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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.

Monday 22 July 2013

"Christmas in July" Tea Party


"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." ~ Harland Miller


Welcome friends to my Christmas in July Tea Party!

Today's tea party is all about sharing something festive. It could be a teacup, a teapot, a coffee mug, or dessert you make only during the holidays. I invite you to share it with us.  


Maybe, like some blogger friends I know, you have a little tree up for the month of July or maybe you have some shortbread to share with your tea.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year." ~ Charles Dickens


You need not share anything Christmasy if you are unable to. I will be happy to enjoy your company here today and you may share whatever you like.

"Christmas isn't just an event - Love came Down and is among us! All year long, we can celebrate the Greatest Gift." ~ DaySpring

I know you all may be somewhat surprised but I have pondered and pondered what to share today!
You see, it has been so hot here that it has been really hard to get into the Christmas spirit.


I was going to bake some mincemeat tarts.


I have two Christmas teapots I could have used, a holly teacup, and a set of new Christmas mugs that I found out in Vancouver.


However, twice a year I make my Sticky Date Pudding with Hot Toffee Sauce; for Christmas and once in the summertime. So once I had my pudding made, the rest was easy.

I thought rich reds and golds would be perfect for today's Christmas in July Tea Party.


As well as some red roses.



"A red rose is not selfish because it wants to be a red rose. It would be horribly selfish if it wanted all the other flowers in the garden to be both red and roses." ~ Oscar Wilde

This time of year I always think of my Daddy because his birthday was on the 27th of July and he adored Christmas. He passed his love for  Christmas and all its magic on to me.

"Celebrate love. It is the breath of your existence and the best of all reasons for living." ~ Author unknown


And as some of you know, my father loved the Old Country Roses pattern. Two guesses what pattern I am featuring today.


Last year, sweet Hubby gifted me with this teacup on my Daddy's birthday in remembrance of him.


Then, this past year, Hubby and two of my sons gifted me with the OCR teapot for my birthday. These pieces are very special to me in many ways and I know my father would have been delighted that I have them!

Royal Albert's Old Country Roses is the most famous china pattern in the world.


I love the attention to detail that Royal Albert is known for such as the roses on the spout.


And the gold leaf on the handle.


Please make yourself comfortable and join me for a cup of orange spice tea, won't you.


There is more than enough dessert so you are welcome to help yourself.


I love the sparkle of silverware and just like tea always tastes better in a china teacup, a pudding always tastes better when eaten with a pretty spoon!


Mmm! Warm date pudding sitting in a pool of warm toffee sauce and topped off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.



"Perhaps that is the true gift of a

teatime celebration:
It fills our cups with joy and 
warmth and friendship.
May the echo of the teacup's 
message be heard
only at Christmas, not only on 
special occasions, 
but anytime friends come together." ~ Emilie Barnes


"Christmas is a time to open our hearts to God and His gifts. Just like the rest of the year." ~ Author unknown

In August I am planning to host another Anne of Green Gables Tea. I will talk more about that next week. Last year we had a progressive tea party; ie., some ladies prepared certain tea treats mentioned in the Anne story.  Would you like to do the same this year? I welcome your feedback on that.

Thank you for the pleasure of your company and I am happy to see your tea things whether you have shared them before or not, whether they are Christmas inspired or not.

"And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." ~ John 1:14

This tea party is all about sharing your joy of tea time and any thoughts you may have on the subject.

Have a Happy and Blessed Christmas in July, dear friends!

I am joining the following parties as well~

Inspire Me Tuesday ~ http://www.astrollthrulife.net/
A Return to Loveliness ~ http://www.adelightsomelife.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday~ http://artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com/
Tea Cup Tuesday ~ http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
Tuesday Cuppa Tea~ http://www.antiquesandteacups.info/
Tea In The Garden ~ http://blog.bernideens.com/
What's It Wednesday ~ http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/
Share Your Cup Thursday~ http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

32 comments :

  1. What a wonderful Christmas in July tea party. I just love the tree in the teacup. So precious.

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  2. Happy Christmas in July Tea Party, dear Sandi! Aren't your hubby and sons the best in buying you gifts that you treasure and enjoy?! What a beautiful tea you've set today. I wish I could join you for a serving of your sticky toffee pudding and a sip of tea. Thank you for sharing and hosting with us. xo

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  3. Hi Sandi,
    Your teacups featured are so beautiful. I have always liked Royal Albert's Old Country Rose. It is much harder to find that pattern now. What a wonderful family you have to know exactly what you wanted. I am sorry about your dear father. I still miss my dad too. Thank you for hosting Christmas in July. Are you still doing Teacup Tuesday tomorrow? I am interested in the Anne of Green Gables Tea Party too but I must research the book and find out what I could contribute. Have a wonderful week. Take care,
    Karen

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  4. Hello Sandi, beautiful Christmas in July post! Lovely decor and the tarts look delicious! I do appreciate you hosting and sharing,
    Kathy

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  5. Dear Sandi,
    today I don't have a tea post to share. But I enjoyed to see your festive table. And your Old Country Roses china is always a delight to see. Thank you for sharing.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  6. Merry Christmas in July dear Sandi! I am not participating in the C'mas tea party cause I haven't anything at hand for it; everything is stashed away. Your table though, it's stunning and the teaset is beautiful and yummy tarts too! Thanks for hosting with my new tablecloth find. Have a lovely week.
    FABBY

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  8. What a beautiful tribute to your father Sandi!

    What a fun idea to have a Christmas tea party in July :-)

    Madelief x

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  9. Hi Sandi,
    Happy Christmas in July Tea Party! Your date pudding and the mincemeat tarts look delicious! Love your teapots and settings!
    Thank you for hosting such a fun party!
    Blessings,
    ~Wendy

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  10. What a delightful idea! Your setting is lovely, and the pudding looks delish!
    The party spurred me on to bake shortbread, for which hubby , kids and grandkids are thankful.

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  11. Your tea looks so lovely and what is more gorgeous than the Old Country Roses? Wonderful presentation for Christmas in July!

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  12. Oh Sandi, what a beautiful Christmas in July tea party! I must say though that I am very hungry right now, your goodies looked scrumptious! Especially that pudding!
    I love Old Country Roses too. I only have a tea kettle but I did buy the tea set a couple of months ago on sale at Macy's but after bringing it home and thinking about it, I decided I should really use that money else where, so I returned it. Surely I'll find one at an auction for a much lower price someday. (hopefully)
    Those little birds are really cute. Are they metal?
    Have a great week!
    Gina

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  13. Oh my.. Happy Christmas in July. I am so not ready but I do love your post. I adore your tea cups. What a wonderful happy soul you are my dear friend. Have a great week.

    Janet
    rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com

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  14. What a lovely Christmas in July post and a wonderful tribute to your dear Father. Your OCR tea set is so beautiful and festive. Your pudding looks so delicious I need to make some soon! Your new spoon looks so pretty on your tea table. Thanks for hosting your party and I am so sorry I did not have time to do a Christmas theme tea.
    Blessings to you!
    Nancy

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  15. Hello Sandi,
    you have set a gorgeous Christmas table! The reds and whites are stunning, just like your tea pot!
    I wish so much I could have a piece of your date pudding! Mmmmmmm!
    Thank you so much for hosting this festive hop!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  16. Lovely post and enjoyed Your tea.I'm glad You went with the idea.

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  17. Hi Sandi: I love your Christmas in July and I have joined in with you. Your tea cup with the Christmas Tree is so cute. I will have to make me one. Have a great week. Hugs, Martha

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  18. hello
    faire des cadeaux de souvenirs
    de vacances pour Noêl en juillet
    le pudding à l'air très appétissant
    et la théière superbe
    à ne pas mettre dans un lave -vaisselle
    très joyeuse party
    bisous
    edith(iris) France

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  19. Sandi, what a lovely idea to have a Christmas in July tea time. I've spent so much time unplugged that I missed the announcement, but I am having a grand time visiting! You have a wonderful family who know what you like. Lovely tribute to your father. Happy Tea Day and thank you for hosting!

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  20. O my I just love your Christmas tea party it was very dreamy and wonderful just like the spirit of Christmas is... I love all your pretty photos and especailly love you old Country Rose Tea pot.. very nice thank you sharing such a wonderful post with love Janice..
    p.s. thought I'd share my pot pies they would be perfect for a cold Christmas Eve..

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  21. Hi, I' m a new follower. Your blog is very romantic. I love your Christmas in July and tea cup with the little tree is adorable.
    Kisses from Italy
    Alessandra

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  22. How lovely! I think I'll just go make a pot of Holiday Tea from Harney & Sons. It's one of my favorite, and I tend to drink it throughout the year rather than just at Christmas time. Maybe I'll open that bag of chocolate chip cookies while I'm at it. What a nice little break in the middle of the day this will be. Thank you!

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  23. Sandi - you are the MOST gracious hostess! Such a sense of peace and gentleness in your presentation. The figgy pudding is truly the cream on top of a stunning July Christmas tea. I love the various angles you captured the Old Country Roses teapot. I'm afraid I just let one slip through my hands as I mentioned it to a lady I met this past weekend - that it was at the teashop for only $45. She was thrilled and went straight away to purchase it. I was happy for her - not in my budget this month. Ah - the Lord will bring one my way to go with my cup and saucer someday, I am sure. Meanwhile, I shall enjoy your posts with the pattern. AND - put my mind to another Anne tea post for August.
    Blessings & Joy!
    Kathy

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  24. There's always room for Christmas in July!!! Thanks so much! You post is beautiful!

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  25. Hi Sandi, thank you for hosting this memorable Christmas in July Tea party. I'm excited to join. I hope I still have time to prepare my tea party tomorrow.
    Your Royal Albert OCR is beautiful! I agree, it is the most beautiful design amongst Royal Doulton. I have the same set as well. Your hubby is so sweet.
    And sticky date pudding is sooo yummy!

    Take care and God bless

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  26. Hi Sandi. I loved reading down the comments to find out so many people had a relationship with the OCR pattern. My late grandmother-in-law had a huge and complete set which has been passed down to my older daughter. It really is one of the loveliest patterns and just right to celebrate almost any special occasion. :)

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  27. Sandi what a lovely party! We're scrambling to get something ready to publish just for your Christmas party! I have so enjoyed browsing all of the entries so far!

    Linda and Jeannie at The French Hens Nest

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  28. I love Old Country Roses. Occasionally I have seen something in that pattern at TJ Maxx or Marshalls. It is simply beautiful.

    For my addition to your tea party, I am sharing a recipe for my great-grandmother's Date Cake. It is a very old recipe that was traditional in my mother's family at Christmas time.

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  29. Beautiful! Lovely and a reminder that the season will be upon us before we know it! Makes me long for the aroma of cranberries, cinnamon, cloves... Such beautiful table settings.
    ~Tanya

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  30. What a beautiful Christmas tea Sandi. Your pudding looks delicious! My older sister, Dolores always makes carrot putting with rum sauce at Thanksgiving. She sends a jar home for me and my sister, Jeanne. We love it! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  31. I liked your idea of Christmas in July tea party. The teacups are so elegant. Want to have such pretty ones for my tea party. That will take place at one of Chicago event venues. Have made great plans for the day.

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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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