Good tidings to you! This morning I am drinking Twinings Darjeeling Tea with local honey and milk. Please grab a cuppa and join me, IF YOU DARE! Not really; I just like saying, IF YOU DARE! (heehee).
Please click the video below for some lovely background music.
Peter Rabbit Theme
Back in Februray, the host of the FB group I belong to asked me to create a banner for a group swap she was planning in honor of Beatrix Potter's 150th Birthday.
This is what I came up with, using my sweet Village cottage teapot (designed by Annie Rowe), which my mother-in-law gifted to me years ago, and also a darling Peter Rabbit cup and bowlI added to my teawares last year (from, I think, TJ Maxx, or Marshal's).
We would be swapping a Beatrix Potter themed birthday card and a tea sample.
Once we were assigned our partners in June, I found out I was matched with Robin who lives in San Diego (about 80 miles from me). I immediately asked if she wanted to do our swap in person, over tea. Delightfully, she agreed!
I told her to feel free to invite someone. She asked another ATAA member, Rochelle.
New dress and new do!
The big day finally arrived. I had purchased a new dress, and oh, wait! I have to tell you about a lovely blessing I received! Friday, my neighbor was outside at the same time I was. We got to chatting, and I told her about the tea I was heading to. She is a hair dresser, and said, "Why don't you come in and let me give you a trim?" I agreed, and she gave me a fabulous new style; cut off a few inches, added layers, thinning, texturizing, the works! We hardly ever get a chance to talk, but she shared how she had wanted to do this for me for a long time, and the fact it worked out so spontaneously, she said, must have been the work of the Lord. I then went home and colored and styled it, and absoulutely love it!
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program. Press play if you need a little more music (-smile).
Room Full of Tales
I pulled out some of my tea jewlry, which later the ladies oohed and aahed over, and asked about. So, I will share that with you as well.
Bracelet: I believe Gurrlie Girl is out of business now, but, perhaps you might find some of their jewlry 2nd hand.
Small pin on my sweater. Had this one too long to recall where I purchased it. :)
Saying a prayer for travling mercies, I headed out around 9am, fearing the worst in traffic, because I discovered the BIG Comic-Con convention was also happening in San Diego. Well, the freeways were wide open, and I arrived around 10:00 for our 11:00 reservation! The only trouble I had was, fearing I was lost because the small shopping strip housing the tearoom is located within a housing tract that doesn't even face the main street.
Me waiting outside.
A park across the street surrounded by tract homes on 3 sides.
Jay, the general manager, whom I had spoken with on the phone spotted me outside, and unlocked the door for me, as we had dicussed these fun food picks I created, and needed to slip them to him before the event. He is very personable and accomodating.
Are you ready for more music? Press play :)
Chopin Piano Music for Tea
Jay also allowed me to set a few Beatrix Potter items on the table to help set the stage. If you love Beatrix Potter, I HIGHLY recommend this large scrapbook style book filled with treasures and removeable items, including a small Peter Rabbit book hidden in the back. Click here for link and peeks inside. If you would like to learn more about her, the pocket sized book, written by her great-nephew, John Heelis can be found here. Finally, the charming Peter Rabbit Set, I purchased from Barnes and Noble around Easter time, for under $20. Click here.
Robin, Rochelle, and Heather - we wanted to include the banner covering the bakery case, since it features all the tearoom details!
Introductions and warm greetings were offered as the ladies arrived, and we got to know each other. Robin made these hats, and kindly offered them up for picture taking!
Marlene, the tearoom owner {in red}, also wanted to pose with us for a picture. Robin actually sold several hats to her for the shop recently, and she is wearing one.
China pattern on our table
The tea room is elegantly decorated in dark greys, and wood floors, and chandeliers. Each table has its own set of matching china and lovely stem-ware, unique from the other tables.
Fresh flowers on every table.
The tea room has a set menu, that they change every month. Note, it is listed as "High Tea". The evolution of the terms High Tea and Afternoon Tea is explained here, which I found most interesting. Whatever you choose to call it, truely it is the fellowship that makes it special, and we certainly had that this day!
The tomato, red pepper soup was a bit strong for my fragile pallet, but the other ladies seemed to enjoy it. The puff twist was extremely buttery and flakey. It actually took us a while to even try our food, since we were all diving headon into conversation and sharing stories! You can really see the china in this picture, and how the small circles are raised up on the pattern. Very elegant.
Tiered stand PACKED with tasty delights!
Next our food arrived, and the ladies were SO surprised at all of the Beatrix Potter picks adorning the items. They thought the tearoom was also celebrating, until I explained I had done it. Aren't I sneaky? (tea-hee).
Savories
That cucumber sandwich really got us talking, because it was so fresh and tasty. We inquired of Marlene, What made it special? She said she does not soak the cucumber, instead she adds lemon zest to the cream cheese and fresh dill. We all agreed we WILL be trying that at home!
Scones and fresh fruit {this 1 little dish of cream was for the entire table to share. However, since there was a glaze on the tender and moist peach scone, we made due, and I felt it worked out fine}.
Sweets course {those teapot warmers in the background worked REALLY well}.
Closeup of gold flakes on, I guess you might call it a blueberry coffee-cake bite. That one was my favorite.
Closeup of sparkles on chocolate, mini-cupcake. So pretty.
Robin tried a pot of mango tea, Rochelle favored the Harney and Sons Paris blend, and I went with a Caramel Rooibos. I did notice this tearoom chooses to use teabags instead of loose tea, which they store in glass containers on their shelves. We each enjoyed our selections very much.
Rochelle's gift to us
While partaking, we decided to do our swap. Turns out, Robin had well-informed Rochelle and she decided to gift us with these adorably sweet teabag girls along with a notecard, all of which she handmade, and a tea sample. Thank you so much Rochelle!
Robin's gift to us
Robin also got crafty. She gifted us each with a teabag rest, a charming notecard filled with Peter Rabbit art, a box filled with several individually wrapped teabags, and bookmarks! She not only included Rochelle, but also included my sister, who sadly had to cancel at the last moment. Thank you kindly Robin!
My cards for the ladies (front)
I also had fun being creative and choose to include both ladies. Isn't giving so much fun?!
Inside top of my card
Inside bottom of my card
Gift bags I decorated & wrapped gift.
The quote on this bag is: "Believe there is a Great Power silently working all things for good. Behave yourself and nevermind the rest." Beatrix Potter.
Clipped inside the bag
Purple Gracie cup & saucer for Robin
I often purchase cups and saucers and tuck them away to give as gifts. Now I knew purple was Robin's favorite color (just like me, so how could I posssibly forget!), so I knew this set was meant for her. I embellished the little clothespin, and added a sweet clipart tag on top of a tea sample.
Teamail!
I also ordered her a Ltd. ed. Beatrix Potter strawberry herbal tea, and had it shipped directly to her home. But, just in case it did not arrive in time, I also printed a little picture. Incidentally, it did arrive in time, and she brought it with her - YAY!
Rochelle's Gracie cup and saucer in pink
Now I had no idea, but of course the Lord knew, that Rochelle's favorite color was pink! Squeeee!!!! Happy dance. Don't you just love when things work out so well.
The ladies enjoyed browsing through the Beatrix Potter Journal. Besides Ms. Potter, we talked of so many things. Rochelle shared how she and Robin had only met a few months ago, and their common love of tea is what brought them together (through FB). And also, how she grew up working in her uncle's winery and learning all the finer points of wine. Robin shared about her wonderful marriage, and a husband who adores her and caters to her passion for tea. And also, how her own parents were married some sixty-something years! How marvelous. I shared how my sister introduced me to my first tea room experience in my early twenties, and the love took hold of me, and has never left; becoming a strong part of my life in many different ways, including sharing it with my children, just as Rochelle has done.
Robin and I talked about what a wonderful movie Miss Potter (2011) is and recommended Rochelle look for it. If you have not seen it, you can order it from WalMart dot com (under $10), and have it shipped to the store, for free shipping.
Our conversation was tealightful!
Following the tea, we said our goodbyes, and I decided to drive over to the ocean. I was so close, I couldn't possibly drive home without seeing it, right?!
The view was breathtaking, high above this cliff/overlook. A hot breeze was blowing, and a group of pelicans flew by.
I did not linger long, but smiled to myself, thanking the Lord for His handywork before heading home.
I hope you enjoyed being a part of this adventure with me, and will leave a comment below.
As a reminder, or if you did not know, I am having a give-way (click here for link), which ends tomorrow 7/25.
Thank you for dropping by dear friends. Blessings and a cup of tea to you!
I am your hostess, Heather, bringing you our final June tea for Team Darjeeling, for the FB group Afternoon Tea Across America. Last week, Tilly TARDIS and I prepared our invitations to send out to the ATAA members who had agreed to attend our Book Lovers Tea. But, before I get to that, let me remind everyone (in case ya missed it) what a TARDIS is. TARDIS stands for Time And Relative Dimensions in Space. Dr. Who is a BBC tv series, and his spaceship is hidden in plain site as an old-fashioned police box (but, it's bigger on the inside). You can click here for more details. Ok, back to the invites! Since it is a book lovers tea, I decided to design my invitations to look like little books.
I used blank note cards I already owned, and stapled in blank papers. I also added a title, and author (that's me!) with a calligraphy pen.
Forward: This is the tale of the adventures of Tilly TARDIS and a Book Lovers Tea. An opportunity for tea sisters from the group Afternoon Tea Across America to come together and fellowship, sharing their recipes and tea books, while brewing new friendships. Ch. 1 The Date, Ch. 2 The Time, etc. etc.
Ch. 6 - 9
Music to greet the guests at the door (thank you to whomever posted this selection on the FB group page. I LOVE it!)
The lovely guests who traveled
from far and wide through
time and space to be here.
Tea Music playing in
our tea room. Antonio Vivaldi
6 hours on this YouTube link
The Tea Table
Last minute inspiration struck
this morning & I hung miniature
tea books from the chandelier :)
citrus
A candle
& more tea music
in the powder room
The Art of Tea
my #1 rule/tip for any party:
deep clean your bathroom
the day before, and give it a quick wipe down again after you finish getting ready
the day of. Your
guests will appreciate it!
However, if you have a yucky
bathroom, your guests will remember. ;)
Here are our 3 teapots. Tilly
is center stage. For
inquiring minds, she holds
approx. 24oz comfortably.
For Lady Heather
*
*
*
For Lady Bonnie
For Lady Juanita
For Lady Kay
For Lady Mary
Napkin & flatware
tucked inside a paper doily, sealed with a sticker.
Thank you Pinterest!
And nooooooow, the FOOD!
Lady Mary & Lady Kay (twin sisters btw), brought orange dreamsicle fairy cakes, chicken salad sandwiches, and pastel ribbon sandwiches, thoughtfully placed
on a tiered stand.
Here is the recipe for the unique and
tasty chicken salad sandwiches. The ladies kindly brought the book!
I did not get the ribbon sandwich recipe, but hopefully one of them can post it to the FB page :)
Lady Juanita brought this scrumptious
crustless quiche featuring
ham, spinach and artichoke heart spread.
Why, yes, it was amazing!
She also blessed us with chocolate chip walnut drop cookies, white chocolate orange zest cookies, and I think baklava (sorry, I forget...but it was delish!).
And isn't her plate gorgeous too?
Lady Bonnie prepared baked havarti cheese & dill croissants. What's that? Oh, YES. I will be
needing to diet for the entire month of July!
But, wait. There's more!
She also brought this darling little cake in purple and lavender. EEEEEK!
My favorite colors!
Oh, pardon me... minor burst of excitement.
In the background are some of the books we
discussed. The one on the far right is a Shutterfly book I designed featuring 2 of my daycare Littles posing with tea & featuring many favorite tea quotes. The center book matches the invitation note cards and is available on Amazon. The one on the left was gifted to me by Mary & Kay :)
We spoke about other books, and
recipe tips as well.
I made: Blueberry Scones
(Sticky Fingers brand)
Served with "The Works"! I learned this from a former So Cal tea room, La Tea Da, long since closed, but still living on in the hearts of many .
You slice your scone horizontally, top with fresh fruits, and drizzle with creme fraiche (pronounced crem fresh).
Below is my customized recipe (it's good on waffles too!)
This recipe can easily be halved for small groups such as we had today.
Speaking of La Tea Da; we reminisced of past tea rooms we had been to: Frills, Buttercup Cottage, etc. And we made tentative plans to get together again and travel to ones we'd like to visit (click name to see their page): The Queen Mary Tea Room, The Tea House on Los Rios, Marlene's Tea & Cakes, and more, not to mention each others homes. We can't wait! BTW in Southern California, regarding travel time, we say "Only an hour away.", such as the distance from the twins house to mine. Whereas other states might say. It was AN HOUR away! Hee-hee. Perspective.
One of the books Kay brought was this charming tale of Abigail complete with stuffed, talking bunny, tea blanket and plush tea-wares. PS: She kicked off her vacation with today's tea! Woo-hoo!!!
Besides books to share (and give!), Juanita brought this lovely demitasse cup and saucer she recently found. Notice how the saucer has been repaired at the bottom of the photo (glue and staples). She shared about a recent surgery, and how this sweet little set (she found at Goodwill for under $2), really spoke to her heart, reminding her no matter how broken a person is God can make her useful again. Isn't that lovely? We were all touched, and other ladies shared about their own medical testimonies.
The Favors:
Each lady received a bookmark,
with her name on it
(doubling as a placecard),
which I wrote in calligraphy.
It features the name
Blue Jeans
and Teacups,
which is the name of my blog.
I choose this name because years
ago, when I was first
introduced to tea, I had
the misconception that
ladies needed to dress to the
nines to enjoy tea.
I would think rude thoughts
in my head when "un-educated" guests came to my home in jeans. Whatever were they thinking?
Well, God did a work in my heart, and I learned, it's not about the clothes or how fancy the party is. It's about the fellowship, and the friendships that are cultivated by being real and being open, and being gracious. These days, I want everyone to feel comfortable, and I don't mind it for myself either! :)
Juanita handmade these angel earrings for me.
She also gave me these tea samples. Mary made the little cards with teapot bookmark charms, wrapped in tea gift wrap & also brought tea samples.
Kay brought me this teeny ornament!
The sisters also brought little porcelain treasure boxes for us.
Bonnie brought me this beautiful floral porcelain bag. She suggested I use it for my sponge in the kitchen! How clever.
Sadly, Lady Sylvia was not able to join us at the last minute as she was busy being a faithful servant of the Lord, and caring for an elderly couple; the parents of a close friend. Sylvia, you were missed, but we do plan to have you join us next time!
I am so warmed to have had the opportunity to host the traveling teapot. I have made many new friends, and look forward to future memory making opportunities! Thank you ladies, from the bottom of my heart. And thank you LaDonna and Rain for facilitating.
For now, the TARDIS is on her way to the next hostess in St. Louis, MO. I can not wait to see what Mary will name her for the month of July, and what adventures await!
Thank you for joining me dear friends. I pray you have a lovely rest of your weekend and look forward to hearing from you. God bless you. Hugs and a cup of tea! ~Heather Elizabeth Guest blogging for Team Darjeeling at: Afternoon Tea Across America
The ladies enjoyed browsing through the Beatrix Potter Journal. Besides Ms. Potter, we talked of so many things. Rochelle shared how she and Robin had only met a few months ago, and their common love of tea is what brought them together (through FB). And also, how she grew up working in her uncle's winery and learning all the finer points of wine. Robin shared about her wonderful marriage, and a husband who adores her and caters to her passion for tea. And also, how her own parents were married some sixty-something years! How marvelous. I shared how my sister introduced me to my first tea room experience in my early twenties, and the love took hold of me, and has never left; becoming a strong part of my life in many different ways, including sharing it with my children, just as Rochelle has done.
