"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

A Winter Tea-Time

 Winter weather around our home calls for hot tea to warm the tummy, a cookie to tingle the taste-buds, and greenery to soothe the eye. Ahhhhhh, now for a break . A Tea-Time Tuesday break !
 This Colclough china cup was made in England in the 1940's. I believe the pattern is Grape Vine. The cucumber mint tea was a Christmas gift and I am hoping the tea really proves to be "green tea for youth recovery " ! It is delicious tea.
 I gather a tray I bought before Christmas. This tray really can serve all winter though, don't you think ? The scene on the tray is one you can see in many rural areas of the U.S. this time of the year.
 I chose the chickadee teapot my husband's parents gave us for Christmas one year because I love the sprigs of greenery and pinecones surrounding the little chickadee on the pot. The teapot is Winterwood by Pfaltzgraff. I grabbed the last three Berry Butternuts * my husband made before Christmas. He only makes these cookies once a year and their rich buttery taste improves when they are stored in a sealed container. The trick is to hide them so they last long enough for me to enjoy  AFTER Christmas !

"The first weeks of the year are often a time of quiet reflection for many people ~ days when the wintry white landscape outside sets the tone for thoughtful contemplation inside." Tea Time Magazine

I am linking with the ladies below for Tea~Time Tuesday :

16 comments:

Antiques And Teacups said...

Perfect winter tea setting. I haven't had a cucumber tea, but it sounds intriguing! Love the pinecone teapot! So cute! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
Ruth

Veronica Roth said...

That's an absolutely lovely tea service for this time of the year. I think you're right about the tray. If I had a place with a barn, I'd be tempted to paint it in that delicious red too. :)

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I love it all. So pretty and comforting.

FlowerLady

Deb said...

I love the tea-pot, Kathy. It is a nice shape and the chickadee is my favorite bird. The tea looks very interesting. Hope you enjoyed it. Hugs, Deb

Bernideen said...

I can't decide which I like the best but the cup and saucer bring back memories. When I first went in business I would order lunch from the tea room next door and they would send it over on a real plate with ivy like your cup and saucer! Your teapot and tray are so beautiful!

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Hi Kathy,
Oh, how I love your teapot with the cute chickadee and the pinecone top. What a lovely gift. Your teacup is such a pretty pattern and the tray certainly will carry you through the winter months. The cookies are a perfect treat with your cup of tea. xo

Tea in the Library said...

Such a lovely tea. Love your Christmas mice. How nice they have found their way back to you. Love seeing your sheep and chickens. So happy to have found your blog at Teacup Tuesday. I look forward to visiting you again.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What a pretty tray, Kathy. I love the charming scene on it with the red barn. Your teapot is a sweetheart with the chickadee and pinecones on it. Ivy covered china is always lovely and pretty much goes with everything. Your cookies look good too. Thank you for coming to tea and sharing your lovely post with us. May much joy fill your cup this new year.

Blessings,
Sandi

Nib's End said...

As I look outside my kitchen window, I see much the same landscape that is pictured on your tray, just missing the red barn and sleigh. Sigh. I say keep it out till snow is merely a memory. I pack away all of the Santas and angels after Christmas but keep the greens, pinecones and snowflakes out until March. If I could figure out a way to make that Fraser fir hang on to its needles I would keep it up too (minus the ornaments), because I love the feel of living cheek by jowl with such an exquisite piece of the forest.

This year, the pewter reindeer candlesnuffer I received back from Dad a few months before he died will stay out until I can bear to put it away...at least until after his birthday.

De said...

Enjoy your tea! I think I need to join you today. The teapot is beautiful and I love your tray. I think I need to take time to make my tea in a pot and drink it from a pretty cup more often. Thank you for the lovely reminder to slow down and enjoy each moment.
De

belinda said...

Dear Kathy...
Greetings from the UK 😃
Thank you for the card and greetings....
We miss you both....and all your animals....
The Lord bless you ....
BBB
xxx

Connie said...

I love that chickadee teapot, Kathy! So pretty. Your green tea and butter cookies sound perfect too.

Deanna said...

After today I could use a long tea break! I worked solid on sorting through old papers and ones that needed to be filed for about 8 straight hours and my head hurts!!!

Thank you for sharing this lovely tea. The dishes are always so pretty.

Only the best to you in 2014.
Blessings,
d

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

The teapot with the chickadee is adorable and the winter scene on the tray is similar to one seen on many Christmas cards.
I look forward to my daily tea break each afternoon.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Kathy - so delightful to catch up with you over the holidays. I just loved every photo and comforting thought - although - that hard labor in the chicken coop I'd be happy to give a miss. I'm a farm girl in ideal only and far past pioneer ways even though I think I would have preferred that - raised in that lifestyle I might physically bare it better now. However, all the cozy I keep - and am inspired. Especially with your whimsical sheep and mice - and those delightful bears in their cabin! This writer smells fodder for a great book series! All those treasures in your husband's inherited furniture - with grand memories - priceless gifts to you this season and more reasons to take His joy into the new year.
Blessings!
Kathy

Unknown said...

Now this looks real pleasant. They say a huge part of a meal is its presentation, and this one more than passes with more than flying colors. Hope you try other tea variants and types. Wishing you a very nice and healthy tea time in 2014 and beyond.

Moringa Delight