Thoughtful Gestures

Back in June of last year, I went yard sale hopping with my sister-in-law.   At some point we had a conversation, that I don’t even remember.   I mentioned that the girls and I have Friday afternoon tea to end our school week, and apparently said something like “It would be nice to have a matching tea set.”

For the next six months my sister-in-law scoured thrift stores and antique shops, six months ya’ll, piecing together a matching tea set for us, or more for me.  It was my Christmas present from her.   I thought I’d share it here.  Isn’t it lovely?

I was floored, that a conversation that I don’t even remember stuck with her, and moved her to action.   This is one of my favorite presents ever!

Afternoon Tea, November 12, 2010

It’s official, we have a Friday afternoon ritual.  Tea in the parlor!  (ok, it’s on our sun porch, but still.)  Since I haven’t had an opportunity to go grocery shopping, I rummaged around and found what items I had on hand and made some AMAZING chocolate chip scones!   (The recipe is at the bottom of this post.)

 

Even Olivia liked the scones and she’s not big on “new things”.  My husband had tea with us….of sorts, see what I mean?

Lindsey and I had mint chocolate tea, and as you can see below, she LOVED it.   Olivia drank just plain old regular sweet tea, cold…but she at least drank tea and it was in a cup, so it’s progress!

 

And here is the official “I shall take no tea” to end our day.

Chocolate Chip Scones:

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup white sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
8 TBSP. butter softened
1/2 cup chocolate chips
3 TBSP. orange juice (or more if needed)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Sift sugar, flour, salt and soda together.   Mix in butter and orange juice (adding more juice if necessary to make a dough).   Mix in chocolate chips.

Place dough on a floured surface and form into a 9 inch circle, approximately 1/2 inch thick.  Cut into 12 triangles.  Brush tops with butter and sprinkle on a bit of sugar.  Bake for 12 minutes. 

Afternoon Tea

The girls and I have been reading a lot of the “American Girl” books.   We all love colonial and Victorian era books and movies.  So this afternoon we decided to have our own little tea.

We used Thomas’ grandmothers crystal sugar and creamer set, and a few antique tea cups I’ve acquired, and added some yummy sweets.

Earlier in the week, we made these lovely fans, and the girls used those as they chatted and flitted about.

   
What great fun with my girls!  They’ve requested a weekly tea.  Lindsey truly enjoys tea, Olivia not so much….but she’s a big fan of the sweets.  Maybe next week we shall make some scones?

Tea and Friends

I’m a tea gal.   Not just sweet tea (although I love sweet tea).  I love tea THINGS.  Teacups, teapots, tea cozies etc.   I even have a silver charm bracelet that is heavily laden with little cups, saucers and spoons.  I love tea itself, it’s comforting, relaxing and inviting.  Having someone over for tea, or going out for tea seems so much more grown up and proper than grabbing a cup of coffee on the go.

Now, having said that, I’m very much a tom-boy.  Before having children, I was heavily involved in motorcycles with my brother.   He’s a biker/preacher and I used to travel around the country with him to all sorts of biker events.  I don’t think he’s ever gone to tea with me though…hmmm.  Anyway,  I’m one of those multi-faceted folks; with lots of interests that seem to be on opposite ends of the spectrum.

I have friends from the various interests as well.   One of my dear friends, Janet (whom I’ve never met in person) is a lovely tea lady from Texas.  I miss Texas, I haven’t been there since the last Eagle Mountain Motorcycle Rally was held in 1999 I believe. Sorry, rabbit trail…

Janet has a lovely site that called Let’s Have a Tea.   I love looking through all her info, trying her recipes and hearing about the wonderful tea parties she has.  I secretly live vicariously through her as I sip on my dull cup of Lipton’s and hold my pinkie out ever so uppity.

Unfortunately, both in Texas and Virginia it has been HOT….triple digit hot…melt the makeup off your face while walking to the car hot.  So really, who wants hot tea, right?  Janet graciously sent me this lovely recipe for a nice crisp cold tea.   

Janet’s Green Citrus Tea

6 cups water
7 green tea bags
3/4 cup of sugar
1/2 cup lime juice (or you could use fresh orange juice)

Bring water to a boil, add tea bags and remove from heat.   Allow tea to steep for 2 minutes.  Remove tea bags and add sugar (adjust to your own sweet tooth).   Bring tea to room temperature and then add lime juice (fresh or concentrate).  Chill overnight and enjoy!