It’s an understatement that I have more teapots and teacups than anyone else I know, and considering I’ve given away as many as I still have, you might think I have a small obsession. You would be correct! The good news is that in addition to being “lovely to look at, delightful to hold,” the items in my teaware collection are used routinely. Even better, my friends are happy to indulge my obsession by joining me for tea from time to time.

At the start of Covid, I made back door deliveries of little brown bags of tea and treats to a few friends. It was long time until we were comfortable gathering a few at a time for a cup of tea. Then last fall, after vaccinations and between Covid variant surges, I had the opportunity to take my show on the road and help my good friend, Georgie, stage a Bridal Tea for her great neice, Brogan.

Brogan’s Mom and sisters planned the shower, and Georgie and I planned the tea party – the food and table settings. Everyone worked hard to coordinate a very special afternoon for a very special bride-to-be. She knew there was going to be a bridal shower, she just didn’t know it would include “tea with all the trimmings!” Invitations were sent for the surprise party, and when the celebration day arrived, Georgie and I packed boxes of teapots, teacups, bits of vintage decor and hit the road.

Here are a few photos of the mix-and-match table settings. Everything looked great!

The Bride’s Table for Brogan and her bridesmaids was decorated with crystal candlesticks, family silver, and pieces of her great aunt’s china. Accenting the table was a vintage book of love poems strewn with dried rose petals. Romantic!

The bride’s family and I made the tea treats, trying to stay close to a typical afternoon tea menu. And of course cucumber sandwiches had to be included! My go-to recipe is from Melissa D’arabian at FoodNetwork.com. Her Cucumber and Lemony Dill Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches are refreshing and delicious. In addition, we served egg salad sandwiches on wheat bread, pimento cheese sandwiches on seeded wheat bread, cream cheese torta wedges with spinach tortillas, scones and jam, pecan brownie bites, lemon bars, jam thumbprint cookies and mini cream puffs.

The menu was very well received!

After tea, Brogan enjoyed getting photos taken with family and friends and opening all of the gifts brought to the party by the guests. And a surprise visit by her future husband was certainly a hit!

It was such a pleasure to be involved in an afternoon tea and the celebration of Brogan and Matt’s upcoming marriage. Their wedding was held in November at Prince of Peace Church in Madison, Indiana. Blessings for a lifetime of happiness to the Sinibaldis!

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sallymcw

One thing that makes my journey unique is that all of my interests are driven by a joyful and genuine curiosity. I delight in finding less expensive ways to make something or creative ways to enjoy something longer. Finding and creating joy - and sharing it - is core to who I am.