Hello dear friends. I hope all of you are safe and warm. We are in the deep freeze in our Appalachian Foothills!
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11 ESV
On this frigid Tuesday, the Sunshine Cottage is warm and cozy, perfect to share teatime!
I look forward to the third Tuesday of each month when Mary and I share a cuppa with our readers. You are in for a treat today as we welcome our lovely guest, Sarah from Hyacinths for the Soul. Sarah has an impeccable sense of style and her attention to detail is stellar. You will find Mary’s and Sarah’s links for their charming teatimes at the bottom of this post.
Are you drawn to blue and white? I certainly am! If I happen to be in Birmingham, Home Goods is usually on my list of places to stop. Yes, you guessed correctly, I discovered this pretty Grace Teaware teapot and teacups at HG.
Sunny skies last Thursday provided the ideal opportunity to take joy in seeing the beautiful dancing light and shadows across the table!
If you read last Thursday’s post, A Budapest Experience, I hinted that I might share a purchase from the Great Market Hall. Roxanne, a long-time reader and friend, had shared photos of the amazing embroidered linens she saw at the market and said I must be sure to see them. There was so much to choose from, but I determined to limit myself to something small. Can you believe I am running out of storage for linens? Upon seeing this table square, I knew it was coming home with me!
The exquisite hand-embroidered square was chosen for its lovely pattern and stunning colors! I am sure it will make many appearances on future tables!
My sweet Renaissance Man thought the corner behind the table looked bare when the Christmas tree was packed away. He cut a scraggly winged elm that was growing up in hedges and made a winter tree with twinkling lights for the Sunshine Cottage!
Earl Grey tea remains my favorite and the one I most often serve!
You may have noticed there are no flowers. Granny Smith apples (or any fruit) make a lovely and edible addition to a table. Later in the day, my sweet Daddy loved sautéed apples with his dinner of roast beef, RM’s famous mashed potatoes, seasoned butter peas, and rolls. Daddy was recently in the hospital for six days. According to his physical therapist, he has made a remarkable recovery for a ninety-three year old. We are so thankful for all of the prayers and well wishes for him!
Have you tried an Earl Grey Tea Vanilla Latte?
It is no secret that I love Southern Lady and Victoria magazines published by Hoffman Media. Reading them from cover to cover to not miss anything, I did a double take when I read this recipe. It had to be featured for this edition of Tea on Tuesday. It was delicious and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it!
Bordallo Pinheiro cabbage ware sits upon ‘Traditions’ Blue Room dinner plates by Spode.
Staying with my Daddy for several days, and with no time to bake, our local bakery came in handy for delicious sweets to accompany tea… donut holes, tart lemon slices, and heart tea cakes. I spread Nutella between the tea cakes just because any plain cookie is better with Nutella. To be honest, I can eat it straight from the jar! We have a Krispy Kreme and a Dunkin’ Donuts in our city, but I love supporting local businesses, especially when their products are more delicious. This brought to mind a memory. The year was 2006 and RM and I joined friends for a trip to London and Paris. We were in the magnificent food halls at Harrods in London trying many delightful confections. We noticed a long line at the back and decided to check out what must have been something amazingly delicious. Imagine our surprise when seeing a line that went out the door for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! I checked Harrods’ website and it appears they are no longer there.
For more teatime inspiration, visit Mary and Sarah!
Mary ~ Home Is Where the Boat Is
Sarah ~ Hyacinths For the Soul
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a warm and safe week!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Good morning Pam, The Sunshine Cottage is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup a tea! It’s living up to its name with the pretty dancing sunbeams and shadows on your table. I love that Butch cut a tree and added lights to your bare corner, so thoughtful. What a beauty your embroidered table topper is and perfect memento from your trip! I love your pretty blue and white teapot and teacups too! Blue and white is such a classic combination and I love just about anything from Grace Teaware (and HomeGoods too 🙂 I would love an Earl Grey Tea Vanilla Latte, I missed that in my new Southern Lady Magazine…I’ll have to go back and see what else I missed. I’m so glad your sweet daddy is out of the hospital and doing better. I know he’s thankful to have prepare his meals for him. As always, it’s a treat to share a cup of tea with you. Our temps are plummeting tonight and we’ll be in the teens tomorrow. Stay Warm ☕💙
Thank you, Mary. We had a little snow after sunrise this morning. There wasn’t enough moisture in the atmosphere to produce much. However, it is really cold with a stiff wind. It is a day for hot tea or hot chocolate, maybe both 😉💙
I love your new table linen from your travels. It is exquisite! I made sure to visit you early as you told us last week you had something to share with us!
Your new teapot and tea cups are precious, especially with the sunlight dancing on them.
I do love the twinkling lights from Butch!
Happy Tuesday!
Thank you, Nancy. The linens in Budapest were exquisite. It was my favorite city on our trip. Happy Tuesday to you!
Pam. what a delight! Your capture of the sun kissed table is the perfect touch, especially on the cold, cold morning we are currently experiencing. I love that Butch added the winter tree. I confess that my living room tree remains in place. Not decorated, but the twinkle lights still sparkle. I’m waiting on my helper to pack it and carry it to the garage. I’m enjoying the soft lights at night.
Your new embroidered linen square is special. Of course you had to bring at least one piece home from the Budapest Market. I’m impressed you limited yourself to one, though I fully understand the storage issue. I have limitations for linen and dish storage! Of course that didn’t stop me from bring home my own new tea set recently! Mine is vintage and thrifted, but I’m a Home Goods shopper too, and some of my favorite tea pots are Grace Treasures. Your new blue and white set is lovely. Filled with Earl Grey, even more so! Today is going to be even colder than yesterday, dropping to the teens. I think it will be a perfect day to sit by the fire and reread my latest Southern Lady and Victoria magazines. Perhaps try my own Earl Grey Latte.
Prayers for your sweet daddy. We as children are blessed when our parents live into their 90s. What an example! I’m touched you have him close by and can spend time together. Cherish these times! Thank you again for inviting me to join in this first Tuesday Tea of 2024. I’m always fee; honored to be included.
Thank you, Sarah. I am trying to limit myself on purchases. Sometimes I see something that is hard to resist. The Earl Grey latte is really delicious! It is a pleasure to have you join us for a cuppa! Stay warm and cozy by the fire!
Good morning, Pam. What a difference sunshine makes in winter! We enjoyed it the day after you, and now we’re covered in nearly 6″ of snow and freezing temps. I was waiting to see your newest linen from Budapest – gorgeous! I love how you mixed your classic blue & white with the green on the tabletop. How sweet of Butch to create a winter tree for you. I have one girlfriend who calls her winter tree her support tree, as she experiences SAD. Your latte appears to be yet another sweet on the table. Enjoy! I was not aware of your sweet Daddy being in hospital. I certainly hope his recovery is complete, and lasting.
Wow 6 inches of snow, we had a few flurries this morning! It is brutally cold, however. The latte was surprisingly good. I may have one this afternoon, but more likely it will be hot chocolate. I have spent a lot of days and nights at the hospital over the last 5 weeks. My Daddy is really doing well!
I love my Hungarian embroidered tablecloth too and I am happy when I see my sister in law using hers too. Bought at the very same market. The work is as pretty on the underside as it is on top. Remarkable handwork.
I also cut eat Nutella right out of the container. Secrets out. Good on pancakes too.
So glad your daddy is doing well.
Love Butch’s twinkle tree.
And lastly, yes to the blue and white. Never tire of it. It is always fresh and timeless.
I agree Ruthie, the underside is gorgeous. Nutella is good on almost anything. Thank you so much!
Good morning, Pam! What a beautiful table today complete with tempting desserts and beverages for this cold day! I adore your new embroidered cloth. I’ve not done crewel embroidery for many years but it was fun years ago. I can picture you selecting this gorgeous table square. You have styled and photographed it perfectly! What a great memory from your trip to Budapest.
I enjoyed my virtual teatime with you this morning.
So glad your Daddy is better. Bonnie
Thank you, Bonnie! I could have purchased more linens, they were so beautiful. I had decided beforehand to only purchase one small table square. I guess you are experiencing the cold weather. Stay warm!
Your blog always brings me
Warmth and sunshine. 🤗
You are a sweet one, Nancy!
This is lovely, Pam. I’m glad you snatched up that table cover– it’s really beautiful and very elegant, yet warm. I’m sorry to hear your dad was in the hospital — six days is quite a stint. I’m glad he’s out now and doing well and will keep good thoughts in my heart for his full recovery. (And that tea pot and cups — splendid!)
Thanks so much, Jeanie! The market was amazing, I would have had to bought a suitcase to bring home everything I loved. Thank you for your well wishes for my dad!
I agree with Rita’s friend in that I’ve kept up a small tree in the den to support the light that was lacking for so many days. It’s still -4 but our local reporter tells us warmer weather is coming this weekend. Yesterday I had to be out in the minus temps and falling snow. I was blessed not to be in an accident as the roads were a sheet of ice. I wasn’t aware that your sweet daddy was in hospital. We all thank Jesus that he is home and receiving your special care. And that special care also must go to Butch as be is participating in decorating Sunshine Cottage with lights. But the sunshine is most beautiful across your pretty table. Have always wondered about storage for the cloths and china that we get to drool over. Hope you don’t get to experience the frigid weather that’s still holding us in its grip and praying for your seeet dad’s full recovery.
Alice, keeping a small tree in the den sounds like a great idea for January. I am so glad you weren’t in an accident while out on the icy roads. We have some interstates shut down with trucks and cars just sitting there. That would be miserable. My Daddy is doing well, I appreciate your prayers for him. I have lots of storage, but I am running out. It is a cold day for Alabama, tomorrow morning it is supposed to be 7 degrees here. Stay warm my friend!
Lovely table and treats invite one to linger and relax. Beautiful. We needed a nice wide shot to see the winter lit branches, along with your artful closeups with the dappled sunshine.
Thanks Carole. I will probably share the tree on a later post!
Oh Pam, it’s wonderful that your sweet Daddy is out of the hospital and on the mend. Praise God! We’re so happy to hear the news. Your table square is gorgeous! I love the pattern and colors. The tea table is very inviting. Stay warm! We got 6 inches of snow as if yesterday and single digit temps at night. Clara❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. No snow to speak of here, just some flurries. Stay warm ❤️
Pam, you picked a beautiful tablecloth! The colors are so vibrant and cheerful. The first thing I noticed was the sun dancing across the scene. It is so easy to justify linens because “they don’t take up that much room”…until you run out of room!! Butch had a such great idea to add a tree with twinkling lights. Such wonderful news your precious daddy is home and doing well. Prayers for all of your dear readers scattered across the country that everyone stays safe and warm in this dreadful weather.
Thank you, Roxanne. Yes, prayers for all of our readers that are scattered across the country. Stay warm!
My husband and I often have afternoon tea and coffee breaks. This is a reminder to make those times special. Not a full beauroifu; setting ;ikke yours but using nice china and sitting in our sitting room! It really doesn’t take much!
Thank you, Linda. I know it is great to take time out for afternoon tea, coffee, or hot chocolate on a cold day like today. I am sure your husband appreciates the extra effort you put forth!
Your table topper looks like something you’d grow in your garden! So beautiful!
Thanks so much, Leslie Anne!
Pam, your tea vignette is lovely. The blue and white tea set is so pretty. Love your travel linens. Always a treasure to bring back something from our travels. I love a vanilla latte, so that tea would be so welcome on this cold dreary day. Have a wonderful week ahead.
Thank you, Linda. I think you would enjoy the hot tea latte, I did! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Such a lovely cozy spot to enjoy tea Pam, the sunlight adds magic to your beautiful table topped with a colorful embroidered cloth from your trip! I try to stay away from HG these days, too many temptations, and I can see why the Grace teapot and cups came home with you, they are so pretty! The colors in your cloth tie the cabbage plates and blue and white china together in such a lovely way. How sweet of RM to fashion a winter tree for your cottage. The Earl Grey Vanilla Latte sounds delicious! I’m glad your sweet Dad is on the mend, I will keep him in my prayers…
Thank you, Jenna! It is good I don’t have a HG close by. The latte is really good! Thank you for your prayers for my Daddy! Stay warm on this cold day!
Yea in the Sunshine Cottage is always a treat to see!!! I so love that exquisite linen square. I don’t think I could resist it either. The table is so beautifully done and the treats looks delicious!!! Kudos to Butch for providing you a tree! I hope that your dad is getting better! So sorry that he was in the hospital. Praying for his complete recovery.
Thank you, Shirley. A special thank you for your prayers!
Prayers for your wonderful Daddy Pam…I can only imagine the thoughts that may sometime enter your mind when your loved one is at this age and in the hospital.
As usual your table is splendid. I love the dapple sunlight streaming through the window. Your tea set is so pretty and what a find. I hear you on storage areas. I have long since exceeded mine with not only linens but glasses, flatware and just about everything. I have to go room to room to set a table these days as the glasses and flatware are in cabinets in the Laundry room, the centerpieces are in my office along with numerous candlesticks etc and the salad plates are stashed in the garage on shelves and the…….well, you get the picture.
Drink a hot chocolate for me with your family and stay warm. We are trying to stay dry down here in Florida…lots of rain and flooding. Hugs dear friend.
Thank you, sweet Kari. I have things stashed away that most of the time I can’t find what I am looking for! Do you have that problem? I have had my hot chocolate this afternoon as it is about 22 this afternoon. I hope you aren’t in the path of flooding dear one!
Your tea in the sunshine cottage is warming my heart today on this frigid afternoon in Texas. Your tablecloth is a beauty and your new teapot and teacups look so pretty on it. I’m not a fan of Earl Grey, but I do like a London Fog. A nephew gave me a black tea assortment for Christmas and Earl Grey is included. I will try the latte as it does sound delicious. Thank you for sharing and I hope your sweet daddy continues to improve. ❤️
Thanks so much, Kitty. Your comments are so sweet and a special thanks for the well wishes for my Daddy ❤️
The table linen you brought home is beautiful! Sorry to hear about your dad being in the hospital. Glad he is recovering and doing well.
Thank you, Della. It is so good to hear from you. I hope you are doing well ❤️
Who would not feel pampered sitting at that sun-dappled table so beautifully
set with the blue/white china and hand-embroidered treasures, sipping Earl Grey
latte with delicious sweets? You hit the hospitality bulls-eye…Leave it to Mr. Goodness
to dispel Winter blues with that twinkling tree-filled corner. We were at 1 degree
overnight and praying safety for all. Continued prayers for sweet Daddy who has
a tenacity of spirit so evident in his generation. Despite the frigid storms, all will
be well if we hold fast and live beautifully.
Thank you, Mary. I wish you could have joined me. Daddy is doing well ❤️
Oh Pam, this entire setting warms my heart and brings a smile to my face! Your new tea set is stunning, and I can see why it came home with you. The new table square is absolutely gorgeous, and my eye was drawn to it first thing. The flowers and rich colors are so pretty. Your photos with the sunlight dancing among the tea setting are stunning. I am so sorry I am so late visiting. I plan on catching up on the posts I have missed. I have really missed reading all of you lovely posts. I am so sorry that your daddy has been under the weather. I know you have been through a lot lately, and I always admire your strength. I will keep you and your daddy in my prayers. Take care, my dear friend!
Thank you, Shannon. You are a sweetheart. I appreciate your prayers and we are thankful that Daddy is doing well! Stay warm!
Pam, I love your new table square from Budapest and your Grace tea set. The sun dancing through your window is delightful. The Sunshine Cottage is the perfect name. So sorry to hear about your Dad but thankful to know he is doing well. You must be exhausted with five weeks of hospital visits. I hope you know how much joy your beautiful posts bring to all our lives.
Thank you, Dianne. I am grateful that my Daddy is doing well. Stay warm my friend!
Pam, hello! It’s warm and cozy here at your place … and I love the melding of blue and green china. Yes, please to Earl Gray and that lovely platter of goodies I see waiting patiently to be sampled.
Thank you, Linda. The tea and goodies were promptly consumed 😘
Pam, your tea table is very splendid is so many beautiful ways! And the tea and sweet platter are so very inviting – very creative!
Thank you, Mary. Teatime is a respite and a time of reflection. Happy Thursday!
I’m so sorry to hear of your Daddy’s illness and trust he is much better by now. The tea latte sounds amazing. I can’t read it very well, so I am going to Google it! LOL! I have never tried making a “coffee” drink using tea, but it sounds delicious. God bless you, sweet friend.
The tea latte is very good. I think you will enjoy it! Thank you, Cheryl!
Pam your Tea party is a work of art. So pretty and elegant.
Marion
How sweet, thank you Marion!
Oh my Pam – your embroidered table topper is exquisite! I love the embroidery details and the colors are so vibrant. It looks perfect with the Spode dinner plates and BP cabbage plates. The new teapot and teacups were a great find and the goodies look so delicious. The latte sounds very tempting. I’m sorry to hear that your Daddy was in the hospital but I am glad that he is on the mend. Yay! My mom will turn 94 in a little over a week so I well appreciate the concern when they get sick at that age. We are brutally cold here as well and I hope the tea and hot chocolate is helping keep you warm and cozy. Take care down there dear one.
what a lovely tea table and beautiful blue teapot set. I love blue and white dishes too. the table square is gorgeous! I would love to see you set a table in the future with the blue and white using orange as the accent to pull out those colors in the table square.
Thank you for your sweet comments. The square has so many wonderful colors to work with and orange would be beautiful to use as an accent! I love the embroidered table square because it is colorful. Wishing you a lovely week!
Hello Pam! So happy to meet you – coming from Linda’s Creative link party today! I just LOVE your tea table, and all the delightful things that you shared! I looked at the recipe for Earl Gray – and we too LOVE Earl Gray tea. I will have to try that latte! It sounds wonderful! Many blessings to you!
Nice to meet you Marilyn. Thank you for your sweet comments. Since you love Earl Grey tea, I know you will enjoy the latte! I hope you will visit with me again. Wishing you a lovely week!