Monday, 31 January 2011

Tea Time Tuesday

It's 4:00 and that means it's time for tea! ~

Hello and Welcome to Tea Time Tuesday, my dear friends!

Wow! What a celebration we had last week! We had lots of friends join the tea party and we all had a splendid time; so many pretty tea things out there in Blogland. I am pleased to discover that graciousness is still a way of life for many of us and it's wonderful to know that there are many of you who enjoy the pleasures of tea time as much as I do.

I don't know about you, but this time of year I need books and magazines to get me inspired. I take many of my inspirations from tea books and magazines; one magazine being Victoria. My beloved Rose Chintz china also gets me inspired so I am using this pattern today.


Please come in and make yourself at home. Today I have placed a lace tablecloth over an accent table in the living room and set out my tea there. In some photos, I have also used a cranberry-red silk scarf. I like how the china pattern pops sitting on the red scarf! In the above photo, I have layered the scarf beneath the tablecloth. One doesn't always have to use the usual tablecloth to dress a table with.

There are any number of ways to dress a table for tea; a lovely scarf, as I've already mentioned, a beautiful tablecloth,  a wonderful quilt, a lace curtain, a piece of pretty fabric, etc. Use your imagination!

Are you comfortable? Then let's enjoy some tea while we have a little chat.

I have made some scones that I've just taken out of the oven.

Why not use a cinnamon stick placed on the saucer to stir your tea with, instead of a spoon?



Mmmm, scones fresh from the oven!




The scones are still warm and ready to enjoy with some Ginger Peach tea. These scones are filled with a mixture of dried fruit; raisins, cranberries, cherries, and pineapple, which is why I'm calling my tea, a Fruit Tea today!

Tea is served in my Johnson Bros. Rose Chintz teapot which once belonged to my Auntie P.

When Auntie down-sized, she passed the teapot on to me. I was happy to relieve her of it. My red silk scarf really makes the Rose Chintz pattern pop, doesn't it?



Love my Rose Chintz!



A bowl of strawberries is ready to enjoy with our tea.

The berries are served in the little Rose Chintz fruit nappie which was a gift from Patti @ Fill My Cup With - Beauty~ http://pattiannsblog.blogspot.com/ She had been out treasure hunting a few months ago and she found this little bowl and thought of me. Wasn't that sweet of her! She sent it to me with a delightful home made card and I have been blessed by her friendship. When you get a chance, do stop by and visit Patti. I know she would love to hear from you.


I also have some fresh Banana Oatmeal muffins on the cake stand. Perhaps you feel like a muffin with your tea. The beautiful clock you see in the background was an Anniversary gift from my hubby once upon a time. It is adorned with cranberry glass around the bottom.


I am going to enjoy a scone myself with some strawberry preserves and whipped cream. Mmm!

I think it looks so delightful on my Rose Chintz plate.


I have always cut my scone in half before applyng the jam and cream, but did you know that there is a proper way to eat a scone? One tea expert says when one is eating a scone, to break off a bite-sized piece and then apply your jam and cream. I have always eaten my dinner roll this way.

Please find the recipe for scones here below:
Scones

Blend or sift:
1-3/4 cups flour
2 TBSP. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp allspice {optional}

Cut in:
1/3 cup shortening

Add:
1/2 cup raisins or mixed fruit
Combine:
1 beaten egg
1/2 cup milk

Add to dry ingredients and stir lightly with fork to make a soft dough. Knead 8-10 times.
Divide dough in two and roll out each to a 6 inch circle. Place on a greased baking sheet and brush tops with milk and sprinkle with sugar. Score each circle into fours and bake.
Bake at 450 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Serve warm with cream and jam. Enjoy. Yield: 8

A Challenge ~ For the next few weeks, in celebration of Valentines Day, I thought it would be fun to share some of our favourites with a LOVE THEME. For instance, how about next week as we share a piece of china, we all share our favourite love story. It can be a movie or a favourite novel. Please share, I would love to know!

If you are one of my blog Followers, I hope you have entered my Giveaway. I am offering a sweet little birdie creamer, a package of assorted tea, a package of pretty floral cards with matching envelopes, and a pink heart-shaped tea bag holder. I also have something else which I will share with you next week.
As I mentioned last week, this Giveaway is open only to my Followers and due to shipping costs, open to Canadian and US bloggers only. If you are a Follower and you participate in any of my tea parties between last week and the week of February 7th, you will be entered again for each tea party you participate in. I will announce the winner on my Valentines Day tea on February 14th.



Happiness is having tea with a friend.

Thank you for joining me for tea today; I love it when you stop by! I hope you were inspired in some way by your visit. To participate in Tea Time Tuesday please share a teacup, china mug, teapot, or any china used in a tea. If you wish, you may instead do coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider. A poem, scripture verse, or tea quote would be most welcome. You may use the TTT button on my sidebar in your post or on your sidebar if you wish. Please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here and visit with all my lovely participants.

I am joining the following hostesses for their parties as well:

Kathy~ http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/ - Victoria- A Return to Loveliness

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

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

Wanda Lee~ http://silkenpurse.blogspot.com/ - Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday & Tea for Two

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

Wanda Lee~ http://theplumedpen.blogspot.com/ - Wednesday Tea For Me and Thee

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


Happy Tea Tuesday everyone!













This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ~ Psalm 118:24


Sharing from my heart~ Sandi
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48 comments:

  1. Pamela GordonMonday, 31 January 2011 at 16:13:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi, I enjoyed your post today and learned how to properly eat a scone. :-) I'll be joining you this evening with my post. Happy tea time. Blessings, Pamela

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  2. Johanna GehrleinMonday, 31 January 2011 at 16:23:00 GMT-4

    Hello Sandi,
    thank you for your lovely tea, I enjoyed it so much as always. Your Chintz pattern of your Auntie is so nice and springy. Love the tender colors on it. And your table is so inviting. I love the red scarf with the china as much as the variation with the lace. Your scones look delicious, I will try to bake them, too. You are such a thoughtful hostess and I felt very special joining your tea time. Thank you for hosting this wonderful event.
    Have a nice week! Greetings,
    Johanna

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  3. UnknownMonday, 31 January 2011 at 17:04:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,
    I love tea parties. I would love to join you next week. Your dishes are gorgeous. Tea and scones a favorite of mine for sure. We have a place nearby that sells Devonshire clotted cream and they make homemade scones. Yum. I use whipped cream too. When my girls were little and they would return from school about 3 PM, I would serve them a tea. Then they were never cranky by dinnertime.

    Your table is gorgeous.

    Karen

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  4. Kelsie from Our Country Home and Studio PhotographyMonday, 31 January 2011 at 17:22:00 GMT-4

    My mouth is watering over here...I think I will take a banana muffin as they are my FAVORITE...

    I find a colored flat bed sheet is great for adding a little color under a lace table cloth :)

    Blessing Kelsie

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  5. Judith @ Lavender CottageMonday, 31 January 2011 at 17:52:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi
    The red scarf does make the details of the roses pop, looks lovely on the table.
    I guess I'm just plain common, I've always split my scones too. :-) I have seen some ladies doing it properly at a tea but old habits die hard.
    Thanks for hosting as usual.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  6. Heather's Blog-o-ramaMonday, 31 January 2011 at 18:15:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi, Oh, the tea looks really lovely. The idea of using cinnamon sticks to stir the tea is fabulous. That's a new one for me, so I'll definitely remember that. I would have sliced my scone in half horizontally too :) :) Have a lovely week. Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  7. Miss RheaMonday, 31 January 2011 at 18:33:00 GMT-4

    Yes, I would LOVE a muffin :) :) :) Your set is beautiful !! Thanks for all of the great tips. Happy Tea Day !! Hugs :) :) :) :)

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  8. Lady KatherineMonday, 31 January 2011 at 19:27:00 GMT-4

    So lovely is your Tea today! I have always loved this Chintz pattern, how lucky you are to have it handed down to you. I have only a creamer. of this pattern. Oh, the food, the scones look so wonderful. Love the tablecloths!

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  9. bjMonday, 31 January 2011 at 20:40:00 GMT-4

    Such a pretty tea pot.

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  10. xinexMonday, 31 January 2011 at 21:21:00 GMT-4

    What a beautiful presentation, Sandi. Thanks for all your proper tea etiquette and for the scones recipe...Christine

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  11. bjMonday, 31 January 2011 at 22:32:00 GMT-4

    Such a pretty tea pot.

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  12. quakerhillfarmMonday, 31 January 2011 at 22:40:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,I had a lot of fun last week in joining your tea for the first time. Your post today is so pretty. I can't wait to try the scone recipe! Somehow being able to create a "Tea" just makes the day lovely!

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  13. Olga PoltavaMonday, 31 January 2011 at 22:47:00 GMT-4

    Hello Sandi,
    I found your tea tips very useful. Also thank you for the scones recipe; I'm going to try it. And, of course, your tea china is very beautiful.
    Happy Tea Tuesday!

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  14. The TablescaperMonday, 31 January 2011 at 22:53:00 GMT-4

    Great post. Never knew there was a proper way to eat a scone.

    Thanks for hosting.

    - The Tablescaper

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  15. Blue Ridge Altered ArtTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 00:18:00 GMT-4

    Beautiful post. I love your Chintz and so special that it was handed down from a family member. Makes you tea even more special. Thank you for the scone recipe and for the proper etiquette for eating them. We are a scone loving family especially my 8 year old Grandson and am always looking for different recipes. You do have the charm for setting a proper tea. ~~Sherry~~

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  16. JocelynTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 00:18:00 GMT-4

    Oh Sandi, what a lovely tea party! And the scones look delicious. Thanks for inviting me. I always love sharing tea with you.

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  17. JessaTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 00:20:00 GMT-4

    Pretty post! Love the tips :)

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  18. A Garden of ThreadsTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 00:31:00 GMT-4

    A beautiful post Sandi, I was typeless when I had finished reading. I did not know what to say. I wish everyone a wonderful time at the tea party. Take care, hugs, Jen.

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  19. SueTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 02:30:00 GMT-4

    As usual, you set out a lovely tea!

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  20. ♥ Miss TeaTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 05:12:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi, I absolutely love your post! You have such beautiful and lovely teapot and teacup and the scones look soo yummy, i'm drooling looking at them! it's a perfect combination tea + scones, I enjoy looking all the beautiful setting that you made for tea time, thanks for sharing the recipe and the cinnamon stick for stirring tea is a great idea!! looking forward for more posts by you!

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  21. KathyB.Tuesday, 1 February 2011 at 07:29:00 GMT-4

    I love having tea and scones with you. I am probably very common as I would slice the whole scone in half and butter it all before I would even eat a bite.

    You are right, the red scarf sets off the colors of your Rose Chintz dramatically. It is so interesting how the different colors of tablecloth and mats can completely alter the look of the same china , and it makes decorating all the more fun.

    Thank-you for hosting this tea time.

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  22. MaggieTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 09:33:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,
    What a delightful post, I love the idea of Tea Time gatherings like yours.
    Here on our (British) side of the pond we've always eaten our scones this way too!
    Maggie.

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  23. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 09:41:00 GMT-4

    Sandi, this is stunning as usual. You do have the most lovely tea dishes and your tablesettings are always gorgeous. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  24. UnknownTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 09:57:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sweets!
    Oh you KNOW I so enjoyed your Rose Chintz post this week and those YUMMY scones. Every detail is not missed by you! I am going to copy/paste that recipe and make some soon. I do love scones. How I wish we could sit and visit, we'd have such a grand time!

    The one piece I do not have is a Rose Chintz TeaPot...my mom, who got me started on my collection, has a creamer/sugar and told me not to purchase one, so I guess someday they are minne! But I'd love to have those pieces to my already growing set. Ah we will see.

    Hoping you are well. We are bracing for a Biggy storm to add 8-10 inches on our already 5-6 inches of snow. I am dreaming of warmth right now! Winters are hard on me and I must keep my chin up! lol

    Hugs and Love!
    Lorena

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  25. DeniseTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 10:28:00 GMT-4

    Sandi,you are I'm sure sick of me by nowbut can you try it one more time .I just looked it up and this is it.

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  26. KathyTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 10:42:00 GMT-4

    Hello,
    very lovely post - most delightful and delicious! I love this month - in the midst of cold, wintry days we can celebrate one of life's greatest gifts - love.
    Will look forward to next week's party!
    Thank you for joiing A Return to Loveliness,
    God Bless,
    Kathy

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  27. Under Her WingsTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 12:41:00 GMT-4

    Thanks for the party! Your post is so pretty. You girls work hard and make them so eye appealing.

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  28. BethTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 12:53:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi, Another lovely post! You are a fabulous hostess as well as cook, decorator, and even philosopher! Thank you for sharing Jesus with your blog as well. One never knows how many persons one may influence for Christ. I enjoyed the scones; I really should make them again sometime. They are delightful with tea (whether you cut them in half or not - lol)!
    Blessings and hugs, Beth

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  29. Wanda LeeTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 12:58:00 GMT-4

    Hello there Sandi!

    How lovely as always dear lady!.., I love the teascape vignette, the yummy strawberry shortcake and I must try that recipe!..,

    ( I have a heavy heart, computer woes and am not well; please keep me in your prayers). Thanks!

    ..,Yet God is most gracious and thank the Lord, I am bathed in His grace and mercy with deep, deep gratitude daily!

    Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

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  30. TerriTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 13:20:00 GMT-4

    Beautiful Sandi! What a lovely tea setting. You are inspiring me to set a proper tea.
    Your chintz china is beautiful. It always looks so lovely set up.
    Thank you for your fabulous post.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  31. LeliaTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 13:40:00 GMT-4

    Hi, Sandy Thanks for your beautiful site and your inspirational messages. I am glad I found you.

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  32. DeniseTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 14:07:00 GMT-4

    Sandi,Thank you for everything.I was going to stop trying because I didn't want to bother you any more.Have a great week.

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  33. CarolynTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 15:19:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,
    So,all this time I have been eating my scones wrong! Your scones look delicious and it is hard to beat a warm scone with a cup of tea.
    Everything looks pretty and the red tablecloth does give your tea a nice shot of color.
    Thank you for hosting again,
    Carolyn

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  34. LynnTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 15:52:00 GMT-4

    Sandi, Oh I must try your delicious scone recipe. As you can see by my posting today, I "crave" scones at times, lol. No, have never made them myself. I have a huge list of "joys to encounter" now that I am retired, scones are somewhere in the middle, working my way toward them. Thank you for being such a lovely hostess each Tuesday. Blessings on your week.

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  35. AnonymousTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 16:13:00 GMT-4

    Well Sandi! that's a great idea!
    stirring tea with cinnamon sticks! I love that!
    Your photos are so darling! They make me want to be a guest at your place...and suddenly I want a cup of tea!

    .....another thing I love is Victoria magazine!
    In fact, I posted about curling up with my blanket and reading the latest copy just today!
    Actually there are two posts for today...come on by and find it!

    lol

    ciao bella

    Creative Carmelina

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  36. La Vie QuotidienneTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 16:20:00 GMT-4

    I love scones especially with heavy or clotted cream...yummy! I also am in love with your Rose Chintz china, my daughter has some and maybe I need it too.(-: Thank you for visiting me.

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  37. OliviaTuesday, 1 February 2011 at 18:24:00 GMT-4

    Oh what a beautiful tea party! I love it!
    Hugs,
    Olivia
    ps
    my little girl wants to eat the strawberries!

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  38. fitty's pinky rose cottageWednesday, 2 February 2011 at 06:18:00 GMT-4

    I shall never get bored with your Chintz dear Sandi, and because of you, again, I have bought myself a duo for this set! I just love the chintzy feels! love them! all I need now is to get a side plate or butter plate for the set I just bought! thanks for sharing.. have a good week!
    xo
    fitty

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  39. paperbutterflyWednesday, 2 February 2011 at 23:29:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,
    You have the best quotes about tea.
    I love your chintz teapot and dishes. Remind me of warm summer's day. Thank you for sharing your tips and recipes. You make every Tuesday special. Thank you for hostng.
    Your gift will make some tea lady very happy.
    Blessings, Pam

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  40. Janis Van KeurenThursday, 3 February 2011 at 00:22:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,

    Such beauty here. I'm just scrolling down the page and soaking in the beauty. Love the femininity of the china, lace and scones. And I learned how to eat a scone.
    Sandi, I just saw your sidebar that said you are award free. So sorry that I didn't know that before, so you don't have to accept the "Stylish Blogger" award I gave you.
    Your blog is definitely stylish though.
    Blessings,
    Janis

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  41. The BUTT'RY and BOOK'RYThursday, 3 February 2011 at 00:23:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,
    I really feel like I was present at the tea! I love how the strawberries and preserves with whipped cream want to pop off the picture to my taste buds ha ha! I love all the pretty tea settings too.
    I need to find a good gluten free scone receipt! Many blessings and warm hugs, Linnie

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  42. Sara von BuelsdorfThursday, 3 February 2011 at 10:16:00 GMT-4

    Ich liebe das schöne Rose Chintz-Porzellan. Leider gibt es das in unserer Stadt schon lange nicht mehr und ich weiß nicht, wo ich es noch bekommen kann.

    Liebe Grüße aus Germany
    Sara

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  43. Sissie's Shabby CottageThursday, 3 February 2011 at 17:30:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi,
    Thanks for inviting me to your lovely tea. I have a favorite resort called The Homestead, located in Homestead, Virginia. There they have the most wonderful afternoon tea time. Your lovely teapot reminds me of the pretty teapots they used to serve the tea.
    Also the scones look so delicious.

    Thanks for sharing.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  44. Jem Thursday, 3 February 2011 at 17:55:00 GMT-4

    Hello Sandi!

    I was just heading over to your blog when you commented on mine - lovely coincidence :-) I so enjoyed this post - was a perfect way to unwind from my day!

    Jem at Beautiful Clutter. xXx

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  45. TinaThursday, 3 February 2011 at 19:11:00 GMT-4

    Oh! What a beautiful blog!
    I also really like cups, teapots, porcelain and china in general ... but Confec everything related to tea delights me.
    I will follow your blog, I'm always here ...
    Hugs

    Tina ( SONHAR E REALIZAR)

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  46. Martha's FavoritesThursday, 3 February 2011 at 19:13:00 GMT-4

    Hi Sandi: You always manage to have a great post and educate as well. I love your Chintz China, I would love to have one one day. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

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  47. Patti Thursday, 3 February 2011 at 22:49:00 GMT-4

    You always have such a welcoming and beautiful tea party. I LOVE having tea at your place!!

    I especially enjoyed the lesson in the proper way to eat a scone. Like you eating your dinner roll, that is how I eat rolls and scones. BUT I didn't know that was the correct way.

    Your rose chintz tea pieces are totally lovely. Such a beautiful pattern. And it was my total joy to find that little dish and then surprise you with it.

    Thank you for your sweet words about me. You are a lovely, gracious friend.

    Love,
    Patti

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  48. Brownieville GirlSunday, 6 February 2011 at 16:02:00 GMT-4

    How georgous ..... loads of ideas - thank you so much.

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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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