“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:
I love the you used your grandmother’s crocheted place mat!! What a treasure and the silver tray is stunning! I love your tea set as i have the same pieces of Lenox Butterfly Meadow and have them displayed in one of my curios in the Dining Room!! Such a pretty Spring like Tea presentation!!
Thanks for sharing!! I enjoyed “touring” with you today!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thanks, Deb. the Lenox china is really Spring-like. It’s nice to know others feel the same about it. Always a pleasure to tour with you.
Lynne
What beautiful china and the silver tray is just gorgeous! I have been hunting the estate sales around me for more silver trays with no luck yet. You are obviously a dedicated tea drinker with your lovely tea on a tray!!
Hi Chloe, I found three trays all about the same time. It seems to go in spurts. I am a daily tea drinker and one to try different blends. Blends can match your mood which always makes it fun to choose. Thanks for stopping by.
Lynne
Your butterfly tea set is so lovely and thanks for sharing the Irish tea tradition! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
The Irish can really spin a tale. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.
Lynne
I love your tea time tray. We have a lot of parallels on our trays. Obviously we love the same things. Lol. Silver tray, Lenox china, flowers…. We actually have the same thrifted vintage tea strainer. Love your grandma’s crocheted piece. So fun to tour with you today. XO- MaryJo
It’s lovely to find someone with similar tastes to share. The ea strainers are a great item and a nice vintage find. Enjoyed hopping with you today.
Lynne
I’ve always been drawn to dishes depicting butterflies, bees, and birds. Drinking and eating off of your thrift store set would be very comforting. And eating one of those yummy treats would be heavenly!
Have a happy week,
Rachelle
Bees and butterflies are things we naturally associate with happy and beautiful times. Rescuing a Thrift Store item always makes me happy and feel like I’m doing something positive. Have a great week.
Lynne
Oh so pretty! I love the adorable butterfly teapot, so perfect for a Spring tray! The crocheted doilies are so special, and with beautiful napkins and an elegant silver tray, fresh roses, and delicious treats, this is a truly lovely tea tray! I really enjoyed the quotes you included too, especially the first one, so perfect!
Tea is such a lovely tradition. I really enjoyed putting this tray together and including some quotes and stories. Thanks for sharing.
Lynne
Beautiful! The spring themed tea set is so great. The quotes about tea with a perfect addtion. Yep, if I ask you if you want something and you say no, nope you’re not getting anything. Well maybe that just applies to my children and hubby lol! I am a Southern girl, so of course I have to show Southern Hospitality, or my mother and grandmother would be ashamed, ha! Pinned. Hoppy touring with you!
Niki | Life as a LEO Wife
Thanks Niki, always a pleasure to tour with you. They say that Southerners are a lot like the Irish…friendly, hospitable and filled with a love of life. I bet that’s true. LOL
Lynne
Such a beautiful tea set with delicious looking treats! I love how you added pink flowers to welcome spring. So nice to tour with you!
Shelley
Thanks Shelley. this theme was great. Always a pleasure to tour with you.
Lynne
Oh my goodness I enjoyed your Irish tea story, thank you for sharing with us. Your thrifted butterfly meadow settings ( on of my favorites) were a great find. Your tray is lovely.Thank you for joining in the fun. Pinned! xo
Thanks, Katherine. Always a pleasure to be on a tray tour. I loved the theme for this one as well as sharing the quotes and stores. thanks for all your hard work.
Lynne
Your tea tray is so beautiful. There is something so special sipping on some tea and taking a quiet moment to yourself. Always helps ground me again. Fun hopping with you. Have a great week.-Meagan
I know exactly what you mean. It’s important to take those few moments of respite from your busy day. Enjoy the rest of the week.
Lynne
Your tea tray is so beautiful. Your silver tray is perfect. I have one, but I think it is in the attic. I have many silver tea sets however.
I loved the story about being asked about tea in Ireland and then your comment in American. So true. lol!
Hugs,
Bev
I really enjoy using silver even though you have to polish it from time to time. The Irish are so good at telling stories and making a point in a lovely, warm way.
Lynne
The large silver tray is amazing.I have always wanted a silver tray very hard to find. Everything else you did looks perfectly styled.
Thanks, Maria. I love finding things like the tray at the Thrift Store. Tray and tea naturally seem to go together. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.
Lynne
Oh, it is too bad i missed participating in this tray, as tea is my love language. But a new job has kept me pretty busy. But yours is beautiful. I love the photo of you pouring the tea.
Thanks, Angie. Tea is my favorite beverage and I love to take a tea break every afternoon. Thanks for sharing.
Lynne
(Note: I could have sworn that I commented before?) Love how the tray holds the setting. I’ve got to dig up (unbox) a smaller one and try your design with the doilies. Your sterling pattern is beautiful – lucky gal! I take my tea plain as well but where do you purchase the adorable brown sugar cubes?
Lynne that silver tray is beyond gorgeous and oh how I love your china tea pieces. I’m sharing this post this evening at All About Home. Thanks so much for always coming by and joining in on the party.
Thanks, Debra. It’s always a pleasure to visit your Blog. This was an easy one as I am a big fan of Afternoon Tea.
Lynne