Sugar Plum Fairy Tea for "Celebrate the Season" ~ Christmas Tea

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

Hello dear friends and welcome to this week's  Celebrate the Season ~ Christmas tea!

As I look out the window, there is a winter wonderland spread out before my eyes. We had a snowstorm yesterday and the new blanket of snow has covered up the remnants of dead leaves and all is bright and beautiful out there. It's a marshmallow world and it's a perfect day for a little fantasy!

"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love." ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie{1845-1916}

I took my inspiration for today's tea from a favourite piece of Christmas music, The Nutcracker Suite. Most of us are familiar with the story of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy who introduces Clara to the Land of Sweets. A little fantasy is fun for a change, don't you think? Especially at this time year! Are you feeling a little nostalgic?

The Nutcracker Ballet was first performed on December 18, 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. It is one of the most famous ballets to be performed this time of the year. I have never had the pleasure of seeing a live performance but I would love to.

"Would you like an adventure now or would you like your tea first?" ~ Peter Pan

My table is sitting in front of the Christmas tree which I think lends a magical feel to our tea today. So please make yourself at home as we indulge in some spicy Christmas tea and lots of goodies.

My Sugar Plum fairy is dancing about in her lovely white tutu while the Nutcracker looks on.

"She balanced on one toe on the floor and spun around in a tutu that looked as though it had been fashioned from clouds and snowflakes. " ~ The Nutcracker

The Gingerbread house plays "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy." When you ring the door bell  the gum drops on the roof light up and keep time with the music. It's a child's delight!

This green Staffordshire teacup trio is a set I found in town a couple of weeks ago. It is made in England and represents the charm of the country  so well.

I think they look lovely paired with the creamy white.

I didn't have any green transferware in my collection so I was thrilled to find these!

                         

Most of you know that I am totally smitten with transferware! I love the different pastoral scenes and the lovely borders each piece is adorned with. I find it so very charming. How about you, do you like transferware? Do you like to collect it? 

My other teacup is one you've seen before, Cream Lace made by Skye McGhee. It has such a sweet saucer.

At Christmas-time, I really enjoy the holiday teas such as this Stash Holiday Chai.

The teapot is also Cream Lace by Skye McGhee.

My Land of Sweets consists of a fruit cake I made
for the holidays.

There are also some mincemeat tarts, melt-in-your-mouth Swedish Butter Balls, and Snowballs.

I hope you're not watching your waistline!

There are gum drops and candy canes and chocolate of course.

"Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee, icy-window filigree, sugarplums and candle glow, part of Christmas long ago." ~ Jo Geis




I plan to share my fruit cake recipe at my HOME for the Holidays party on Wednesday. I have been making this cake for over thirty years and I have never had one fail me. It is a lovely buttery cake and even those who don't care for fruit cake do like this one. 

Happiness is sharing tea with a friend.


"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time." ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Thank you for joining me for tea today. I hope you have enjoyed your visit. Next week, I will be sharing an Angelic Tea so please join me once again for Celebrate the Season ~ Christmas Tea.

"Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, And love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children In Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, To live with Thee there." ~
From the Christmas carol "Away in  a Manger" - John T. McFarland, {1851-1913} John R. Murray, {1841-1905}

Merry Christmas!

I am joining the following parties as well~

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

Sharing from my heart~ Sandi