Celebrate life's simple pleasures with Tea

Show & Tell Monday- Certified Santa Helper week 2!

2009-11-08T22:38:39-05:00

This is the second of our 5 part series to help you sail through the Holidays this year.

Photo credit/Country Living Magazine

Last week, we began thinking of gifts and getting organized-shopping on-line to save time and money. Starting now means that you don't have to panic when the gift is back ordered or just plain gone! It also saves you money on shipping, because when you have time to wait you have more money in your pocket!

This week, we are still focused on gifts- now we can get going with the gifts to make and the others to purchase as we are out and about shopping. Keep track of those items, don't stash them away before you log them onto your list and WRAP them. Yep, you heard me- wrap the item as it comes into the house.

So, enclosed are two lists that will keep you on track and fly through the Holiday prep! I think a nice cup of Ceylon Chai tea, good and strong and yummy will help you relax-and don't forget some nice music!

Download Certified Santa help2b gift list/ gifts to make

Download Certified Santa help2 gift list/ gifts to purchase

Tablescape Thursday- Autumn Fest with friends!

2009-11-05T23:25:44-05:00

Last week I set up a corner all for myself and used my Autumn colors and had so much fun that I put this table together this afternoon. I invited a few friends over to the shop for lunch! I just love the soft chocolate tones of this set! Well, how can you go wrong with chocolate? I named this the Bloomsbury Truffle Collection. I just love the fun flowers on the tea cosie and did I mention that the chocolate tones just whisper to me? :) Okay, they scream at me! :)

Here are the little friends stopping in for tea on their way south for the winter! (from Micheal's Craft Store)

I just love this plate with the quote along the rim and the gardening theme! (from Portmerion) I'm getting good use from my flatware purchased at Tar-get! And what do you think of the napkin tucked under the plate?

Thanks for stopping in for my fall fest! I hope that you enjoyed the setting! And do stop in at Susan's to vist with the other talented tablescapers!
And please do visit all the talented tablescapers over at Susan's blog!

Happy Birthday, Marie!

2009-11-04T12:06:12-05:00

I'm joining the celebration this week and enjoying all things wonderful about Marie Antoinette!

I just love, no -ADORE all things Parisian and Marie is at the top of my list! What I wouldn't have done to be on the set of the movie and just be an extra having tea and pretty little petit fours with Kirsten!

Maybe today I'll just pretend! I'll be on the phone all day, checking in with my TEAm but I always enjoy a pot of tea while I do this-so today I'll set the table and dream of having a princess take tea with me!

I know that pink was one of her favorite colors, and also that she loved little dogs! If you look closely you'll see her photo in the background and of course the glittery Eiffel Tower! I just love the swags and garlands on this fabric! If you want to take a peek at the collections and set a table for Marie, please click here.

Have you checked out this magazine yet? Lots of ideas to just set me pink with envy! I did come across a talented lady and just wanted to share her lovely Marie Madness with you! I think that we are kindred spirits- now I just have to meet her! Please visit Joy, www.cupidscharm.com, you'll be happy you did. And I'm sure you need to "suggest" a gift idea or two for that hubby of yours to put into your stocking!

I'd like to try the Mr. Linky and share all the wonderful sites and blogs that enjoy Marie Antoinette as much as I do!

Show & Tell Monday! Launching our Certified Santa Helpers!

2009-11-02T09:11:11-05:00

One of my goals this year is to get on track and "fly through the Holidays" without the stress of last minute shopping and decorating!

As a business owner, mom, and woman with many plates spinning in the air I need a helping hand! Several years ago I found www.flylady.net, and with her program I was able to smile and enjoy the peace that the season is meant to bring to us.

So I wanted to share this document with all our Fans, Followers and TEAm members.It was created with your peaceful holiday preparations in mind! Print this out, pour yourself a nice cup of tea and fly through your holidays!

Download Certified santa helper week 1

Tea Party Dreamin' Fridays- Autumn Fest for One

2009-10-30T18:43:17-04:00

I wanted to post my cute vintage tea party set in it's new winter home for you!

And a quick little Tablescape for my Thursday followers!

I even partook in a quiet Autumn Fest for One, savoring the hour of being home alone!

I've tucked up in the loft for a nice spot of tea, using my fall cloth-I just love the big cabbage roses!

The view from the window is one of my favorites!

When in Philly, PA, I found a fabulous market, Di Bruno Bros.! The stuffed pumkin was out of this world!

I've set my place with my favorites, the lunch plate from Target(sorry, it's 5 years old). The flatware is Tar-get too, just last week-on clearance!!!

Ah, told you the pumpkin was scrumptious! Happy Autumn and Halloween to All!

And please don't miss all the wonderful ideas at Susan's!

Happy Halloween! Sharing a little "treat" with you!

2009-10-30T16:05:27-04:00

I do so love the fall, the changing of the seasons! And I love that I still have a child (the youngest of 3)who adores Halloween!

Here's a recipe for a Scone"Treat" sure to make the goblins in your life smile at Tea Time.

So easy!

* Bake 1 package Sweet Creme/Vanilla scones as directed. (Remember, our scone mix only needs one ingredient! :)

* Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream and sandwich between two scones.

* Roll in your choice of sprinkles or candy halloween confetti.

Enjoy with a cup of cranberry harvest tea or cold fresh apple cider with your goblins!

**This would be yummy with eggnog icecream for the next holiday!

Happy Halloween!

Show & Tell Monday- bringing outdoor tea parties back inside!

2009-10-26T17:58:39-04:00

It's sunny and beautiful and it's time to clean off the patio and bring my tea party set inside.

But first I just need to enjoy the sunshine a little bit longer with a nice turkey sandwich and a great view of the foliage!

Tomorrow, shots of the inside tea party spot! Cheers!

Show & Tell Monday!

2009-09-28T17:09:33-04:00

If you've been following this blog for a few months you will have noticed that I love tea! I adore all things related to the experience of sharing tea with friends and family! As I post new tips and ideas each week I look back to old posts to see what my favorites are and what your favorites are.

It seems as though the viewers love to check out the post regarding setting a beautiful tea table. This is the most visited post. Tea fans from around the globe are visiting and I find that so exciting!

So of course, we just had to put this great information in our new catalog! Page 3 gives all this info now and it's easier to refer back to. So if you'd like your very own copy, head on over to our contact page and it will be mailed out to you promptly!

Please do respect the copyright. Thank you!

Surprise your friends at work with "Tea Time" at lunch time!

2009-09-21T21:56:30-04:00

The art of Afternoon Tea can transport you to a wonderful world of bliss and tranquility. Let's bring a bit of that to the office! Celebrating an occasion such as a birthday, engagement or baby shower with co workers at the office can be challenging. A tea party at lunch time is just the right touch.

Instead of brown bagging it; Tea Bag it!

* Grab your stash of pretty cards (you know the ones, you've been saving them!) and invite your co workers to Afternoon tea during Lunch Time.

* Ask them to bring their favorite teacup or pretty mug.

* Ask each guest to bring:

one sandwich(crusts cut off) and cut into quarters-try egg salad, turkey and cranberries, ham and pear -each guest will enjoy four different finger sandwiches! (1/4 of each sandwich)

bring 4 of their favorite tea sachets(or bags)/to share their favorite blend (one for each guest)

bring 4 sweet treats-bite size brownies, shortbread cookies, lemon bars etc.-what a great way to indulge without overdoing! (one for each guest)

As Hostess you will want to bring four(or more depending on your quest list) pretty paper plates and napkins. Also make sure you have lemon, sugar, milk/cream and boiling water for your tea. And who can resist a small bouquet of flowers- a bunch of daffodils or tulips can also be used as favors- one for each guest to bring back to their desk!

Remember,have fun, keep it simple and enjoy your office tea party!

re-post from 3/31/08

Tea Party Dreamin Friday- Next years outdoor party oasis!

2009-09-19T23:49:44-04:00

Over Labor Day weekend, my daughter and I headed north to drop her off at college. We took secondary roads to avoid the traffic and enjoy the sights and scenery.

Well, we had a fabulous time and on the way home I decided to use the same route and revisit a couple of pretty spots (and a yard sale or two!) Then I came upon this wonderful farm house. But it was their stunning side yard that made my heart skip a beat!

I found outdoor tea party heaven! I took this photo myself! Nope, this is not a magazine layout that I pasted here!

Here's a close up! Every time I look at her wonderful space I see something new! Love her amazing pink sink outside the back door. ( Just added that to my yard sale list!)

I did ring the bell to meet the owner but alas no one was home. So I left a quick note of admiration and I do so hope that when I head north again for parents weekend I can catch another glimpse-maybe they decorate for the fall ! I'll bring the s'mores!