Faith Family Friends

Celebrating the Joy of Living & Home Making ~

Baking, Cooking, Decorating, Tea Time, and taking Inspiration from those I love and the world around me...

A sharing of my heart and my home from a Christian perspective

...with a wee bit of whimsy added.

Monday 19 March 2012

Celebrate ~ The Splendor of the Season ~ Spring Tea



"If I should invite just one special guest to join me for afternoon tea, I'd pick someone who knows all my faults and even still, loves me." ~ Unknown


Happy Spring my lovely friends! Are you ready to celebrate the new season? 

We had such a beautiful weekend here on the Island with mild temperatures and lots of sunshine. The snow is melting away and beneath its blanket, there is the stirring of new life.

I saw a flock of Canada geese yesterday and the robins are back. I expect my dear little feathered friends, the gold finches, will be back in about four weeks as well. I always look forward to their return!

This time of year on the Island, one never knows what one will find or make the headlines!
About a mile from our home, is our University of PEI and in a tree on campus is a crow's nest which a fox has made his home in. Needless to say, the crows are not happy about the intruder! This is already on YouTube and making its rounds! Isn't he cute?




Spring brings with it a promise of lovely things to come...
We throw off our heavy coats and boots and relish the bare ground beneath our feet.
It's the season of renewal and there is a sense of expectancy in the air. Folks wear a smile and there is a noticeable spring in their step.

Every field wears a bonnet
With some spring daisies on it,
Even birds of a feather show their clothes off together.
Sun's gettin' shinery, to spotlight the finery,
Spring, Spring, Spring.
- from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers


Ah, yes, Springtime! It's here so ~ let's Celebrate! 

I find joy and beauty in simple things like a beautiful bloom, a bird singing outside my window, and tea in my favourite china teacup.


For today's tea, I'm going with a pink theme with just a touch of robin egg blue


Pink evokes a sense of romance and innocence, and it's just so pretty; a happy colour! Robin egg blue is another favourite colour of mine and we always associate springtime with the robin.

"Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world." ~ Virgil A. Kraft


I looked for soft pink tulips but could only find white ones. The white will do nicely however.




I am using rose lace on the tea table as it lends a romantic touch to our tea. 
My birdie inspired teapot stands at the ready. I am serving a loose leaf Victorian Garden tea. It's a lovely blend of Ceylon black tea, China green gunpowder, rose and lavender flowers, and vanilla.   

No matter what kind of tea you serve, the best tea is made using bottled, distilled, or spring water.  



I have mixed my patterns today using three different teacups. I like mixing patterns as I think it brings a certain charm to a setting, don't you?



My first teacup is a favourite. Blossom is adorned with pink blossoms and a very soft robin egg blue. This Shelley teacup welcomes Spring to our tea table.




It is such a girly cup with its soft colors and fluted edge. Love the wee spray of posies just inside the cup!

My next cup is Veronica made by Royal Albert; another touch of robin egg blue. Brushed on gold and beautiful blue roses makes this a stunner of a teacup. This too has a sweet spray inside the cup.




Also sitting pretty is the Lavender Rose cup by Royal Albert. I love this charming pattern of pink roses with sprigs of lavender. Again, a cup with posies inside to enjoy while sipping on your favourite tea.



I love the handles on Royal Albert teacups!  





A little birdie joins the party as well.



"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea." ~ Henry James




For our refreshments today, I have made strawberry cream cheese on pumpernickel hearts with fresh berries.





A birdie cloche holds a few shortbread and Swedish butterballs.




Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. ~ Ballou






Perhaps you would prefer a slice of butterscotch pie. This has always been a favourite of mine.





Piled high with meringue, it is rich and so good with a cuppa tea!





Yum!


Please help yourself!

In two weeks, on April 2, I will be hosting yet another special tea; my Easter Tea. Spring will be in full bloom by then and I'm sure we can all share something lovely in celebration of this joyous holiday. My tea party button is free for the taking if you wish to use it.



Then, later in the month of April, I will be hosting a tea in honour of the Titanic's 100th Anniversary which is coming up on the 15th of April. I hope you will make plans for that Tea too.



So, there is much to look forward to in the coming weeks.

For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass so fresh and sweet;
For song of bird and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear and see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee! ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson





"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He performs for people!" ~ Psalm 66:5



I am delighted you have stopped by for a visit today! Your presence always makes my tea party that much more special.
Do you have a favourite teacup/teapot or mug that you would like to share? I would love to see it and I'm sure others would too! I welcome all new and old friends.

If you wish, you may do coffee instead of tea or the following is acceptable too:
Hot apple cider
Hot chocolate
Lemonade
Iced tea or iced coffee
Punch in a lovely bowl
No alcoholic beverages please.

The Tea Time Tuesday button on my sidebar is available for you to use in your post or place on your sidebar if you wish.
A poem, tea quote, or scripture verse would be more than welcome!

To be sure everyone has a visit, it would be nice if you visited the participant before and after your name. Let's all enjoy our Tea Day!

Inlinkz is available below for you to sign up for my tea party.
As a courtesy, please link back to me so that your visitors may find their way back here and visit with all my lovely participants. Thank you! 

I am joining the following parties as well ~ 

Simply Sweet
A Return to Loveliness
Teacup Tuesday
Teacup Tuesday
Tea Party Tuesday
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Friends Sharing Tea
Tea Cup Thursday




Sharing from my heart~ Sandi

52 comments :

  1. Oh Sandi...I love stopping in for a visit. Your teacups are all so lovely and believe it or not I especially love the blue one. I'm a pink lovin girl but my gramma and my girl love blue best!

    The birdies are returning to Oklahoma, too! The sing early each morning...even in the rain like today.

    Can't wait to visit your nod to the Titanic!

    xoRebecca

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  2. Hi Sandi,

    I made it....whew! So happy to be joining you.

    Your post is utterly delightful. Is there anything not to love about it?

    Will be back to drool a bit more this afternoon. Many thanks for hosting.

    Hugs, Barb ♥

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  3. I just love to stop by you. Gorgeous teacups and am loving those tulips.
    Thank you for being the most gracious hostess..
    Shel

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  4. What a lovely tea part you throw. Beautiful!
    Debbie

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  5. Sandi, I LOVE seeing all your pretty things. I wish I could sit down & enjoy a cup of tea with you at your table. I wouldn't mind a slice of the butterscotch pie, either...YUM!!!

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  6. Sandi, everything is beautiful! Your teacups are so very pretty. I'm especially partial to the one called "Veronica" :-)

    You've put together an outstanding and inviting tea.

    Vee

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  7. Sandi,
    What a lovely Spring Tea Post! I linked up my little Easter Tea Table but now I see you are having an Easter Tea too so maybe I should have waited for the Easter Tea?

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  8. Hi Sandi,

    What a beautiful setting... and thank you for having me over for some delicious treat! I'm glad to be part of your Spring Tea!

    Blessings,
    ~Wendy

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  9. Oh Sandi! I just want to reach through the computer screen and snatch up all the beauties! The teacups are all gorgeous and your little bird teapot is wonderful! Love the cloche and that serving tray! Lots of prettiness in this post! Thank you for hosting and enjoy this beautiful weather!

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  10. Hi Sandi: Happy Spring. I must say that your home would be a first stop for tea as you serve such yummy deserts. It is not helping my diet by reading your post. LOL. V

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  11. Hi Sandi,

    Thank you for letting me join this week for your "Spring Tea". Your teacups are delightful with so many beautiful roses.

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  12. Hi Sandi,
    you always make so lovely postings. Pink and robin egg blue - just to hear that words is so sweet. And looks great together. Your tea cups are darling and the little bird has just the right color. I noticed the new tea themes - I hope I can make something nice for the party. Thank you so much for sharing this delightful tea time and for hosting this fun event.
    Best greetings, Johanna

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  13. Hi Sandi, Your vignette is so lovely. You will be walking on the beach before you know it! Love your tea cups, your pie, and the little bird. I enjoyed my visit today.
    Hugs, Beth

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  14. Hi Sandi, Your vignette is so lovely. You will be walking on the beach before you know it! Love your tea cups, your pie, and the little bird. I enjoyed my visit today.
    Hugs, Beth

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  15. Hello Sandi
    You have so many desserts to choose from and each looks yummy.
    I knew you would have a bird or two in your spring tablescape that is just lovely.
    Thanks for hosting each week.
    Judith

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  16. Sandi, your tea parties are always amazing! Sadly I have no tea post this week, Laura

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  17. What a lovely way to celebrate the arrival of Spring!
    And the you set your tea table is so perfect! Beautiful china, a sweet bird, a yummy cake...
    And what to say about your choice of a delightful poem by Emerson...
    Thanks for it all.
    Hugs

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  18. Your post is so pretty and makes me very hungry. I'm supposed to be watching my weight but that pie...oh my! Love the white tulips. They make the table so inviting. Looking forward to seeing your 'Easter tea'. Hugs, Deb

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  19. Hi Sandi and happy spring! The Shelley pattern is called Blossom...duh! I love your teacups and your lovely spring tea table!
    Ruth

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  20. Hi Sandi,
    It has always been a pleasure having tea with you. You prepare everything with love. What a great collection of teacups you are showing today,each cup carries the sense of spring.I would love to be part of your Spring party and celebrate the new season with you.
    Enjoy!

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  21. I enjoyed visiting your blog today, Sandi! Your delicate, spring tablescape is beautiful!
    We're enjoying unusual spring-like weather in Michigan. I heard the cardinals chirping through the open windows, and am so grateful for spring and renewal.
    Blessings, Phyllis

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  22. Hi Sandi,
    That is such a cute fox story! Love your pretty tea cups and of course the tulips and treats too.It has been a long time since I had butterscotch pie but it was always a treat.
    I am so happy it is spring tomorrow and the weather is co-operating!
    Thank you for hosting,
    Carolyn

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  23. Hello Sandi, A perfect setting to welcome spring! Lovely teacups, teapot, flowers and accessories! Yummy food too! So excited it is spring - I don't want to miss a single day! I hope you have a wonderful week - thank you for hosting and for sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

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  24. Sandi you are giving Spring a wonderful welcome with your Spring tea!! Your teacups are all lovely ,,, Shelley .. I'm swooning over her!! Truly unique and girlie!

    Oh My ... your treats are divine and I'm not able to resist a bite of each...

    Can't wait to attend the fabulous tea parties you have planned!! happy spring and many blessing to you my friend!! xo C. (HHL)

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  25. Hi, Sandi,
    Springtime is a favorite season of mine, and your spring tea is certainly putting me in the mood for spring. Your feminine tea cups are so pretty! Love everything about them. Your refreshments look heavenly! I always enjoy dropping by for some tea with you. The fox in the crow's nest is amazing, too! Have a happy week! Vicki

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  26. Sandi, your color choices are so perfect. Pink and robin egg blue are both so fitting for a spring inspired tea. Your strawberry sandwiches make my mouth water. Very lovely indeed, I feel the warmth!

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  27. Hi Sandi,
    Thank you for hosting your lovely spring tea party. I always look forward to seeing what you will be posting and what others have to share.
    Happy Spring to you!
    Nancy

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  28. Ahhh..what a lovely dreamy post, dear Sandi!
    It brightened my day to see the pretty things you've shared.
    I think the white tulips are especially beautiful and compliment your setting perfectly!
    With sweet birds outside your windows and on your table too..your Spring is sure to be blessed!
    lots of love...Trish

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  29. Hi Sandi: I love the pretty Shelley tea cup. I have one just like it. It is so much fun to see it. Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

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  30. Sandi, So happy I called by today to see all your lovelies, Happy Springs to you. Blessings Yvette x

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  31. Oh my! what a romantic tea time tuesday post, Sandi! I just love your pink tea table, with beautiful robin egg blue teacup, veronica and lavender rose! all of your teacups are just gorgeous as well as the teapot with little bird on top is just the sweetest! your refreshments are all delicious and they look so lovely! i have to say i've never seen a fox having its nest on a tree before! thank you for sharing this! I just lovee your cloche and I am so happy that spring is here!

    Thank you for hosting another tea time tuesday!

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  32. Beautiful post today. I was going to link to you today, but I am showing Sake cups today and I noticed you said not alcoholic beverages. Although I'm not showing alcohol. I decided not to link, but hope you will also pay me a visit. Your cups are so beautiful and I love the SPRING colors. I think my favorite is the pink flowers with the blue handle and trim. And pumpernickel with strawberries? You made them look so delicious. And what a sly little fox. He looked so at home there.
    HUGS!
    Brenda

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  33. Hello Sandi,
    Thank you for sharing another beautiful (and yummy)post! Your tea cups are all stunning! They look so gorgeous all together too. The Shelley pattern is one of my favorites.
    Your tea setting is so romantic, and I would love to sit down with you for a cup of tea and one of your delicious treats!
    Hugs,
    Terri

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  34. Everything's divine, Sandy. My favorite is that delicate birdie cloche with holding the shortbread. Oh my, too precious...and tempting since shortbread is my favorite. ;)
    Thank you for stopping by.
    Have a lovely Tuesday.

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  35. Hi Sandi!
    Happy spring! I love your beautiful tea cups. Your tea is very lovely! That Butterscotch pie looks amazing! Thanks for hosting and have a great week!
    herry

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  36. Happy Spring! What a charming post...I LOVE the story about the fox...will have to search for the video. Your table looks inviting. I especially like the scalloped cup and little bird sitting in a nest. Yum~ the strawberries look delicious. THANKS for hosting, Sandi~
    Shawn

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  38. Wow, Sandi!! You have SO many beautiful tea things today!! Love the bird-topped teapot, all of your floral teacups, and your treats are so yummy-looking!! I think I found some pink tulips over at my blog post today! Check them out! Happy Spring!

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  39. Oh, my! Butterscotch pie!! Not on my list of things to eat - but - I must say - let's cheat - and eat it anyway!!

    Love your pink posey cup in the scalloped shape. Very like my Lily of the Valley cup I featured a couple weeks ago - same mold and make and very sweet!

    Happy Spring, milady!!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  40. P.S. About that fox - I've been reading The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck to my students this week - all about foxes - what a face! Ducks should decidedly beware - and, I guess, crows, too!
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  41. Oh Sandi, this was absolutely a lovely welcome to spring! Your teacups, and tulips are so pretty and it was such a delight to read all the little sayings throughout!
    I enjoyed my visit today so much!Have a joyful spring!
    Linda

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  42. Hi Sandi,
    What a lovely spring tea you are hosting today. Just the perfect setting to bring in the new season. I love your tea cups and the delicate flowers on each. Butterscotch pie looks so yummy delcious as does your pumpernickle hearts with strawberries.

    You always make your teas so special and it sounds like you have some wonderful teas yet to come for Easter and the Titanic anniversary.

    Happy Spring my friend.
    Blessings and Best Wishes,
    XO Celestina Marie

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  43. Sandy,

    Such pretty tea cups. I am so sorry I am not well enough to do the tea today, was looking forward to it. Spring teas are the prettiest of the whole year!

    I absolutely must get your butterscotch pie recipe - I have never heard of that before, and whew does it look rich and delicious - YUM!!!

    Hope to be on the mend soon. Had a scary adverse reaction to some meds I was prescribed, so shouldn't be too much longer, I should hope.

    Hugs < the germ free kind

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  44. Such beautiful teacups! (I have a Lavender Rose cup here too. ) And I love those little heart shaped pumpernickel strawberry sandwiches. I wish I could come and have tea with you.

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  45. Oh Dear Sandi:
    What a beautiful post you did today. So cheerful and so Spring like. Thank you for the inspiration...Love Auntie P

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  46. Hi Sandi,
    I always like visiting you, you have so many pretty things to share. PLEASE.. may I have some Butterscotch Pie....sounds and looks delicious.
    The fluted cup is so special.
    I like the Fox in the crows nest...I always thought foxes liked to hide in hole sin the ground.....obviously has claustrophobia, poor baby.
    God Bless
    Barb from Australia

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  47. HI Sandi....I love love love spring. Everyone is outside...smiling....happy.....and the birds are back. The woodpeckers have been going nuts around here but their sound makes me happy.

    That little fox is cute. Wishing you a beautiful day...Hope it shines in every way. ☺☺

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  48. Thank you for the nice comment on my blog about my red & white transferware dishes. I am always on the hunt for good prices some are so pricy. I like 50 cents LOL

    I like all your tea cups as well and a friend just gave me a sweet one this week

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  49. (Ha Ha ) Sandi ..

    No wonder the Robin came to tea...with all those delectable goodies... Yummy ... What a lovely choice of Royal Albert cups and saucers... I love the Lavender Rose, but certainly would sip from any of those beauties.

    SO sorry to have missed your " Spring Tea"... My blog text was not working as you may have noticed when you visited last ... there were only picture..Goodness computers send me into a flap ( ha ha).. however I have since fixed the settings.( Whew) and I'm so HAPPY to have this rather late but delightful teatime with you... PLEASE do ENJOY all this lovely weather..Isn't it exciting !!!!... Hugs

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  50. Hi Sandi, What a lovely tea party. Everything is beautiful, I love the teapot with the little bird on top. Happy Spring

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I am delighted to have you visit me and I read every comment. Please forgive me for not being able to visit you all as there are so many of you lovely bloggy friends now. I will visit as much as possible. I wish you a day filled with JOY!

Also, due to the amount of spam I've been getting, I have had to set Comment Moderation. ~ Sandi

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