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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.

Sunday 15 April 2012

Tea on the Titanic ~ A Special Tea Time Tuesday


"In the end, what affects your life most deeply are things too simple to talk about." ~ Nell Blaine

Welcome friends to a very special Tea Time Tuesday ~ Tea on the Titanic.

Before I begin my tea, I want to invite you to share any tea things you may want this week. It does not have to be a Titanic tea.

I thought it only fitting to have a Tea in memory of all those who set sail on the Titanic April 10, 1912. I have been working on this post for several weeks and I hope you enjoy it. This is a rather lengthy post so please make yourself comfortable and let's visit a while.

We have all heard the tragic story of Titanic and how she collided with an iceberg, causing her to sink to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean on April 15th, around 2:20 AM, taking with her over 1500 souls....


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When Titanic left Southhampton on her fatal voyage she had on board over 2200 passengers and crew members. The voyage was uneventful until Sunday, April 14th, when the wireless operator received and acknowledged a message from the Amerika, warning her of the existence of a large field of ice into which Titanic's  course would lead her toward day's end....

....and the rest as they say, is history!


According to news reports, the first distress signal picked up in Canada was received by chief operator Thomas Bartlett at Cape Bear, the only Marconi station here on Prince Edward Island. The signal was picked up at the same time at a station in Cape Race,  Newfoundland, which was not yet a part of Canada at the time.

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I must confess that I never paid too much attention to the Titanic and its tales until I watched James Cameron's epic film, Titanic. It was while watching the film that I realized those were real people on the great ship and they each had a story. Indeed theirs was a tragic story and one hundred years later, we remember them.




Although Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater were fictional characters in the movie, their love story represents just one of the many aboard the Titanic on that fateful voyage. 
I, for one, grew to have great compassion for all those lost and those they left behind.




My hubby, our son, and I had seen the movie in 1997 and we were all very moved by the story. Granted, we could do without the nudity and vulgar language which was in the movie, and my favourite version is the edited version, but over all, it was a great movie! A tear-jerker indeed!

Our son, who is very musical, was so moved by the movie score that he learned to play the hauntingly beautiful title song, "My Heart Will Go On" on the keyboard.


He also purchased the book, "The Complete Titanic" written by Stephen J. Spignesi, from which I have gleaned a few references for this post.


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There were three classes of people on board the Titanic and each class had their own china and menu.
One thing all three classes had in common; they all had their tea time.




Tea on the Titanic for the first and second class passengers  probably consisted of scones, black currant conserve, marmalade, and honey.



Third class passengers were served a tea which was most likely akin to a working man's tea that included meat and cheese, pickles, and fresh bread and jam. According to the information I got from the book mentioned above, their menu also consisted of currant buns, Swedish bread, which was a kind of yeast free bread, Plum and Apple jam, as well as Rhubarb and Ginger jam. Damson jam was also on the menu.





This is a replica of the teacup used by first class passengers on Titanic who dined with Captain Smith at his table. It was made by Spode; a rich cobalt blue with beautiful gold trim. It was a stunning cup!





Now let's have some tea, shall we?  White roses grace the table as well as my best damask table cloth and napkins.




For this very special occasion, I am using my silver tea service.

Everyone is welcome at my tea table. There are no classes here!



The silver had developed a wonderful patina on it which I like but I polished it up just for our tea today.


I have baked some fruit scones and drizzled almond icing over them. Earl Grey tea is being served with them.



On the table is Black Current jam and marmalade, as well as Lemon Curd and Clotted Cream.


Recipe for Clotted Cream

1 cup heavy cream
2 TBSP Confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup sour cream

1. Mix 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of Confectioner's sugar using an electric mixer. Whip until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in sour cream and mix until thick.
3. Place in refrigerator and chill until time to serve. If made ahead of time, it will keep up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.


Please help yourself...


This teacup is Imari made in England by Oxford. A stunning cup which I found at the 70 Mile Yard Sale last Autumn. 




Would you like lemon with your tea?



This blue and white teacup is Royal Homes of Britain made by Enoch Wedgwood of England. It sits on a Blue Willow dessert plate made by Churchill...



And for a plain setting, I have a Cream Lace by Skye McGhie teacup with its fleur de lis and pretty cut-outs on the saucer.



A vintage silver butter knife to slather on whatever you fancy for your scone.




While we are enjoying our tea, let's take a peek at some of the china patterns most likely used on board the Titanic.

Source 


Each class had their own china as I have already mentioned. The first class passengers were served on this Crown china with the White Star Lines logo in the center. It's a very attractive pattern with a turquoise and brown motif which I believe was made by Spode.







In my search for information, I also came across this delightful miniature tea set. Isn't it darling?


Second class passengers used the Delft 'Flow Blue' china also bearing the White Star Lines logo.


And third class passengers were served their meals on this china - White ware also bearing the White Star Lines logo in the center. 




Found in the wreckage of Titanic was also this pattern which is believed to have been used by third class passengers as well.



As you can see, the first class passengers were served on very classy china while the third class were served on rather plain china.

I hope you have enjoyed my take on the teacups!



As I mentioned, there are no classes here at my tea. You may choose whichever teacup you like.


I would imagine all three classes on the Titanic were quite happy to be aboard "the grandest ship in the world" until of course, tragedy struck!

Titanic was tragic and I know I have been greatly affected by the story. One hundred and fifty souls were buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Hundreds were buried at sea.

I will end this post with a verse from the last piece of music likely ever played on Titanic by Bandmaster Wallace Henry Hartley and his orchestra.

Nearer My God to Thee
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Even though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be-
Nearer, my God, to Thee;
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to Thee!

May their souls rest in peace! 

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I hope you have enjoyed visiting today and I thank you for stopping by. I do hope I got all my facts straight and I apologize if I haven't!


"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." ~ James 4:14



Your presence always make my tea party that much more special! Do you have a favourite teacup/teapot or mug that you would like to share with us today? I would love to see it and I'm sure others would too!

If you wish, you may do coffee instead of tea or the following is acceptable too:
Hot apple cider
Hot chocolate
Lemonade
Iced tea or iced coffee
Punch in a lovely bowl.
No alcoholic beverages please.

The Tea Time Tuesday button on my sidebar is available for you to use in your post or place on your sidebar if you wish. A poem, tea quote, or scripture verse would be more than welcome! To be sure everyone has a visit, it would be nice if you visited the participant before and after your name. Inlinkz is available below for you to sign up for my tea party.

As a courtesy, please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way here to visit with all my lovely participants.

I am joining the following parties as well~


Blue Monday
Simply Sweet
A Return to Loveliness
Table Top Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Tea Party Tuesday
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Teacup Thursday
Home Sweet Home



Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

56 comments :

  1. Well done, my friend.

    Praying for the lost souls from that tragic event.

    Going to see Titanic: Imax 3D later today I think.

    Wonderful post.

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  2. A wonderful post. Such a tragic event...but one that has captured the sympathies and thought of a sentury of people and affected thousands.
    Ruth

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  3. Dear Sandi,
    you made afabulous post about the Titanic. I love the movie but it is so tragic and I always get tears in my eyes when I see it.
    I especially enjoyed to see all the china patterns. Some I have seen from the auctions photos, when they sold items, rescued from the sunken ship. Royal Crown Derby also claims to have a Titanic pattern. Anyway, your tea time is really First Class. The silver is stunning and the treats are sp delicious. Love the pretty napkin and the fine flatware. I would love to have a bun with Lemon curd and yes, tea with lemon for me, please. Thank you for having me for tea and for hosting this amazing event.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  4. Wonderful posting today, Sandi! I was very interested in the china in the photos. I have seen Titanic displays in Minneapolis and here in Winnipeg, and the artifacts certainly do tug at my heart.

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  5. Well done Sandi!I loved hearing about the classes having different china sets.This post did put Me in the mood for a real Tea Party.You are such a joy to have as a friend.Thank you for your time and effort into this wonderful tribute to thousands of lives lost. Hugs Denise

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  6. What a lovely post. A grand teatime to be sure.

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  7. What a beautiful job you have done capturing this event! Lovely!

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  8. Hi Sandi,
    Beautiful post... Thank you for the opportunity of sharing the event that shook the world 100 years ago.
    Blessings, Wendy

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  9. Sandi, Your tea is really special! I enjoyed all of the information and photos of the china, etc. that you showed. I saw the Titanic display in Las Vegas. There was an article in our newspaper today about Titanic connections (persons) to our state of Iowa and I found it quite interesting. I really enjoy your themed tea parties, Sandi! Thanks for doing this for us.
    Beth

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  10. I am so happy to see another post on Titanic. I did one too but yours is so much more interactive. I have always been fascinated with this story but today on the 100th anniversary of that tragic night it is even more real to me and I feel more connected to those poor souls who perished with Titnic. Thanks for posting...well done!

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  11. Hi Sandi!
    a very beautiful and informative post.
    Your teacups are so pretty especially the Imari. I have always loved that pattern. Thank you for hosting and have a lovely Sunday.
    ~Clara

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  12. Hi Sandi: Really well done post. We watched TV movie last evening. Got a little more perspective about the classes from that one. Certainly glad that doesn't go on in cruising today. I guess I would be considered third class as my everyday dishes are plain white restaurant style. Fancy time moves me up to second, I think. Lovely tea party.. Happy Sunday..Judy

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  13. I poured myself a cup of tea and enjoyed my visit with you today. Excellent post. I didn't have time to prepare a tribute tea but I was not going to miss stopping by to share your tribute today. Thank you Sandi.

    Vee

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  14. Sandi, a wonderful tribute to the people who set off for adventure and new beginnings and instead meant with tragedy.

    Thank you for giving us a glimpse to the china originally used. It was all brilliant!

    Your teacups are equally wonderful!! Thank you for inviting us for Sunday tea... xo Blessings, HHL

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  15. Sandi, this post is very well done and informative. Such a tragedy for so many. The world will never forget. Blessings, Pamela

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  16. What a wonderful post about the TITANIC, although so sad, it saddens me so much, the movie was a tear jerker for sure. We all are so mistified with it because of the elegance of those bygone years and we'd love to revive it with our tea parties. Thank you for hosting and having me too. Have a great week.
    FABBY

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  17. Dear Sandi,

    I have always love the song by Celine Dion - My heart will go on..Titanic OST. Such a great post though but its tragic.

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  18. How terrible..so frightening for all involved! I have never watched the movie as I felt the movie makers were more interested in romanticizing and glamorizing what in reality was a nightmare for those involved. Your post is interesting, I especially like the white fleur de lis cup & saucer. Thanks for sharing. Today is also the anniversary of President Lincoln's assassination. Have a blessed week, Sandi.
    xo

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  19. My Devon-born husband would very much approve of the picture of the cream tea, made the Devon way (cream on the bottom and jam on the top). Move into the next county, Cornwall, and also most other counties, and the jam goes on the bottom!

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  20. Sandi, I have enjoyed this post so much. Thank you for taking the time to do such an informative post. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  21. I'd love to have some tea and a scone on those lovely blue and white plates.

    Happy Blue Monday, Sandi, and thank you.

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  22. Hi Sandi,
    Thank you so much for hosting this special party. I've learned so much history this a.m. Your tea settings are lovely and your scones look so very good!
    Blessings,
    Nancy

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  23. Sandi,
    what a very special post about such a tragic happening. I was fascinated to read it and see your photos. thank you so much for hosting and going to so much trouble.

    Bridget xo

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  24. How amazing and informative! I was amazed here. I often feel I should have been born in this era. You captured some lovely items here that is for sure. Glad to visit and share tea this week, you have created a memorable and amazing tribute post here!

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  25. Hi Sandi, what a beautiful tribute to the Titanic you've shared! I think I would choose the white cup for my tea, please! Your scones look wonderful, too. Thanks for hosting.

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  26. Hi Sandi,
    I found this a very special, very good post about the Titanic disaster.
    While you pay a tribute to this sad event and its victims, you still keep the tea topic in a very adequate and interesting way.
    I loved seeing all that china with the Titanic logo, together with the gorgeous choices you made of your own pieces.
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Hugs

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  27. Hello Sandi,
    This is so lovely - a marvelous tribute to the people on the Titanic - what amazing stories there are out there of their courage and of those who shared the Gospel. You've set a very elegant table and shared wonderful photos! Thank you for hosting and for sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

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  28. Sandi,
    It is always so interesting to view your blog. The theme of the Titanic is so appropriate for the anniversary. I really enjoyed reading about the classes and their tea time china and the food they were served. It is very sad to think some many people lost their lives. The beautiful tea you served with the silver set and lovely china cups and saucers would be had to pick from. Thanks for sharing a very informative message! Pam

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  29. Oh, well done Sandi! I didn't really pay much attention to the tragedy until I watched this movie too. It was so heart wrenching to watch those people die. It really was sad. I see I got the 2nd class china pattern right! Wasn't using any books to reference my post today. Lovely job! Thanks for hosting this fun tea!
    Sherry

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  30. I would have been eating off the plain dinner service with never a chance at a lifeboat rescue, had I been aboard!
    Such a sad story and tragic end for all those poor souls.
    This is a wonderful post, dear Sandi!
    I love your beautifully polished silver service and the pretty cups you've used today.
    The Imari setting is beautiful!
    A very elegant tribute to the Titanic era - one of my favourites for the gorgeous tea-gowns :-)
    Thanks for linking up.
    Have a blessed week, my friend.
    love..Trish xx

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  31. Oh shoot! I totally forgot about the Titanic theme! Sorry about that. Wow, you have some wonderful and beautiful tea things to share for this even! Your silver is gorgeous as are the stunning teacups! Thank you for hosting and have a lovely day!

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  32. This was an especially beautiful post, Sandi. Thank you so much for this tea tribute. Bess

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  33. What a beautifully written post my friend. Real people died that day...a sobering thought if one truly takes the time to think about it.

    I love your perfectly appointed teas...they bless me.

    xoRebecca

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  34. I love that movie!

    Please come and see my BLUES, when you get a chance.

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  35. What an amazing post today. Thanks so much!

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  36. I was wondering what you would come up with for a Titanic tribute. Lovely post.

    Thank you for providing the sources for the images. I wish everyone was as nice as you.

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  37. Thank you for sharing all this info. I really enjoyed seeing the china everyone used. Your tea looks so inviting I sure I wouldn't care what it was served on. I have always wondered how to make clotted cream. Think I will give it a try. Great post.

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  38. Beautiful Blues..

    Visiting for Blue Monday- hope you can stop by:)

    http://www.sweetposh.info/2012/04/too-small-too-little-bye-summer-dress.html

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  39. Such an interesting post. I love to hear of the history and the events with the Titanic. Your china and all of the setting are stunning. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  40. What a great post! An your tea set is just lovely! I loved to read all the information and see the different china patterns. Very nice!

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  41. What a wonderful post, a unbelievable tragedy.
    New Follower.

    Jody

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  42. how fun is this post...so interesting and informative...i love looking at the beautiful china...and wondering about all those souls.....

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  43. Hi Sandi,
    Your Titanic Tea and Tribute is very special and a blessing to those lost.
    Like your son, I too came home to learn the music on the piano. It moved me and also the music that was played in the third class dance number. I also have always played, Nearer My God to Thee.

    Love all your tea sets and the great info on the dishes and patterns used. I also own two trio sets of Royal Homes Britain and love it.
    I also really admire your fleur de lis set. So delicate. Love the darling mini set too.
    Thank you for sharing your tea treats and the recipe.

    This was a fabulous post for tea time Tuesday as well as a special tribute to mark 100 years.
    Thank you so much for sharing and all that you prepared to make such a wonderful tea time.

    Blessings always my friend.
    Celestina Marie

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  44. Very interesting & informative. I had never thought about some of the things you have mentioned here, and the information about tea-time on the Titanic fit with the quote by Nell Blaine. The simple things truly do prove to be the most cherished and special, don't they?

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  45. Hi Sandi! Oh, this was a wonderful post about the Titanic. I'm hearing about it all over the place. Your tea set is so lovely and all of your pretty tea cups.
    be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  46. Sandi,
    I enjoyed this post so much! Last year I was lucky to attend a Titanic Tea at the Stegmaier Mansion with the menu taken from aftertoon Tea on the Titanic itself! This year the Stegmaier hosted for 3 nights The Last Dinner on the Titanic. I would have loved to have gone but because of my recent GI problems and still not being able to eat a lot of foods, I had to pass on it. It killed me!

    There are families of 2 survivors of the Titanic that are local and their relatives accounts were featured in our local newspaper.
    When I return after my posting break, i hope to include a link to the local newspaper articles in my post.
    Been busy trying to get things done before Joe has his surgery....
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  47. Very interesting to read what you wrote. As usual you share your wonderful tea cups. My favorite was Imari made ​​in England by Oxford. I wish you a nice day! Zinnia

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  48. Bless you, milady! A delightful Titanic teatime weekend - and how very late I am arriving at the festivities!! Finally posting before noon on Wednesday!!

    Truly enjoyed all your Titanic lore. I didn't know so many patterns were on board! Ruth at Antiques & Teacups last week inspired my post.

    Joy to you!
    Kathy

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  49. The china served on the Titanic for all classes were indeed beautiful. Your post on this tragic anniversary was very moving and well written. Lovely post. Diane

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  50. Hi Sandi,
    Beautiful post!
    EEven though all your china is beautiful, I'd like to take mt Tea in the white tea set please. I love thr embossing on the cup and the cut outs on the saucer.....so elegant. And 'Yes' to your clotted cream...everything tastes better with cream!!
    God Bless
    Barb from Australia

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  51. Wow, Sandi, what a marvelous post! I came here after you had left a comment on my blog wishing me a happy anniversary; thanks! I love your blog and I had forgotten you live in beautiful PEI. I adore that province. I was there once in 2008 and would love to come back! I had a dream about the Titanic on Sunday night and in my dream I bought 2 of the large dinner plates for only $20 each, fromt the sunken ship. I love the teacup in your post that is white with the dark blue and gold trim. The Titanic story is so strange and haunting and it didn't have to happen except for non-thinking people. Thanks for your post.

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  52. Hello Sandi,
    Your post about the Titanic is totally fabulous! Such a sad event though, which we saw mentioned in Downton Abbey in the very first show. Your post
    The china is fascinating to see. I haven't seen it before. I think the Spode china is stunning. That cobalt blue is so beautiful.
    So much to see in your post!
    Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into it to share with us all.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  53. Hi, Sandi - what a fascinating blog post - I loved looking at all the different kinds of tea settings used on the Titanic - I will admit that the cobalt blue set from first class was my favorite!

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  54. Hi Sandi! We are at the same tea party at Berideen's Anne of Green Gables. I love all of your beautiful silver. Denise from englishpurpleribbon.blogspot.com

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  55. Hi Sandi! The Titanic always catches my attention too! Nice post! I love that hymn, so beautiful. I really like that part in the movie.
    I also did a Titanic post, I tried to replicate their dinner table, but since then have bought some tea lamps that will be perfect for next April. If you would like to read the post just look at this past April's posts and you'll see it there. Gina

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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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