If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~ Anne Bradstreet
Hello ladies and welcome to my last Tea Time Tuesday in February!
We had a beautiful sunny weekend, yet I will be very happy to get this month over with because it has been a month of snowstorms and blizzards. I am counting down the days till Spring. March will be here by the end of the week; yay!!
To celebrate the end of February and the month of romance, I am sharing something very special.
Gifts can come in all sizes and shapes. Sometimes, they may be beautifully wrapped and tied up with ribbon, or presented in a plastic bag with tissue paper wrapped treasures inside.
Source- Victoria Tea Pleasures
It's not the size or even the presentation, although I think presentation is important, so much as the thoughtful and loving gesture on the part of the giver.
For Valentines Day, my hubby went into my favourite shop in town, Lori's "Time Worn Treasures and Antiques," and found these.
You can imagine my delight when I opened up his package to find....!
If a picture paints a thousand words.... David Gates and Bread
This is Royal Albert Petit Point China and I am simply loving this unique pattern. It reminds me of a Spring garden.
This pretty china has floral sprays of blue, pink, yellow and green made to resemble needle point and cross stitch. Each piece is trimmed in gold.
The registered pattern number is 778676. This pattern has been discontinued and was manufactured from 1932 until December 2001.
Hubby surprised me with a teacup, a dessert plate, and the cake plate. He really deserves to wear a crown!
The cup is so pretty with the needle point border not only on the outside rim but also on the inside.
Can you see the slight scallop around the rim? This teacup is made in the Hampton shape which sits on a bit of a pedestal and she has a very curvy handle with a thumb rest.
The dessert plate and cake plate both are a square shape which makes them very attractive to the eye. The next day I went back to Lori's shop and treated myself to a second teacup and a dessert plate. I guess one of the reasons I'm so smitten with this china is because it is different from anything else I have.
The most trying hours in life are between four o'clock and the evening meal. A cup of tea at this time adds a lot of comfort and happiness. ~ Royal S. Copeland
I have really enjoyed perusing the Victoria Tea Pleasures magazine as it is filled with beautiful pictures and wonderful recipes. One of the recipes which caught my eye was the Sticky Toffee Pudding.
No, I didn't make it but it inspired me to make my Sticky Date Pudding with Toffee Sauce. The recipes are almost identical with the exception of the pecans in the Victoria recipe.
If you're interested in my recipe you can find it here on my Christmas Pudding blog.
Now let's enjoy some pudding and warm toffee sauce with our tea. A little dollop of whipped cream on top finishes it off nicely. A sweet treat on sweet china.
Tea is a hug in a cup. ~ Patrick Jane- The Mentalist
Now if you come by for tea, I can serve each of us a cuppa from this lovely pattern.
Next week I will tell you all about my next seasonal tea party which I will be hosting the week of March 17th. It will be a tea party to usher in my favourite season; Spring.
As I live each day may I make a difference
And touch one heart....
Each day it is my goal
To bring smiles and laughter
Into a soul! ~ Unknown author
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/
Friends Sharing Tea~ http://blog.bernideens.com/
Share Your Cup Thursday~ http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
Home Sweet Home~ http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Sharing from my heart~ Sandi