Monday, 18 June 2012

"Savour the Summer" Tea Party


"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living." ~ Amanda Bradley

Welcome dear friends to my Summer Tea Party! What better way to celebrate Summer together than with a tea party? So come, let's Savour the Summer with some tea and lemonade! My beautiful bouquet sets the scene, roses, carnations, lilies, etc....




I hope all the dads out there enjoyed their special day yesterday!

I have two "new to me" teacups to share with you. These were a such good buy to begin with and I got 30% off the ticketed price so I was happy.

{Last Fall I had found a Bavaria-Schumann saucer but the teacup was not a match so I am happy to have found this new set!}

This lovely teacup is an original Bridal Rose by Bavaria- Schumann.




It is a beautiful white china with gorgeous rose garlands and gold lacework on the scalloped edges. The cup itself is so comfortable to hold as it fits nicely in my hand and its handle is comfortable as well.


Love the saucer! Bridal Rose remains a  pattern which has endeared itself to thousands, including me. 





"The daintiness and yet elegance of a china teacup focuses one to be gentle, to think warmly and to feel close." ~ Carol and Malcolm Cohen  


My second teacup was a real find and I am so excited to share this one with you!

In 1984, Royal Albert produced a "Garden Cottage" series featuring the four seasons. I found the Summer teacup, and I am thrilled to have found it!




It is such a pretty china teacup depicting an old English rural cottage garden scene with a pastel pink scroll edge. The thatched roof cottage is home to a young girl and a gaggle of geese, making this teacup so very charming. I don't know whether the flowers are roses or peonies. In any case, I love them!



The other side of the cup also has a cottage scene....



Just inside the cup is a sweet little spray of flowers to look at while sipping your tea and the cup has a beautiful handle.




The back stamp.


"Nowhere is the English genius of domesticity more notably evident than in the festival of afternoon tea. The chink of cups and the saucers tunes the mind to happy repose." ~ G. Gissing



The back stamp on the Summer plate bears this charming poem~ 


"Summer haze and sunshine days,
England's tranquil hour
Petals carpet dusty roads
This festival of flowers."



These are some of the pretties I'm using today for my Summer Tea Party....beautiful flowers, china, and a lacy parasol...



The tea set ...



The pretty Myott Brides Bouquet plates were made in Staffordshire England. I found two bread and butter and four salad plates at a new shop in town called Time Worn Treasures and Antiques. You can find Lori's site here.


Tea is ready ....




Which cup would you like? 






My Tea is mainly a dessert tea but I am also serving some Cream cheese and cucumber, as well as egg salad tea sandwiches...





Now for the dessert... I have Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars and Cherry Squares with pink icing...




Warm Rhubarb Pudding with whipped cream...




Strawberry Shortcake in a jar. I discovered this sweet treat at Yvonne's Stone Gable. It's as good as it looks. Thank you Yvonne for sharing. Don't you just love other bloggers who share their recipes and ideas? I sure do!


Hubby just loved these!


Strawberry Shortcake in a Jar
Cut rounds out of pound cake to fit the jar. Layer one round in the bottom of the jar.
Layer in some berries, that have been mixed with a bit of sugar, on top of the cake.
Layer of fresh whipped cream.
Repeat layers until you get to the top. Use a cake decorating tip for last layer of whipped cream and decorate with a strawberry. I don't have a cake decorator at the moment so I improvised using a plastic baggie filled with whipped cream, snipped off the corner, and squeezed the whipped cream on to the top of the shortcake, swirling it as I went. Tie a pretty bow on to the jar to match your plate and, Voila!

In future, I might try using blueberries or raspberries. The canning jar makes a very cute presentation, don't you think?


There are goblets of pink lemonade too if you would like something cool to drink. Please help yourself!



I am so happy you have joined me today! I hope you all have a lovely Summer and make some wonderful memories with your family and friends.



"Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have." ~ The Book of 1 Samuel


I am happy to see all your tea things, whether you have shared them before or not. This tea party is all about sharing your joy of tea time and any thoughts you might have on the subject. And for the summer months, I would love to see your teacups and teapots indoors as well as out in the garden, at the beach, on a park bench, etc... Also I would enjoy seeing your teacup and teapot crafts as well as recipes and any stories you might have to share about tea time. So, let's have fun this summer with our teas. Get out there and be as creative, fancy, or as laid back as you wish!

I am delighted you have stopped by for a visit today. 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 and visit with all my lovely participants. 

I am joining the following parties as well~

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


Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi

72 comments:

  1. so beautiful--I especially love the idea of cucumber cream cheese sandwiches!

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  2. Hi Sandi, I love your Summer tea party today! I have those very same Bridal Rose teacups and saucers - four of them! Everything looks so pretty in pink and white. The sandwiches and desserts looks scrumptious and the bouquet is perfect. I forgot about this party so won't be joining this week. Maybe I'll have something to share next time.. Blessings, Pamela

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  3. You have a lovely tea party there, Sandi- so girlie and beautiful!

    I love your new Bavarian tea cup especially (♥) and I am especially fond of that pretty umbrella! I have a tiny one for an old porcelain doll in a guest bedroom, but not a big one for ME! : - )

    Your tasty treats looks delicious.

    Thank you for hosting another wonderful linky party!

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  4. I can't tell you how much I enjoy seeing all of your beautiful pink and white china. The roses are beautiful. And the dessert looks delicious.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  5. Oh My Goodness I can TASTE the Loveliness you have set! I (((LOVE))) how you captured such a warm and beautiful summer tea for us! The dishes are to DIE FOR! I do not have either, Hmmmm, "YET"! Your parasols is SO SWEET sitting there in all the pretties. So Ladylike! I KNOW you have added a few new things to my growing WISHLIST and parasols is going to the TOP!!!
    Would you share the recipe for that wonderful rhubarb cobbler??? I have some rhubarb just waiting to be claimed...
    Thank you for this sweet party.
    Have a fun week,
    Big Hugs,
    Donna

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  6. Your strawberry shortcake in a jar looks so delicious. And what a lovely idea to use old preserving jars. My post is a little different, with a teapot mystery that I hope my efriends can help me solve.

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  7. I guess your hubby knows how lucky he is to have such a good baker at home. I am so in love with the Summer Tea-cup. It is so sweet. Hugs

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  8. Hi Sandi, since you're asking, I would love to drink my tea from the darling cottage teacup (sigh!!). Isn't that the prettiest ever??!! Your menu is wonderful and yes, I love how bloggers share their recipes and know-how. Thanks for hosting your wonderful party. xo

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  9. Sandi, what a beautiful tea you have for us today. The flowers are beautiful and I love the pink vase. Your news cups are lovely. I really like teacups with scenes. Your goodies all look delicious. I should try the shortcake in a glass! Everything was gorgeous.

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  10. Hello Sandi - A beautiful and delicious welcome to Summer! Isn't it marvelous! I just adore the flowers and the cottage scene on the teacup - lovely!
    Your tea looks perfect - light and sweet! I appreciate you hosting and hope you have a blessed week,
    Kathy

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  11. What a lovely and beautiful summer tea party dear Sandi! Wish I could be there..the little sandwichs look so yummy and the sweets. Your Bridal Rose teacups and your beauitful new Bavarian; are stunning, as is the rest of your china. Thank you for hosting.
    FABBY

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  12. Hi Sandi! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tea. I love the cottage teacup and that very pretty teapot.
    ~Clara

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  13. Hi Sandi,
    Love the Bavarian teacup. I always think when I see these, I have found Limoge, until I turn it over. But, the most fantastic teacup is that Royal Albert Garden Cottage teacup! I have to go investigate that pattern. Love the idea of it in 4 seasons! How pretty! Shortcakes in jar are so cute! Thank you for hosting!
    Sherry

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  14. Wow, I love those teacups! What beautiful pictures you take. Gorgeous post.

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  15. What a beautiful collection of tea cups. My mother will only drink out of a tea cup not a mug so I shall have to search for some pretty ones like yours :)) Take care, Judyx

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  16. Love your new teacup with the thatched roof cottage. Your table bouquet is lovely.

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  17. Hello Sandi,
    Its hard to choose between your lovely teacups, but the one with the darling sweet scene is calling for me! Your strawberry shortcake in a jar looks so yummy, I'm going to try it soon! You gave a beautiful Tea and thank you for inviting us and hosting. Have a great week!
    Nancy

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  18. Sandi, What a beautiful girly post! I love every little detail! Thanks for the kind shout-out! Your strawberry shortcake in a jar is stunning!

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  19. Hi Sandi,

    Gorgeous post! I love the "Garden Cottage" Summer teacup ... so beautiful! Your bouquet is so lovely, the lacy parasol is divine, and your Strawberry Shortcake in a jar ... Well, I'm in heaven now!

    Thank you for hosting another beautiful Tea Party!

    Blessings,
    ~Wendy

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  20. Ahh Sandi...a perfect summer tea party! I love the china, and what a wonderful idea the shortcakes in a jar is! How fun is that! Thanks so much for your summer tea party and for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  21. Oh, Sandi! I am just thrilled with your Royal Albert Summer teacup with the cottage - it is a place I would want to live year round!! Such a wonderful find - and thank you, I'd love to use that one for teatime today. Your spread looks delish and the mason jar shortcake is a favorite treat - so artfully presented. Under a lace umbrella - it all smells of summer and a perfect compliment to this hopeful season. Hope you enjoy my little bit of summer whimsy today . . .
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  22. Dear Sandi,
    This is the most romantic of tea party tables. I dont take part in them..as i really only have my tea days when the family come.
    I must congratulate you on such perfection. How i would love to have tea with you in those beautiful new design of Roayal Albert. I have a set my mother gave me of Royal Albert "Moss Rose" its very old.
    I would love to have one of the summer cottage collection. Your tea sandwiches look divine.
    most of all.. what a fantastic idea to make desert in a jar with the ribbon around it. I love it.
    A delightful post. I enjoyed it all.
    Happy blessed evening.
    val

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  23. Lovely!!! I was happy to see the Royal Albert "Summer" I had never seen it before. It is so dainty and sweet!

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  24. Thank you so much for the friendly cuppa. Your cooking was delicious.
    hugs
    KAy

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  25. Oh Sandi
    How adorable. We had a wonderfully pink and delicious tea party with you.
    I LOVE the bouquet and your china is lovely. I adore the little house scene on the saucer.
    Delicious sandwiches AND shortcake in a jar. I AM going to make those...maybe bring them in to work this summer.
    Love them.
    Just adorable..thank you for sharing.
    Judi

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  26. I'll have some COLD lemonade or iced tea, please, with that rhubarb dessert. It's been 106 degrees here and I'm melting. Too hot to garden or shop after 8:15 this morning.

    Both new pieces are so pretty, but I'd choose the Bridal Rose.♥♫

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  27. The cup and saucer with the cottage is pure charm! Very pretty post and teatime. Sandi...my hubby had my friend's funeral this morning so I don't think I am going to be able to post this week. I cooked a good deal of food as their was a meal afterwards and posted the casserole.
    Count on me next week!

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  28. Hello Sandi
    Joining you for your tea party has put me in the mood for summer. Everything is so pink and feminine, (just the way we like it) and the parasol is adorable.
    Good finds on the teacups, I haven't been looking for awhile; it has to be something pretty special for me to buy another.
    Thank you for hosting.
    Hugs,
    Judith

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  29. Once again you have set out the perfect tea and ohhhhh so delish goodies! Both your teacups are lovely and perfect for celebrating the arrival of summer. Shortcake in a jar ...gotta love it!! xo C. (HHL)

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  30. Hi Sandi, I loved your tea party! Everything is so beautiful and yummy!! I choose both teacups, they were both so pretty. I have a lace umbrella packed up somewhere, I'll have to find it.

    Thanks for inviting me to your Summer Tea Party!

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  31. what a beautiful tea Sandi, love Bridal Rose, the teapot you have is also beautiful. Going to try the shortcake in a jar this week, that is so cute, I'm sure it isn't fattening. Thank you for sharing...

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  32. what a beautiful tea Sandi, love Bridal Rose, the teapot you have is also beautiful. Going to try the shortcake in a jar this week, that is so cute, I'm sure it isn't fattening. Thank you for sharing...

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  33. I just love the cup with the little cottage on it and of course the bridal rose is wonderful also , just all so soft and pretty and looking at those little sandwaiches makes me hungry LOl

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  34. Sandi, what a beautiful tea party! I love the china...your two new cups are gorgeous! The cottage cup and saucer is so charming, it reminds me of my visit to Carmel and all the cottages I saw there. What a great find! I like the way you displayed all your lovely tea goodies on the table, it looks so good! Such a special way to begin the summer!

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  35. Oohh I'd love to be having tea with you today...perhaps my road trip should be extended:))
    Everything looks gorgeous...love that teaset and the fresh flowers.
    Love Shel

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  36. Dear Sandi,
    what wonderful china you show us today. I wouldn't have thought that the set is German. It is so cute with the roses and the scalloped edges of the plates. And the second find is wonderful and romantic, too. You made a special summer party today. So many treats an goodies. The desert in the canning jars looks fabulous. Thank you for all the pretty inspirations. And for hosting this great event.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  37. Oh, Sandi, your settings are just FABULOUS! I love the Bridal sets. So very pretty and the daintiness that seems to be a must. You have displayed them so very beautifully. Your desserts look so good and set out so SWEET. OK, now my mouth is watering and I can almost smell them! I did love the bouquet!! You set a very lovely table and make your guests feel so welcomed. I have surely enjoyed visiting you today.
    Brenda

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  38. Wow! Everything is so yummy looking; the china and the food! You set a lovely table and if I ever was so blessed to visit for tea I would want to use the Bridal Rose tea cup. Thank you for a pleasant visit today.

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  39. Sandi:

    This is all so soft and beautiful. Dessert looks excellent!

    - The Tablescaper

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  40. Dear Sandi, thanks for your comment :-)
    I am not mistaken when I thought this topic, so new to me, introduced me in new and adorable blogs :-)
    I am really happy to have participated in your Summer Tea Party, and enjoyed the sight of your new cups (my favorite is the Summer cottage one), as well as ideas about the refreshing :-)
    I'll try to make a sponge cake with strawberries in a cup, is a very attractive idea.
    I believe that even Queen Victoria would have willingly taken part in your party (among other things, do not miss her favorite sandwiches!)
    Mini lovely hugs
    Flora

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  41. Very sweet with rose garlands on the teacup. A nice summer cup from Royal Albert. I like that you set with a white parasol. It gives a feeling of summer and relaxation. I choose Bridal Rose cup. It's so cute. Unbelievable what a lot of goodies you are bidding on. Nice feature to serve shortcake in the jar. That I will imitate. Thanks for a wonderful and summery blog. I wish you a great week! Zinni

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  42. Hi Sandi, Love the Myott, 'Summer,' and 'Bridal Wreath' as well as the strawberry shortcake in a jar. Your food all looks delicious. Your posies are stunning and what a lovely post this is!
    Blessings, Beth

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  43. Hi Sandi, Love the Myott, 'Summer,' and 'Bridal Wreath' as well as the strawberry shortcake in a jar. Your food all looks delicious. Your posies are stunning and what a lovely post this is!
    Blessings, Beth

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  44. Hi Sandi,
    Your Summer Tea party looks so delish! I would love one of those strawberry shortcakes with tea. Your teacups and flowers are beautiful. Thanks for hosting. Have a wonderful week.
    Blessings,
    Lisa

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  45. Hi Sandi,
    You are bringing summer in in fine style! I love your new teacups. The strawberry shortcake looks so good.
    Hope you have a wonderful summer and thanks for hosting.

    Carolyn

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  46. Hi Sandi,
    Pretty table setting....the umbrella is a perfect Summer touch.
    I like the shortcake in the jars...a bit different and a nice handmade touch.
    Have a good week
    Barb from Australia

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  47. Hi, Sandi,
    It is always such a delight for me to visit your lovely tea setting!! All of your pretty china, lovely bouquet and lacy parasol are just perfect for the occasion. I especially loved the strawberry shortcake in a jar, wonderful idea, and so yummy looking. Happy tea time to you, my sweet and kind friend~Sending love to you~Vicki

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  48. Hi Sandi: What a delightful post. Everything looks so beautiful. Always done in perfect taste. Thank you. Sandi, I have a prayer need, could you remember me to the Lord this week. Thanks so much. Hugs, Martha

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  49. Sandi, your beautiful Summer Tea party has warmed me through and through today - thank you!
    Your new-found summer cottage cup is absolutely gorgeous!
    I just love cups with pretty little cottages on them.
    The preserving jars with shortcake and cream look brilliant!
    What a fantastic idea.
    And a lace parasol is the perfect embellishment for this dainty and refreshing tea!
    Thanks for linking up, my dear friend.
    Hope your week is full of blessings!
    love..Trish xx

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  50. Oh, it is all so delightfully pretty! What a wonderful tea :)

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  51. What a lovely way to spend the first day of summer...I wish I had known about you sooner...I will have to link up at another time as I am a working girl and can't indulge myself just now. However, if you check out the pages of my blog, http://pamelasopenwindow.blogspot.com , and most especially the "Page" entitled a Few of my Favorite things...you will see that I also love tea and all that goes along with it...I am looking forward to savoring another tea party with you in the future now that I've discovered you! Thank you for the delightful moment!

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  52. Hello Sandi, I am late to the party with a Migraine that hit just as I posted on Monday night! But am now able to be up and around :)
    Bridal rose is a very sweet pattern! I have a Limoges very similar that I love, but it doesn't have your detailed gold trim, that is a gorgeous addition. The cottage cup is one of my favorites on my "wish list". They are so lovely!
    I should never come to your blog hungry! Every time I want to reach in a get myself some of your delicious food!
    You set such a lovely summer tea! Everything looks beautiful.
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  53. HI SANDI......YOUR TEA PARTY IS ABSOLUTELY CHARMING......YOUR BEAUTIFUL DISHES ARE LOVELY.....YOUR DESSERTS ARE ADORABLE....I LIKE THE IDEA WITH THE JAR....JUST WONDERFUL
    HAVE A GREAT DAY.....RIZZI

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  54. Thank you so much for your sweet words. They mean a lot to me. I love your tea party pictures. So sweet and feminine. Thank you for going to all that work in making the food, setting up and taking the photos. Photos like yours are refreshing.

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  55. Hi Sandi~Thank-you for hosting this lovely tea party! I love your Cottage Garden tea cup. Your lace parasel added the perfect touch to your darling tea table. Also thank-you for your visit to my blog. That tea cup had this on the bottom 18 EB 50 Foley Bone China. Made in England. Denise

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  56. Hi Sandi, What a beautiful tea to bring in the new season with all the loveliness that only your can share. I love all your gorgeous tea cups an especially the cottage cup. Oh the finger sandwiches and desserts are divine and thank you for sharing the recipe.

    I was thrilled to see your blog feature in Romantic Homes. So excited for you as you are so deserving.
    Thank you for your visits and prayers. Doing better now and blessed to be moving forward in the new summer season.

    Hugs and blessings to you always,
    XO CMD

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  57. Oh, Sandi, what a lovely party. Such charming photos, too! Gosh, the table looks wonderful and all the dishes are sweet...I think I like the Cottage cup best. Mmm, the food is making me hungry! lol~ The lace parasol is elegant...THANKS for hosting and sharing with us.
    xo
    Shawn

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  58. Hi, Sandi. I'm running a little behind on stopping in this week, but I'm glad I did! What gorgeous new teacups! I think my favorite is the bridal pink one, but I'm also a sucker for cottages. I've never seen one on a cup before. I also love your teapot set. The detail on the handles and and spout are so pretty! Stop on over to my new blog, where I just published a new post...http://cairncottage.blogspot.com/2012/06/getting-patriotic.html

    Ann
    “Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” Spanish Proverb

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  59. Oh Sandi, you have outdone yourself this week! The strawberry shortcake in a jar is so cute I can't stand it. Everything is so pink and pretty, just reminds me of you in every way. I especially like that pretty pink vase. Oh yes, the tea looks so fresh and inviting.
    Love,
    Linda

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  60. Hi dear Sandi,

    What a delightful and gorgeous post. Soothes my spirit and my eyes.

    Thanks for leaving your kind comment to me.

    xoBarb

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  61. First of all waht a gorgeous post! I love the china it is simply beautiful. I found yu at the Thrifty Groove.

    Cynthia

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  62. You are torturing me and now I am completely disatisfied with my life, haha. I want to go collect china cups and eat that strawberry shortcake right now versus having to go water the vegetables! :)
    I am a bit new to blogging and this sort of post is breathtakingly beautiful! :) I enjoyed it so very much.

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  63. The summer tea cup is so pretty and the food all looks wonderful!

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  64. I love all your tea treasures and the food! Goodness, you have a spread it for a queen! I need to get busy and show off my tea wares too! Hugs to you Sandie! It is a blessing to know you! Anne

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  65. Oh my Sandi, your summer tea looks like such a fun place to be. I love all of your sweet tea cups and the tall slender pot is gorgeous. So hard to choose, but I think I would like the cottage tea cup please. Your pink glasses and hobnail vase add just the perfect touch. I really need to do another tea post so I can share with your party. Thanks so much for sharing with Share Your Cup.
    Hugs,
    Jann
    p.s. I forgot to mention how wonderful all of the food looks. Love the shortcake in a jar.

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  66. Sandi, I think you completely out did yourself in this post! EVERYTHING is so beautiful! That tea set is stunning and all the teacups are little beauties! the food looks so yummy. I love this post! Thank you for joining TTF and have a wonderful day.

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  67. Such pretty dishes! Love the bridal rose pattern. I collect old tea cups and plates, too, in pink and floral patterns. ;-)

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  68. Positively, absolutely GORGEOUS! It's like a beautiful dream.

    That's it! That decides it for me. I'm just going to have to start my own blog so that I can join in your next tea party. What a fantastic idea.

    Thank you SO much for sharing.

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  69. Stunning, and absolutely GORGEOUS. It's like a beautiful dream.

    That's it! I shall just have to start my own blog so that I can join in with all of you next time. What a fantastic concept!

    Thank you so much for sharing.

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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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