Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Monday 21 March 2011

Celebrate Spring with Tea Time Tuesday and Victoria!


Welcome Spring ~ A New Season to Celebrate!

Hello dear friends ~ Welcome to my Spring Tea Time Tuesday and Kathy's Celebrate Spring with Victoria~  http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/  


Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil. ~ Reginald Heber


I am simply delighted that you are here! Please come in and make yourself at home. This is a big day!
Today is my 60th Tea Time Tuesday party and I want to thank all of you lovely ladies for helping to make this tea party meme so enjoyable. This is also the first full day of Spring!
I can not express how happy I am that the long winter is finally behind us.


March
The month of cold mornings and warm afternoons
when the Fairies weave rugs with flowers
adorning the meadows and roadsides with color...
Edith Holden



I love springtime~ A time when the earth awakens from her Winter's slumber and Mother Nature cradles in her womb, the first tender shoots of bright blooms in the garden. The trees break forth into fresh buds, and brooks, clear as crystal, begin to run merrily along their way. They almost sound like they are singing; they are so happy to be freed from their captivity of  ice and snow!
Soft warm breezes stir the air and the lilt of songbirds outside my window harken to me early in the morning. I welcome the melody of my little feathered friends; I have dreamt about birdsong all winter!
The earth has come to life again and I too, seem to come alive and I relish each new wonder of the day.
In the evening, just as the sun goes down, the tiny spring peepers behind my home begin their chorus.
I find myself once again, as delighted as a child when all of these wonders take place.
It's good to be alive, and I give thanks to God who has created this new season for our enjoyment.

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~ Virgil A. Kraft


I find joy and beauty in simple things like a beautiful bloom, a bird singing outside my window, and tea in my favourite china teacup.~


For our tea party today, I am using several teacups as well as my mother's Lavender Rose teapot. Lavender Rose is a lovely pattern for anytime of year, but I especially like it this time of year.


Pink is the theme I've chosen for this tea party. Pink and springtime just seem to go hand in hand, don't you think? The teacup I am featuring today is my Shelley teacup. This pattern is called Blossom and it just says Spring so well! Sadly, it is no longer being produced. I love its feminine scalloped shape and embossed design as well as the little nosegay inside the teacup!


The pink blossoms are so dainty and I love the robins egg blue trim on these pieces. This teacup is special to me not only because of its colours but because it was a shower gift many years ago and it is the only Shelley teacup I own.


My Shelley teacup is being joined by Royal Albert's Lavender Rose....


...and an Elizabethan teacup which I shared a couple of weeks ago.


These teacups all look splendid with Mum's Lavender Rose teapot!


As I was preparing my tea post, I came across this lovely Spring poem.
Thank you Marilyn, for allowing me to use a portion of it!

SPRINGTIME WONDER
There is nothing quite as pleasant
As a walk in springtime hours
The bees even harmonize with life
As they drift among the flowers.

~
God softly whispers to us
As gentle rains caress
The countryside with drops of life
In such pure tenderness.

~
And if you listen close enough
I'm sure that He'll impart
The freshness of spring upon your soul
And a flower in your heart!
~
AUTHOR:
Marilyn Ferguson
© 1987 Used by permission

I have placed the teapot on a pedestal cake plate and surrounded it by a wreath I have made. The fresh flowers are close by.


For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass so fresh and sweet;
For song of bird and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear and see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee! ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I always like to add a little touch of whimsy to my tea table such as this pink swan which holds the silverware. 


My springtime tea table.

Milk and sugar...


For your pleasure, I have prepared some refreshments. I have finger sandwiches ready as well as toasted macaroons.
These ribbon sandwiches, I have made many times over the years. They are  perfect for showers and tea parties! They're pretty too.


Made with whole wheat and plain white bread; they are spread with egg salad, devilled ham, and cream cheese. I always tint the cream cheese pink.

I also have a lovely Lemon tart.

For those of you who just want a little nibble there are some chocolate mints.


The most wonderful loose leaf Victorian Garden tea stands by in the teapot. I purchased this wonderful tea from our own Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. I have already decanted it for you. This tea is a lovely blend of Ceylon black tea, China green gunpowder, vanilla, rose petals, and lavender flowers. I felt it was the perfect tea for a Spring tea party. Only the best for my friends!

No matter what kind of tea you serve, the best tea is made using bottled, distilled, or spring water.


Which teacup would you like to use?


Ahh, Tea Time, a wonderful respite.

Lemon with your tea?


Beauty is God's handwriting. Welcome it in every fair face, every fair sky, and every fair flower. ~ Charles Kingsley



Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.~ Ballou

                                            
So, let's celebrate ~ A new season filled with promise, friendship, and tea parties!


The tea table awaits you; please help yourself.



                                                            
Take time to be friendly~ friendships give life a delicious flavour.~


Tea is instant wisdom - just add water. ~ Astrid Alaude


I want to thank Kathy for hosting her Victoria - A Return to Loveliness party every week. One can always use a little more loveliness in their life!

I enjoy curling up with a copy of Victoria magazine and a nice cup of tea! One can lose all track of time perusing its lovely pages; especially the Spring issue.
Victoria magazines give us a wonderful glimpse into the lives of such gifted ladies as Marjolein Bastin and Tasha Tudor, as well as a variety of interesting subjects. Have you gotten your copy yet?


Thank you for coming by to help me celebrate my favourite season. It's always lovely to have you!
I hope you have enjoyed your visit and if you would like to participate in my tea party, please use the inlinkz below to sign up.


I wish you a season filled with lovely blooms, birdsong, and the love of family and friends. Enjoy your tea, and the Lord bless you!    

I am also joining the following hostesses for their parties:

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/ - Victoria- A Return to Loveliness & Celebrate Spring with Victoria


Marty~ http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/- Table Top Tuesday

Martha~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/ - Teacup Tuesday

Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/ - Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Pam~ http://breathoffreshair-paperbutterfly.blogspot.com/ - Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ - Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee & Tuesday Tea For Two


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


"Therefore...whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31







Sharing from my heart~ Sandi                      


49 comments :

  1. OH MY I LOVE the Shelly tea cup! I would want to drink out of it. But then they are all beautiful. The tart looks yummy!

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  2. Hi Sandi,
    Oh your tea was especially lovely today. I was lost in all the photos, enjoying the tea settings, the yummy baked goods and all the beautiful quotes and poems ;) :) :) I would be happy to enjoy a cup of tea in any of the cups you had out today :) :) Oh, that one Shelley cup you said isn't being made anymore...there's a website called Replacements Ltd. that has copies of just about every china pattern ever made...all originals. I'm not sure how they find these, but this site is amazing. it helped me to identify some of the China patterns I had. They also have pieces available for purchase, if you ever want to add to that pattern :) :) I think your mother's lavender rose china is gorgeous :) :) :) Oh, I would love to have a slice of that lemon tart!!! It looks delicious ;) :) Extra special love and hugs to you from Oregon, Heather :) :) :)

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  3. Sandi, Your tea is just stunning! I love your teapot and cups. You're right in that pink says spring. I agree wholeheartedly. Your lemon tart is beautiful. I once used a lemon tart recipe from Bernideen, which was so, so delicious. Yours reminds me of hers. Happy Spring! Hope it's looking as nice outside as it is inside at your table.
    Hugs and blessings, Beth

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  4. Dear Sandi,
    I am happy to be a part of your 60th Tea Time Party !It is obvious how mush you love springtime ; your tea party today is simply SPECIAL full of Beauty and Joy ! I love everything , the gorgeous teacups , the yummy goods and especially this irresistible lemon tart ...!
    Happy Spring!

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  5. Hi Sandi, I am so happy to be linking to your tea party this week. It's always on my 'hope to do soon' list, but I have not had the time to get my teacups out and take pics. In my post, the teacup isn't the main focus, but the teacup pictured is one of my favorites.
    Your tea looks lovely with all of your dishes. Of course, I'll take any teacup with roses on it :). I also have a Shellsy teacup, which might be on a future post.
    Thanks for hosting your lovely tea parties.
    Enjoy your spring!
    ~ Julie

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  6. Hello Sandi and happy spring! Hopefully you have sunshine in your province, our day is damp and dreary.
    No matter, it only gets better from here.
    Your spring tea is lovely and the Shelley teacup very feminine.
    I'd love a piece of the lemon tart with my tea.
    Thanks for hosting, can't believe it's up to 60 parties already.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  7. Your tea party looks so beautiful and inviting.

    After your last post that mention the Victoria Magazine I just had to get a subscription and looking forward to getting my first copy real soon.

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  8. Sandi, your tea party is as beautiful as you. Love Shelley, they are just one awesome teacup. Your presentation & photos make me feel as tho I am right there with you ... so warm & inviting.

    Thank you for a wonderful visit.

    Happy Spring Day!
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

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  9. Sandi,
    What a beautiful Spring Tea post!! You have put so much time and effort into this stunning post!
    The tea cups and your Mom's Tea pot are just so lovely!
    I also adore how you displayed the silverware in the swan! So unique!
    And everything looks so yummy and delicious!!
    I truly enjoyed my visit today, my dear friend!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  10. Sandi, your tea party looks lovely. I especially like the Shelly cup and saucer and have never seen it before - so pretty and dainty. I'm sorry I don't have a teascape this week - just too busy to get it set up. I hope you have a happy day. I saw a robin this afternoon and my neighbours down the road have had them visiting today too. That is a great first day of spring! (tomorrow may be different though with snow forecasted!!). Blessings, Pamela

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  11. Sandi, I was very pleased to be able to join your lovely teap party to celebrate spring. I love your Shelley teacup especially, so delicate. Your flower wreath is beautiful - how talented you are to put together such a gorgeous arrangement. Your tea looks truly delicious and the tea itself sounds just perfect.

    Elaine x

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  12. Oh my Sandi, everything looks so beautiful. How I would love to join you for tea today. Thanks for being such a gracious hostess!

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  13. Dear Sandi,
    what a sweet treat! You post is again so lovely. The china and the wreath are outstanding. Thank you for hosting this nice event.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  14. Sandi, What a beautiful Spring afternoon at your home. My Mum also has the complete set of Lavender Rose, she helped my sister and I, start collecting a set each at a very young age. Since then she's still completing new sets and has now started for the grandchildren. Lavender Rose is a beautiful delicate set, and is perfect for you Spring tablescape. That lemon tea looks inviting and your mignon sandwiches too.What a wonderful time of the year. New Beginnings! Have a wonderful Spring week! Yvette x

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  15. Oh Sandi! This is just such a beautiful tea today! Everything is so amazingly lovely. The teacups are gorgeous and that teapot is stunning! Your whole table looks so inviting and pretty! happy Spring my friend!

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  16. Wow, this is absolutely stunning. Everything is just a dream. Beautiful teascape and all the refreshments look fabulous. What a treat. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  17. Oh, my, I had a wonderful time reading your post today...everything was so beautiful! That lemon tart looks delicious.
    I was brave today, and joined in with a couple of tea parties. It was so much fun, I'd like to do it again...It would be a good reason to take some of those shower-gift cups and saucers out of the cupboard!

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  18. Sandi,
    Beautiful! What a lovely teapot and teacups. How special it is to have your mother's teapot. I would love to have my tea in any of those gorgeous teacups ... the Shelley is my favorite.
    Your entire table is gorgeous! I wish I could have a piece of the lemon tart!
    Happy Spring!
    Dona

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  19. Thank you for a wonder posting about Tea and Tea Time. So calming. I just found your site and am looking forward to exploring older posts.
    - Joy

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  20. Dearest Sandi,

    What an exceptionally lovely Spring afternoon tea!.., Every minute detail is simply and utterly exquisite!..,

    Your Shelly teacup is so delicate and pretty and my oh my, those tea treats looks fabulous! ~ I especially love anything lemon..,So tart, sweet and fresh. Yum!

    You are such a joy and an inspiration always; every word you have written evokes such loveliness this week.

    Thanks so much for your kind comments as well as for joining Pam and I for TTTT and also for my 75th,'Tuesday Tea for Two'.

    Cheers, hugs and blessings from Wanda Lee

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  21. What a delightful post. Everything is so pretty and I especially like your pink swan!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  22. Hi Sandi, The table looks gorgeous. So elegant. The lemon tart looks so yummy. Happy Spring:)

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  23. Hi Sandi: Hope this finds you well. I love all your tea cups today. I own the very same Shelly and the very same table cloth. We could be twins. I love looking at all your beautiful things. You are so special. Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

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  24. Your tea things are adorable, Sandi. The food looks so delicious too. Beautiful post!...Christine

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  25. Lovely as usual...I posted a Shelley Blossom as well, but a different combo pattern. How fun! Love your post as usual! Thanks for the eye candy!
    Ruth

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  26. Happy 60th Tea Time Tuesday!! What a beautiful spring tea tablescape!! i adore all of your tea cups and teapot, the blossom teacup is just so adorable as well as the elizabethan, everything looks gorgeous! lots of yummylicious cakes too! I really love the pink swan as well as the tulips, they're absolutely lovely! beautiful poems and quotes too! Happy Tea Time Tuesday, Sandi! thanks for sharing and hosting! x

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  27. Hi Sandi...

    My friend, you always set the most beautiful tea tables...and your spring tea is no exception! It's lovely!!! I totally agree...pink is especially pretty in the springtime. Your teapot and teacups are sooo beautiful and I especially like the Shelley teacup. Don't you just love that pretty scalloped shape? I think the pretty floral wreath that you made and placed at the base of the teapot is simply gorgeous! Ohhh...and before I forget...the sweet little garden fairy that was resting atop that pretty pink rose is just precious! This was such a treat, dear friend...thank you!!!

    Warmest spring wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  28. Sandi,
    Congratulations on your 60th tea party!
    This is so light and beautiful! So very lovely and elegant. I always enjoy stopping by for tea. This is truly a Delightsome welcome to Spring - you always provide such lovely treats with the most beautiful tea set.
    Thank you for joining me in Celebrating Spring With Victoria -
    You're always a Delight,
    Kathy

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  29. Your Springtime table is simply divine! I love all your floral teacups & saucers and the beautiful spring colours, especially after this long, cold Winter. Happy Spring Sandi! xox

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  30. The shape of your Shelley teacup is fabulous, I'm dying for a piece of your lemon tart too! :-)

    Jem xXx

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  31. Sandi,

    Such a glorious celebration of Spring!

    - The Tablescaper

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  32. Hi Sandi! You have a very sweet birdhouse and such pretty dishes and tea table. It all looks lovely ... and delicious! I hope to join in Tea Time Tuesday soon, but I only had one small photo with a teacup and tea pot today, and wasn't sure of your requirements. I enjoy your blog very much! Bess

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  33. Sandi,

    What an utterly beautiful post! Everything is so pretty, and the sandwiches, and lemon tart look yummy. I like the idea of tinting the cream cheese pink! Love that Shelly teacup. I own one. Love your pretty tulips. I wish they would stay straight in the vase. They stretch out, and bend all over. I did a search on why they do that. It said, they continue to grow even though they are cut, and they refer to it as the tulips are "dancing". Thank you for the beautiful post today, I so enjoyed my visit.

    Debbie

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  34. I love the precious shape of the Shelly tea cup rim.!
    All beautifully said with such gorgeous photos.
    And thank you to Heather for the website about replacements.

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  35. Sandi, your post is a feast for the eyes as well as the soul! Every tea cup is so beautiful, I especially love the Shelly, I love the flowers on that cup! All of your food looks incredibly delicious and your table setting so lovely.
    Your quotes and poems too are so appreciated.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  36. Hi Sandi and a most beautiful tea table you've set! Love all of your sweet cups and how they all just 'go' together! Love how you've put your teapot on the pedestal! I may have to borrow that idea. I see your coffee table all the time and love it!
    Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  37. Such a fun and delicious looking tea part! I LOVE Lavender Rose! The Shelley cup is just wonderful!!

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  38. Sandi,
    What a beautiful post, I love your Spring tea. 60 tea posts, OMG, that's allot of tea. Well, every image is delightful, especially since we are expecting more snow tomorrow. I love your pink tulips. Everything looks perfect.
    Karen

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  39. I love your wreath! So very pretty and looks like Spring! Have a great week and blessings to you, Lynn

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  40. Sandi, That is the absolutely most beautiful rose tea set! And I adore the ruffled tea cup. I gave my mother one just like that (in shape not color).

    Sorry to be so late! Visiting grandchildren. :o) Thanks so much for joining my tea party. :o)

    xo
    Donna @ Comin' Home

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  41. Oh, your tea party is heavenly. You really know how to make it extra special.
    Your teacups and teapot are so beautiful, and perfect for spring. And your sandwiches and tart look divine.

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  42. Sharing with you the first Tea of the Spring has been a pleasure
    Love

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  43. Dear Sandi,
    What a beautiful post and your treasures are just so exquisite. I would love to join you today and I choose the lavender rose cup with a slice of lemon tart - oh yum! Thank you for hosting such a lovely tea party!
    <><
    Concetta

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  44. Your Spring tea time post is just stunning! I would love to join in sometime!
    Thanks for all your sweet comments and entering my giveaway! Thank you especially for linking my giveaway to your sidebar!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  45. The photos and words are all so lovely. I, too, adore Victoria magazine. The perfect companion to tea.

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  46. Goodness! How beautiful this all looks – my favorite image is the overall one of the whole table. It looks like a painting! Congratulations on 60 teas!

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  47. sandi... it is early morning here in california...i thank you for the pleasure of your tea time and the lovely inspiration. spring blessings to you. xok.

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  48. Happy Spring! Your tea table and teawares are outstanding in this post! I especially love Shelley teacups.

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  49. I would love to use your lovely Shelly tea cup for my tea. Your post is beautiful and thank you for sharing this time to enjoy your lovely pictures and words. Happy Spring.

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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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