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 8 December 2014

2nd Christmas Tea in December


Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and makes everything more beautiful. ~ Norman Vincent Peale


Hello tea friends and welcome to another 
Christmas Tea Time! 

Last week we talked about how much like a friendly village blog land is. It has never been more apparent to me than after seeing the outpouring of love and compassion when I posted my prayer requests for my son and my uncle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless you all!

...Perhaps that is the true gift of a teatime celebration: It fills our cups with joy and warmth and friendship. May the echo of the teacup's message be heard not only at Christmas, not only on special occasions, but anytime friends come together. ~ Emilie Barnes

I have been busy baking and getting ready for the holidays. I know all of you have been as well. So, let's have a little tea break.

This is my main Christmas tree this year. I have hung all of my miniature teacups on this tree.




I found this beautiful Royal Albert Christmas Rose teacup at an antique shop last summer and I am happy to be showing it off today.



It is in good company with another holiday teacup and the pretty teapot my son and his wife gifted me with three years ago. 



This is Royal Stafford with a lovely holly motif; perfect for the holidays! I like the green trim.



I am using my Queen's Season's Greetings dessert plates for our tea. I think this pattern is so sweet with the toys gathered beneath the tree.


The butter knife is vintage from my mother's silver, Evening Star.

The tiered stand was a find last summer for ten dollars that I found in New Brunswick and the pattern is called Jardin Secret. It had retailed previously for fifty dollars; a pretty good deal. I know it's not a Christmas piece but I decided to use it anyway.


The party's on, the feeling's here,
That only comes this time of year,
Simply having a wonderful
Christmastime. ~ Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney

The sweets on the top are some baking that a friend who came for tea the other day brought me. Fruit shortbread and chocolate peanut caramel fudge; yum!




Tea is a time in which we were perfectly contented with ourselves and one another. ~ Charles Dickens



We are having a cream tea today. I haven't had one in a while. Please help yourself to a scone, some strawberry jam, and Devonshire cream.
 


I cut the fruit scones into rounds instead of triangles and drizzled them with an almond glaze.



The sun has set and the tea table is bathed in a soft glow. I'm so happy you are here!



Next week, December 15th, I will be hosting my Old-fashioned Christmas Tea. I hope you will be able to join me for that.



Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love Divine,
Love was born at Christmas
Star and Angels gave the sign. ~ Christina Rossettie

I am delighted you have joined me today and if you have anything tea related please link up below. Have a beautiful day everyone!



I am joining the following parties as well~

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



Sharing from my heart~ Sandi