Wednesday, March 24, 2010





I am still happily wading through the aftermath of the tea.

Every where I look, there are beautiful things to be seen.

Now that I'm not in a blurry rush to get ready for the tea, it is like I am opening my eyes and seeing what's around me for the first time.

I made this bouquet 3 days ago but, all of a sudden, I could see it.

(I feel like Mr. Magoo!)

The flowers are opening up beautifully!






I remember Pipany once remarking in one of her posts, how the petals on her roses looked like the folds of an Edwardian lady's dress.











The continuing stormy weather made it one of those days where it is necessary to have the inside lights on.


The rain feels so luxurious and soothing after the harsh miserliness of the icy, frozen snow.

Doesn't Spring always feel like a rich and generous gift that rewards us for surviving the winter?

Now, it seems strange that I thought the first snow was like being showered in diamonds!



Well, with the friendly storm raging outside, I decided that it would be prudent to make it warm and comforting inside for my 4 men who would be coming home at 3:30.

It was, also, "now or never" for using up the leftovers from the tea.






There were a remnant of sugar cookies to be frosted.

I use 2 Tb of Brandy in the dough that becomes a rich extract that complements the vanilla. I, also, roll them out thickly so that one can really sink their teeth into them. They are lovely comfort food! My version of shortbread.











It took me a while to put everything together. I made custard tarts and, of course, fresh cucumber sandwiches. It was so pleasant to be in charge of every part of the tea and to make everything "just so" and to my liking.

With the dark clouds still hovering over our world, the light left us early.

I lit the candles and quickly took pictures.

(I wanted to be sure that the sandwiches were still soft and fresh!)







The boys were exasperated and bemused.

They wanted their sugar cookies!

















When the boys and I finally sat down ...

... our tea was delicious!











The sandwiches were perfect!

We had cucumber, egg with watercress and, my own, nutty, herb chicken salad.
















The scones were warming in the oven.






... and, my cup of tea ...






... it was one of those perfect cuppas ...



This morning, the wind is howling, the clouds are still making the light soft and I am going to, now, go and take pictures of my other tea tables

and, then, 

return my house to normal!!!

(clean normal that is!)


I am wishing you wings to speed you on with whatever your endeavors are today!


Love,

Katy Noelle xo


P.S. This is a link to Pipany's  where you can find her post about Edwardian lady's dresses in a lovely post from Feb. 3 entitled "Things to make me smile!"

31 comments:

  1. Dear Katy Noelle,

    The way you describe you day and teaparty is like reading a novel! You set the table beautifully, with the flowers, the pretty china and the homemade treats. Your quests must have enjoyed themselves. You spent so much time on decoration and baking. They must have seen that. I hope your boys had some leftovers ;-)!

    Hope your weather will turn as lovely as it is in Holland soon!

    Lieve groet, Madelief

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  2. When can I come to tea Katy!! The table setting looks wonderful - the boys must have been totally bemused! Thank you for taking the time to re-create your tea-party for us - you really are a sweetie!

    I can also almost smell that gorgeous bouquet - so very pretty.

    Enjoy the rest of your day:0)

    Love,
    Jeanne xx

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  3. Darling I agree with Madelief, your post is so eloquently written, so tranquil and lovely. Your family is very lucky to have you in their lives, God Bless you all.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  4. The flowers are beautiful. Those sugar cookies look yummy and almost too pretty to eat.
    Susan

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  5. What a gorgeous tea party... thank you so much for sharing it. I totally agree with you about the biscuits, they do need to be thick enough to sink your teeth into. Just as well we wear lots of layers in this cold weather... covers up the results of all that comfort eating!
    Yvonne xx

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  6. i am just hastily packing my bags so upon your next tea party i shall be good to go!
    amazing cookies :)
    much love fellow sheep fan
    t x

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  7. Hi
    I saw your sweet comment at Mia's Lanliv and decided to come for a visit. What a beautiful tea! I host a tea party every Tuesday on my blog. I'd love it if you'd join us.

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  8. The colors of your flowers are so beautiful! Your table setting - very lovely. I especially enjoy the little tea pot cookies ~ so cute!

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  10. Katy, you remind me of myself when my children were younger and I was so full of energy:) Your exuberance comes out of every post, I just love it! Have a wonderful weekend xxx

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  11. What a great post. Not only the pretty pictures and the lovely tablescape but the way you write is wonderful too.

    Don't you just love catching the blue hour? It almost becomes addicting :)

    Hugs,
    Joanne

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  12. What a beautiful tea. The sugar cookies are so cute! I love that china pattern. It is all just stunning.

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  13. Your cookies are so pretty and I'd love to taste one! The tablescape is beautiful and the food too. Love the Old Country Roses!!! Nice blue hour shots too. Very well done.
    Beth
    p.s. Do you have a pet bunny? Saw a photo on your sidebar...

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  14. What a wonderfully delicious tea party -- love your blue hour photos too.

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  15. Just beautiful and gorgeous!!!

    Miss Bloomers

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  16. What a lovely post and a beautiful tea table. Your dishes are so elegant and those cookies - oh, my mouth is watering.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia :)

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  17. A lovely tea and I love your cookies! And the plate of sandwiches look yummy!

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  18. So lovely! Everything is just so elegant. I enjoyed reading your post.

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  19. Wow, this is a stunningly beautiful table, Katy Noelle! Those cookies are so pretty with the pale icing, but I would love to sink my teeth into one of those sandwiches right now.

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  20. What a sweet gift for your boys, to find a lovely table and wonderful goodies awaiting them! Your cookies look both gorgeous AND delicious -- and so do the finger sandwiches. Yum!

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  21. BEAUTIFUL table, devine treats and tea = HEAVEN! Great post :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  22. Storybook romantic is how I see this tablescape...it is beautiful!!!

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  23. Oh, my goodness.....the table looks gorgeous and the cookies and sandwiches are making me drool....I'd love to drop by any time!...lol

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  24. Hello Katy Noelle!

    What a beautiful place you have here! I love each photo and think your table is lovely!

    Kindly, ldh

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  25. Just exquisite! Everything was perfect.

    And I'd love to sink my teeth into those cookies!

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  26. Gorgeous teaparty! Everything looks so perfect. Yummy cookies and sandwiches, too!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  27. LOVELY! How wonderful that you prepared a tea party for your BOYS! You are teaching them right! I'm sure they were willing to put up with your major tea party when they were rewarded so nicely after! Everything looks delightful and in such a cozy setting! The blue hour outside adds to the ambiance!

    I love how you talked about how glad we are when spring comes but at the same time, we were so enchanted with the first snowflakes when winter was arriving. I totally agree - isn't it nice to enjoy each season?!

    DD

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  28. Lovely, everything about your post and your blog is just lovely. Have a beautiful day!
    Machelle

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  29. Hi Katy! It's so nice to meet you. I enjoyed seeing all the pics of your lovely tea party. Come visit me sometime!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  30. Your tablescape is awesome!! I love old country rose china!! The cookies are just as pretty as the china!!

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  31. I so wish I had been a guest at your tea party, what a delightful one, great hostess! Everything was just beautiful, so happy you shared with us today.

    I am happy I found your blog.
    Nancy

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