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 1 December 2014

First Christmas Tea in December


Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight, 
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland. ~ Dick Smith, Felix Bernard 1934

Hello my dear bloggy friends and welcome to my 1st Christmas Tea in December here at Rose Chintz Cottage!



The weather outside is turning frightful but inside it's warm and delightful. I have the fireplace lit and my tea table is set in the glow of Christmas lights. I was hoping to replace my coloured lights with all white this year but it's hard to get Hubby away from the coloured lights. Maybe next year! Do you use white or coloured lights? 




There's more, much more, to Christmas
Than candlelight and cheer;
It's the spirit of sweet friendship
That brightens all year.
It's thoughtfulness and kindness,
It's hope reborn again,
For peace, for understanding,
And for goodwill to men!" ~ Author unknown


I have decided on a Winter White Tea today. Out came my Skye McGhie Cream Lace teapot ....



...as well as my Skye McGhie teacups with their lacy saucers, all sitting out on a red toile tablecloth.



The most trying hours in life are between four o'clock and the evening meal. A cup of tea at this time adds a lot of comfort and happiness. ~ Royal S. Copeland




I have also set out my granddaughter's tea set which is an adorable miniature of my own. 



This sweet little lady has a birthday this week and very soon this wee set will be hers to play with. I hope it brings her many hours of joy.

Speaking of gifts, I received a wonderful gift in the mail last week from bloggy friend Kitty at Kitty's Kozy Kitchen. She embroidered this just for me. Isn't it sweet? Love the gold thread and tassels too!




This will have a special place in my home and whenever I look at it, I will think of you, Kitty, and your kindness to me. I so appreciate your friendship and all you bring to blog land and our tea parties.


Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. ~ Melody Beattie


Today we are having Trader Joe's Vanilla and Cinnamon tea with some gingerbread cake and mince meat tarts. I make these tarts often this time of year. And oh my, is the tea ever good! It was another little something Kitty sent me and it tastes like Christmas.



The gingerbread is served on a Queen's Christmas plate called Season's Greetings made by the Myott Factory. Sauteed apple slices and vanilla ice cream all drizzled with warm caramel sauce accompany the warm gingerbread. It's delish!




On December 15th, I will host an Old-fashioned Christmas Tea. Let's bring out our reds, greens, golds, and silver. Maybe you are decorating in a totally new colour this year, feel free to share that with us. Perhaps you have a favourite sweet you like to make for the holidays. Cookies, cake, pudding, a special punch in a pretty bowl, or a savory treat; all are welcome. 



The holidays are such a busy time of year. Please be sure to put your feet up and take time to enjoy a nice cup of tea at least once a day. Thank you for joining me today and I hope you have a joyful week ahead.


I am joining the following parties as well~ 


 A Return to Loveliness
 Tea Cup Tuesday
 Tuesday Cuppa Tea
 Friends Sharing Tea
 Share Your Cup Thursday
Home Sweet Home



Sharing from my heart~ Sandi