Hello sweet friends. Spring is filling our northeast Alabama Appalachian Foothills with amazing beauty! With a freeze this morning, and predictions of below freezing temps tonight, some of the more delicate blooms and buds may suffer. We can only wait and see!
“The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.” Song of Solomon 2:12
I am so glad you have joined me for our Tea On Tuesdays! You might have noticed that it is only the second Tuesday of March and we designated our teatime for the third Tuesday of each month. We had a scheduling conflict with a Spring Blog Hop, but isn’t any Tuesday a great time for tea and conversation?! You will definitely want to be back next Tuesday when all three of us will be sharing Spring/Easter tablescapes.
Mary and I are excited to welcome special guest, Jennifer, from Celebrating Everyday Life. Jennifer is very accomplished and writes a beautiful blog where she shares parties, recipes, and DIY’s. You will find Mary’s and Jennifer’s links at the bottom of this post.
Spring in my little cottage offers beautiful light and shadows that dance across the table, perfect for teatime! The green tea is a beautiful color that is so pleasing to the eye as well as the taste buds.
An “ Herb Garden” teapot is part of a collection that my sweet Renaissance Man gave me many years ago. It was produced from 1996 to 2000 by Fitz & Floyd. The collection was obviously designed for a garden enthusiast. I have seven different pieces that are all embossed with ribbons, vegetables, and names of herbs.
The Pomegranate Green tea that I am serving is a herbaceous and lively tea accented with bright pomegranate and black currant that delivers a super fruit boost. Pomegranate adds mild sweetness and vibrancy while tart hibiscus lends a blush hue. The tea is from Spice & Tea Exchange in Highlands, NC.
A vintage Wedgwood Queen’s Ware embossed china pitcher is serving up a small arrangement of flowers from the garden and woodlands…the last of the daffodils, flower buds from our snowball viburnums, redbud blooms, and a few sprigs of bridal wreath spirea.
Teatime can be casual or formal. This is a casual tea, perfect to enjoy time together with a friend. Of course, a couple of sweets are always appreciated. To make teatime easy, I picked up poppy seed muffins and white chocolate macadamia cookies from the grocery bakery. After all, it is about friendship and conversation. Unfortunately, text messaging has replaced those meaningful face to face conversations from days gone by.
I almost forgot to mention the dessert plate. My precious Daddy gives me money every year for Christmas and I always buy something special for myself. Often it has to do with tablescaping. This year I made two separate purchases of salad/dessert plates. When I saw the sweet garden motifs on this hand painted stoneware, I knew where a portion of the Christmas money would be spent. The Anthropologie website says they are now backordered until July…so happy I discovered them before they sold out!
You all know how much I love April Cornell linens. The ivory “Cottage Rose” tablecloth and pillow are from a few years ago, but I am still smitten with this romantic floral pattern.
The cream-colored stoneware is often used for my tabletops. It is “Baroque” by American Atelier.
A couple of days after my special teatime my oldest granddaughter, who will turn 7 in May, came to spend the afternoon with me. The table was still set and her eyes lit up. She said, “can we have a tea party?” You all know how I answered that question. I ran back into the house and prepared tea, muffins, and cookies to take back to the cottage. We had the sweetest time together, so very special that I did not take a single photo. I just enjoyed the moments.
“The very act of preparing and serving tea encourages conversation. The little spaces in time created by teatime rituals call out to be filled with conversation. Even the tea itself–warm and comforting–inspires a feeling of relaxation and trust that fosters shared confidences.”
~Emilie Barnes
Be sure to visit Mary and Jennifer for beautiful teatime inspiration by clicking their links below.
Mary ~ Home Is Where The Boat Is
Jennifer ~ Celebrating Everyday Life
Many of you have asked if we will be sharing our 50th wedding anniversary celebration…we plan to share soon. Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a joy-filled day!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Good Morning Pam, I always look forward to sharing a cup of tea with you in your Sunshine Cottage…so appropriately named with the sunlight highlighting your tabletop! I love your pretty new dessert plates with the bee buzzing and their garden motif and I have long admired your Fitz and Floyd Herb Garden teapot. You have the most gorgeous April Cornell linens to dress your tables! I love the beautiful color of your pomegranate green tea, pretty, no doubt delicious and full of antioxidants too. I know your grand girls enjoy a having tea party and sharing your treats! I had feared our early spring was too good to be true as we’re under a freeze warning this morning too, with another later in the week. The spirea and viburnum were already budding so I’m afraid their blooms will be nipped this week…sniff. As always. it’s a treat to join you for teatime. Happy Tuesday ☘️💚☘️
Thank you, Mary. The last two nights have been below freezing but windy, so no frost. I don’t think we will escape the frost this weekend! Happy Wednesday!
Your lovely table speaks to my heart. I, too, love teatime, April Cornell’s florals, pretty plates, antique Wedgwood-shall I go on? I think we speak the same “language”. How special to have tea with your little miss who is growing up so beautifully. Hats off to you for not taking any pictures during that time and just giving her your full attention.
You are so sweet, Ruthie. Thank you!
Oh Pam I enjoyed my tea in the Sunshine Cottage so much! I love all the pretty colors, and the sunlight filtering in is magical! The F&F teapot is so unique and fun, and I love the Anthro radish plates! The AC cloth and pillow, swoon! The Wedgewood pitcher with colorful Spring flowers is another delightful element, and Pomegranate Tea sounds wonderful~ I’m so glad you were able to have a special tea party with EM, I know you both loved that!
Thank you, Jenna. The tea is really delicious. Enjoy the sunshine today!
How cute is that little teapot and the blue cherry plates are adorable. Love it all. You guys are freezing and up here in Illinois we are going into spring temps this week. So crazy this weather all over our country. Enjoy your tea party. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. The weather has been crazy. Happy Wednesday!
Photographs of the heart are often the best. I’m so glad you were able to do a little tea party with your special girl! That table is lovely — I especially love how the Wedgewood brings out the blue in the dishes and tablecloth.
Yes. they are! Thank you, Jeanie!
Having a spot of tea with friends seems to be coming around again. I’ve been to one tea party on Valentine’s Day and have another coming up next month. Any occasion to gather with friends with tiny sandwiches, and especially flowers and table settings like yours, is a joy. Now, gather those bouquets before it freezes!
Thank you, Leslie Anne. I did cut bouquets!
Pam, Your new plates are gorgeous! I love the color and design. The F&F herb garden pieces are always a favorite. Having a spontaneous tea with EM is a nice memory maker for you both. I always enjoy seeing your beautiful linens. Your floral arrangement matches the colors in the tablecloth and looks so fresh and pretty. Happy Tuesday! Clara❤️
Clara, thank you for your sweet comments. When I saw the radish plates, I just love them!
What a sweet and beautiful tea time Pam. I love the herb tea pot. So darling. I hope that you have a wonderful week and stay warm. Cool here in Florida too right now. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you and have a wonderful Wednesday, Cindy!
Oh Pam, what a lovely spring table! The sunlight playing across the beautiful tablecloth is like a balm at the end of winter. The radish plates literally made me gasp! You and Ella Mae must have had such a lovely time making memories. I hope your sweet daddy is doing well.
Thank you, Roxanne! My Daddy is doing well. and thank you for asking!
I loved our tea time here today Pam! Such beautiful spring colours & setting.
And I just may borrow that Emilie Barnes quote! 😉
Bless you sweet friend ❤️
I loved the Emilie Barnes quote. Thank you for joining me for tea♥️
I came for a dose of sunshine in the cottage, and it does not disappoint! What a cute Fitz & Floyd teapot, and your radish plates are adorably unique! A very colorful pick-me-up for what have been several past few grey, windy and winter-like days here! (But at least today the sun is shining, though still cold!).
Thank you, Rita. We have just had two nights below freezing, but we had a steady wind! So far no frost, but that will change this weekend. Happy Wednesday!
Pam, I have so enjoyed my visit to Sunshine Cottage this morning. What a beautiful setting to enjoy tea and sweet treats. The tea blend you are serving sounds delicious! The new plates you bought are so pretty and compliment your Fitz and Floyd pieces perfectly. I know Miss Ella Mae enjoyed having tea with you. Happy Wednesday, dear friend! Enjoy your day!
Thanks so much, Shannon! The tea is really good. Happy Wednesday, dear friend!
Years ago I attended a conference with Emilee Barnes and bought her book. That quote describes her lovely character and personality.
Your tea table is warm and inviting. How charming that you and EM had a sweet time with your impromptu tea party.
Your new plates and darling teapot are lovely with your floral cloth and pretty setting.
Thank you, Bonnie. I hope your week is going perfectly and that you are enjoying each moment!
Such a lovely table set for tea. The teapot from Fitz and Floyd is darling! I love the AC tablecloth and pillow! Ooooo so pretty!
I’m so happy that you and EM had a lovely tea party! 💕💗💕
Keep enjoying all those special times!
Happy Day to you!
Thank you, Nancy. Wishing you a wonderful finish to the week!
Love how the sunlight shines on your lovely tea table. Of course you had tea with your granddaughter.
Thank you, Linda. Blessings dear one!
Wow I agree with your granddaughter – this is the perfect table for a tea party! I especially love that beautiful sunlight aon your beautiful linens! What a wonderful place to spend some time together! Thanks for sharing, and hope you have a lovely week!
Thanks so much, Barbara. Happy weekend!
Oh, I enjoyed this! The stunning china, the tablecloth, that cushion, everything is so beautiful.
Amalia
xo
Thanks so much, Amalia!
Be still y heart! Every little thing is so pretty. This is adorable. The anthropology Salad plates are a must. The sunlight shining in the cottage was so beautiful. Tea with you in that tiny space would be a dream come true. Happy Spring!
Thank you dear friend. Oh, how I would love for you to come for tea!
oh my goodness, we are so far removed from that gorgeous sun-dappled season. i am going to continue living vicariously through your stunning pictures and lovely storytelling, friend. lovely, simply lovely!
Thank you, Linda. You are a lovely encourager!
Thank You for the invitation to your tea party. It is lovely. HAPPY ST.PATRICK’S DAY
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
Thank you Marilyn, Joan, and Marion 💚☘️
Pam, what a beautiful teatime table you have set here. The F&F teapot is really unique and what a lovely gift from RM. The anthro plates are very different too and glad to hear you scored them before they were backordered. The AC tablecloth and pillow is absolutely beautiful and just perfect for the table. It’s so sweet that you and EM were able to enjoy tea together! Here’s hoping that the frost misses you and have a lovely rest of the week!
Thank you, Kim. I am looking forward to seeing your table on the hop! Happy Weekend!
Another lovely collection of feast-for-the-eyes photos, Pam! I too have loved April Cornell’s linens and clothing. There used to be a shop in the nearby mall where we lived from 1988-2001. I always scoured the clearance racks! Sadly, it closed. / That pomegranate tea looks and sounds delicious. Must see if I can locate some! / Last, thank you for including the Emilie Barnes’ quote about tea and conversation. A delightful reminder to make a little space for the warmth, comfort, and relaxation of tea and conversation.
Thanks so much, Nancy. The tea is delicious!
Absolutely gorgeous…How adorable and precious your Spring Tea time is! Hugs and blessings dear friend.
Thanks so much, Maristella!
I heard someone say March 16th is now “3:16” day – as in John 3:16. How appropriate! I’ll have to remember this next year. Of course, your china makes me smile. I love the craftsmanship and beauty of it all.
Thank you Leslie Anne. I like the “3:16” day. Thank you for sharing.
I’m visiting from Meagan’s Decorative Inspirations blog. As soon as I saw the photo of your tea table, I knew those had to be April Cornell linens! Aren’t they the best? I have several tea towels but not many tablecloths. I like to layer them over my big harvest table! Such a lovely post!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thank you, Marsha. I do love the AC linens and have been a Brand Ambassador for almost a year!
I am a brand ambassador for her clothing, too! How cool to meet another in such a random way!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Oh, the photos in this post! They are just stunning. I can see why you love that tablecloth. And how precious that you and EM were able to enjoy such precious moments during the tea party. The tea is such a pretty color, too. I so enjoyed this post!
Thank you, Cheryl. I wish you could join me for tea!