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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 9 October 2017

A Sentimental Thanksgiving Tea

Happy Thanksgiving Canada and welcome everyone to Rose Chintz Cottage!



"One of the shining moments of my day is that when, having returned a little weary from an afternoon walk, I exchange boots for slippers, out-of-doors coat for easy, familiar, shabby jacket, and, in my deep, soft-elbowed chair, await the tea tray. How delicious is the soft penetrating odour which floats into my study, with the appearance of the teapot! What a glow does it bring after a walk in the chilly rain!" ~ George Gissing -1903

I can relate to this quote. How about you? A walk on a chilly day is somehow rewarded with a treat in the way of comfy clothes and a hot cup of tea when you get back home. It's fun to get all dolled up for a party or dinner out too but it's even better to get back home and slip into more comfortable apparel. There is something healing about that. 



I find using some well loved china for tea feels much the same way. Maybe it's that old vintage teacup you find the most comfortable to sip from. The handle is just right for your hand and the pattern feels like home. 

Maybe it's a lovely platter your grandmother once served her turkey on and you can't wait to bring it out for your turkey dinners.




Or maybe it's your auntie's tea set that she passed down to you after she is finished with it. 



It reminds you of her and those lovely tea times spent with her savouring conversation and a giggle or two.



It is Thanksgiving here in Canada and it is a day to give thanks for all our blessings. I mentioned a couple of weeks ago what some of mine were and today I also give thanks for the beloved aunt in my life and her beautiful dishes that she has entrusted me with.  



Most of you have heard me mention my beloved Auntie P many times over the years. She and I have always shared a special bond that I have with no one else in my family. We have told each other our inner most secrets and shared our dreams and heart aches over the years. She is so very dear to me and the feeling is mutual.



Today, I am using Auntie P's charming tea set, Rose Chintz by Johnson Bros. This china was gifted to her on her wedding day as well as place settings so it is an honour to use it for this special Thanksgiving day. This pattern is so old-fashioned and so very pretty with its big roses, buds and forget-me-nots. 




A friend is the sugar bowl in the tea party of life; Sweet and satisfying to the soul.  ~ unknown

I don't take sugar or milk in my tea but this is the covered sugar bowl.



Some days I'm a matchy-matchy gal and other days I like to mix and match because I find it brings more personality to the table. Today I'm in a mix and match mood.




Teacup is Aynsley. This beautiful set is the yummiest shade of pink with a lovely gold leaf garland just inside the cup.



The other is made by Colclough. It's a lovely shade of green with an accent of white and gold trim.



Some of us bake an apple pie for Thanksgiving.



Others bake a pumpkin pie. 



Still others like a cheese cake and so on. 




I prefer pumpkin pie because it's that time of year to enjoy pumpkins and squash whether they're baked into a pie, served as a side dish for dinner, or for decorating the mantel and front steps.



Would you like another slice of pie with your tea? It's so good! I have made pumpkin pie the last two weekends and that will be it until Christmas. So, I'm savouring every bite.



I know my American friends will celebrate their Thanksgiving later in November. I actually enjoy celebrating the holiday a bit earlier because it gives me more time to plan for Christmas. 

What is your special dessert for Thanksgiving?

I chose a pink theme today as well to remember those brave ladies who are suffering with or have suffered with or lost their lives to breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Be sure to get your mammogram, dear friends!

Life is a gift! Today, and every day you wake up, is a gift from God. Remember to thank Him for it.

Wishing you all a fabulous day and a lovely Autumn week ahead. The Lord bless you all!


I am joining the following parties as well~ 

Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Home Sweet Home

Sharing from my heart ~
Sandi

22 comments :

  1. Happy Thanksgiving. What a lovely china pattern that is! I love several of Johnson Bros. patterns. I love pumpkin and apple treats this time of year.

    Enjoy your holiday! I wish our Thanksgiving was either in October or early November, instead of late November.

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  2. What a lovely Thanksgiving post! We are indeed surrounded by things to be thankful for. I, too, have a beloved aunt I was closest to...and was named for her...my Aunt Ruth. I was with her for her last 5 months with leukemia. She died in 2000 and there is not a day goes by when I don't miss her. Love your Rose Chintz, Aynsley and Colclough china...just beautiful. And so glad you were able to really enjoy this Thanksgiving. I also like the Canadian timing better...and I am in the US! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea.
    Ruth

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  3. Happy Thanksgiving Sandi!
    Such a pretty post and love your special memories with Auntie P.
    Such a beautiful day we are having here on the Island....all fall for
    that matter!
    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  4. Dearest Sandi
    I've been missing you and your wonderful blog posts so much during my break!

    Sincerely grateful for all the Beauty you always share,
    I'm sending hugs and ever much love to you

    XOXO Daniela

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving,Sandi!Gorgeous teacups and adorable teaset!Wonderful roses!Your desserts look delicious.Blessings,Maristella.

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  6. Happy Thanksgiving, Sandi! Every time I see the Rose Chintz tea pattern, I think of you. I always enjoy seeing your beautiful set from your Auntie P, and have always found mismatched tea sets charming. I'm salivating over all your yummy desserts. I think I'd like one slice of each! Virtual slices don't have calories, right?!?

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  7. Happy Thanksgiving blessings, dear Sandi!! Oh how I loved reading that first quote!! You always touch me with the ones that you share with us.
    Your desserts all look so yummy, and I'm so glad that you can enjoy them this year. Of course, your tea pieces are just beautiful and sentimental, too.
    Yes, I wish our Thanksgiving was early like yours! xx

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  8. Beautiful table. Everything looks so lovely.

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  9. Happy Thanksgiving. I had a similar relationship with my aunt/godmother. Sad that she's gone. What a lovely set and relationship you have to enjoy. Hope to be back to blogging very soon

    Cindy

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  10. Sandi--your blog is such a blessing to me here in Virginia...I look so forward to your weekly updates...thank you from all of us who have survived breast cancer...always remember to get your ta-ta's checked!

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  11. Loving your pink pumpkin. Happy Thanksgiving to you dear lady. I really wish I had a slice of pumpkin pie right about now. I need an afternoon pick-me-up. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  12. Happy Thanksgiving Sandy. You chinaware is gorgeous. We had Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday. My sister made Key Lime Pie for a change and we also had Pumpin Pie. We've been having beautiful weather here in the Gaspe. Something to be thankful for.

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  13. I am ready for some hot tea and pumpkin pie or a nice piece of cheese cake .
    Love the tea pot of course

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  14. The apple pie and the pumpkin pie both look so good, may I have a slice of each? That is what often happens here on Thanksgiving...many want a sampling of each pie. With a hot cup of tea and just savoring the moment after the rush of a big turkey dinner...that is my favorite time of the whole day...with my sister or other friends nearby...the dishes are done, and we are just relaxing with a cup of tea and a piece of pie...yes...my favorite part of Thanksgiving! Give thanks with a grateful heart! Love your beautiful china from your Aunt P. What a blessing to have that to remember her with for many years to come. Precious memories. Thank you for sharing.

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  15. Sandi, everyone should have an Auntie P! Mine was named Irene, and she died nearly six years ago. I love using things she gave me. Your photos are beautiful, especially the one with the teapot, creamer and rose on the platter.

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  16. Happy belated Thanksgiving! Your tea-table is simply divine and I loved all of the deserts you showcased, but pumpkin is a favorite of ours too. How lovely that you and your Auntie P shared such a sweet bond and that you have her dishes to remember her by, they are just beautiful! I enjoyed my virtual tea with you today and hope that you are having a lovely fall season, blessings.

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  17. How did I ever NOT find you in the years I've been blogging?! I found you through a comment you left (a God-given nudge because I never have time to read other's comments)....anyway...what a delightful, beautiful blog you have her, Sandi. I am your newest follower. Blessings- xo Diana

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  18. Happy Pink Thanksgiving Sandi! I think pink should be an official fall color, haha! Your earlier Thanksgiving makes so much sense. It gives everything a little more breathing room than what we have here in the States.
    And while I love the quote, I notice that he is having the tea served to him while he awaits in his study. No wonder it's extra-delightful!
    Apple pie is my favorite in the fall, and it's the only pie I'll never buy. Has to be homemade!
    Hope you are enjoying your autumn Sandi. Your tea things are lovely. xo Deborah

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  19. Dear Sandi: You have made me hungry for Pumpkin Pie for sure! With a glad of milk and a cup of tea! I am sorry to say that I will not be having a blog party this week as my computer is in the shop and probably needs a new hard drive. It isn't even 4 years old so I must of put a lot of miles on it!! Fortunately, I remembered I have this little Chromebook so I can make comments. Thanks for sharing your Thanksgiving goodies and I love your new header!

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  20. Happy Belated Thanksgiving... I hope you had a wonderful time. It is hard to pick a favorite.. maybe it is the stuffing... and cranberry sauce for me. Love teaset.. I had loved yours so much I purchased one a few years back.. I always think of you and your aunt p.. thank you with love Janice

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  21. Happy Thanksgiving Sandi! Your mix and match looks really pretty! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

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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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