when it's done around the table, savoring good food and pleasant conversation.

Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. ~ Washington Irving

Therefore, I have set out my tea by the Christmas tree and fireplace today. I thought the soft glow from the lights would lend a festive and romantic ambiance to our tea.


A gracious gathering for family and friends~

I am using my mother's Royal Albert Lavender Rose china as it was first produced in the Victorian era. The story of Royal Albert stretches back over one hundred years to a small pottery business established by Thomas Wild in 1896, in Longton - one of the six towns that make up Stoke-on-Trent, "The Potteries." This household name began as a family business. For it was the ability of Thomas and his sons- Fred and Tom {Thomas Clark or TC} - that made the company famous for bone china tea and breakfast sets. Royal Albert always lends a touch of class to any setting. Did you know that there is a proper way to set your tea tray? The tray holds a lace doilie on which all the tea things rest. Look closely at the photo and you will notice the teacups are in the right hand corner. Next to the teacups are the napkins with the tea spoons on top pointing out toward the guest. In the left hand corner is the cream and sugar. The teapot is always in the upper right hand corner behind the teacups and the handle should be turned toward the hostess for easy serving. Next to that is the utensil holding hot water which I do not have in the photo. Finally, a vase of flowers decorates the left corner of the tray above the sugar and creamer. I have taken the liberty of using a tiny Christmas tree in a teacup in lieu of the flowers.

This tiny tree has been decorating china teacups the past few Christmases. It is adorned with pink beads, crystals, and a crystal snowflake at the top.


I love this little china tray which holds the cream and sugar... Pink sugar anyone?


To own a piece of Royal Albert is to have a piece of history in your hands. The English fondness for cottage gardens and shady woods naturally inspired thousands of designs, one being Lavender Rose. Royal Albert consistently updates its romantic, fashionable image featuring bone china tableware with floral hues and flowing curves that can be savoured in many patterns.

A pretty presentation is this wonderful dessert which I found in the 2002 issue of Victoria. Raspberry Fool pictured on page 60, looks pretty served in a red-rimmed sherbet dish. It is as simple as combining pureed raspberries with whipped cream. You might like to try a spicy mincemeat tart as well. These are so easy to make. Just take some of your favourite mincemeat and fill unbaked tart shells. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes and serve warm plain or with ice cream. Whipped cream is also a nice embellishment. They're fast, they're easy, and they're delicious!

The surest way to enhance the charm and magic of the holidays, is to deck your halls with sentimental decorations and traditional touches that will bring joy all season long. ~ Excerpt from Victoria Bliss magazine

Though this is not nearly as elaborate as the photo I found in the Victoria 2002 issue, this is my take on it. Gifts stacked upon a stool in front of the fireplace. I was planning a much grander embellishment of the mantel but I sprained my wrist a week ago and so the mantel will have to do as is.



Christmastime is a time for tradition; a time for making wonderful memories, eating good food, and celebrating the love of family and friends.



It is also a time of celebration when we give thanks to the One who came as a Babe long ago to free us from the slavery of sin. If not for His coming, we would not be celebrating Christmas at all!

"In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory." ~ John 1: 1, 14
"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." ~ Luke 2:14

Thank you for joining me for tea today. I am delighted you have stopped by! I hope you will also visit Kathy and all her guests by clicking the link - http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

Her button is also on my sidebar which will take you to her party.

If you would like to participate in Tea Time Tuesday, please email me ahead of time or you may let me know in your comment and I will gladly add your link to my tea post. Simply share a teacup, teapot, or china used in a tea. You may also do coffee, hot chocolate, or iced tea. This being the Christmas season you may like to do egg nog or hot apple cider. A scripture verse, tea quote, or poem would be most welcome. The Tea Time button on my sidebar is available for you to use in your post if you wish. Please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here and visit with all my lovely participants.

The list of participants below are in the order in which they first began participating.




PARTICIPANTS





















































































I am also joining the following hostesses for their parties today:


Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/ - Christmas with Victoria




Marty~ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/ - TableTop Tuesday





Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/ - Tea Cup Tuesday

Terri~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/ - Tea Cup Tuesday



Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/ - Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday

Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/ - Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ - Tuesday Tea For Two





Lady Katherine~ http://ladykatherineteaparlor.blogspot.com/ - Teatime Tuesday



Donna and Miss Spenser~ http://missspensersblog.blogspot.com/ - Tea Cup Thursday

MERRY CHRISTMAS


Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

42 comments:

  1. Hi Sandi,
    I have really enjoyed your beautiful post this morning. The lovely tea setting made me feel as though I had walked inside the Victoria magazine. The table and tray beside the Christmas tree is so soft and pretty.

    All I can say about that beautiful bundle of joy is ahhhhhhhhhh. What a little doll baby.

    hugs

    Sissie

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  2. Hello Sandi, I enjoyed your Victoria party and Teacup post! Your photos are beautiful and your tea set is so very romantic! Thank you for sharing how to set a tea tray.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  3. Sandi!!!!!

    CONGRATS on your precious little grand Daughter! I am presuming all is well with Mom and Baby since she was a bit early?????
    Both of my sons were 3-4 weeks early being born Dec. 7 and Dec. 29!!! Yep, 2 Christmas babies!!!

    I LOVE, LOVE , LOVE this post!! So tranquil and elegant!! Your tree is stunning. I will have my post up later today as i am showing my Den with Thomas Kinkaide tea cup and tea pot ornaments on my Den tree!

    Many hugs to you, your family and that sweet baby grand of yours,


    A Debbie-Dabble Christmas

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  4. Congratulations grandmother, it is exciting to see your sweet little granddaughter arrived early.
    Tea served with your Lavender Rose china is special for me as I do like this pattern and the sweets offered look delicious.
    Interesting hints about setting up the tea tray as we do strive to do things properly. :-)
    Thanks for hosting Sandi and I hope your wrist is healing.
    A Christmas hug,
    Judith

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  5. ...Love the photo of the tree and fireplace! I didn't know there was a proper way to set a tea tray, but it all makes good sense. Have a great day!

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  6. I have a granddaughter named Jenna Lynn too! In fact, she's due to come over and help decorate my tree today. I hope that you enjoy your Jenna Lynn as much as I enjoy/love mine.

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  7. Your new little granddaughter is a cutie! What a blessing.

    And I love love love the Lavender Rose china!

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  8. HELLO SANDI,

    EVERYTHING LOOKS AMAZING :) LOVE YOUR TINY TREE :) HOW VERY SWEET AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE TIPS ON SERVING TEA :)

    XO~MARI

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  9. Very pretty teaset. Really enjoyed reading about how to set out a tea tray. I never knew there was rules for that!!

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  10. Dear Sandi,
    again my heartful congratulations to your new born grand daughter. She is such a beauty and she definately will enjoy later all the nice tea parties you will make for her.
    Lavender Rose is one of the nicest Royal Albert patterns. I have a small set of those and love it. Thank you for teaching us how to set a tea tray properly. I didn't know the rules, but they seem very thoughtful.
    I have opened my post now as I saw yours. Would be very sweet if you would add me to the list with this link:
    http://silber-rosen.blogspot.com/2010/12/tea-time-tuesday-tea-in-winter.html
    Thank you so much, Sandi and enjoy your time with the little baby.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  11. Hi Sandi: Can I just say your home looks stunning! I love the tea set, just beautiful. Your home is ready for the Holidays for sure. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

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  12. Congratulations on your precious new granddaughter. Sheis stunning and the best Christmas present anyone could ever ask for. I know she will grow up to love all of your gorgeous teas. Your china and the setting are stunning by the fire and the tree. So pretty. Your stool with the wrapped presents is such a beautiful addition. Gorgeous. Thanks so much for linking to TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  13. Sandi, Congratulations on your new granddaughter! I love your little round table in the middle of the Victorian Christmas tree and the fireplace. Thanks for sharing the proper way to set up a tea tray. I didn't know there were guidelines for that. Love your red crystal that you served the raspberry dessert in and thanks for sharing how to make mince tarts. I'm going to have to try that! Your tea post is beautiful today!
    Hugs and blessings, Beth

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  14. What a beautiful post you have done. Congrats on the beautiful Granddaughter. She is a cutie.

    Willow

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  15. Everything is so pretty. Congrats on that granddaughter....she will bring many years of joy!!

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  16. Hi Sandi,
    Congratulations again Sandi-she is a cutie!
    You have set a pretty table and lots of goodies to enjoy.
    Is that a new Victoria Bliss- if it is I will have to go shopping-I loved the last one.
    Hope your wrist heals soon.

    Carolyn

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  17. my dear Sandi,
    Congratulation are in order, I see. I just became a young great grandmother recently. What a wonderful feeling, isn't it?
    I simply love your tea sets. They are breathtaking.
    I would love to share "Tea Time Tuesday" with you.
    Lady Estelle

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  18. Sandi, I so agree that owning a piece or a set of Royal Albert is a treasure itself..I also posted my Old Country Rose based on a setting in Victoria...love Victoria...your set is beautiful..
    Love your tea setting...

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  19. Sandi,
    I got so much out of that post! I didn't know about Royal Albert china, but I love it. I always find it in that little tea shop in Epcot at Walt Disney World. I love the info on setting a proper tea tray. Washington Irving's writing always surprise me, he did so much more than write the short story Sleepy Hollow. Such a wonderful post! And, again congrats on that little pink bundle she is awesome!
    Sherry

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  20. Congratulations, Sandi, on your precious new grandbaby! What a sweetheart she is. I enjoyed Victoria's Holiday Bliss magazine very much also! Thought it was done extremely well. Love that living room on the page you show in your post. Your tea tray is pretty and I still think your tree is to die for! Bess

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  21. Sandi, your tea is beautiful. The china is o delicate and charming and very like Victoria magazine. I am visiting from Marty's. ♥O

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  22. Hi Sandi,
    Congratulations!! Your new baby granddaughter has to be the best gift ever!!
    Your tea set is gorgeous!! I am sorry abput your wrist and hope you are mending quickly, but your mantle turned out lovely and represents your inspiration well :-))
    I would love to join you for tea this evening..
    Thnaks for being our hostess :-)
    Bella

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  23. Thank you for the wonderful tea, it was lovely! And the decor is second to none, what a lovely fireplace. I haven't seen the Victoria Bliss magazine here in Canada, I wonder if it is sold here? I do own one Victoria Christmas book though, and it offers lots of wonderful inspiration every year at this time.
    And I must remember to congratulate you on the precious little grand-daughter, she is beautiful, grandchildren are such a sweet blessing from the Lord.
    Hugs, Cindy

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  24. Hello, my dear friend,
    You have the most beautiful post and I'm always so happy to enjoy your photos and words that seem to flow from your fingertips so gracefully. I'd love to join you with a Holiday post this week. Thank you so much for hosting us! ♥♫

    PS--God really blessed you with your new grandbaby!! Precious!

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  25. Congrates on the little pink bundle...How sweet...I hope you don't mind me sharing something a little different this week.

    Blessings Kelsie

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  26. Royal Albert things are lovely.
    I had no idea that there were rules for the tea tray! Thanks.

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  27. I am participating in this tea time and thankful for your hosting it! As always, your tea time is beautiful and inspirational. From a decorative to a spiritual time of encouragement, this is a lovely spot to read.

    I like your tidbits of history regarding the proper serving of tea and the history of the china. Thank-you.

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  28. P.S. Congratulations! Tea parties with grandsons are a lot of fun, but tea parties with granddaughters are even more fun, what a lot of lovely tea parties you have coming~

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  29. Dear Sandi,
    Congratulations! What a sweet, adorable little baby - you are blessed beyond measure! Thank you for sharing such a lovely post today - as always one of my favorite parts of the week is getting to have tea with you!
    <>< Concetta

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  30. This is my favorite post!! Wonderful warmth of the season and the romance of the Victorian era.. So much for the eye to see and the soul to savour.
    Thank you for hosting and joining us at TTTT.
    Have a blessed week.
    Pam

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  31. I am joining your party this week.

    http://awelcomingheart.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-spritz-cookie-baking.html

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  32. Such a lovely tea post. I think the setup by the tree and fireplace is perfect for a spot of tea.
    Your Grandaughter is so beautiful, I can imagine the joy she gives you.
    Blessings~
    Gwenny

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  33. Hello my sweet friend!
    I am just LOVING your banner and gorgeous pix of your home! You must show us more! Your tree and table service next to it is exquisite!!! I mean it!!!

    So sorry to hear about you hurting your wrist...not the time of year for booboos, huh?

    And...CONGRATS on your precious new baby girl! Yay for a girl to spoil as I am sure you will! My girl was an early Christmas present 19 years ago this coming friday (10th). So I know what this is like!

    Thanks also for your sweet comments on my window...I do love to decorate that area and had fun doing it with my friend!

    Hugs and love!
    Happy Tea too!
    Lorena

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  34. Loved this post, Sandi! From the gorgeous header (looks like a magazine shot) to the content. Congratulations on the precious addition to your family. Now, that is the best gift ever! What a doll.
    I also loved your picture with the packages in front of the fireplace.

    Nancy

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  35. HI Sandi...OK it's official...anything with the word "Albert" in it..Prince Albert, Royal Albert :) :) Your "Lavendar Rose" te things were so nice...beautiful!!! It was hard to take my eyes away from the flowers. I LOVE flowers!!! Oh, and Victoria magazine is just a given. I LOVE that , too!!!! It's a great publication, isnt' it? Thanks for letting us stop by for tea!!! Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  36. Oh, congrats on your new granddaughter :) :) :) You'll have fun showing her all the lovely things associated with tea etc :) :) More love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  37. Hi Sandi, I hope the kettle is still boiling and I can still join the party!!
    Suzyq
    http://atthefarmhouse-suzyq.blogspot.com/2010/12/teacups-and-christmas-decorations.html

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  38. Hi Sandi, I love your teaset! Royal Albert teaset is just perfect for any tea parties. on the other note, Congrats on your new born grandbaby girl! am so sure, she would love to play tea party with you! have a good week!
    xo
    fitty

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  39. Your blogs are really lovely!
    and visiting you is a pleasure
    Did you let me carry some gadget images of your Christmas Pudding Blog?
    I´m glad sharing a cup of tea with you
    Love

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  40. Congratulations on your new granddaughter! I was hoping she'd be born on my birthday - but God knows best - she looks so good for 3 hours old! Such a lovely Christmas post - so much information I didn't know - I love learning new things - proper tea setting and history of teacups! I love treasuring things such as this - knowing someone at sometime loved such an item that I may now be treasuring - so nice to share these things with Kindred Spirits! Such a blessing to share our love of Christmas and of God! Thank you Sandi,
    I appreciate you joining Christmas with Victoria - you've certainly made it all the more special,
    Kathy

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  41. G'morn Sandi ~ What a precious bundle of pink ... I still love her name but needed a peek of her. You are so lucky ... spoil her rotten, my friend.

    Thank you for the wonderful visit & lovely tea ... I've so enjoyed the beauty you have surrounded me with, the elegance of your decor, the delicious tea, the fabulous conversation ...

    Look so forward to another visit.

    Have a lovely Christmas week ~
    TTFN ~ Marydon

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  42. Sandi....well isn't that just perfect...! a Granddaughter to have tea with! Sending you many happy congratulations....such a happy time! she's beautiful!

    and thanks for your Victoria Tea Time post...it was beautiful as well....I need to find my old stack of magazines and put them out again on my coffee table for inspiration....

    ciao bella
    Creative Carmelina

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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