A Tea Garden for Spring

Dear friends, does that title get your attention? It sounds like bliss to me. I’m so happy to be sharing my blog with my lovely and talented friend Sandra, from Dinner at Eight.

Today, on another rain-soaked day, I’ve decided to take some time for myself and relax with a hot aromatic cup — or two! — of tea. Rather than just pour some into a mug and flopping on a couch, I’ve set a delightful afternoon tea on a pretty table in front of the windows, in a room that’s off-limits to the two furry ones. Much to their mournful disappointment!

 As you will see, I’ve selected pretty linens and beautiful tableware for my tea. I firmly believe that treating yourself well is as important as treating guests well. For a few brief minutes, the sun attempted to peek from the clouds.

I began with a small hand-embroidered linen table runner, or dresser scarf as it would have been called in the early 1900’s when it was made. I bought this a number of years ago from an antique  store in Chamblee, GA, owned by an Irish émigré whose parents had sold antique Irish linens in London, UK, in the middle of the last century. She and her husband had brought what was left of their stock when they moved to Georgia.

The runner combines cutwork, lace and embroidery in a design that includes flowers, leaves and berries/buds. In one corner, the artisan embroidered her initials in gold. To carry on the garden theme I’ve used a contemporary cotton napkin that depicts a wildflower meadow in spring colors.

And because my front garden outside the window is awash in daffodils, I cut three varieties in yellow and white and placed them in a vase whose graceful form suggests a tulip. I added pink camellia cuttings to echo the pinks in the napkin.

I have several coffee and tea services that I use. This silver set is only slightly younger than the linen runner. I love the lines of the footed tea pot, sugar and creamer, and the cute acorns on the lids. In the photo you can see the ivory spacers on the tea pot’s handle that prevent the heat of the contents from reaching the handle. The bright polish helps to offset the dreary scene out the window!

I selected the cup and saucer from our wedding china. After all these years I’m still smitten with the classic color and pattern. The body color is ivory which is a near match for the linen runner. I added the brass shamrock since we’re so close to St. Patrick’s Day!

The plate will serve trefoil girl scout cookies.

I thought I’d share what I can see out the window. Perhaps they’ll brighten your day!

Thanks for joining me today! I hope I’ve given you an idea or two for creating a garden to enjoy with tea.

Thank you so much Sandra, what a lovely way to treat yourself. I’m a bit jealous your daffy’s are awake, mine are currently buried under snow (smile). Thank you so much for sharing your lovely spring tea garden with us.

You can follow Sandra on Instagram and don’t forget to subscribe to her blog too. Please leave some comment love. xo