Afternoon Tea at Two Cottages and Tea

I imagined it would be a day to remember.........

  

Nancy from Two Cottages and Tea graciously opened the doors of her country cottage, finely decorated with collectibles and unique treasures, perfectly set for 14 guests with fine china, linens and silver.  My contributions were the sweets and savories, and love of serving others.

 

Here's what transpired when two tea-loving friends

have a dream of hosting a tea together.  

 

 





 

 

 

 

 



 

Nancy has used some treasures in creative ways. 

Her mothers purses hang from a shelf above the bed

made up with a chenille spread and vintage linen pillow cases.

 

 

A cup of tea, roses, and Max Lucado.... a quiet moment for yourself.

 

 



 

Whether it was a party of two, three or four,

seating was available for an afternoon of conversation and comfort.

 



 

Though the sky was cloudy and the air was cold outside,

the atmosphere indoors was warm and friendly.

 



 

Guests were served apple soup and cheddar cheese crackers

Chicken Salad on Jewish rye

Garden cream cheese and cucumber on white

Olive cream cheese on olive bread 

Scones: Cream, and cranberry orange with mock Devonshire cream and raspberry jam

 

 

Teapot sugar cookies

Cream Puffs with lemon filling

Date orange bars

Mini white cakes

 

 

Before the afternoon ended, Nancy and I shared our life-long love for tea, collecting vintage belongings, and enjoyment of hosting and serving others.

 

 

  Guests were invited to view the kitchen area where Nancy's creative decorating continued.



"Thank you.  Thank you very much.  This has been a delightful afternoon.  When can we come back again.  Everything was delicious." 

 

With grateful hearts and hugs we thanked our guests for spending an afternoon in the country at Two Cottages and Tea.   While we were clearing the tables, washing and drying the dishes, and sharing the remaining food, we realized it - yes, it was a day to remember.

 



 

 

 

Tea at Two Cottages and Tea

It has been so warm.......so warm here.  We wait for the summer weather, with our long, drawn out winters, and yet it is so hard to adjust to the humidity and heat. Really, there is no better way to enjoy a hot summer day, than a long overdue visit with my friend,  Nancy at Two Cottages and Tea.

 

Nancy and I met several years ago when we worked together.  She was part of the nursing staff and I was the receptionist.  Last year we reconnected, and discovered we have many of the same interests and ideas of how to spend our days during retirement:

Setting a lovely table, with beautiful dishes and glassware....

preparing a menu of delectable savories and sweets ........

 

and sharing collected treasures with family and friends.

Nancy is a talented gardener, and is blessed with space to garden and create many unique areas for enjoyment.

 

Had the mosquitoes not been so active in the shade today, we would have spent much more time outdoors.

 

It was a pleasure to meet Nancy's daughter, who shared lunch with us after a climb up Sugar Loaf Mountain, just up the road, overlooking Lake Superior. 

 

Besides the creative gardens and outdoor spaces, Nancy's knack for decorating with treasured collections and interesting finds create a welcoming, homespun atmosphere.

 

Though we hadn't shared our dreams and fantasies for tea time adventures in some time, it seemed we were able to continue without nearly skipping a beat. We moved from the tea time lunch table to a cozy couch, where we shared our experience as bloggers. 

I am looking forward to meeting new tea time friends, as I learn to follow and participate in Linkies and Tea Parties. There are so many beautiful photos of our afternoon, but I'll refer you to Two Cottages and Tea for Nancy's selections.  I feel so blessed to have spent such a wonderful afternoon together - I didn't realize it was 88 degrees (F).  May the Lord bless and keep you, Nancy!

 

PHOTO Description

The blue teapot and cups featured belong to an acquaintance of mine, Beverly, and are shown here, displayed in her enclosed back porch.  She lives in a historical home which was the site of our Historical Society's Christmas tea in 2010. Watch for more photos of Beverly's home, and teapot and cup collectibles.