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 19 December 2011

Tea Time Tuesday ~ Merry Christmas!



"For Christmas is tradition time - traditions that recall. The precious memories down the years, The sameness of them all." ~ Helen Lowrie Marshall {Victoria magazine}
                                            
Welcome to my 100th and last Tea Time Tuesday before Christmas and of 2011. I will be taking a blogging break from TTT after this week's tea party until the New Year. So, I hope you will enjoy my tea post and you will miss my tea parties.

I will begin afresh with Tea Time Tuesday on January 2, 2012. 



The holidays are such a busy time what with baking, decorating, entertaining, and shopping, so it's nice to just sit quietly and have a tea break. Therefore, my tea today will be a quiet and simple one.

Soft white and a touch of pink will be my theme today.

I am sipping tea from my crystal studded teacup. The sparkles add a wee bit of bling to the tea table and is perfect for the Christmas season, don't you agree?


Sprigs of evergreen from our tree add a festive touch as well as a fresh scent.

The thing I like about this teacup is that both sides are beautiful. 



The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.~ Burton Hillis


I have been busy baking shortbread among other things....


...and I thought I would enjoy one with a cup of tea. 




Time to savour the season over a cup of Stash Holiday Chai tea. It is just right with a freshly baked scone or two.


Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.





TEA TIP~ To make your scones a little more festive for tea, why not drizzle icing over them when they're hot from the oven.

These scones are wonderful! I made them with candied fruit, the kind you use in fruit cake. I added allspice and cinnamon to the mixture and then I drizzled icing over them when they were hot from the oven. Yum!


Do you like my Christmas tree plate? I have a few pieces of this china which I always take out at Christmastime. It's such a whimsical pattern and I love the little teddy bear sitting beneath the tree! I know a little girl who will one day love it too.

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." ~ Norman Vincent Peale




Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine;
Love was born at Christmas;
Star and angels gave the sign.
Christina Rosetti



"...for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2: 10-11

Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

Thank you for stopping by today. I would like to invite you to join me for Tea Time and all you have to do is share a favourite teacup or coffee mug or something tea related. You may do coffee or hot chocolate, hot apple cider or eggnog instead if you wish. A poem, scripture verse, or tea quote would be most welcome and the TTT button on my sidebar is available for you to use in your post or sidebar if you so desire. As a courtesy please link back to me so your visitors may find their way here and visit with all my lovely participants. 

I am also joining the following parties this week~ 

Sherry~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home

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

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

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

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

Trisha~ http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/
Tea Party Tuesday

Bernideen~ http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.com/ 
Friends Sharing Tea

Trish~ http://angelwingsandapronstrings.blogspot.com/
L.A.C.E.

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

For somehow, not only at Christmas, but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. ~ John Greenleaf Whittier



To all my wonderful tea party friends  ~ Thank you for your visits, comments, and participation in my tea party this past year. Your lovely presence is what made my tea party so enjoyable and one which I looked forward to hosting every week.

Merry Christmas and A Happy & Healthy New Year!



Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

44 comments :

  1. I really like those Christmas tea plates. I'm now rather hungry after reading this post, I better get baking!
    I hope you have a very Happy Christmas and all good wishes for 2012.

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  2. Hi Sandi,
    Merry Christmas to you and your family! Your tea is lovely and the scones look really nice. I like the idea of drizzling icing over them. Have a great Holiday!
    Sherry

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  3. What lovely tea settings, Sandi. You truly bring perfect touches to all you do.
    Merry Christmas
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

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  4. HI Sandi :) :)

    Your tea is lovely. I would love enjoy one of your beautiful holiday scones. I was curious about one photo. It looked like a tea light in a mason jar? It's really cute ;) :)
    Your Christmas plate is so sweet ;) :) I'm thinking your granddaughter might enjoy that when she's older :) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather ;

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  5. Dear Sandi,
    I wish you and your family a blessed and merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Its a good idea to take a break and to enjoy the Christmas days. Todays post is as always a lovely tea time. Love the sparkling tea cup and the delish cookies. Thank you so much for preparing each week this delightful event. See you next year.
    Blessings from Johanna

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  6. Your teacup is so pretty and the baked treats look yummy! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! Thank you fr hosting!

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  7. WOW! 6 more days until Christmas, and I don't even have my tree up yet!! All of you wonderful ladies are showing all of your wonderful decorations and cooking/baking skills. I don't know where the time is going...BUT I do guarantee my tree will be up by this weekend...LOL. Your post is such an inspiration today. I just want to sit back and enjoy a cup of hot tea and one of your baking creations.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours,
    Brenda

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  8. Very pretty Christmas tea Sandi. I have the tea flavour too and love it. Have you tried Christmas Eve by Stash too? It's so lovely with a hint of spearmint. I want to wish your and your family a very blessed and happy Christmas and all the best for the new year. Blessings and hugs, Pamela

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  9. Gorgeous as always. You know that cup is one of my favorites ever. I just love the sparkly rhinestones so much. Your sweets look delish!! I too am taking a nice break for the end of the year so I wish you Blessed Tidings Sandi and hope you ring in a fantastic New Year.

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  10. Your tea table and sparkling tea cup are wonderful, and the scones with candied fruit sound delicious.
    Merry Christmas.

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  11. Merry Christmas to you and all those you love. May 2012 bring lots of lovely Tea Party's.
    Hugs
    Kay

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  12. Hello Sandi
    A charming tea as usual and with some yummy looking shortbread.
    Thank you for hosting, you've brought together a warm and friendly group to meet over tea each week.
    Wishing you and family a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2012.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  13. Beautiful Christmas tea post. The scones!!! Lovely tea plates. The Mason Jar (a very popular accessory ths year)! iAnother beautiful tea! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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  14. Your Christmas tea in your crystal studded tea cup and saucer is so lovely! The cookies look very tasty too!
    I love your Christmas tree plate. I think it is so pretty and festive. It is so nice to have special things to bring out to help set the mood for the time.
    Happy Christmas to you and your family.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  15. It's always so pretty here. Your Christmas tree plate is such an attractive item and the sweets look delicious. Merry Christmas to you!
    -Karen

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  16. I was just sipping Stash Chai as I posted! LOL! A wonderful Christmas post! Hava a wonderful Christmas and break and God bless your family. Ruth

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  17. Sandi, thank you for hosting your lovely tea parties. They enable a wonderful gathering of inspirational and creative ladies!! Happy Holidays to you and your family!! xo HHL

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  18. Your wonderful red transferware is always a delight! And your tea is wonderful! I love the scones! Just had one with my tea. Bliss indeed. Have a blessed Christmas and a nice break enjoying the season and your family. Merry Christmas!
    Cheers,
    R

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  19. I love your transferware teacups. The food looks yummy and you just reminded me that I get myself to baking, as my girls are coming home for C'mas, along with the grandgirls.
    Wish you the merriest of Christmas.
    FABBY

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  20. Love the King's Crown in your header.

    - The Tablescaper

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  21. Sandi: Thank you for your faithfulness each week. May God richly bless you this Christmas season. Hugs, Martha

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  22. Happy 100th Tea Time Tuesday!

    Your tea time today is very lovely. The teacup is elegant, and I really like the plate with the Christmas tree.

    I hope you have a wonderful, blessed Christmas!

    Charlotte

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  23. Indeed Jesus is the reason for the Season.

    A very lovely post and I truly agree with you about the Christmas plate with the tree...a keeper~

    "If we are to have the peace of Christ,we must begin by acknowledging in a practical way the Reign of Christ." ~Pope Pius XI

    Also Paul of the Cross said "...for truth deceives no man."

    Mary Christ Mass (aka Merry Christmas)
    ~Sylvia Faye

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  24. ooh lovely teacup with the sprigs for decor, I also love your christmas tree plate and the little bird on top of the plate's stand. Shortbreads are always my fave and those look so yummy as well as the all spice cinnamon scones you made! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a all the best in the New Year!!

    thank you for hosting and sharing!

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  25. Best Wishes for the Holiday season and a very Merry Christmas you and your family. Your cup is wonderful and beauty should be two sided. The sprigs of evergreen were a nice touch.
    I love seeing the snow this morning as the sun came up. Shortbread, oh my favourite. Enjoy, see you in the new year. Hugs, cindy

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  26. Hi Sandi, Your Christmas tea is lovely. How gorgeous is your red tree plates and your scones look so yummy. Such an inviting place to be in your beautiful home full of the true spirit of Christmas and the love of family and friends. How nice it is to stop for tea when our days are so busy.

    Wishing you a very special Christmas and many blessings in the new year. Love to you my friend.
    Celestina Marie

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  27. Hi Sandi,
    I have the same teacups.plates and candles!
    The scones look delicious-a nice treat hot out of the oven.

    I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and blessings for the New Year.
    Thank you for hosting all year as well.

    Carolyn

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  29. Merry Christmas, Sandi, to you and your family. All of God's best.

    Barb ♥

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  30. Oh Sandi dear,
    Oh Sandi dear
    How lovely are your photos!
    Beautiful photos of beautiful cups and Christmas decorations
    And the scones look delicious!
    I'll miss you next week.
    Have a peaceful Christmas celebration with all your family.
    Hugs

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  31. Merry Christmas, my teatime friend! And what a scrumptious setting you have for us today! I've been very naughty already with the cookies - but tea I can drink no limit! Your red Christmas tree plate is lovely - a delightful setting, as always!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  32. Hi sweet friend!
    I have so cheerished your bloggy friendship. Your Tea Tuesdays and sharing your love of the Lord ooozes from your beautiful blog. Hoping that i will find more tea inspiration and join you more next year.
    Wishing you nad you family a very blessed CHRISTmas!
    Hugs and love,
    lorena

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  33. Merry, Merry Christmas dear Sandi,

    I loved and always enjoy reading each well chosen word and looking at all of your beautiful, softly hued teatime Christmas pictures..,

    Your shortbread and scones certainly look yummy, festive and oh-so pretty Sandi. And yes, oh those delicately bejeweled teacups with little sprigs of greenery; lovely!

    Yet it is indeed, 'He who came to seek and to save that which was lost' that we celebrate as those angels and shepherds did two thousand years ago. I love Him, and thankfully you have shared your love of Him as well with the story of the nativity. It is Jesus Christ we look for with all of our hearts. How awe inspiring and beyond joyfully glorious indeed!..,

    Thanks ever so much for also inspiring us richly and sharing with us all of your marvelous tea posts and Tuesday tea parties. Thanks for so faithfully brightening our corner of blogland, as you have joined us for, 'T and TTT', and also for, 'Tuesday Tea For Two' each and evry week Sandi!

    May God richly bless you and yours during this coming Christmas and also in the New Year in 2012 dear lady.

    Hugs, Wanda Lee (and Pam)

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  34. Hello Sandi, Your post is so lovely, as always. I have been blessed week after week sharing teatime with you! You have made blogging such a joy! It is most joyous to me knowing we share a faith in our LORD Jesus and that if we never have the opportunity to meet here - I know we'll meet some day!
    Wishing you a very blessed Christmas!
    Kathy

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  35. Dear Sandi,
    What an absolutely beautiful blog! Thank you so much for stopping by mine and leaving a comment. I appreciate the support and encouragement. I love visiting here and imagining I'm sitting across from you sharing a cup of tea and friendship. God bless you and have a very Merry Christmas!

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  36. This takes my breath away. Such a peaceful post. Your granddaughter will love those plates and the memories you will create with her.
    Wishing you a blessed Christmas!

    Pam

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  37. Hello Sandi,your Tea party setting is lovely.I love your scones.Enjoy the Christmas break.
    God Bless
    Barb from Australia

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  38. Absolutely beautiful, dear Sandi!
    Your plate is so lovely and the shortbread looks wonderful!Something very beautiful happens when you add a sprig of greenery to a lace cloth.
    I hope you have well-deserved rest over the next week or so, and don't worry - I'm sure we'll all be here waiting for you in the new year :-)
    Thanks for always sharing your beautiful heart and home with us so graciously - you are one of lovliest ladies in blogland!
    Christ shines forth through you!!
    Sandi, I so appreciate you linking your tea posts to LACE, it's always a pure pleasure to have you to visit with!
    much love in Jesus, dear friend..Trish

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  39. Hi Sandie....everything looks so pretty and those cookies look like they melt in your mouth. Sandie....I wish you the best Christmas ever.....and if younlived close....I'd tell you to come over and join us in eating latkes.....Merry Christmas Sandie. I'm really glad that I've connected with you. Nikki

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  40. Love the christmas tea plate.. !!

    Wish you a merry Christmas and a happy 2012.

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  41. Wow..you have a beautiful collection of tea cups. I dont think I could pick a favorite as they are all so lovely. Merry Christmas!

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  42. Just stopping by again to wish you, Sandi, and all who link up at Tea Party Tuesday extra Holiday greetings and gratitude for your support and wonderful contributions! Blessings and all things good to you and yours in 2012
    Trish
    www.sweetology101.blogspot.com

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  43. Thank you for joining me at Home Sweet Home! Have a very Merry Christmas!
    Sherry

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  44. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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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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