At the beginning of 2017, I was blogging every day, sometimes writing more than one post. During those first few weeks of the year, I wondered to myself, "Why have I not been doing this? This isn't so hard--in fact, it's fun. I'm going to blog every day for the rest of my life."
Then we started back to school, and I remembered why I have so much trouble blogging consistently. Too many brains to fill and my own far too empty!
That said, there is always time for tea in this house. Back in August, we began a tradition of preparing a First Saturday Tea in honor of the Blessed Mother. I wanted the children to look forward to first Saturdays as memorable, happy and holy. (This is the latest edition of something we began doing over a decade ago.) This month, I was in Virginia for first Saturday, so we decided to have the tea on February 11th, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, with a Valentine's theme to match the season.
Here are some photos of a lovely afternoon:
We had a dear friend visiting who is gluten and dairy free, so the triple-tier server featured all gluten and dairy free items--meringues, fruit, shrimp, tea sandwiches, chocolate, and even some sushi.
The Last Supper painting was back on the mantel for the first time since before Advent. Some beautiful friends of my daughter gave her the sweet garland of dolls for Christmas, and she added it to the decor herself. It made me so happy to see it there.
Another view.
The red table cloth and Irish lace cover reminded me of paper Valentines.
Red was the color of the day.
I did not get many close up photos of the table, but here are some of the sweets--all from the bakery. It was a busy weekend.
Naturally, there were conversation hearts. This one proved accurate.
Here is a small detail for you--a heart-shaped hairdo! There was a red ribbon involved, but it must have slipped out.
At some point during the tea, we dimmed the electric lights in favor of candlelight. The room looked so pretty as the sun went down.
Our oldest daughter was home and the last to stay behind talking to me--this is one of the things I love most about teatime. Talking and lingering.
Meanwhile, in the next room, games were being played.
A good time was had by all!
Last but not least, here is the video tour of the table. As always, I ask that you disregard the primal screams in the background and put my New York accent through an imaginary voice changer so that it is more King Arthur's Court and less Arthur Fonzarelli.
[One last thing--the biggest hit of this tea may well have been the pretty glasses of foamy, pink lemonade. My husband had gone out for a few last minute purchases, and one of the items on my list was "pink lemonade." The store only had regular lemonade, so he brought it home. I didn't want yellow drinks spoiling my pink and red Valentine's table, so I put a bag of frozen strawberries in the Vitamix and whirled them up with the half gallon of lemonade. The result was delicious, pink and foamy. The sweetness of the strawberries improved the flavor of the lemonade, and everyone had at least two or three glasses. Definitely something to be repeated.]
Inspiring and sweet. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Abigail R Benjamin | February 15, 2017 at 07:49 AM
Truly lovely!!
Posted by: Lillian | February 15, 2017 at 10:22 AM
Thank You Alice....For Just Being You..Love You Always
Posted by: Therese stimpfel | February 15, 2017 at 11:09 AM
All of these snapshots of your charming teas along with your book are what made me start our monthly "girls club" many moons ago. I don't think our gatherings are quite as sophisticated, but they are well-loved nonetheless :) Thanks for all of the inspiration.
And, LOVE the heart braid--perfect!
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah Hutchins | February 15, 2017 at 08:22 PM
So beautiful, Alice! Every little detail...perfect! You are amazing and I find myself wanting to go back in time and do so many things differently! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Betty | February 16, 2017 at 09:50 PM