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 14 July 2014

Anne of Green Gables Tea

Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world." ~ LM Mongomery- "Anne of Green Gables"  

Hello my lovely friends and welcome to my Anne of Green Gables Tea! I hope you are all enjoying the month of July.


I had company on the weekend and I am about to have a house full of company! My whole family, including all the grandchildren, will be home for the next three weeks. This will be my little granddaughter's first visit to PEI. Her Mommy and Daddy and her big brother, who all live in Vancouver, BC, as well as her uncle who lives in Illinois, are all coming home for a visit. My three grandsons, my son, and DIL who live here on the Island are all excited to finally meet their little cousin and niece.  A lovely family reunion is about to take place and I'm so excited!

I have been baking, cooking, and getting our home in order for them all. As you can imagine, I have been and will be very busy, so I will be taking a blogging break after today.

I didn't have a lot of time to prepare a new post for you so I am sharing bits and pieces of an Anne tea I hosted a couple of years ago. I know a lot of you enjoy Anne of Green Gables so I thought I would share it again. 

It's interesting to note that particular post has received the most pageviews of any on my blog; between four and five thousand. I have updated it a bit and added some new pictures and I hope you enjoy it.

While I am on my blogging break, I will leave this linky party open so that you can link up your teas. I thought it would be nice if you visited each other while I am away. I will likely be back to host Tea Time Tuesday the first week in August. In the meantime, have a fabulous July, my friends, and enjoy your cup of tea!


Now on to my Anne Tea ~ Anne and I have been expecting you.





The little Anne doll above was a gift from my father many years ago. She sits upon a stack of Anne books and is dressed in her green calico print dress with a white collar and lace apron. A simple straw hat sits upon her red braids. She is a sand doll made with Island sand in her arms and legs. Isn't she cute? 

Anne has always been one character in whom I have felt a kindred spirit. I'm sure it comes from being a lonely child growing up because my family moved around so much, thus making friends very difficult.

Anne and I both possessed wild imaginations as children. A great deal of time was spent  daydreaming about silly romantic notions although it proved to be beneficial, as our way of expressing ourselves. She couldn't help but express herself verbally, whereas I liked to write my thoughts down on paper. 

"May your life always be like a pot of tea...overflowing to warm the soul." ~ Irish Proverb

This Anne doll was also a gift from my father. Indeed, she was the very last gift I would receive from him as he passed away a few months later. I will cherish these dolls always!



This Anne doll is dressed in her green calico with a cute pinafore, stockings, and lace trimmed knickers. Her straw hat sits upon her famous red braids.

Anne has such a pensive expression on her face which is peppered with freckles across her nose. She has green eyes, something else Anne and I have in common. 
 

The story Anne of Green Gables, written by our beloved author Lucy Maud Montgomery, was first published in 1908 and has since been read and treasured by millions of readers all over the world. Anne is our most famous celebrity here on the Island and she draws thousands of folks from all over the world every year. 

Mark Twain once said of Lucy Maud Montgomery's writings, "The sweetest creation of childlife yet written." 


Unless otherwise stated, all the quotes throughout this post are taken from the story Anne of Green Gables. All the photos are my own unless otherwise stated.

Now, to really appreciate the incredible imagination of Lucy Maud Montgomery, one must walk the grounds of Green Gables and tour the house and woods. This, I have done many times over the years.




After my family moved to Prince Edward Island, my father used to go golfing at Green Gables and he would always take my brother and me with him.


This is the back of the house with the old carriage and that is my hubby sitting in it.
  



As a young girl, I was enchanted by the house and grounds. It was like walking back in time. 
My imagination soared as I walked the trails that Maud walked and I loved to breathe in the magic that fairly tinkled in the air. 
I was totally in love with Green Gables and I felt blessed to be able to visit there so often. 

This is a picture of Anne's room at Green Gables which I took on my last visit. 




"It has always seemed to me, ever since childhood, amid all the commonplaces of life, I was very near to a kingdom of ideal beauty. Between it and me hung only a thin veil. I could never draw it quite inside, but sometimes a wind fluttered it and I caught a glimpse of the enchanting realms beyond - only a glimpse - but those glimpses have always made life worthwhile." ~ LMM


This is a view of the Green Gables house from the Haunted Wood.



As sweethearts, and then later as husband and wife, {well, we still are sweethearts}, my hubby and I have walked hand in hand many times through the Haunted Wood and Lovers Lane. It still takes my breath away and offers so much scope for imagination! For those of you who don't know, my two favourite things to do this time of year are to walk along the beach or walk a path through the woods.




"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive- it's such an interesting world. It wouldn't be half as interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There'd be no scope for imagination then, would there?" ~ Anne of Green Gables 



Now that you've had a bit of a tour of Green Gables, let's have some refreshments, shall we....


I have cut some fresh roses for the tea table.


Pink roses grace the tea table because, "After all, the only real roses are pink ones. They are the flowers of love and faith." ~ Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables



"Isn't it lovely? Don't you think it must be glad to be a rose? Wouldn't it be nice if roses could talk? I'm sure they could tell us such lovely things. And isn't pink the most bewitching color in the world?" ~ Anne of Green Gables


I have pink lemonade ready in my pink depression glass pitcher if you feel like something cold.




Some of the china I will be using today.


"Some people go through life trying to find out what the world holds for them only to find out too late that it's what they bring to the world that really counts." ~ LMM




"I can just imagine myself sitting down at the head of the table and pouring out the tea," said Anne, shutting her eyes ecstatically. "And asking Diana if she takes sugar! I know she doesn't but of course I'll ask her as if I didn't know. And then pressing her to take another piece of fruit cake and another helping of preserves." ~ Anne of Green Gables 


The chintz teapot and plate are made by Maxwell and Williams called Rose Bud.




Mmm... tea really does taste better in a china teacup! The teacup is Gracie China called Rose Chintz.




As well as lemonade and tea, I have chicken salad sandwiches and ice cream cookie sandwiches.....

I wish I were rich, and I could spend the whole summer at a hotel, eating ice cream and chicken salad. ~ Diana Barry to Anne Shirley


My chicken salad is served in croissants and is a favourite around here.


The chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwiches are a treat I have made many times and these I have made ahead for my grandchildren when they arrive. There are raspberries inside the ice cream, a little surprise. I suspect the big kids will like them too! And I just know Anne would approve. What better treat in the summertime than cookies and ice cream?

You know something, Diana? We are rich. We have sixteen years to our credit, and we both have wonderful imaginations. We should be as happy as queens.~ Anne Shirley

Look at that. {gesturing to the setting sun} You couldn't enjoy its loveliness more if you had ropes of diamonds.~ Anne Shirley 


This teacup is Royal Albert with no name on it. I love the sweet rose buds and brushed on gold trim.


"Life is worth living as long as there's a laugh in it." ~ LMM

Please help yourself to the treats, I have plenty. 


"This day's done and there's a new one coming tomorrow, with no mistakes in it yet, as you used to say yourself. Just come downstairs and have your supper. You'll see if a good cup of tea and those plum puffs I made today won't hearten you up."  ~ Marilla speaking to Anne.


Marilla and Anne courtesy of the Internet

"Plum puffs won't minister to a mind diseased," said Anne disconsolately. ~ LM Montgomery - Anne Shirley in "Anne of Avonlea."


Anne was always such a drama queen but she stole our hearts from the moment she landed at the train station on Prince Edward Island. 

                  Internet
 
Anne and her bosom friend Diana courtesy of the Internet.


Internet

"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" ~ LMM



Below Anne and Marilla courtesy of the Internet.

Internet
 
Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.


"Anne-girl" and another kindred spirit, Diana's Aunt Josephine at tea - courtesy of the Internet.

Internet

"God's in His heaven, all's right with the world," whispered Anne softly.LM Montgomery - "Anne of Green Gables"



Internet


Thank you for coming to my tea party today. I hope you have enjoyed yourself, I know I have!


I thought it only fitting to end this post with The Lord's Prayer which was the first prayer Anne ever learned.

"Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
In earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." ~ Matthew 6:9-13

Internet
I am delighted you have stopped by for tea today! Your presence always makes my tea party that much more special. Do you have a favourite teacup/teapot, coffee cup/coffee pot, that you would like to share with us today? A trip to a Tea Shop is always fun and if you have discovered a new tea we'd love to hear about that too.

I am joining the following parties as well~

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/
Share Your Cup Thursday~ http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/



Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

41 comments :

  1. How wonderful Sandi! You will have such a special time! And a PEI Anne post is always wonderful! Have fun with your family!
    Ruth

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  2. A post about Anne of Green Gables is always interesting and your tea table this week is pretty with rose china and pink roses in a vase.
    Have a nice visit with your family Sandi and take lots of photos to share. I'm sure afternoon tea will be enjoyed more than once.

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  3. Your Anne of Green Gables tea party is definitely worth revisiting. It was inspirational in me hosting one of my own. I purchased my first Rose Chintz teacup last Saturday and thought of you! Enjoy your blog break with your family. I know it will be a special time.

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  4. I shall always remember my visit to PEI and all the Anne things I saw, including the young lady portraying Anne on the ferry ride over. The bridge was not done when we went.

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  5. How wonderful for you to spend lots of time with your family my friend. You will enjoy every minute, even all the work and baking and cooking you will do.
    Thank you so much for hosting this lovely party.
    FABBY

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  6. the treats . . . the tour . . . the lemonade . . . thank you!

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  7. Hi Sandi,
    I am so happy to hear that you are going to be having a family reunion. How exciting for your grand daughter to visit P.E.I. for her first time! She is so lucky to have you as her grand mother. You have been so busy and I am sure that everything will be perfect. Your Anne of Green Gables Tea is lovely and I can understand why everyone loves viewing that post. You will be missed during your blogging break but do enjoy your time and we look forward to hearing from you in August. Karen

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  8. I'm feeling your delightful anticipation---the getting-ready and getting out the croquet set and the big lawn checkers and all the tea party pretties---those are a great part of the enjoying.

    And I'm delighted, as well, to see this charming post---I missed it the first time, and it's just been a lovely time of reminiscing and feeling that PEI air of the Early Days of Anne, when I sat, high in a tree in that big hot Mississippi yard, reading of such a magical place and immediate, forever friend.

    Have a wonderful time with all your lovies, and whisper a word in Baby Girl's ear, promising to read and tell her of Anne very soon.

    rachel

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  9. I'm always thrilled to see your Anne of Green Gables Tea, sweet friend. What lovely treasures you have from your dearest Dad. Your chicken salad on croissants and your ice cream cookie sandwiches are making me hungry!
    I know you are so excited to be with your whole family! Enjoy your precious time together while you make memories to hold on to. Thank you for taking the time to host your party. xo

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  10. What a lovely post, and especially with you expecting house guests!

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  11. I love your Anne of Green Gables tea! Always do! I hope you have a blessed time off! I'll be having my procedure on Monday, July 21 - would appreciate your prayers! We're trusting all will be well,
    Hugs and God Bless,
    Kathy

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  12. I love this post Sandi. I have loved Anne since my daughter started reading the series of books. Megan Fellows truly is Anne of Green Gables and I love watching her bring Anne to life.

    Blessings, Jocelyn

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  13. I enjoyed your beautiful post immensely, Sandi! Have a great time with your family and safe travels to all! Bess

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  14. Just Beautiful. I so enjoyed reading your post and seeing all the beautiful pictures. Love your Anne dolls too. :)

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  15. Sandi, I'm sorry not to have a tea post this week, but I had to stop by anyway. So happy to see all the Anne quotes and pictures. Makes me want to re-read one of the books (which I occasionally do!). Your tea looks lovely; I like how you had the chicken salad and ice cream for Anne. Those ice cream sandwiches look delicious! Have a wonderful holiday with your family.

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  16. Oh, what a wonderful post! This brings back so many childhood memories of when I would read the Anne of Green Gables books--I always wanted to see Green Gables for myself. Your two dolls are wonderful! Thanks for sharing this terrific tea experience, especially the quotes that went so beautifully with your post. Enjoy your break--how wonderful so much family is visiting at once!

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  17. Hi Sandi: Have a wonderful time with your family! Blessings, Martha

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  18. I loved your Anne of Green Gables tea! It is my favorite movie and book ever. Your precious doll from your dad is just darling. I have a few dolls, mugs and even a picture book that opens to form the house. Love it. I hope someday to get up there to visit and walk the lane etc. So sweet. Your tea and goodies look sooo yummy. Have a fabulous time with your family!

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  19. Your Anne of Green Gables is fantastic. Have a great time with your family
    Kisses
    Alessandra

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  20. I have missed that you were having an Anne tea! I didn't see that. I so love Anne. She will always be a favorite. I just love the photos you have shared from her home and the areas around it! So enchanting! Thanks for sharing those. Thanks for hosting!
    Sherry

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  21. Oh my goodness Sandi, you are going to be busy. I am so happy for you. Enjoy your wonderful family.

    Hugs,

    Janet

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  22. I am so enjoying this special tea time (they are all special though) and the emphasis on Anne of Green Gables. I never tire of her and the pictures are so precious. I love all your "pretties" and hope you have a good break!

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  23. I just love your Anne of Green Gables posts! Someday I hope to visit your beautiful island! Your roses are beautiful and go so well with your lovely teacups and teapot. So very pretty! I am so happy for you that you will have all your family together for three weeks! What a busy home you will have! I know you will have fun with the grandchildren, and I bet you will be introducing your little granddaughter to tea parties! Have a wonderful blog break and thank you for keeping your party open while you are away!
    Blessings, Nancy

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  24. We've so enJOYed your Anne tea party! Everything looked so wonderful. And I enjoyed the glimpses around the Green Gables place.

    I just finished reading the Anne book and loved it all over again.

    So a double treat to visit here today.

    Hugs,
    Brenda
    xox

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  25. It's always good to visit Green Gables and Anne. Those ice cream sandwiches sure look yummy!

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  26. What a wonderful post, I'll be reading it over again, what a joy!
    Have a great time with your sweet family, will be back to hear all about it!
    Nancy

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  27. I just loved your tea party. Anne is a kindred spirit to me as well. I love your precious dolls and beautiful tea dishes. Blessings friend

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  28. Such a lovely post, Sandi. I am very happy that your family are coming to visit!!! Enjoy!
    Blessings, Beth

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  29. I had a most wonderful visit with you and Anne.. It's one of my favorite movies I have watched it over and over again....your teapot and cups are lovely I adore that Rose teapot.. and your food looks great.. wish I had some in front of me and my Green Gable movie.. It's also nice you have a good memory from your father.. with love Janice p.s. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your family

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  30. Sandi, I do enjoy your blog and everything that you do is always so pretty and inviting to look upon. Thanks for sharing today. Have fun from your blog getaway and enjoy your family. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  31. Oh, I dearly love "Anne of Green Gables" and have Prince Edward Island as a great "bucket list" destination of mine! Thanks for such a fun post -- and I hope you have a super blessed time of visiting with family!

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  32. Hi Sandi, I never tire of hearing about Anne or seeing those familiar pictures. And Sandi, thanks for your message. Wishing you an amazing time with family. Have fun and totally enjoy. Hugs from me to you. :)

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  33. Hello Sandi - I am so delighted to share that your post will be featured in this week's A Return to Loveliness - I do appreciate you - my procedure I shared with you will have to be delayed - potentially one day next week,
    I appreciate your prayers,
    Kathy

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  34. I have read this sweet post before but thoroughly enjoyed it again today.

    Anne of green Gables is a beloved classic because of all you wrote about, and I suspect she'll be beloved by each new generation of readers because of her spunk & imagination.

    I know you're going to enjoy every bit of your family gathering together ! you're so blessed.

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  35. Hi Sandi, hope you have a good break with your family. Thanks for hosting.
    Wishing you a blessed week.

    Hugs,
    Aida

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  36. Sandi, I love your Anne of Green Gables tea. Your dolls are so sweet! Enjoy your company my friend! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  37. Dear Sandi,
    what a wonderful post. No wonder that it got the most attention of your posts. Thank you for this wonderful tea time with he pretty Chintz china. I wish you a wonderful time with your family.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  38. Love this post, one of my favorite books. Thanks so much for hosting.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  39. everytime I come over here for a visit I want to make a pot of tea ans use some of my pretty cups
    I so enjoyed reading about Green Gables and seeing your pretty doll your dad gave you

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  40. Good morning, Sandi,
    After a very long search, I finally found my set of Rose Chintz and I am awaiting it's arrival. First one foot and the other. It has come late in life but I have daughters who will cherish it.
    When I came upon your blog..I was so pleased and rather startled because I never expected to find someone who loved Rose Chintz as much as I do.
    I did not grow up with it. It has always been in my imagination and when I first saw it, I knew that this was my pattern of all others.

    What joy it was to follow along while you told your story of your love of Rose Chintz.
    I found mine exactly as you found yours. I am hoping with all my heart that it arrives safe and sound. I posted about it..and now I wait. My heart went out to the person who sold it to me. I have assured her once again today that I will cherish it and send her a picture of it when it is all display and cozy in it's new home.

    My husband is from Maine and he had promised to take me to Prince Edward Island when we go back again..but now the window is closing due to our age. I am sill hoping though. It's another of my dreams. I couldn't believe how much your doll looked like Anne of Green Gables from the movie. I have the series and I love it.

    I am way too late to join in the party..but perhaps next time.

    Mona Ingalls

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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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