Happy Tuesday sweet friends. It seems that February is swiftly passing as I look forward to Springtime in our Appalachian Foothills!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
It is a simple pleasure to share tea with you on the third Tuesday of each month!
Mary and I are always happy to welcome our friend and fellow Monday Morning Bloomer, Lidy from French Garden House as our special guest. She doesn’t need an introduction, as most of you have already discovered her amazing talents. You will find the links for teatime with Mary and Lidy at the bottom of this post.
“Tea time is a chance to slow down, pull back and appreciate our surroundings.”
~Letitia Baldrige
My sweet little Sunshine Cottage provides a place to slow down and appreciate my surroundings. Just thinking on my surroundings gives me pause to be thankful!
A very dear and long-time friend known as “Pearl” has a beautiful collection of teapots that she displays in her kitchen. We were recently invited for a delicious Valentine’s dinner and I borrowed her lovely Royal Albert ‘Old Country Roses, Ruby Celebration’ teapot. This particular pattern was introduced in 2001 and is discontinued. While I was writing this post, I sent Pearl a short question in a text message. Rather than texting, she called. We started reminiscing about the story of how she acquired the nickname of Pearl. This story was told to us when we met Tommy and Pearl in 1973. She had moved with her parents after high school graduation from Tennessee to NE Alabama and it is here that she met the love of her life. After a short courtship, they both knew they were meant to be together. The wedding was planned at Tommy’s home church to be officiated by his pastor who was just getting to know the bride-to-be. Throughout the entire ceremony the pastor called the bride Pearline, but her name is Merleene! From that moment on, all who know her well have called her Pearl! Amazing how things like that happen and stick for a lifetime. Just like my RM’s nickname, Butch, has stuck since childhood! To this day I find it hard to call him Donnie, and Merleene will always be Pearl. Who would think a teapot could stir up such wonderful memories!
I am serving my favorite black tea with a slight twist! Earl Grey Crème Tea with the soft warm flavor of vanilla and cream combine to lighten the citrus notes of a traditional Earl Grey.
Almost without fail when I set a table, there will be something on it that has a memory attached. The two-tiered stand belonged to my beloved Mother who used it often for her delicious baked goodies that everyone loved!
My Mother would have never served any dessert that was not made from scratch in her kitchen. I admit, in a pinch I often buy from a local bakery. A trip to Birmingham always requires a stop at Trader Joe’s to purchase flowers or just peruse the aisles for whatever looks good to eat. I scored some delicious sweet treats for today’s teatime!
On the top tier are glazed chocolate donut holes and madeleines, with vanilla bean scones and teeny tiny apple pies on the bottom. The miniature apple pies made with juicy apples and topped with brown sugar crumble was my favorite. All satisfied my sweet tooth!
Winter months provide dancing light and shadows across the table!
The lovely crocheted napkin rings that I treasure were made by a dear friend of my mother. She was called Aunt Ruby by all who knew her. She never had children of her own, but she had so many that loved her, as she genuinely loved all of them!
The Marc Jacobs china pattern by Waterford is called ‘David Scarlet’ and was discontinued in 2007. I found four each of the salad plates, bread/ butter plates, and cup/saucers at TJ Maxx around the time the pattern was discontinued. My friend who is a china, silver, and crystal collector found two dinner plates at an antique shop and added those to my other pieces. I now have two complete place settings. Replacements occasionally have a few dinner plates and I should purchase two so I would have four place settings. The pattern is very versatile, so maybe I will!
We recently received a letter from a couple who live in Central Asia. I was most interested in her Culture Corner that was written on the subject of Tea! She wrote, “If you are invited to someone’s house you cannot leave without a hot cup of fresh brewed tea. It is a symbol of goodwill and hospitality. You cannot drink it without a dessert of some sort and you cannot drink it standing up. The tea lasts at least 30 minutes and is always followed by a conversation. To say ‘No’ to tea is almost an insult.”
Sometimes I enjoy potted flowers rather than an arrangement. I thought the mini roses would be a perfect accompaniment for the ‘Old Country Roses’ teapot!
“Tea is best when enjoyed in pleasant surroundings, whether indoors or out, whether the atmosphere is tranquil, the setting harmonious.”
~John Blofeld
European linen tablecloth and exquisite napkins are from Crown Linen Designs. I highly recommend their products! Not a paid advertisement, I am just a very satisfied customer!
Please join my talented friends, Mary and Lidy at the links below.
Mary ~ Home Is Where the Boat Is
Lidy ~ French Garden House
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a delightful week!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
I Love Aunt Ruby’s napkin rings and the story of how Pearl got her name. I hope that means she has lots of lovely pearls as well as teapots!.
Thank you so much, Ruth ❤️
Pam, Your Sunshine Cottage is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup tea, surrounded by all your pretties and with the sunshine highlighting your table. Your friend’s Royal Albert ‘Old Country Roses, Ruby Celebration’ teapot is a beauty and what pretty potted rose to accompany it. ‘David Scarlet’ is such a handsome and versatile pattern. I love the bands of color and shape of the teacup and coupe-shaped saucer. What a delicious assortment of treats you found from Trader Joe’s. I always love to stop in when I have a chance and wish I had one that was closer to me. So interesting to read about the custom of taking tea from your friends in Asia. ‘You cannot drink it without a dessert of some sort’ is coincidentally my philosophy too. 😊 I had to chuckle over the paster calling her ‘Pearline’ instead of ‘Merleene’. Our last name is pronounced Mc’Catherine’ like the girl’s name, but not spelled that way. Our neighbors’ think my name is ‘Mary-Catherine’ and I don’t have the heart to correct them. 😊 As always, it’s a treat to join for a cuppa. Happy Tuesday. ☕ ❤️
Thank you, Mary. How funny that your neighbors think your name is Mary Catherine! That sounds quite regal! ❤️
What a lovely tea service to close out winter, Pam! I bet when Merleene was called Pearlene she felt slighted originally, but how wonderful it grew to an endearing name for her. My Mr. P is also known as Butch, and many still call him that. your teapot is the perfect choice with your Marc Jacobs china (I say buy the dishes!). sure wish we had a Trader Joe’s for flowers and treats, especially. Will you plant the small rose?
It’s always a welcoming time to be invited into your cottage, but especially for tea time.
Thank you, Rita. I don’t remember you sharing with me that Mr. P is also known as Butch. I do plan to plant the small rose. I missed an opportunity when Replacements emailed me when they had the dinner plates. I regret not purchasing two. I really don’t need one more piece of china! Have a lovely week!
Pam, I think Pearl is lucky to be invited to tea! Her teapot is wonderful and I love the teatime treats you nabbed at TJs. We have one opening not far from my house –maybe by this summer. (It has been several years in the arrival, due to the first contractor ending up in jail!) Pearl’s name story made me smile. I think a lot of us (me included) end up with family names (and sometimes those are extended to friends or “forever” names) that came from similar situations!
Thank you, Jeanie. How exciting to have a TJ’s coming near you. Enjoy your day, dear one ❤️
Good Morning Pam. It is so lovely to sit with you in your Sunshine Cottage and enjoy a cup of tea and sweet treats. I could linger here all day and listen to your beautiful recollections of dear ones in your life. And how nice that precious items on your table bring those recollections to light.
The Royal Albert teapot is quite lovely and matched beautifully with the potted roses.
Thanks for having us… Happy Tuesday!
PS Buy the plates!
Thank you, Nancy! I missed the opportunity a few months ago when Replacements notified me they had dinner plates. I didn’t order them and I now regret my decision. Hopefully they will have at least 2 in the future! Wishing you a delightful Tuesday ❤️
My mother came to my house yesterday for tea and biscuits. The “biscuits” were actually cranberry/almond shortbread cookies by KEEBLER (ha), but the tea was authentically made for the coronation of King Charles and carried in my suitcase back from Scotland. – so there! It made the Keeblers taste magnificently royal! Your table is lovely and I’m going to look into the King Linen line – happy sipping!
A cup of royal tea can make a Keebler cookie taste magnificent! What a blessing to be able to share tea with your mother!
Where do I start. Well perhaps the scripture verse that you give us. Thank you. And then the tea setting with the dancing light over all. Everything tickles my fancy. Especially how “Pearl” got her nickname. Oh and I won’t forget Donnie’s nickname. One of my favorite places to shop is Replacements. My head just spins with all the loveliness there. Ask them to put you on their list to keep the Marc Jacob’s pattern for you. I wish America had the culture to always have tea for our guest. I think it would slow us down and there would be less anxiety. I noticed the beautiful chair in the background and the pretty pillow in it. The tiered plate that was your mothers will always hold a place in your heart and tea table. I love to hear of her love of all things pretty. We have a Traders Jo here. It is a small store and very busy so I don’t go often. I was at there original store once. It is huge and I stayed a long time taking in all they had. Happy te time❣️
Alice, I also love the scripture verses I shared. Thank you, Alice for faithfully reading and commenting. I am on Replacements list, they currently don’t have the dinner plates. They did several months ago and I let them get away. I wish we had a Trader Joe’s. Wishing you a lovely day dear one ❤️
Beautiful tea table and delightful stories. Lovely dancing light in your photos.
I would love a cup of your Earl Grey Creme tea. Your china is striking and you must order right away or you will regret missing more pieces.
Thank you, Bonnie. It would be a pleasure if you could join me!
Lovely monthly tea! What a wonderful way to meeting with friends!!
Thanks so much, Caron ❤️
Your table is just beautiful Pam! I love the sunshine coming in from the window and spilling over the pretty tea pot. The roses go perfectly with the teapot and beautiful china. I love the tulip pillow on the chair in the background, is it needlepoint? What a cozy spot to sit, sip, and enjoy special memories! The crocheted napkin rings look incredible with the Crown Linen napkins! I so enjoyed tea time with you!
Thanks so much, Jenna. The pillow is needlepoint that I have had for many years. I don’t buy many new pillows, I just rotate what I have. Happy week to you ❤️
Pam, I loved this post with all the lovely sentimental pieces on the table along with Pearl’s story! The teapot is perfectly paired with your beautiful dishes. The napkin rings are so delicate. Your tiered serving piece has many memories for certain. Maybe you will get another chance to buy your two dinner plates to complete your collection and have a setting for 4 if you would like to do so. That pattern can be paired with so many other patterns as it’s so versatile. I have regrets about not completing a few sets even though I really don’t need another dish! Have a wonderful day! Clara ❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. I am like you, do I really need another plate? The china is versatile, perfect for Christmas! Wishing you a lovely day❤️
What a delight it is, each time, dear friend, to visit you. Your tea table is delightful, with all the meaningful pieces like tiered stand and napkin rings. I love the story of Pearl! You share life’s best moments, and we all delight in reading them.
Thank you so much for the invitation to join you and our sweet Mary today. xoxo Lidy
Thank you, Lidy. It is always a pleasure for you to join us for tea❤️
Your teatime arrangement is absolutely lovely! The way the light plays on your table is so enchanting. I can imagine myself sitting there enjoying that perfect cup of tea! I so love the leopard chair in the back ground with the beautiful tulip pillow. Is it possible to get a source for the pillow….most likely a one of a kind but a girl’s gotta try! Your “Pearline” story is the gem that is the perfect touch with a fairy wand! Love!
Thank you, Linda. You are so sweet. The pillow has a mate and I found them at the Atlanta Gift Mart more than 20 years ago. I am glad you enjoyed the “Pearline” story ❤️
What a wonderful tea time. I jave a sweet tea pot that belonged to my aunt Elsie but it has no lid,I don’t know if it was broken or just got lost.
We do not have a Trader Joe’s, do you think Crumble cookies would be a good replacement?
How special that you have a sweet teapot from your Aunt Elsie. Crumble cookies would work perfectly ❤️ Thank you Nonie!
Happy Tuesday and tea at the Cottage (and with Lidy and Mary, too–how beautiful, always). Pam, the story of Pearl made my heart and soul smile. And Butch (Donnie!). How wonderful! My soul was even happier seeing your Mom’s stand, Aunt Ruby’s napkin rings, and the dancing lights which pair perfectly with the verse you chose. Everything is exquisite, as always, sweet Pam. The delicious sweets (the mini apple pies and chocolate donut holes–yummy!) and a cup of good tea as a farewell and goodness round up such a beautiful blessing to my day. Pam, I made it back safe from K.C. visiting my son and family. So many memories were made. My heart is full. My schedule is jam-packed (I wish I was having jam-on biscuits sitting with you at your cottage). Tomorrow, I’ll have my BIG PET scan (to show this cancer head to toe- it’s been since Aug ’22 on this particular scan). Thursday, I’ll read to a class, and this weekend I’ll visit “Karla’s Cottage” –my little home I sold in my beloved former community last year to move to the “city” because of my cancer. Next week I’ll have my two treatments and participate in a study. Life is so full. And being here, at your place, and seeing all of the ways you bring so much of God’s love, beauty, and grace to our world, makes me a better person! If I’m “absent” for a while, you’ll know why. Please give Butch my regards and know that each morning I say all of your names out loud to our Heavenly Father.
The weather is beautiful here–and I hope to get out and walk, too (If I get laundry and household responsibilities, accomplished, lol). I love you so much! God bless you all!! 💕❤️☕☕🎶🙏🙏
I always enjoy reading everyone’s comments and just read about your cancer tests and treatments. If it is alright, I will pray for you and for all those involved in your care. You have a great attitude and joie de vivre! God bless, Roxanne
Roxanne, that is so precious! Thank you. I humbly receive this blessing and prayer. Like you, I enjoy reading the comments. You’re so kind! And know, that when someone is praying for me, I, in turn, pray for that person. YOU! Thank you, Roxanne. God bless you, Karla
Karla, Roxanne will definitely pray. She has been praying for Butch. Butch and I were able to meet Roxanne in Highlands, NC for lunch about a year and half ago. She is a sweetheart, just like you❤️
Roxanne, thank you for praying for our dear friend, Karla. She is precious, and I just know you two could be friends! You are a sweetheart, dear one ❤️
Thanks so much, Karla. I love that you could join me for tea in the cottage. I am happiest that you were able to visit your son and family. It must have filled your heart with joy. Praying for the PET scan tomorrow that it will show a great report. Happy you are reading to a class on Thursday! I remember Karla’s Cottage that you sold in order to move closer to family. Praying for the treatments sweet friend that you won’t have reactions🙏🏻I love you sweet friend and you are always in our prayers ❤️🎶🙏🏻🙏🏻
Pam, your opening scripture is a favorite and always gives me a sense of peace.
Wait…Butch’s real name is Donnie?!? I love Pearl’s story, she sounds like such a lovely, gracious person. Your table is beautiful, and you have reminded me to get out my Highlands Earl Grey Creme tea. I am also admiring the backdrop behind your table…the beautiful tulip pillow and curtains and the sampler. I would love to see a closeup of that! I believe I have mentioned the Afghan family my church “adopted”…he worked for our government, and the family had to flee on a military plane or be killed when the airport fell in Kabul. Every time I took them to doctor appointments, etc. a full tea was served when we returned home. And it lasted at least 30 minutes too. At first I was a little impatient to get on with my day, but then I came to appreciate being in the moment with my new friends.
Thank you, dear one! I am so happy you shared about the Afghan family and their sharing of tea with you. I remember you mentioned your church “adopted” them. Your church I am sure has made an impact on them! Yes, make yourself a cup of Earl Grey Crème tea❤️
Such a lovely table, gorgeous borrowed teapot, and sweet story behind how Pearl got her name. Your Sunshine cottage is the perfect venue. I love being invited to your tea parties. Your posts are always a highlight.
Thank you so much, Cindie! You are so sweet ❤️
Thank you Pam for inviting us to your Sunshine Cottage for a tea party. We loved the beautiful setting and the warmth of your hospitality.
Happy Tea time
Marilyn,Joan and Marion
I am so happy that you sweet ladies could join me ❤️
A delight for our eyes. Treasures such as your mother’s tiered stand and Aunt Ruby’s napkin rings. Love your friend’s Royal Albert ‘Old Country Roses‘ teapot. By all means, do buy those china pieces when you find them. The needlepoint pillow is gorgeous. Gotta love Trader Joe’s for some wonderful desserts and fresh flowers. A lovely tea to enjoy with friends.
Thanks so much, Linda. I love using things that have a memory attached!
Pam, you know I love tea time, especially in the Sunshine Cottage! Your sun dappled table is the perfect setting. I love reading about your mother’s and Aunt Ruby’s tea time tuches. My mom rarely bought anything from a bakery. It was all handmade at home: bread, cookies, cakes, pies, icecream, meals. It was also always delicious! Mother also always set a pretty table, and our family of six had our meals around the table together. Life was pretty simple in the 50s and 60s, though I know none of this was simple for my mom! Your friend, Pearl’s teapot collection must be lovely.
Thank you, Sarah. I think our Mothers could have been friends. My mother always set a lovely table. She never ever used paper. Life was simple, but our mothers didn’t have all the conveniences we have today. Have a wonderful week, my friend!
Hi Pam,
Your tea setting at the Sunshine cottage is so pretty. I bet your friends collection is just gorgeous of all the teapots. Have a great week. Hugs. Kris
Thanks so much, Kris. Wishing you a wonderful week ❤️
I so enjoyed all the wonderful memories that you shared at your tea party, Pam. The idea of sharing a cup of tea before you leave someone’s house, along with a sweet, was such a lovely thought. Your dappled sunlight makes for such a pretty ambiance and the china pieces are so pretty. Using a potted plant as your centerpiece looks especially beautiful. I can understand why those crocheted napkin rings are treasures, along with your mom’s tired stand. Thank you for the delightful teatime!
Thank you so kindly, Kitty! I thought the lady from Central Asia’s description of teatime there was quite lovely.
Oh everything looks so warm, cozy, and delicious around here … as always, Pam. I love the use of the tiered serving dish … it makes everything and anything look elegant and taste-worthy.
I hope you guys are staying cozy and well. Happy end of February.
Thank you dearest Linda! We are staying cozy and celebrated our 51st anniversary yesterday!
Beautiful tea table I love that you use those items that are memory ones. I do that too. Also, I need to get one of my many tea pots out for my frequent after noon cup of tea!
Linda, pull out the beautiful teapots and use them for afternoon tea. Treat yourself!
Adorable remembrances and beautiful Tea time. How inviting! Wonderful teapot. Hugs and blessings.
Thank you sweet Maristella! Hugs 🥰
Pam, teatime with you is the very best and I love the stories too! Simple beautiful tablescape!
Mary, your comments warm my heart. Thank you!
Absolutely beautiful Pam! I love your little cottage and your tea table! We do have so much to be thankful for, including friends with stories to share, and fellow tablescapers we meet on the internet! 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely week – thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you, my friend for your sweet comments. Wishing you a lovely weekend!
Oh Pam, as you know I do love my cuppa tea and what a perfect setting in the Sunshine Cottage. The teapot is perfect and I adore the rose plant. I, too like to purchase a plant in place of cut flowers sometimes. I also like the way the sunbeams play with your table and the story of Pearl’s name is so sweet. Your supply of dishes and linens are endless and always so perfect with your planned setting. How sweet you think of your Mom with the tiered serving trays and your purchased treats are delightful and your Mom is smiling on you I’m sure. Best wishes my sweet friend and I would love to pull up a chair and sip tea and enjoy the solitude and small talk that I know we would share with each other.
Thank you, Kari! It would be delightful for you to pull up a chair and sip tea with me. I am sure we would enjoy sweet conversation ❤️
Pam, this is such a beautiful and serene table in the Sunshine Cottage. I love the sunlight dancing on the table! I’m sure that the Old Country Roses was the china that my mom had, although I don’t think it was her wedding china, just some china that she had picked out. It was always so pretty. The Marc Jacobs china is lovely – so unique in color and design. I agree with Rita – buy the dishes lol. The CL linens are gorgeous and the crocheted napkin rings are treasures. I hope you enjoyed your cuppa with all the goodies and wishing you a lovely week!
As always, your comments are encouraging and sweet. Thank you my sweet friend!
What a blessing to sit at your beautifully appointed table with kindred spirits, Karla, Alice, Roxanne, et al, and share in the memories attached to the treasured family heirlooms. If everyone stopped at 3:30 and followed that Central Asian routine for tea together, what a serene world this could be. You can never have enough of the perfect setting of china… Knowing you, the set of four will be completed. Thank you for the graciousness that you, Mary and Lidy provide to sip away any weariness of the day. Your consummate hostess Mother’s tiered server is perfect for tea sandwiches… she was such a role model…..
Thank you, my friend! Yes, my beloved Mother was a role model! I hope you are doing well!
All three teas were exceptional ❤️
Thank you, Janice! It is so good to hear from you ❤️
Pam,
I loved that story about how Pearl got her name. Those crocheted napkin rings are beautiful. What a lovely table you set. I tea lover.am an Earl Gray
Hugs,
Bev
Thanks so much, Bev!
As I read this, I was thinking of your friend, Shirley, who used to join in with you and Mary and Lidy. I miss seeing her name in your posts. I pray all is well with her and with you and your family. God bless you, sweet friend.
Cheryl, thank you for your concern about Shirley. We do miss her, but she is doing well. She gave up blogging but has a huge following on Instagram. She and I stay in touch! Blessings dear one!