February 28, 2023

The Delights of Afternoon Tea Served on a Tray

There's nothing quite like enjoying tea served on a tray. And nothing quite like the delight that comes from pampering yourself with the fragrant aroma of hot tea, sweet treats and fresh flowers. Especially on gray winter days! 
 
 
So today I'm sharing with you an afternoon tea tray I set for myself! I've joined a group of creative stylists for a tour featuring tea trays that was coordinated by Katherine of Katherine's Corner. If you've just come from My Hubbard Home, welcome! I know you loved Rachelle's vignette as much as I did. 


Now for all the details! Today I've chosen a beautiful tea set from a china pattern that I've loved for a long time. Underneath it I laid a damask napkin that picks up the blues in the crane and the stream. You can see another styling of the china pattern in A Tablescape in Celebration of Cranes


The coordinating cup and saucer adds more detail to the design: more types and colors of flowers within the cup and on the saucer, an intricate design that encircles the rim on both, and brown trim instead of the expected gold or platinum. 


For the treats I've used a pedestal bowl in silver that is actually the bottom part of a three-part piece designed to serve cold appetizers or hors d'ouvres. In front of the tray I placed a porcelain tea bag holder in the shape of a tea pot!  

 
About the vintage tray itself — it is silver-plated, rectangular-shaped with rounded corners, footed and surrounded by an upright edge that resembles a colonnade. I've used it often.


And the tea? My favorite go-to since our trip to Ireland in 2018. Ever since I've really loved the blend in Irish breakfast tea, though I don't have any brand loyalties. The pretty crystal bowl is shaped like a dogwood flower.

 
I've set the tray in the living room, which is the quietest room in the house (off-limits to the furry ones). Unfortunately it doesn't receive the best light for photography.


The tray is the perfect size for the table I've set it on. I like the contrasting shapes of the tray and the table — I think mixing shapes, textures, materials and colors makes any design more interesting.


Fresh flowers are irresistible, even in the smallest of bouquets.


The treats are soft raspberry-filled butter cookies from Fresh Market and crunchy Biscuit Rose cookies made in France by Fossier, founded in 1756 in Reims. "According to tradition, the Biscuit Rose is tasted dipped in champagne. . . This biscuit with a slight vanilla taste goes well with tea..."  OUI!



  

You may have noticed the vase holding the flowers. I bought the hand-blown vase from the artist many years ago.



Please head on over to the next stop on the tour — Hyacinths for the Soul. You'll surely be inspired by Sarah's tray! 

And of course you'll want to spend afternoons with all the stylists joining us today:

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
A quiet corner, hot tea and delectable treats! A lovely way to spend an afternoon!
 

 
You may like to view a few of my other tables set for tea in Tea with Birdsong, Tea and Chocolate on a Winter's Day and most recently A Table Set for Tea.


Table details
Tea set | Wedgwood 'Kutani Crane'
Crystal bowl | Waterford Marquis 'Floral Bowl Collection'  (dogwood, rose, tulip, poinsettia)
  

  

   

   
   
    

40 comments:

  1. Sandra,
    The pattern on your tea set is stunning!! But what really caught my eye was your tea bag holder in the shape of a tea pot!! I have several in the shape of tea cups but i have never seen one like this!! So pretty!! An elegant Tea presentation!! Thanks for sharing!! I enjoyed "touring" with you this morning!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble blog

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    1. Thanks, Deb! I admit I had to look twice at the tea bag holder before it convinced me I couldn't walk out without it! It's the only one I have so it gets used a lot!

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  2. What a lovely, not just tray, but tea table you have set up! I was actually taken away from all of the rest of it and just enjoying every photo of that beautiful teapot and cups! The pattern is absolutely lovely! A treasure indeed!

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    1. Thank you, Chloe, for such sweet comments. I first saw the pattern in a china cabinet in a dining room where we had attended a party. The host was kind enough to share the name of the pattern. And so I went on the hunt . . .

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  3. A very comfortable tea time being offered! I am a sucker for anything bright and cheerful and your tray is just that. Have a great week ahead.

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    1. Thanks, Melynda! I especially like bright and cheerful on gloomy winter days!

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  4. Sandra, you tea time looks inviting. I love the gorgeous china pattern and the setting in quiet space is so inviting. Your table top is so pretty. Fun to be a part of this hop with you. Happy teatime!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! I so enjoy the quiet moments drinking tea and staring out the window!

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  5. Just as your tablescapes are always so classic and elegant, your tea tray shows off your style as well. Simply beautiful Sandra! I can just imagine how peaceful it would feel to be enjoying a quiet "tea time" there in your living room. So great touring with you today! Carry on!

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    1. Denise, thank you for your lovely comments. The stillness of the living room in contrast to the fun but chaotic rest of the house is particularly appreciated.

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  6. Sandra, the porcelain tea set is beautiful and looks like a vintage heirloom. I can see why you chose these pieces for pampering yourself!
    Have a lovely day :)
    Hugs,
    Rachelle

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    1. Thanks, Rachelle! The tea set was such a perfect gift!

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  7. What a charming tea setting, Sandra. I love that sweet tea bag rest!

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    1. Thanks, Cecilia! The tea bag rest was a delightful impulse buy!

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  8. Sandra, I collect teapots and yours is a beauty. Love the colors that show so beautifully against the white background. the flowers really bring out the color in the tea service. This setting makes you want to sit right down and enjoy a quiet cup of tea.

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    1. Thank you, Lynne! I'm thrilled to have this tea service.

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  9. Oh Sandra I love the beautiful and serene setting you have created with your tea tray. I would love to join you and sit for a bit. So many beautiful pieces you used and the treats look amazing. Great touring with you today as always. XO- MaryJo

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    1. Thanks so much, Mary Jo! This was such an inspiring tour!

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  10. Sandra, I love your tea setting. It's peaceful and beautiful. I would love to sit there for a bit and visit with you. You used so many beautiful pieces and the treats look amazing. Happy touring with you again. XO- MaryJo

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  11. So pretty Sandra! I love the blue and your crane teapot is so unique and lovely! Fresh flowers, your favorite tea and yummy sweet treats, what a wonderful way to spoil your self! I am not a tea drinker, but I do love the idea of an afternoon tea ritual, to take a breather and relax! Enjoy!
    Jenna

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    1. Thank you, Jenna! I often enjoy a morning cup of coffee, but the atmosphere of sitting down to tea is a different experience.

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  12. Your tray looks so pretty. The tea set is beautiful and interesting. I would love to have a similar set since we live on the Gulf Coast and get to watch the cranes out of the windows often. Pinned. Happy touring with you!
    Niki | Life as a LEO Wife

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    1. Thanks, Niki! It would be wonderful to see cranes out my window!

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  13. What a gorgeous tea set and vignette! It looks like a spot where you could spend the day relaxing! A great reminder to take time and enjoy the moment!
    Shelley

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    1. Thanks, Shelley! I think it's important to set aside some time to relax and recoup.

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  14. What a lovely setting and a beautiful tea set. A great combination of comfort and elegance. Thank you for joining in the fun. Pinned! xo

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    1. Thank you, Katherine! And a special thank you for all you do to organize such delightful tray tours!

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  15. Sandra, you styled such a beautiful trays. I always love your tea pots! I really like how it all came together. What a great way to enjoy a cup of tea. Have a great week.

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    1. Thank you, Meagan! I seem to be collecting tea pots without ever having decided to do so! LOL

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  16. Sandra,
    Wow, I love how you set this tea tray for you. Your teapot is gorgeous. You have such lovely pieces.
    Enjoy your tea time. I know I will enjoy mine.
    Hugs,
    Bev

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    1. Thanks, Bev! We should treat ourselves as well as we treat others don't you think! Hugs

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  17. Oh I love it. I'd love to relax with a tea tray and a good book!

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    1. Thanks, Niky! A good book and maybe some more treats as well!

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  18. Beautiful tea tray display, I love the pedestal bowl you used for treats.

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    1. Thank you! The bowl was a special find at an antique store. Thanks for stopping by!

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  19. Sandra,
    Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by!! I hope you are having a great week!!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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    1. Thanks, Deb! We actually had sunshine three days in a row! My garden is loving it.

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  20. Beautiful tea set I love collecting silver pieces. Your quite place is amazing, so calming.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comments! I especially like collecting pieces that have individual flair.

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