Monday, January 17, 2011

Afternoon Tea


Hello everyone,
 I hope you had a great weekend  and are now looking forward to what this week has in store for you! It is colder here today but the sun is shining and that makes up for the colder temps.
  This afternoon I set out my pretty blue and white tea set for our afternoon tea as we haven't used it lately .




The teacups came from our  trip to Maine last year. I know you are probably thinking I seem to buy a lot of dishes when I go on a trip and you are right but is so tempting when you find them for a good price to leave them all behind. When we go to Maine we take our car so there is more space then when we fly somewhere. Should I also point out that shopping for dishes and other little things for our home is my only vice! Ha!

My husband gave me most of these matching pieces- he knows my weakness for china.


A pretty transferware pitcher with baby's breath.



Take a few minutes to enjoy a beautiful Victoria magazine while you sip your tea.






I am so happy to see the first of our locally grown tulips hit the grocery stores.. this week they are $3. a bundle.


 So much of my inspiration comes from the Victoria magazines both old and new.

A little candle glow makes it that much prettier!









 I hope you enjoyed  a peaceful afternoon tea.
 Today I would like to join Sandi again at Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday.Thank you Sandi for hosting so many lovely tea parties.
I am also joining Kathy for her Victoria Return to Loveliness party at A Delightsome Life. Thank you Kathy for hosting.

Thank you for visiting me,

Carolyn
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38 comments:

  1. SusiJanuary 17, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    Ohhhhhhhhhhh wonderful picutres...
    a cup of tea please ;O)))
    ohhhh I love this pictures..
    Hugs Susi

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  2. The Charm of HomeJanuary 17, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Beautiful! Love blue and white!

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  3. theromanticroseJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:11 PM

    La porcellana blu è molto rilassante.Bello tutto,particolare la candela.Saluti,Rosetta di theromanticrose

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  4. TinaJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Carolyn
    I'm speechless ... it's all very beautiful!
    I'm Enchanted
    kisses
    Tina (SONHAR E REALIZAR)

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  5. CaatjeJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    Hi Carolyn, what a lovely post. Delft Blue color on your Chine de Commande, white tulips, both my favourite colors and a Dutchwindmill on the candlestick.
    A piece of Holland in Canada.

    Warm greetings Carina

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  6. Pétales de féeJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    Thank you for this nice cup of tea !
    Les photos de ta ravissante vaisselle bleue sont magnifiques !
    Bisous

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  7. Anita DiazJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Gorgeous, gorgeous! LOVE your blue and white transferware and in such a beautiful setting. Beautiful photos as always!!

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  8. ZwierciadłoJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Wow!!!The sweetest perfection!!!

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  9. CarolJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    How lovely Carolyn. I love the simplicity of the white tulips with your Transferware. Indeed this tea setting was too beautiful to pass up. Beautiful photography as always! Have a great week!

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  10. RaffaellaJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    Oh... such a beautiful setting... I love your afternoon tea... can I have a cup of tea, please?...

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  11. AntoniaJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Wonderful pictures, I really like your blue and white tableware and your tulips! Very nice week, Antonia

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Hi Carolyn! Oh, what beautiful photos and your blue and white transferware is gorgeous! You do know how to set a pretty table! So lovely!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  13. SarahJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    You are a woman after my own heart. Dishes are always finding their way back home with us from trips. If I can't hand carry them, I have them shipped. The blue and white set is stunning. And white tulips ~ all is perfect! ~ Sarah

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  14. My Cottage DiaryJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I love blue and white as well. Your photographs always speak to my heart. They are downright soothing! Thank you so much for your wonderful site. Bess

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  15. NancyJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    Carolyn,
    Your blog is a true gift. Your beautiful images are helping me get through a long cold Iowa winter.

    Thank You!!!
    Nancy

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  16. Crystal Rose CottageJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    You can never have too much china, right? I think alot of us have the very same vice! You do have a wonderful collection, though!~Hugs, Patti

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  17. Judith @ Lavender CottageJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Hi Carolyn
    Your blue and white china looks lovely with all the cream coloured accents.
    Judith

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  18. SantaBarbaraTalk.blogspot.comJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Oh my goodness, is there anything more gorgeous that blue transferware? I covet every piece you have shared with us in a gorgeous photo display. It may be my Dutch heritage but white tulips and blue dishes....heel mooi!
    Carla

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  19. Heather's Blog-o-ramaJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    The blue and white transferware is beautiful. My dad loves blue...so he would love this too, especially the square plate with the slightly rounded edges!! Just gorgeous :) :) Thanks for letting me stop by for tea. The visit was lovely :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  20. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    Hi Carolyn,
    Your blue and white is beautiful! I too love the simplicity of the white tulips. Tomorrow is shopping day so hopefully I will be able to pick some up. Thanks for joining me for tea. Always a pleasure to have you.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  21. Johanna GehrleinJanuary 17, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Hello,
    this transfer ware is so beautiful and you have set is so nicely. I am amazed that you have a matching candle, looks really nice. Thanks fr sharing.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  22. LynnJanuary 17, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    Carolyn, I know of your beautiful blog and photos when I was blogging last year prior to retiring and changing my blog name. Your photos are as beautiful as ever and I never tire of seeing your collection of dishes displayed lovingly in your home.

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  23. CindyJanuary 17, 2011 at 8:35 PM

    Your blue tea set is so pretty. I love it! Your table with all of the blue and white transfer-ware is just lovely!
    I also love the photos from your last post, what gorgeous scenery you do see, it makes me want to live there!
    Hugs, Cindy

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  24. A Garden of ThreadsJanuary 17, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    So pretty Carolyn, I so enjoy afternoon tea. Have a wonderful time and take care.

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  25. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJanuary 17, 2011 at 9:14 PM

    Dearest Carolyn,

    Can't blame you for loving your china; so do I.
    Especially those square little plates I love and it warmed my heart to see you got them too. With several china patterns I opted for the square ones as it somehow adds a special touch to the table setting!

    Enjoy your week and stay warm.

    Mariette

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  26. Ann@A Sentimental LifeJanuary 17, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    love the white tulips with the beautiful blue china...how fun they have memories of your trips. We must have spring fever ...I posted with pink tulips!

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  27. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:17 AM

    This is a beautiful post. I am visiting for the first time and I am in love with your beautiful blog. Can't wait to read moe posts. Angie

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  28. Pinky at Designs by PinkyJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    I found you on Yvonne's blog list and am so glad I did! This si so pretty and special! I love your tea set and the tulips are gorgeous! It is so relaxing to see this! XO, Pinky

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  29. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:57 AM

    How perfectly sweet and lovely!

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  30. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2011 at 3:47 AM

    hello Carolyne
    I follow the time your beautiful blog. Unable to create a great atmosphere in the house and garden. I love your porcelain ...
    simonetta

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  31. RowanJanuary 18, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    What a pretty tea setting, I particularly like the decorated candle, it blends beautifully with your china. Oddly enough in spite of being English I don't drink tea at all:) I've always been a coffee drinker.
    I love Victoria magazine and have a subscription and I also have some copies of the original Victoria - I wish I'd kept them all!

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  32. BeverlyJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    Carolyn, thank you for this beautiful welcome. There is painting going on in our kitchen and breakfast room. This required everything being moved to other rooms. I'll be glad when the upheaval is complete, and I can enjoy the results.

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  33. SnapJanuary 18, 2011 at 8:57 AM

    Beautiful, beautiful! There is something about blue and white that is so serene. I think your only vice is well worth it!!!!!! happy tea day!

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  34. KathyJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    Exquisite setting - I can see how the sun lightens your room! Always love blue and white - a soothing combination. You pictured them so beautifully with the Victoria magazine - very inspiring.
    I understand completely - and I think now my daughter is catching on - when you find something lovely at an incredible price - it just has to join your family!
    Thank you for joining A Return to Loveliness, you make it all the more special,
    Kathy

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  35. JenJanuary 18, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Love the blue and white china! Very cold here as well but enjoying the sunshine today.

    Jeannette

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  36. LynnJanuary 18, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    What beautiful photos! The blue and white is so perfect for the chilly days of January but you've brought a loveliness and warmth that is so appealing. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed viewing each and every pic - very creative!
    Best to you,
    Lynn at Cottage and Creek

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  37. PamJanuary 18, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Beautiful blue and white..what more could anyone want. Lovely!

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  38. FABBY'S LIVINGFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    Oh yeah, I would love your china too if it were mine! Just beautiful and so nice that your husband goes along with your vice...I think I have your same vice myself, I think I'm going to get a fix soon, because containers are coming from Europe to my favorite antique shop with transferware china in red, blue and brown, (so I've been told), I'll be there when they open it and choose one...or two!!!

    Thank you for sharing, wish I had tea with you too.
    XOXO
    FABBY

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Thank you for all your sweet comments and may your day be filled with joy!

Carolyn