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
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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
Thank you so much Cassandra! Merry Christmas, to you, too! xo
I served scones, pecan tassies, and cake along with very small cucumber sandwiches. And of course tea, several varieties. The tablecloth was perfect as I made sure it had been starched and ironed beautifully. The flower arrangements were roses in China teapots. I used my antique tea service to pour, had beautiful music playing softly in the background and lighted candles in barley twist candle holders. My friends stayed much longer than I planned because it was such a lovely time. That was some time ago and they still talk about it. Whatever we do it’s always about how we make others feel. My personal feeling about the items served is to make it myself always asking God in my kitchen as I go about mixing, baking, serving, and in that way it’s about doing for other as HE would have us do. Such JOY comes when including Him in all we do.
What a beautiful tea service, and the raspberry scones – yum! I’ll be watching for those, for sure.
Absolutely lovely, I’ve officially put the Segreto Vignettes book on my Christmas wish list. When will we see a book by you my dear???
I am a new follower of French Garden House but enjoying each post and becoming more inspired with every read. Also, enjoying the lovely pictures. Merry Christmas!
Today is my birthday and thanks to the beautiful pictures of tea party goodies and lovely pieces of silver and China to serve in, I feel like I have celebrated royally. What fun.
I am learning more and more about traditional tea and am loving all of the different ideas. It does feel special, especially when it’s not expected. Christmas is always busy, busy but I think I will surprise my family this year and quietly set up a little table somewhere in the house then “invite” them over. :) Merry Christmas, Lidy.