Christmas in July

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." ~ Harland Miller

Welcome friends to my Christmas in July Tea! I really like that quote, don't you? Christmas is such a happy time! It would be lovely if people everywhere could share the joy that this particular Holiday evokes in all of us.

I love little teacup trees! Maybe, like some blogger friends I know, you have a little tree up for the month of July. This tiny tree is decked out in rhinestones, baby's breath, and pink beads with a miniature jewelled snowflake at the top. The wee rocking horse accompanies the tree because of my obsession with rocking horses.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year." ~ Charles Dickens


I thought about baking some mincemeat tarts.

I have a couple of Christmas teapots I could have chosen for this post. I also have a couple of Christmas teacups, and a set of Christmas mugs. 

However, twice a year I make my Sticky Date Pudding with Hot Toffee Sauce; for Christmas and once in the summertime. So once I had my pudding made, the rest was easy.

I thought rich reds and golds would be perfect for a Christmas in July Tea.

As well as some red roses.

"A red rose is not selfish because it wants to be a red rose. It would be horribly selfish if it wanted all the other flowers in the garden to be both red and roses." ~ Oscar Wilde

This time of year I always think of my Daddy because his birthday was in July and he adored Christmas. He passed his love for  Christmas and all its magic on to me.

"Celebrate love. It is the breath of your existence and the best of all reasons for living." ~ Author unknown


As some of you know, my father loved the Old Country Roses pattern. So, you know which pattern I am featuring today.

One year, my sweet hubby gifted me with this vintage OCR teacup on my Daddy's birthday in remembrance of him.

"I believe I could be a model child if I were just invited out to tea every day." ~ Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery

My family gifted me with the OCR teapot for my birthday a few years ago. These pieces are very special to me in many ways and I know my father would have been delighted that I have them!

Did you know that Royal Albert's Old Country Roses is the most famous china pattern in the world?

I love the attention to detail that Royal Albert is known for such as the roses on the spout.

And the gold leaf on the handle.

Please make yourself at home and join me for a cup of orange spice tea.

There is more than enough dessert so you are welcome to help yourself.

I love the sparkle of silverware and just like tea always tastes better in a china teacup, a pudding always tastes better when eaten with a pretty spoon; a thoughtful gift from Nancy, a dear blogger friend! It has my initial on it.

Mmm! Warm sticky date pudding sitting in a pool of warm toffee sauce and topped off with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Scrumptious!

"Perhaps that is the true gift of a
teatime celebration:

It fills our cups with joy and 
warmth and friendship.
May the echo of the teacup's 
message be heard not only
at Christmas, 
not only on special occasions,
but anytime friends come together. ~ Emilie Barnes

"Christmas is a time to open our hearts to God and His gifts. Just like the rest of the year." ~ Author unknown

You know, we are all blessed with special people in our lives. My father was one of those people. He taught me what was important in life and he took me to church every Sunday. I wish he could have lived long enough to see how his grandchildren turned out. He would have been so proud to know that one of his great grandchildren has been named after him.

My Daddy has been gone a long time. If you still have your father with you, give him a hug today and tell him you love him. 

I am ending this post with a photo from my Sugar Plum Fairy Tea I had hosted in December 2013. Just a little whimsy to add some cuteness to your day. If you wish, simply click on the link beneath the photo to go to that tea.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea

Thank you for the pleasure of your company today and have a Happy and Blessed Christmas in July!

"Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land..." ~ Exodus 20:12

PS ~ Part of this post is a repost.


I am joining the following parties as well~

Tuesday Cuppa Tea
 Tea in the Garden
 Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home


 Sharing from my heart ~ Sandi