Happy Tuesday dear friends. It seems we just said hello to September and now it is half over. Fall officially begins one week from today!
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””
Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)
It is the third Tuesday of the month and time to celebrate tea. I brought teatime inside the Sunshine Cottage, the garden is on its last leg and the heat and humidity have stolen my energy!
Thank you for joining me for tea. My friend Mary is taking a blogging break.
It was very cloudy and threatened rain on Friday when I planned to have teatime. Later in the day we received 1/8th inch of rain. Taking photos inside on a cloudy day is difficult, especially for this photographer!
I served a delicious tea…an organic ‘Secret Garden’ Cinnamon Spice Black Tea with cardamom, clove, black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon.
My inspiration came from the whimsical mushroom teapot. EM, our oldest grandchild was shopping with me at TJ Maxx when we both discovered the cute teapot. I was about to pass it up when she declared, “PJ you have to buy this teapot!” It didn’t take much convincing because I thought it was charming. The teapot is from Blue Sky Clayworks.
A favorite majolica pitcher was used to feature autumn fire sedum and zinnias cut from our garden.
Delightful mushroom salad plates were found hiding on shelves at Hobby Lobby. The teapot was happy to find she was not alone as more mushrooms had joined the fun!
The squirrel trinket box was invited to join our teatime. He was an ill-mannered guest and had the nerve to bring his acorns and even a half-chewed hickory nut to our tea party! Pesky and disrespectful squirrels chewed on our picnic table next to the woodlands. That table was moved down a trail and resides by the river. We purchased a new handmade picnic table to sit next to our woodlands. There is evidence that the impolite squirrels are already bringing their lunch and spreading it on top of the new table. They are messy eaters and do not clean up!
An April Cornell tablecloth and napkins are a returning Heritage Print from the archives named ‘Antique’ and is ideal for the autumn season!
Not the prettiest muffins, but moist and delicious! With little time, I used Krusteaz Cinnamon Swirl Muffin Mix!
Teatime gives me pause to enjoy long conversations with a friend or to sit quietly and read! However, my most favorite teatimes are with my granddaughters. I am planning a tea party with EM and EK for Friday!
With mushroom plates and a whimsical mushroom teapot, I felt sausage stuffed mushrooms would be an appropriate addition. I remember serving these mushrooms as a young bride. They were always a hit with our friends and so very simple and easy. I used baby bella mushroom caps filled with cooked sausage (Italian is best), mixed with cream cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, and parmesan cheese. I baked at 375 for 15 minutes.
When the Sunshine Cottage was built six years ago, EM was four and EK was one. My dream was that it would be a playhouse for the girls. It has been a place for us to play dolls, have tea parties, and for a couple of years, have spend the night parties on a blow up mattress on the floor. Special memories have been made by reading books to the girls, but they both now read to me. The stacked books are a beautifully illustrated version of John Bunyan’s ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ for children ages 2 to 10. Did you know, that next to the Bible (which is first), ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ is one of the most printed and translated books of all time.
The watercolor painting of a photo I made in our garden a few years ago was painted by a new friend that I have quickly grown to love. She is multi-talented and will be painting more watercolors that will eventually be framed for a wall grouping in the cottage.
Autumn Fire sedum is blooming in our cottage garden!
I appreciate your visit and gracious comments. Wishing you joy-filled September days!
Linking with: Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Life and Linda
Pam it is hard to believe summer is ending and fall is coming in. My few flowers are still hanging in there but our summer has taken a toll on them. Love your mushroom theme tea party. That tea pot is adorable. Have a great week. Hugs. Kris
Thanks so much, Kris! It is still stifling hot in our Foothills! Next week we have hope for some cooler days!
Oh Pam, your mushroom themed teatime is so whimsical and fun! I would’ve bought that teapot, too. It is darling and the HL plates carry out the theme so perfectly. Now you have me thinking about stuffed mushrooms, a longtime favorite. Your watercolor painting is beautiful that was done by your friend. Have fun with your granddaughters this coming Friday as you have tea and treats in the Sunshine Cottage. ❤️
Thank you, Kitty. I am letting the girls plan the tea party. It should be lots of fun!
Good morning, Pam.
What a fun tea time we are having together today. The mushroom teapot is darling. And the mushroom plates are so sweet. I love that you added the squirrel trinket box. I love trinket boxes because of you. He adds a bit of whimsy.
Stuffed mushrooms are an appetizer favorite for me. What a great addition to your Mushroom Tea Party.
Your new friend paints so well. I look forward to more of her paintings.
Thank you so much for a lovely Tea time!
Happy Tuesday!
Thank you, Nancy. We both can appreciate trinket boxes. I started a collection for my granddaughters! Have a blessed week!
Your tea party looks delicious. I know EM and EK are looking forward to Friday spending time with you in the Sunshine Cottage. Fall is my favorite season!
Thanks so much Rachel. It hit 100 degrees today and I am so ready for cooler weather.
Pam, Your tea table is lovely. This heat wave had worn me out too! We’re still in triple digits here, but we did get some rain Friday and some Saturday. Both were quick blow up thunderstorms. We needed the rain though as we’re back in drought mode. Your mushroom plates and tea pitcher are adorable. The tablecloth pairs well too. I’ve been picking up some block print tablecloths recently and have enjoyed using them as they are bright cheerful colors. Your goodies look delicious. I know the girls will enjoy their tea party. Squirrels are cute, but destructive! They chew on our porch columns! Hopefully, they will leave your new picnic table alone and only leave evidence of their meals. Have a great day! Clara❤️
I love the butterfly painting! It’s beautiful and your friend is very talented! Clara❤️
Thank you Clara, she is talented!
Thank you, Clara. We hit 100 today. This seems like the hottest August and September ever. It seems it rains all around us and we barely get a sprinkle. Forgive my complaining, we have air conditioning and many do not. Oh my Clara, squirrels are chewing on your porch columns, now that is destructive. Stay cool❤️
Your post was lovely as always. Your centerpiece of Autumn Joy Sedum and Zennias served as inspiration for a similar one next week for a small get together. Thanks for the idea. JoAnn
Thank you JoAnn and I am happy you can make a similar arrangement. You are most welcome.
Lovely, mushrooms are a great transitional theme into fall. I used to serve sausage stuffed mushrooms a lot years ago too. I’m not really sure why I don’t make them anymore, maybe I shall!!
Thank you Carole. Butch said I should make them more often!
Oh Pam! What are we to do when your adorable EM becomes an enabler? LOL. I love it as the little acorn does not fall far from the Oak Tree! The teapot is so cute as are the mushroom salad plates. Your AC table covering is beautiful and of course the squirrel trinket box is so appropriate for your lovely table. Mushrooms are a favorite of mine and your recipe sounds a lot like mine…which I vary from time to time depending on what I have on hand. No matter how I make them…everyone always loves ’em. I wish I could attend your Friday Tea party,…but after thinking it over, it is best that it remain a private affair with your girls. Another treasured memory for them in the Sunshine Cottage.
Blessings always
Kari, you are so funny. The girls just love a party and they will be all dressed up. Butch will be playing boy stuff with WL!
Ever since I was a kid I’ve been fixated on dotted mushrooms with red caps. I draw them often! So, your teapot is ticking all the right boxes! It’s such a wonderful table — both your beautiful setting and the delicious treats. I love your friend’s painting too!
Jeanie, your comment about the dotted mushrooms made me remember I had a mushroom canister set that was a wedding gift. It was dotted and was so cute. Wish I still had it, the middle size would be perfect for a flower arrangement!
Good morning Pam! Please keep reminding us that fall is almost here! The bank thermometer said 112 at 4:30 yesterday. Ugh. I love your mushroom theme, the teapot is adorable. And you had me at the magic words…stuffed mushrooms! The watercolor is lovely, can’t wait to see more. We do have one blessing during this season of oppressive heat in that it has been a very quiet hurricane season.
Hope you a splendid week, my sweet friend.
Yes, we are thankful for a quiet hurricane season. Butch said I must make stuffed mushrooms more often. Autumn will come, and we will be so thankful!
What a lovely setting for a tea party, your tea pot is so cute. Know you will have fun with your granddaughters and the tea party. My granddaughter is 17 but, we use to have so much fun together. It seems the older they get the busier they are. I just purchased a cute acorn tea set from etsy and can’t wait to use it. Have a blessed day.
Thank you, Marlene. I know when my granddaughters become teens they will be busy. I am trying to enjoy every moment now. The acorn tea set sounds perfect!
This is such a memorable table…the memory of you and EM shopping and finding the mushroom teapot is full of fun! I remember making stuffed mushrooms and wondered why I haven’t made them in such a long time, and am now looking forward to making stuffed mushrooms as fall approaches. Your mushroom table setting is so wonderfully a bit of autumn approaching! Your cute squirrel trinket box was a delight to find and his story made me laugh out loud as some of his relatives live near by us too and have the same rude habits! What a treasure your watercolor painting is from your sweet friend. It will be a joy to watch your collection grow! It’s so sweet that your beautiful granddaughters will be joining you for tea on Friday, making even more special memories. You are such a dear Lady, thank you for this tea time together…blessings to you and to all those you hold dear.
Thank you Sue. I think we all used to make stuffed mushrooms and I am wondering why I stopped. Butch said I need to make them often and I think I will, they are easy! Your comments are so encouraging!
Pam, your little mushroom tea pot is adorable! I also smiled at that little squirrel. I love my faux squirrels here, but the real ones here are eating my plants this summer.
I loved joining your little mushroom tea time, Pam. Thank you. Your grandchildren are so lucky to have you making such lasting memories for them. I miss having little parties for my great nieces who have now grown into teens with busy schedules. Happy Autumn!
Sarah, thank you for your sweet comments. I think squirrels can certainly be annoying and destructive. I am enjoying my granddaughters and know they will become teens and will be busy. I enjoy every minute with them!
A little bit of tea, a little bit of cinnamon, and a whole lot of autumn creative magic on your table! So very pretty!
Thank you, Mary! You are always encouraging!
Such a fun & whimsical setting Pam. And I couldn’t believe that it’s six years already since the Sunshine Cottage was built! Goodness time flies.
Those sausage mushrooms & muffins sound absolutely delicious as does your choice in tea blend.
Blessings sweet friend, Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. Time passes so swiftly, it seems even more so as I get older!
I always enjoy looking at your tablescapes and all your treasures. I’ve never seen a mushroom teapot before, how fun.
Amalia
xo
Thank you for visiting, Amalia!
Good morning, Pam! I love that little review tucked in there, the timeline when you created and built the Sunshine Cottage. I remember it well. So lovely and whimsical and such a delight for your grandchildren, for sure!
I’m enjoying my own cup of tea while reading about yours. A perfect Wednesday morning pasttime.
Bless you, friend.
Hi Linda, I can’t believe six years have passed that quickly. It is wonderful to have you join me for tea! Blessings!
Pam, what a delight your mushroom inspired table is! It’s great for tea parties with fairies, little people, older people, dolls and bears and everyone and anyone. I love the tea pot, your mushroom plates, and all the glorious autumn colors I. The flowers and on your table setting. Happy Autumn dear friend!🍂
xo Lidy
Thank you Lidy! My girls are excited for a tea party and I am looking forward to it as well! Yes, can’t wait for autumn, my friend🍂
Hello Pam, such a darling table. I have those mushroom plates. The mushroom teapot is lovely. Love the stuffed mushrooms. Your littles are so cute and will enjoy your mushroom tea party. The Autumn Fire sedum is gorgeous. Happy Autumn.
Thank you Linda! The girls are looking forward to a tea party on Friday.
Your tea scape is lovely. I adore the mushroom teapot. The picture that your friend painted is so beautiful. Thanks for the update about Mary. I was beginning to worry. Praying that all is we with her as well as you and your family.
This is lovely Pam! I have a thing for mushrooms so your table immediately drew me in. I’m so glad you picked up that tea pot. It’s so charming. The squirrel trinket box, leaf plates, and linens all add so many great layers and interest to the table. Have a wonderful day. XO- MaryJo.
This is such a sweet tea time table Pam. The mushroom teapot that you and EM chose is adorable and the mushroom salad plates coordinate wonderfully. Love the AC linens – they are the perfect hues for an early fall table. Sorry about the squirrels making a mess of your picnic table but this little fellow is so cute with all his acorns lol. The sedum and zinnias make a wonderful bouquet and the treats sound delicious. I hope you and your grandgirls have a lovely and memorable tea party!
I can only imagine how special your tea parties are with EM and EK! The memories you are making with them will follow them all the days of their lives. God bless you with many more happy, healthy years together!
Cheryl, our 4 grands are so much fun. The girls and I had a sweet tea party! God bless you and your family!
Pam, I just read Mary passed away. I know you blogged together and you are as shocked as the rest of us. My sympathy goes to you too.
Heartbreaking.
Thanks so much, Myrna. She was my dear blogging friend. I was aware of all that was happening with Mary. Her dear husband texted me and told me. He had been keeping me informed. I am heartbroken and so sad. Her blog was perfection and blogging at its very best! I loved her dearly. Thanks so much for reaching out to me.