Happy Tuesday sweet friends. Summer is winding down and autumn will be here soon! Are you savoring the last days of August or wishing for the fall season?
“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.”
Isaiah 25:1 (ESV)
It is always a pleasure to share tea with Mary on the third Tuesday of each month. I am happy that you have joined me in the August garden!
For the August edition of Tea on Tuesdays, we welcome our special guest, Shannon from Belle Bleu Interiors. You will find the links for Mary’s and Shannon’s lovely tea presentations at the bottom of this post.
Also, my winner of the book “Tea & Sweets” and teacup giveaway is announced at the end of this post.
This sweet teapot of flowers and birds along with its matching two-tier tray were discovered in early spring at Home Goods. It is their first appearance on the blog!
I cut zinnias and hydrangeas from the garden and arranged them in a lily pad teapot! The teapot has a sweet memory attached. I was planning a Peter Rabbit tea party a couple of years ago for my darling girls. My Renaissance Man and I were in Birmingham for dinner and had time for a bit of shopping. I said let’s go in Anthropologie and see what is new in their tabletop department. There it sat, the lily pad teapot, perfect for my tea party or for any teatime!
I am a fan of Earl Grey Crème Black Tea from The Spice & Tea Exchange. The comforting flavors of vanilla, bergamot, and crème combine to lighten the citrus notes of a traditional Earl Grey. I love strong black tea just as I love strong black coffee!
“The very act of preparing and serving tea encourages conversation.”
~ Emilie Barnes
Tea with a friend can be simple…Black Forest ham and cheddar cheese sandwiches, grapes, and banana nut bread! Of course, an elaborate tea is a special event, but to enjoy conversation with a friend or two doesn’t need to overwhelm you in its preparation. After all, hospitality is what is most memorable to guests.
A true British classic, Portmeirion ‘Botanic Garden’ dishware was designed by the celebrated designer Susan Williams-Ellis in 1972. The mix and match floral motifs, inspired by 19th century botanical illustrations, bring a bit of the garden to the table. I have a set of six salad plates and dinner plates that are displayed in the Sunshine Cottage during the summer season. I selected three plates that shared the color palette of the tablecloth.
It is no secret that I love April Cornell linens. This is my third year as an April Cornell Brand Ambassador. Each season I am given the opportunity to make 3 or 4 linen choices from their new patterns. From my selections, they will choose one to send me, normally my first choice. This pattern (from a few years ago) is called Jacobean Garden and has lovely shades of purple, greens and a hint of yellow.
Several years ago a friend of mine sent me a photo of a gorgeous tablecloth and napkins that she had discovered at an estate sale in Atlanta. I was so smitten by the color that I immediately knew my name was written on them. I first shared the linens on Precious Memories!
We can’t grow lilacs in our Appalachian Foothills, but I can enjoy their beauty on this Botanic Garden plate!
“The Art of Tea” book by Victoria and Hoffman Media is used to slightly elevate the teapot!
August has provided splendid shades of pink in our garden!
I paired American Atelier ‘Baroque’ teacups with antique Copeland-Spode ‘Mayflower’ tea saucers. This pattern was first introduced in 1929 and has a lavender flower border with center roses.
For lovely tea inspiration, be sure to visit Mary and Shannon!
Mary ~ Home Is Where the Boat Is
Shannon ~ Belle Bleu Interiors
Congratulations to my winner of the book “Tea & Sweets” and the teacup/saucer, giveaway, Linda H! Thank you to all who entered.
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you a delightful day!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Good Morning Pam, What a beautiful table and setting in your garden! It’s stunning your Crape Myrtle blooming in the background. Your April Cornell Jacobean Garden tablecloth provides a beautiful foundation for your Portmeirion Botanic Garden plates. I love your pretty new teapot with birds and matching server, what a wonderful find at HomeGoods! I’d love to have a slice of banana bread with my tea this morning. I hope you’re enjoying a slight cool down and lower humidity this week like we are. As always, it’s a treat to join you for tea and have a virtual seat at your table. Happy Tuesday ☕🌺💜
Thank you, Mary! I thoroughly enjoy our teatimes! ☕️❤️
Thank you for the beautiful displays and pictures. The pinks and greens are so pretty together.
Thank you for your sweet comments, Merilynn!
Beautiful color combination in the garden for tea, Pam! I noted the new teapot right off! it reminds me of a cross between Lenox Chirp and Mottahedah Chelsea Bird! And the lotus teapot as vase is pretty too.
Congrats to Linda H! As readers of your blog, we’re all winners.
Rita, your comments are always so encouraging. Thank you, my friend!
Such a gorgeous table, love the dishes, the linens, the setting! It looks like a wonderful place to linger with friends.
Thank you, Carole. Lingering with friends is the best!
Good Morning, Dear Pam,
Thank you for having us over for tea. The Earl Grey Crème Black Tea that you have chosen is delicious. Your new teapot and matching tiered tray are lovely with your Portmeirion ‘Botanare Botanic Garden dishware. I always enjoy seeing what AC tablecloth you are going to choose. I love this one! The lily pad teapot filled with flowers is gorgeous and has a sweet memory attached to it.
I must not forget that I enjoyed your stunning garden with the crepe myrtle. It is breathtaking!
Congratulations to Linda H on winning the book!
Happy Tuesday! Thanks for the tea time!
Thank you, Nancy. I am so happy that you enjoyed our teatime. Wishing you a delightful week!
Oh Pam tea in the garden is so beautiful. The picture of your beautiful table setting and the gorgeous and I mean gorgeous blooming tree in the background is awesome. Your Lily Pad tea pot is unique and so so cute. Love it all. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris for your sweet comments in the middle of your moving. I can’t wait to see your new home! Sending you hugs and be sure to rest!
Good morning, Pam! Your garden with all of the shades of pink provides a wonderful backdrop for your lovely tea setting. The new teacups and teapot are so pretty! I love the pattern with the birds and flowers. Your Botanic Garden plates paired with the Copeland Mayflower china make a stunning presentation against the backdrop of the AC tablecloth. I have always admired the Botanic Garden pattern and been tempted to start a collection. Your bouquet of flowers is beautiful in the sweet teapot. Your blend of tea sounds delightful. I am going to have to try that blend. I was there this summer and purchased some new flavors to try but didn’t see that one. I tend to get a little overwhelmed with all of the different varieties that they carry. Your treats look scrumptious and perfect for a tea with friends. I would love to have a slice of banana bread this morning. It was such a delight to join you for tea this morning, my dear friend! I hope you have a most wonderful day!
Thank you, Shannon. You would love the tea, it is really great. I would be happy to share a slice of banana bread with you. It is always a treat to have you join us for Tea on Tuesdays!
Pam ,love your beautiful table setting. Your teapot with the birds is lovely. Thank you for sharing and you have a blessed week.
Thank you, Della. I am so glad you joined me in the garden!
I love your pretty new bird teapot Pam, it’s perfect for your beautiful garden setting. The purple and green AC tablecloth is so so pretty, and your centerpiece of flowers in the lily pad teapot is perfect! The Botanic Garden china matches beautifully and your whole table is a reflection of the colors in your garden! Congrats to Linda H. she will love her book~ Thank you for a delightful tea party!
Thanks so much, Jenna for your sweet comments. Lower humidity was nice today!
What a charming teapot, Pam. I love the birds. As always, your table is beautiful. Your own blooms are well set off by your Portmerion! Lovely in every way.
Thank you, Jeanie for your sweet comments!
Pam I am savoring the last days of Summer. Your garden is so pretty in pink! I love your table and I also love to see the background. I do not like to think of the long Winters ahead here in Colorado. I do however remember the long Summers when I lived in NC and looking forward to the Indian summers of Fall.
Thank you, Alice. I think by this time of summer, the heat has worn me down especially trying to garden! I can just imagine those long cold winters can be bothersome! Take care!
Oh Pam, your endless collection of AC table coverings are always the first thing I look for at your tables and this one is truly special because of the colors. Luv the napkins too. As you know, one of my favorite flowers is the lilac and we can’t grow them here in Florida and I admit I was surprised to learn that you can’t grow them in your neck of the woods either.
I would love to sit at your tea table and nibble on banana nut bread and simple tea sandwiches….one does not have to have elaborate teas and goodies to enjoy the company of a friend or two. In fact sometimes just sitting in a garden swing, listening to the birds sing and watching the butterflies flit from bush to flower and sipping on a cup of tea reflecting on all of God’s gifts and mercies with a sweet friend can make for a perfect late summer day. Thank you for sharing your Tea on Tuesday with all of us. Hugs 🥰
Thank you for joining me for teatime, Kari! I wish we could grow lilacs here, way too hot. It would be delightful for us to share tea and conversation. Your words are encouraging!
Pam, your new teapot is sweet and so elegant. Your photography is sharp and crisp. Such a beautiful table with the pretty linens. I do love the napkin. It is stunning and the tablecloth is perfect with your Botanic Garden plates. I love the ones you selected.
Your floral arrangement is delightful. I love the zinnias and limelights.
Your banana bread is calling my name. I haven’t had any in so long.
I’m glad for a little cooler day today. Happy teatime and Happy Tuesday! Bonnie
Thanks so much, Bonnie. Your comments are sweet and encouraging. Wish you were here to join me for a slice of banana bread!
Oh to sit with you in your beautiful garden would be so heavenly, Pam! I’d enjoy the scents, and the glorious colors of all the flowers, besides your friendship and tea treats. It’s as if you have your very own arboretum right in your backyard. Thank you for all the loveliness you share.
P. S. I need to find some of your favorite Earl Grey crème tea.
Thank you, Kitty! You are so sweet and I wish you could join me in person for tea!
Dearest Pam, your table setting is beautiful. It looks so cool and refreshing with the lilac color. And your new teapot is lovely. I think I’m ready for August to move along. Even the leaves on the trees look tired!
Thank you, Roxanne! I understand about being ready for August to move along. I am tired and RM is even more tired🥰
Your tablescape is a delight in every way! I am smitten with your beautiful deep lavendar linen napkins. Every little detail on your tea table serves to provide a momentary respite from busy days. Thank you for the “getaway.”
Pamela, you are so sweet! I am so thrilled you enjoyed a little “getaway.”
What a lovely setting you created for your guests, Pam. Was especially drawn to your clever use of a book under the teapot. I’ve used books to give a little height to decor on side tables, coffee tables, bedside chests, etc., BUT never on a dining table! What a great idea–a way to also add a bit of color if needed. Thank you, Pam!
Thank you, Nancy! I am glad you discovered an idea to use on your dining table.
Pam, That is a gorgeous teapot! The lilac linens estate find is truly a favorite of mine. The linens of yesteryear were magnificent! I have a similar pattern on an estate tablecloth (no napkins) but it is a lovely green color. I adore your AC linens; the one on your tea table is a beautiful color and design. Your tea table is beautiful! Have a wonderful evening. Clara ❤️
Thank you, Clara. I just know your estate cloth is gorgeous in green. Wishing you a wonderful week ❤️
Your August Tea time is breathtaking! Gorgeous teapot!!! Beautiful centerpiece too… Love, love and love! Thank you!
Thank you sweet friend for your kind comments!
Pam, a lovely tea to enjoy in your beautiful garden. I have that very same teapot plus the cups, saucers and salad plates. Your AC tablecloth is so pretty, love the lavender napkins too. A pleasure joining you in your garden for a spot of tea.
Thank you, Linda for your sweet comments. Looking forward to the blog hop next week!
Such a pretty tablescape Pam in a lovely setting. It’s warming up here in the Southern Hemisphere which is most welcomed after a long cold winter. Spring is only a few weeks away now which brings to mind the following scripture;
“For now the winter is past; the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in the countryside; the season of singing has come, and the cooing of turtledoves is heard in our land…” Song of Sol 2:11 & 12
Blessings to you sweet friend, Jennifer
Hi Jennifer and thank you. So happy for you that it is warming up as you are approaching spring. I am glad to be approaching autumn my favorite season. I love those verses in Song of Solomon and have used them.
Blessings my sweet friend!
Beautiful, Pam! I love this time of the year because it’s zinnia season! Your table linens with the purples and mauves are gorgeous, especially with the pops of green on your table. It’s always a joy seeing your beautiful garden all decked out for tea! Have a blessed rest of your week!
Ricki Jill, I love zinnia season. Thanks so much, and looking forward to the blog hop next week!
Pam, your table set for tea is beautiful! The AC linens are so pretty and I love the purple napkins too – such a pretty shade. The lily pad tea pot is adorable and what a fabulous find. Love the tiered tray and matching teapot with birds and flowers too. The Portmeirion salads are lovely on the green plates – I have similar salads that were a find a HomeSense a couple of years ago. I love love how you styled them. And of course your beautiful garden in the background – you would never know all the gardening challenges you’ve had this summer. The menu looks delicious and I hope you were able to enjoy it after the photos were done. Happy Wednesday my friend!
Zinnias and hydrangeas. Could there be any better garden companions in the month of August. Such dreamy whites and stunning hues of pink.
Thank you, Cindie. I hope you have enjoyed beautiful flowers in your garden during August!
Congratulations to Linda H. on winning your lovely giveaway! I absolutely love the colors in the linens! Any shade of purple/lavender is my favorite! God bless you!
Thanks so much, Cheryl! God bless you and your family!
Pam, I’m late to tea! And what an elegant summer delight with in your garden. The new teapot and tiered server were meant to follow you home. Glad you spied them. I’ve made the rounds to TJ Max, HG, and Marshall’s, all dry runs. Absolutely nothing that called my name, and the stores were packed with goods and shoppers. I think mostly “back to dorm” shopping.
I love the green and that lavender. Such a great combo, and your linens are lovely as always. Happy End of August!
Thanks so much, Sarah! You are so sweet and your comments warm my heart!