Hello! I wanted to share with you a special tea on an overcast — almost ready to rain — day. There is something inherently relaxing about brewing a favorite tea, adding something sweet or savory, and spending quiet time in a lovely setting.
For today's tea, I've chosen loose tea and tinned biscuits that my husband brought me from London, and set a tea table on the deck overlooking the backyard. I set the table for only one, but I won't be alone for tea —
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For I'm joined for tea by my daughter who has set her own table on her patio in New Mexico! While my table is set in the shade of oak and hickory trees, hers is set in the sunshine. We will enjoy tea together with a little help from FaceTime!
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I love the tea cup that features a gorgeous shade of turquoise with delicately painted white and pink flowers. On the tea pot the lovely blossoms gracefully cascade over the sides. The gold-accented trim glimmers against both the turquoise and white. A cotton napkin repeats the turquoise in a more intense shade.
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My daughter is using a summery tea set that features bees, honeycombs and wildflowers. Her set is also trimmed in gold, which really shines in the sunlight. I love the repeating pattern of the honeycomb and the wild abandon of the flowers. She also received a tin of the same loose tea from London. We had not planned to brew the same tea!
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The tea we're both using is Royal Blend by Fortnum & Mason in a pretty turquoise green tin. Royal Blend is a classic black tea, blending Pekoe with the maltier Assam for a smooth, honey-like flavor since 1902. I went with sweet treats today, pairing a handful of fresh fruits with yummy strawberry and white chocolate biscuits from Cartwright & Butler. (I love their lavender container!)
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To go with her Royal Blend, my daughter made chocolate chip cookies. I can attest to how delicious they are!
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The table is set in the corner of the deck where it is shaded most of the day under the arching branches of a hickory. Through the railing you can see the pergola and swing and have a glimpse of the koi pond. For some reason, most of the flowering annuals I planted on the deck and on the two flagstone patios are not flowering, nor even budding. But they are growing robustly.
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Although part of my daughter's patio is covered, she chose to set her tea table next to one of her lounge chairs which face her kiva fireplace. Her black, white and gold china contrast beautifully with the striped red cushions and the creamy stucco. Her backyard is enclosed by walls which is a common way to define property lines in cities in New Mexico.
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In front of my tea tin is a stainless-steel ball infuser that I bought several months ago. It's sized for 1-2 cups of tea and readily replaces the much larger vintage acorn-style aluminum one I've used for many years.
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My daughter had originally set her tea things on the fireplace ledge that becomes a sitting wall, but decided it was definitely not as comfy. I love the pottery lizard and squirrel that joined the party!
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This was so enjoyable that I'd like to do it again soon!
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While my daughter wants to wait until things cool down a bit!!
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In either case it's been a fun way to share a jointly-loved tradition, a way to shrink the distance until my next trip out there.
Thanks for joining us today for a summertime tea al fresco!
A variety of tea tables you might want to visit for inspiration can be found at Tea and Cinnamon Toast, Tea with Birdsong, Tea and Muffins on the Bistro Table or Tea and Chocolate on a Winter's Day.
Shared with these delightful parties:
Facetime is a wonderful thing, to stay in touch, share and enjoy a cup of tea together, despite miles apart.
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My shares: #8+9+10
We now have two Linkies: SSPS and TFT at https://esmesalon.com/seniorsalonpitstop/
Technology can be a wonderful thing. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteSandra, this is such a lovely way to tea! I miss my kids not being little as we had chocolate chip scones and “tea” quite often as they were growing up. I’m glad your daughter was able to yea even if it was 95 degrees outside. ☀️☕️ 🫖
ReplyDeleteFun post!
Hugs,
Barb 💖😊
Thanks, Barb! I like that we are able to continue with some well-loved traditions.
DeleteFaceTime for tea is such a fabulous idea! Both tea sets are very pretty and I think I recognize your daughter's as being from the Williams Sonoma bee collection. Kudos to her for setting out in the sun as I'm sure it's very hot in New Mexico. I'm a shade girl myself and your shady backyard is so lovely. Happy tea drinking!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim! Yes her tea set is from Williams Sonoma -- I haven't convinced her yet to pick up more pieces in the pattern. It was very hot -- and very very sunny -- when she set her table. It was just as hot in Georgia, plus humidity, but I had the advantage of lots of shade and a slight breeze.
DeleteWhat an absolutely wonderful idea! I love that you both do this together to shrink the miles between you.
ReplyDeleteI just may borrow your idea as two of my daughters live interstate & one in particular loves tea time as I do.
Visiting from Stephanie's today.
You're most welcome to join me in a cuppa at Tea With Jennifer any time.
Thank you! It's been our tradition since she was a little girl, as it was with my mom and sister before that.
DeleteSo pretty and delicious. I'm set for having tea with friends on my garden porch in September, hopefully the temps will even out a bit...lots of pretty shots in your post, here from Love Your Creativity, Sandi
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandi! I'm definitely going to wait 'til temps cool down before I venture al fresco again, lol.
DeleteI really enjoy having breakfast outside and when it is cooler I eat my lunch on my porch too and sometimes even go on a picnic by myself. This looks lovely!
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Thank you, Mireille! There's something about a meal outside that is so much more relaxing than inside the house. Though I'll wait until it cools down a bit!
DeleteThe turquoise and white tea set is stunning! I must get my Old Country Roses out. The biscuits look very Fortnum and Mason- esque! Thanks for linking
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gail, my daughter gave me the tea set for Christmas one year. I love how delicate the flowers on it are. My husband brought me the cookies from London but I don't know where he got them. They're yummy!
DeleteSandra, your tea set is lovely. there is something so special abut enjoying the outdoors with a cup of tea. Hopefully the temps are starting to cool. Thanks so much for sharing at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda! I really enjoy taking the time to relax on the deck or the patio, watching the breeze in the trees and listening to the birds.
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