Today I'm sharing another little bit of inspiration from my article that was published in the holiday edition of Victorian Homes Magazine. I changed the wording somewhat, since talking to YOU is different than what an editor wants to see in print.
Christmas is the most favorite holiday of all, a celebration of beloved traditions, cherished family decorations and holiday meals that evoke memories of magical winter days spent with family and friends.
Our house is at its best during the holidays, bedecked with garlands of fresh-cut evergreens, boughs of holly dotted with bright red berries, all to greet holiday visitors with a warm welcome. Don't you love this time of year?
I'm trying hard to focus on the reason for this season, and not get hectic and crazy, are you? This is a great time to get together with people you love.
With the house dressed in celebratory finery, it's a great time to extend an invitation to neighbors, friends and family. Since your home is probably looking its best {just close the door to rooms where the elves are making a huge mess with piles of wrapping paper, gifts and deliveries etc.} visitors can always expect a most warm welcome in your home during the holidays.
This is the perfect time to gather your friends, and reconnect with old friends you love but haven't seen in ages. We are all so busy these days, but I vowed a few years ago that I would MAKE TIME to see my friends, and really spend time with them
.
A holiday tea time party is both elegant and easy to host. It is pretty, but is way less pressure than other types of parties. And here's a secret: You don't have to actually MAKE everything! I am sharing our favorite White Chocolate Raspberry Scones recipe from Delicious Table in my next post, if you made those, you could buy the rest. Really. {Secret Sneak Peek below!}
This thinking that we have to do everything ourselves is silly. It actually kept me from entertaining for a while, until I grew older wizened up. There are so many delicious things to buy, I usually make one thing, and buy the rest! That is the beauty of a tea, you can make it as easy or as complicated as you want! If you don't have the time to make everything, you don't have to. See that gorgeous cake, below? From our local Trader Joe's. I just took it out of the box, and sifted some powdered sugar on it to dress it up a little. Easy. Delicious. Beautiful!
Not quite a meal, not quite as casual as appetizers and drinks, a tea gives you a great excuse to bring out the silver, iron a pretty antique or vintage table cloth, and try out some of those holiday cookie recipes you want to make but are afraid that if you do, you will eat them all yourself!
Few gatherings are more convivial than one centered around a beautiful tea table. Outfit your table in its finest, using an heirloom antique cutwork tablecloth, gleaming silver and your prettiest porcelain cups. Just in case you need to "holiday up" your silver, I use Goddard's, the best silver care polish. Read HOW TO CLEAN & POLISH YOUR HEIRLOOM SILVER HERE.
A centerpiece can be flowers, of course, but a bowl filled with antique blown glass ornaments will also add flourish and sparkle.
A few candles, the lights from your Christmas tree, and you are well on your way to a beautiful, memorable party! Candlelight bathes your room in a welcoming glow, and makes everything, and everyone, look better! {I used to put a candle next to my kitchen sink and told my girls it made doing dishes special. They didn't really fall for it.}
I'm adding some exceptional heirloom tea antiques this week to the shop. But honestly, you can have a lovely tea party with mis-matched cups, and a few cookies or a cake on a plate. It's really more about spending time together, sipping hot delicious tea, and sharing bits and pieces of your life together.
Next time, look for Lisa's delicious White Chocolate Raspberry Scones! You can make these now, freeze them, and bake at tea time, or on Christmas Day!
WHAT DO YOU SERVE FOR TEA AT YOUR HOUSE?
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27 comments
I only drink tea,no coffee for me. I love your photos,everything is so lovely.
Marilyn
Brenda, oh, I hope you DO! It is such a special time to gather friends for the season!
I never serve tea with guests, but I love to see photos of those who do! Those scones, I can almost taste. So elegant, everything here!
Brenda
What a beautiful article! I am inspired to bring out my mother’s silver tea set and the antique chocolate pot and cups and invite my friends for a special girls treat during this busy season. Thank you for the inspiration!
Susan, I miss those days! Our girls always had tea in the afternoon after school too. They still like to come over here to have tea on Sundays, and for Christmas they love a good, elaborate tea.
Love picturing you over there, in your cozy kitchen, with your children having tea, especially at this time of year!
I have tea in the afternoon and at night. Cookies are mostly the treat accompanying the tea. Sometimes a piece of cake is substituted. I really enjoyed this post. Your tea set is beautiful.
Marion
I absolutely agree, I love afternoon tea, of course the children here in France all have gouter, very civilised, when friends come over, they all sit down together, they eat their cake or scones or whatever I make them like young adults, it is very much a part of their day, every day! and as I love baking cakes it is great to have plenty of eager mouths who love to eat them! xx
I love an afternoon tea party! For me it is the epitome of elegant entertaining, when you use your finest tablecloth and vintage china. Home made scones, strawberry jam and lots of whipped cream. A delectable chocolate cake and copious cups of hot tea!
It sounds perfectly beautiful, and a true blessing for all who came to your tea, Alice. I sometimes also make everything myself, but I think we don’t HAVE to pass up on a wonderful time like this because some of us may not have the time to make everything. But if you have the time, enjoy it so, then how special!
Happy Birthday, Carole! I hope your day is spent celebrating wonderful YOU! xo