“There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life.” – Lin Yutang, The Importance of Living.
Afternoon Tea is just a lovely tradition to incorporate into your lifestyle whenever possible. Today I’ll be sharing Tea Time on a “Thrifted” Tray with you. I’m joining a talented group of bloggers led by Katherine of Katherines Corner, https://katherinescorner.com to give you some ideas for enjoying tea on a tray. If you’re visiting from bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com welcome. Hasn’t she done a lovely job on her tray? I’m so happy you’re here and hope you enjoy your visit. So pour yourself a lovely hot beverage and settle back for “Teatime on a Tray”.
Tea engages all the senses as it provides a respite from our daily activities. Watching that steaming golden liquid pour slowly into a cup, inhaling the fragrance from sun-drenched fields continents away and, finally, tasting the rich fluid as it fills your mouth for that first swallow is all part of an ancient ritual that relaxes and sustains.
“Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.” – Unknown
I chose a large silver tray with beautiful carvings to host this tea. The tray is a Thrift Store purchase from a couple of years ago and is large enough to hold a formal tea service. A beautiful crocheted placemat made by my Grandmother anchors the tray. A Butterfly Meadow china teapot, creamer and sugar as well as a Butterfly Meadow plate are used for this Afternoon Tea. Lenox makes this pattern and it is quite lovely. I found the china at various Thrift Stores and have been collecting it for some time now.
The teapot has a beautiful butterfly perched on the lid and the sugar container has a rosebud on the lid. This tea set reminds me that Spring is not far off.
Butterfly Meadow mugs accompany the place settings. I drink a lot of tea and often use mugs instead of a cup and saucer. These are quite lovely so fit in nicely with the place settings. Rose Point sterling silver by Wallace accompanies the china. My Grandmother started this pattern for me when I was born.
‘She loves the smell of tea, bloomed roses, and new beginnings’.
A gathering of roses in an unusual vase accompanies the Tea. I love the variation in colors and the soft pink roses set off the vase beautifully.
I served a hearty Puerh tea this afternoon. It boasts a smokey flavor and earthy tones. You can use the same tea leaves for several pots by just adding additional hot water. The antique silver strainer laid over the cup as you pour the tea prevents tea leaves from entering your cup.
The sugar bowl is filled with brown sugar cubes and accompanied by sugar tongs. I learned to drink tea with this type of sugar when I visited Ireland. It adds a richness to the brew that white sugar does not. The following little story is so true in Ireland…
“In Ireland, you go to someone’s house, and she asks you if you want a cup of tea. You say no, thank you, you’re really just fine. She asks if you’re sure. You say of course you’re sure, really, you don’t need a thing. Except they pronounce it ting. You don’t need a ting. Well, she says then, I was going to get myself some anyway, so it would be no trouble. Ah, you say, well, if you were going to get yourself some, I wouldn’t mind a spot of tea, at that, so long as it’s no trouble and I can give you a hand in the kitchen. Then you go through the whole thing all over again until you both end up in the kitchen drinking tea and chatting.
In America, someone asks you if you want a cup of tea, you say no, and then you don’t get any damned tea.
I liked the Irish way better.”
― C.E. Murphy, Urban Shaman
“Making tea is a ritual that stops the world from falling in on you.” – Jonathan Stroud, The Creeping Shadow
This is not a full tea as it lacks the scone course but it does provide for a nice afternoon break with roasted chicken sandwiches on brown bread in circles cut with biscuit cutters and triangles from crustless bread. The sandwiches consist of roasted chicken, Swiss cheese and arugula. The sweet treat is a Napoleon.
“Life is like a cup of tea. It’s all in how you make it.” – Unknown
My Hubby takes his tea straight but I learned to drink mine with milk and sugar when I was growing up in Canada. You never add cream or half and half to tea. It’s always just milk.
With this tea the second cup is just as good as the first.
All the pieces gathered for tea are thrifted except for the placemat. It’s fun to look for pieces to complete or expand a set. In time, you can end up with a beautiful service for your afternoon enjoyment.
We have a wonderful group of Bloggers ready to share their creative ideas with you. Katherine at https://katherinescorner.com is next and I know you will enjoy visiting her Blog. She gathered all the Bloggers together for this hop and I know you will enjoy her creative style and inviting commentary.
Below you will find links to all the Bloggers participating in today’s Tea Tray Hop. Pour yourself a lovely cup of tea and enjoy!
List of Bloggers for Teatime on a Tray follows: