Rose Tea Cottage

From the Duchess's Private Library
Great Read ~ Great Gift

"Laughs—and lots of tea—are on the menu when Denis Lipman returns to the East End of London with his new American wife, Frances. Join Denis as he rents quaint cottages, hosts a parade of outrageous relatives, meets quirky locals, and discovers what it’s really like in the English countryside. It’s all much better than Denis remembers—and a lot funnier too!"

For more info on the book click on the photo or HERE
Purchase the book in the UK HERE
Purchase the book in the US HERE

Visit The Prodigal Couple's Blogs
The Prodigal Husband Here
The Prodigal Wife Here

How beautiful a day can be, when kindness touches it!
~George Elliston

I thank you for your kindness

Have yourself a berry sw♥♥t weekend

I am the proud recipient of five awards from four equally talented and wonderful bloggers. I am honoured to have received the following:

"Scrumptious Blog Award"
"I Love Your Blog Award""Honest Scarp Award"
"The Divine Award"
"Your Blog is Freakin Fabulous Award”

I am flattered and speechless at the display of kindness and appreciation that I have received from all of you wonderful bloggers. I have proudly displayed these five awards on my blog and will cherished them along with the others I have received forever.

♥ Thank you Ladies ♥

Please visit my friends at their blog by clicking on the awards.

♥ From Prasu ~~ Prasu Kitchen ♥

♥ From Priyaraj ~~ EnSamaiyal ♥

♥ From Anya ~~ Couture Millinery Atelier ♥

♥ From Kelly ~~ Kelly's Recipes for Life ♥

I have also been tagged by the lovely and talented
Shab of Shab's Cuisine
who wants to know...????

Married or Single? Blissfully single

Best friend? Kate

Cake or Pie? Definitely cake

Drink of choice? Hot tea and cold champagne!!

Essential items you use every day? My laptop, mobile and my car

Favorite color? Pink

Gummy Bears or Worms? Gummy Bear

Indulgences? Godiva white Swiss truffles, Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, Hermès 24 Faubourg

January or February? February of course!!

Kids & their names? Cristina & Christopher

Life is incomplete without? My children, family and friends

Marriage date? This one my luv, I would like to forget!!

Number of siblings? I have 3 sisters, I am number 3

Oranges or Apples? Apples

Phobias/Fears? Height

Quote for today?
"A day is a span of time no one is wealthy enough to waste "

Reasons to smile?
My children, you, a new day, a small package containing diamonds!!

Season? Unquestionably Glorious Spring!!

Unknown fact about me? I wanted to be a ballerina!!

Vegetable you don't like? Cabbage

Worst habit? Frowning

X-rays you've had?
I want to know who came up with these questions?!!!
But if you have to know… my neck & back

Your favorite food?
Bouillabaisse with crusty baguette and a glass of Brunello wine

Zodiac sign? Libra

First things first, I would like to thank all of you charming, loving, kind and lovely friends for stopping by my cottage and leaving such heartwarming wishes for Cristina. We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You can’t imagine what this meant to us both. A million thanks, hugs and kisses to all of you.

Cristina and I had a fabulous time. The main focus of this trip was to visit family living in Paris and to celebrate Cristina’s birthday, as well as her acceptance to law school in the States which she will soon be departing to attend.

Unfortunately, however, upon our return home, I was struck ill and hospitalized for a few days. But do not fret, my friends! I am back home, feeling much better, and will return to posting in a day or two.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I missed you. I am so happy to be back and can’t wait to resume blogging. I will stop by soon to visit with you and to catch up with your blog posts and all that's new in your life. I am looking forward to our afternoon tea and talk.

Love & Hugs

Duchess ♥♥♥

♥ Today is my daughter Cristina's 23rd birthday ♥

♥ She started her day with breakfast in bed ♥

♥ She received huge bouquet of pink balloons ♥

♥ Her favourite pink raspberry ganache cake ♥

♥ A lovely arrangement of her favourite flowers ♥

Massive amount of gifts!!
She included her rabbit Cleo and her bird Edith
- named after Edith Piaf -
in her big day celebration!!

The best part ... our bags are packed for our five day celebratory holiday to our favorite city ...Paris!!
Oh! La La La

Cristina, as always you are my life, my pride and my joy!!
You are the star by which I chart all my journey!!
I thank God for you each moment of my life.

♥ Happy Birthday, Darling ♥

Yesterday I walked into the grocery store and the first thing that greeted me was a delicious display of figs. Figs happen to be both mine and my dad’s favorite fruit. My mum used to make a jam with purple figs that was to die for.

The Greeks believed that figs were a gift from the goddess of grain and fertility. Often newly married young women were given fresh figs to ensure and strengthen their fertility. Figs range from a deep purple in color to a grassy green. When ripe, their skin is extremely delicate and often bursts open revealing the juicy and seedy center.

Wow, a parfum!!

Click on the photo for more information.

The leaves and the twigs of a fig tree were abandoned in favor of the divine, nectarous, darkly-sweet fruits. The figs in Patricia de Nicolai rendition are ripe and marvelously soft, oozing ambrosial juice. The osmanthus, with its slight apricot-like undertone, and the wonderfully boozy davana make the smell of figs not just mouthwatering but actually intoxicating. To keep the lush sweetness in check, the creator balanced the figs and the flowers with a tea note. Dry and slightly smoky, black tea turns the decadently luscious composition into a blend of utter elegance. A treat for the fig-scent connoisseurs and the lovers of refined and unusual fruity perfumes ♥

The Queen of The Nile, Cleopatra, referred to this lusciously seductive fruit as the fruit of romance and believed their scents to have an aphrodisiac quality and often used soaps scented with figs for said purpose. You get the picture Luv, don't you?

Yes, there is also a fig tea!! Click on the teacup for more info.

An easy recipe for a deliciously sweet and savoury snack.
Start with washed ripe figs. Simply slice them, spread salty goat cheese over crusty French bread, arranged the figs and sprinkle honey all over the toast!!
Now, grab yourself a nice chilled glass of Chenin Blanc and enjoy!!

Stuffed figs with cream cheese, dates and walnuts, an easy and elegant hors d'oeuvre or a sweet dessert, your choice!!

♥ Fig and goat cheese, a marriage made in heaven ♥

Succulent figs stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with Prosciutto and fresh mint ♥

Glorious green figs stuffed with Parmesan cheese, topped with fresh breadcrumbs with a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil then baked for 10 minutes and served warm ♥

Dried fig stuffed with a homemade Gianduja (hazelnut paste)
dipped in tempered bittersweet chocolate ganache ♥

♥ Fig tart with honey lavender ice cream ♥

♥ Poached figs with Ricotta cheese ♥

♥ Figs and Prosecco an excellent combination as an apéritif ♥

♥ Duck roast topped with corriander salad and fresh fig ♥

♥ Linguine & Fig with Basil Sauce ♥

Fig Pizza!!

Roasted lamb with a rosemary, garlic, Bartletta pearl onions, thyme, fig and balsamic and red wine reduction!!

♥ Fig and goat cheese tartlets ♥

“Train up a fig-tree in the way it should go, and when you are old sit under the shade of it.”
~ Charles Dickens

Start with a dozen smiles
Add a pint of pleasant days
A heaping cup of happiness
A tablespoon of praise
Stir in lots of sugar
Be sure to add some spice
A handful of good humor
Always makes things nice
Mix it all together
Til you get a perfect blend
And you'll have something special
A once in a Lifetime Friend!

Thank you for being my friend!

In 1789 the first Peony tree arrived in Europe. As in the eastern world, Peonies were originally cultivated in Europe for their medicinal value. It was not until much later in history that Peonies began to be grown in Europe solely for their ornamental qualities.

Sir Joseph Banks of Kew Gardens, having heard of Peonies from earlier travelers to the orient, had commissioned a doctor with the British East India Company to purchase and bring back a Peony tree to England. The plant was brought to England by Dr. Duncan and subsequently planted at Kew Gardens.

Peony petals have been dried and used to make a tea that was reputed to soothe a cough!

The lush, densely ruffled blossom of the Peony contains many mysteries. That is why the Peony has become the special weapon of those who wish to communicate their love in a secret manner. So whether you’re a secret admirer or the recipient of a lush, lovely bouquet of Peonies, you’ll know the special message these flowers contain. ~~ (I hope Clive knows about this!)

When words escape, Peonies speak!
~Bruce W. Currie

The seeds of the plant are purported to have medicinal properties!

Peonies are known as the flower of riches and honour!

M. de Kelway's, a French perfumer who affectionately was called
M. le Nez, was reputed to have created a perfume in the 1930's
made of peony petals called "Paeony Valley"

The state flower of Indiana!

The 12th wedding anniversary flower!

The peony is practically the national flower of China and is often referred to in poetry and literature. Peonies are one of the main motifs of Chinese decorative arts and can be found on porcelains, in woodblock and screen paintings as well as embroidered onto tapestries and clothing.

The beauty of the peony flower has long inspired artists in both the eastern and western parts of the world. During the end of the 18th and during the 19th century artists such as Renoir and Fantin-Latour painted peonies. Today peonies are popular subjects for many amateur and professional artists.

Darling like the Peony turn your face to the sun
and have a lovely Monday!

♥ Have a lovely weekend ♥

It has been a very busy week at Rose Tea Cottage. I have received two awards and have been tagged twice. First things first, I would like to thank Pomona from Little Cottage Comforts and Julie from Working on a Dream for presenting me with
"Fabulous Blog Award" & the "Butterfly Blogger Award"
Ladies, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this honor.

The "Fabulous Blog Award" was presented to me by Pomona for my services to tea. Pomona lives in a cottage along a quiet country lane in the UK. She loves knitting, cooking and dreaming. Pomona loves to find beauty in the mundane and take joy in the quotidian.
Please click on the "Fabulous Blog Award" to visit Pomona's blog.

The "Butterfly Blogger Award" was presented to me by Julie who lives in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, USA. Although Julie’s blog is only a few weeks old, it is packed with interesting posts and lovely photos.
Please visit Julie's blog, by clicking on the "Butterfly Blogger Award"

I have also been tagged by Rose of Roses r Red and by Sharon from "My Passport to Style". Rose who lives in Adelaide, Australia wants me to list six things that make me happy. Sharon of My Passport to Style who lives in Lancaster, Lancashire,UK wants me to list 6 of my favorite things. This charming duo each has a divine blog loaded with fascinating posts. Please visit Rose & Sharon by clicking on their names. Thank you ladies for including me in your tags.

Rose darling here are six things that make me happy!!

My handsome son who is 21 years old and my gorgeous daughter who will turn 23 in 9 days.

My cottage and all that it holds...my garden, my lovelies, my books, my music, my kitchen…you get the picture.

My circle of friends with whom I share memorable afternoons drinking tea, shopping, talking, sharing secrets and gossiping. (Which of course we call it therapy)!!

Going on a holiday and staying at charming little cottage.

My laptop without which I wouldn’t be able to communicate with you lovely bloggers.

Gardening makes me happy, therefore, spring makes me happy. It is my favorite season when all sleepy plants and flowers wake up and paint a rainbow over the countryside.

Sharon darling, here are six of my favorite things...

Roses
Tea & scones loaded with clotted cream
The color pink
Champagne & Godiva Truffles
Clive Owen
Of course my tiara!!

Teabags were accidentlally invented in 1904 by a New York tea merchant named William Sullivan, who stumbled upon the idea of sending tea samples to customers in handsewn silk bags, rather than the common bulky tea tins. He was soon flooded with orders for tea in the convenient little bags.

Many tea aficionados disdain the teabags as inferior at best and sacrilegious at worst. The tea particles in bags are smaller and therefore brew more quickly; if the bag is left to brew as long as one normally allows loose tea to brew, the tea will turn out to taste bitter and flat. Used properly, however, teabags make an acceptable cup of tea.

While on holiday, I visited my dear friend Kate who lives in a charming farmhouse with her adorable daughter Mia, two Persian cats, Darling and Delight and her Welsh Corgi, Duchess. Yes...Duchess!! One of the most enjoyable aspects of my visit with Kate was helping her pick fresh fruits and vegetables she grows in her magnificent garden. The day I arrived, Kate prepared a scrumptious feast using a variety of her Heritage tomatoes (or Heirloom as they are known in the US), grilled aubergine and fresh cheese straight from her farm. Dinner was fabulous and so was the rest of my stay. I had a marvelous time. Thank you, Kate darling!!

Kate is a fabulous cook...her masterpiece…our supper!!

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated rather than hybrid or genetically modified varieties of tomatoes. They are grown from plants and seeds that have been handed down from generation to generation. With such lineage, there’s generally a name and a story behind each delectable variety.

Heritage tomatoes are best enjoyed in their most natural state, unadorned and unfussed, sliced and tucked in between fresh Mozzarella cheese and basil with a small drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt.

Heritage tomatoes come in a variety of shapes and colors. Their texture is softer than the average tomato with an acidity and tartness and yet delicate sweetness which makes them a delight to eat.

A summery heaven on a plate!!

The Peony of the vegetable garden!!

The Isles Heritage are yellow in color and have a pleasantly sweet flavor with a hint of citrus. The Sir Winston varieties are orange in color, juicy, and spicy in flavor.

Lord Greenish is a brightly green and yellow English Heritage with an evenly round shape and a smooth flesh. Small in size, huge in flavor!!

Grilled Heritage Bruschetta is a delectable summer meal!!

The Black Krim is a Russian Heritage with a rather large and malformed body and a savory, smoky, delightful flavor.

Grilled Portobello mushroom, topped with red Roma tomato, goat cheese, shaved fresh garlic and a sprig of basil with a sprinkle of aged balsamic vinegar.

I sincerely wish I had packed all of you in my pink cases and took you along with me.

I truly missed each and everyone of you!!

Hello my darling friends, I just wanted to let you know that I will be going on an unexpected short business trip / holiday and will return in a few days. I shall miss you all terribly.

.

Don’t forget to drink tea!!

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Duchess xx

Her Grace The Duchess of Tea, has appointed the following blogs and their charming writers as Honorary Nobles of the Most Excellent Order of the Blog Empire.

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This insignia is in recognition and appreciation of the bloggers role as followers and daily commentators of Rose Tea Cottage and for having vision, knowledge, charm and humour on their own blogs. Naturally, this recognition is not transferable and is solely intended for the bloggers named herein.

Couture Millinery Atelier

The Paris House

Charli & Me

Melbourne Epicure

Mille Fleur

i candy

Simply Colette

Home Haven Ministry

Decisionally Challenged

Green & Stylish

Fairy Footprints in the Sand

Mimi's Corner

Bon Bon Rose

Her Creative Spirit

Lynn's Lovelies

Madeline's Album

Do These Shoes Match This Purse?

Mary's Tea Cottage

Michele's Treasure & Teacups

Mimi Charmante

1nce Upon a Spider

Queenmothermamaw

Roses r Red

Simply ...Delicious ...

Everything Fabulous

Selby's Food Corner

Tammy's Sweet Life

A Slide of Life

Tales of Many Cities

Torie Jayne

Wendy's House

Adventures of a Yankee Girl

Linens and Royals

What Just Happened?

Shopping in Suffolk

Country Wings in Phoenix

There is an Angel on my Front Porch

I have received this lovely award from Selba of Selby's Food Corner. Selba introduces me to exotic foods on daily basis. Her writing and photos describe the foods so well that at times I almost taste them, hence the reason I have gained weight lately!!

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Please visit Selba at her blog by clicking on the award.

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Thank you Darling Selba!!

With its richly colored yet small, delicate flowers, the sweet pea’s history can be traced back to 17th century Italy, when a Sicilian monk, Franciscus Cupani, sent its seeds to England. Although that original sweet pea bore little resemblance to the flower we know today, when Harry Eckford, a Scottish nurseryman, crossbred the original flower, he created the colorful, ornamental and sweetly scented sweet pea we know today.

Happy Monday to you darling!!

Thank you for your kind comments

and

Have a sweet weekend!!

Oh! My God. I am touched, I am honoured, I am speechless!!

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Melissa has awarded me the Tea-rrific Blog Award!!

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Melissa is Smitten By Britain and I am smitten by her blog. Her blog is my very own private tour guide to fun, interesting, historical, hunted, and at times, such as today, creepy places in Britain.

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If you like to be smitten also click on the adorable teacup!

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Thank you Melissa darling!!

"Russian Winter"

I would Like to take this opportunity to introduce to you,

a very good friend of mine

the renowned Modiste Anya Caliendo

Red "La Parisienne"

Anya was first introduced to the world of divine hats in the private library of her grandfather. There, at the age of three, she discovered an old book filled with beautiful black and white photographs of the Russian Royal Family

Confidante...She, Who Holds My Secrets"

"Fall Dreams"

Anya was mesmerized by the beauty of the hats worn by

Alexandra Romanoff and her daughters, Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia

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"Objet D'Art"

Her Love of the arts and fashion brought Anya to New York where she attended the Parson School of Design and countless other career pursues. Ultimately, she discovered that her true passion lies in the field of millinery arts

"Anna Pavlova"

"French Chocolate" & "Mademoiselle"

Her most treasured experience as a millinery student is having the privilege of being taught by one of the most legendary names in the field of millinery arts, Mrs. Rose Cory, a celebrated milliner who produced hats for famous celebrities, Britain's elite and many members of the Royal Family including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother

Anya’s first personal collection called “Je Ne Regrette Rien”

was launched on December 15, 2008

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Anya currently owns Anya Caliendo, Couture Millinery Atelier

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To see Anya’s complete collection please visit her here

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Read more about Anya here and here

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Also, please check out her blog here

Tammy of Tammy’s Sweet Life has kindly awarded me the

“Kindred Spirit Award”

Each time I visit Tammy's blog I am embraced by her warmth, kindness and friendship.

If you have not yet met Tammy, please click on the award and visit her sweet blog.

Thank you Tammy darling!!

The Hydrangea plant began as a native North American variety and was brought to England in the 18th century. In no time at all, their popularity spread like wildfire throughout Europe. Many of today’s popular hybrids were originally developed in France.

With its wooden stems and lacy, star-shaped flowers packed closely together in a pompom like manner, the Hydrangea’s color ranges from white to blue to pink and purple, determined by the acidity level of the soil

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(The Duchess has grown two Hydrangea bushes in her garden. One, a beautiful sagie green with touches of pink and the other is a blush red. They are both proudly displayed in the above Limoges bowl arrangement)

Ms. Floradora Spencer, wearing a Hydrangea hat from the
Duchess Garden Collection

There remains some debate over the Hydrangea’s symbolism with some connecting it to vanity and boastfulness and others suggesting that a bouquet of Hydrangea expresses the giver’s gratefulness for the recipient’s understanding. Still others suggest it represents anything that is sincerely heartfelt.

Despite this variation in flower meaning, there appears to be an overwhelming consensus that this 4th wedding anniversary flower possesses enduring grace and beauty.

In this useful and comprehensive menu cookbook, Maggie Stuckey providers interesting and creative ideas and plans for twelve special tea parties. Starting with January through December the book is full of tea party ideas along with dozens of novel suggestions for entertaining small to large groups. Throughout the book Carolyn Bucha’s colorful illustrations set a mood of country elegance.

The Queen's Tea for the month of August is my favorite

Click on the photo to purchase the book

Since late April of this year, I've seen Rose Tea Cottage grow in terms of readers and followers. I am truly blessed to have befriended so many lovely and talented women and one amazingly charming man who visit me each day for a cup of tea. Words cannot express my gratitude for the joy your daily visit and comments bring to me. So please accept this simple thank you and won’t you join me for tea?

Have a Berry Lovely Weekend My Loyal Friends

Tea Tins Make Lovely Flower Vases

Remember think outside of the box!!

Or in this case outside of the tin!!

Collecting Tea Tins Is My Latest Obsession

Have A Pink Rosy Day!!

Probably no plant, with the exception of the thistle, is more connected with Scotland and its Highlands than Heather. Sometimes called "The Carpet of the Highlands" for the way in which it blankets many a hillside, from ancient times this wild plant has been found to have more uses for every day Scottish life than any other!

Into the present century, a typical dwelling in Scotland could be found to have Heather used in the walls, thatch, beds, as fuel for fire, in floor coverings, ale, tea, baskets, as well as finding use in its medicine chest and dye pot, to sweep the house and chimney, to feed and bed down the sheep and cattle & to weave into the fences around the farm!

Herbally, Heather has been infused into tonics to treat consumption and coughs, nerves, depression, and heart ailments. Heather tea, liniments, and ointments were used for arthritis and rheumatism!

Many of the brilliant shades of yellow, orange, grey-green, purple, and bronze in Scottish woolens have come from Heather dyes!

Traditionally, beacons of burning Heather were used to summon the clans to battle and the rare white Heather was said to hold magical powers, even marking the resting places of fairies. Scots have made Heather tea, blending with other plants such as strawberry, barberry, and thyme!

From the bonny bells of Heather

They brewed a drink longsyne

Was sweeter far than honey

Was stronger far than wine!

Bring water to full boil
Add a teasppon of dried Heather to the pot
Add a sprig of Thyme
A handfull of fresh berries
Add 2 teaspoons of honey
Fill the teapot with boiling water & stir well to blend
Let stand for 10 minutes and enjoy!
For more information on the benefits of Heather tea click here

Today is my sister Diana's Birthday

The celebration will take place at Rose Tea Cottage

Need to set the tables, can you give me a hand Luv?

We will of course start with cocktails

Milk for those under certain age

Followed by Shrimp & Avacado

Greek Salad

Grilled Salmon with Roasted veggies

Her favourite....vintage red wine

My Favourite....Cheese

Everyone's Favourite!!

Lots of Champagne

Berry Cake

Happy Birthday Lady D

The Prodigal Tourist wrote:

Your Grace, I am humbled by the great honor thou hast bestowed upon me. If I may be so bold, however, I wonder if thous hast a, dare I say, more mannish version of this lovely crown? I fear that if I don this one in public, the hoi polloi might think me an old queen.I bow to thee, Your Grace, and remain,Courtier of the Noble Brew.

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The Duchess is still laughing; however, she came up with :

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A Mannish Version for The Prodigal Tourist

Your Grace--you do me such honor! Such noblesse oblige! I am vastly relieved you have chosen to indulge my little request rather than have me thrown into the tea-less dungeons. I shall don this regal medallion with manly pride. My chest puffeth up and my step is minceless! I remain,The Prodigal Tourist, Loyal Courtier of the Noble Brew

A little cup of friendship

With a bag of tea

When you drink this

Think of love from me

Her Grace The Duchess of Tea, has appointed the following blogs and their charming writers as Honorary Nobles of the Most Excellent Order of the Blog Empire.

This insignia is in recognition and appreciation of the bloggers role as followers and daily commentators of Rose Tea Cottage and for having vision, knowledge, charm and humour on their own blogs. Naturally, this recognition is not transferable and is solely intended for the bloggers named herein.

Blue Bird Notes

Blueberry Heart

Bernideen's Tea Time

Cpaphil Vintage Postcards

Delights of the Heart

Dumbwit Tellher

Dustjacket attic

Friendship Tea
Frou Frou Fashionista

Oceandreams

Peek-A-Boo Street

Saturdays Child

Smitten by Britain

Sonalida

Tea and Talk

Tea and Thee

Tea Time and Roses

The Johnson Diaries

The Prodigal Tourist

The Vintage Kitten
Vintage Amethyst

Vintage Cottage Home

Vintage Rose Design

Yellow Rose Arbor

Queen Victoria’s Radish Sandwich

½ cup unsalted room - temperature butter
¼ cup of cream cheese – room temperature
1 tablespoon fresh parsley – chopped
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon – chopped
½ teaspoon zest of a lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
~
1 cup fresh radishes – thinly sliced
8 slices of french or sour dough bread
~

Combine the first six ingredients in a bowl

Spread the butter & cream cheese mixture on bread

Arrange the sliced radishes

Sprinkle the chopped chives on top & enjoy

I attended a Hen Party (Bridal Shower) this weekned and returned

home with this gorgeous arrangement!!

Click on the photos to enlarge.

Have a Tea-licious weekend my friends!!

My recent post of the lady tying her shoe made me think of Paris. The city of lights, love, fashion, food, beauty and macaroons

Now of course we all know that the best macaroons are baked fresh daily at Ladurée Patisseries and served at their Salon de Thé

Macaroons for those who never had them are small round cakes made from ground almonds, sandwiched together with flavored ganache. Crispy outside, cream inside!!

Just thinking about them makes my mouth water

Fortunately we don’t have to cross the Channel to enjoy these delightfully mouthwatering sweets

Situated in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge quarter, an elegant branch of Ladurée is tucked away in the world’s most beautiful department store.. Harrods

Since you have been so kind to me
I will take you along with me for tea and macaroons

I personally fancy the cream & gold room !!

The red room is ....pompous!! Do you agree Luv?

Take a look at the menu and order what your heart desires

You are my guest today

Excellent choice the strawberry tarts are delicious as well

Decisions, decisions, decisions, which one to take home?
Lavender or Jasmine Mango or both?

The chicken & walnut sarnies (sandwiches) with basil sauce are simply divine!!
We should take a few home as well!!

Darling, let's have them deliver the food to my cottage so that we can go shopping

I enjoyed our afternoon and had a lovely time
Hope you did too!!

~~~~~

Malheureusement c'est la fin de notre tour
J'espère que vous aviez un beau après-midi
A bientôt chérie
Duchesse de Thé

Well behaved women rarely make history!!

My Second Lemonade Stand Award

I am Honored

Thank you Nora & Lovely Lola

" I am glad I was not born before tea"

Rev. Sydney Smith

"I always fear that creation will expire before tea-time"

Rev. Sydney Smith

My daughter gave me this book many years ago. I love the stunning teacups and the roses that adorn the cover. The book contains quotes regarding the beautiful relationship between a mother and her daughter and is full of divine photos. My book sits on my desk and constantly reminds me of my life’s blessings, my daughter and my son, my Botticelli angels.

Have a lovely weekend

Think outside of the box when it comes to biscuits/cookies too

Serve these utterly adorable biscuits/cookies at your next afternoon tea

Sweet Vintage Shoe Cookies

Cookie Gowns Designed by Talented Stella McCarty

Lace Dress by Vivienne Westwood

Shoes by Jimmy Choo

Cookie Dresses by Christian Dior

Remember we are thinking outside of the box

So get your teacups & teapots out

fill them with fresh flowers

and watch them transform your tea table

A Posy of Peonies

Nerines and Asparagus fern

Lilac in rice pattern teapot

A vintage teapot put to good use

Japanese visitors love traditional Cotswold tea shops: scones dripping with jam and cream, served in the surroundings of a clematis-clad honey-colored building. But not many of them decide to stay and open their own, however, this is what the Miyawakis did!

Iwao and Junko Miyawaki and their daughter Juri – a Cordon Bleu-trained cook - opened Juri’s, the Old Bakery Tea Shoppe, in Winchcombe five years ago. And not only have they taken on the English at their own game – they’ve beaten them! For they were named the 2008 top tea shop in Britain by The Tea Guild, the organization that represents and encourages outlets dedicated to brewing and serving tea to the high standards desired by the United Kingdom Tea Council.

I hope they were all served a hot cuppa

Perhaps some of the 8,000 guests who had dressed in keeping with the UK's recent sunny spell had been a little optimistic as they arrived for the Queen's first garden party of the summer. Wellington boots and umbrellas would've been more appropriate than hats and summer dresses after guests had to wade through puddles at Buckingham Palace following torrential rain. And celebrations had to be cut short following Britain's heaviest downpour since records began in 1865. Fortunately the British monarch and her husband Prince Philip had completed their walkabout before the heavens opened, and managed to stay dry. But as giant hail stones and three inches of rain bombarded the royal lawn among a series of thunder bolts, the thousands of guests weren't so lucky and were forced to take cover under a marquee.

In order to be unique one needs to think outside of the box.

So today we will start with sugar. Let's substitute regular white cubed or loose crystal sugar for these sweet beauties

Arrange a handful of these colorful beauties in a wine glass. Yes Luv, a wine glass!! Remember we are thinking outside of the box

Decorative Cube Sugars are available online

Remeber Luv, life is too short to use boring white sugar. Think outside of the box

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." — C.S. Lewis

I just adore antique hand-stitched, hand-embroidery or laced cloth napkins. A single rose or a small posy adds loads of charm to it

A small posy tied with a thin ribbon easily and beautifully replaces the standard napkin ring giving your tea table a lovely fresh look

Using a Tulle Lace to tie a small flower to a crisp white freshly pressed napkin gives it a sweet, feminine touch

Happy Birthday America

I am honored to have received yet another award from Dust Jacket Attic…thank you. Her own blog deserves the Blog of the Year Award; it is truly the most marvelous, elegant, and charming blog. Please take a moment and visit her blog-a-licious site, you just might never return!!

DustJacketAttic

Today she would have turned 48

Rest in Peace England's Rose

HRH Diana the Princess of Wales

Countess of Chester

Duchess of Cornwall

Duchess of Rothesay

Countess of Carrick

Baroness of Renfrew

Lady of the Isles

Princess of Scotland

Diana Frances Spencer was on born at Park House

Sandringham in Norfolk, England

on 1 July 1961 at 6:45 in the evening

These lovely flowers are from my garden. My talented sister Lady A arranged them in vintage vases for me. Thanks sis, you are the best. Please click on the photo to enlarge and enjoy their beauty.

P.S. Observant dustjacketattic noticed that I have not introduced the lady in the middle, shame on me. Left to right: Mrs. Dimple, Dorotea, and Floradora.

It is half past four at Rose Tea Cottage which means it teatime. This is what I had today, what did you have? Oh!, please do tell!!

I am the proud recipient of the Lemonade Stand Award. I thank the kind couple at The Prodigal Tourist for honouring me with this lovely award.

The Prodigal Tourist wrote, “We would like to pass this award along to, Her Grace, the Duchess of Tea at Rose Tea Cottage, because, although we just found her blog, we're still smiling.”

When you’re feeling sad & blue

And have no clue what to do

Sit down and have a cup of tea

And a hug or two or maybe three

Feel those troubles melt away

And start you on a better day

Happy Birthday Cream Tea

We love You

This one is a favorite of mine. Blue Beauty!!

Annie, Genna, and Zoe have been hanging out at the Steeping Leaf since elementary school. The Teashop Girls do everything together -- at least they used to. With the end of eighth grade approaching, Genna's too busy with theater, Zoe's always at tennis, and Annie feels totally left out. What happened to tea every week, no matter what? When Annie convinces her grandmother to give her a job as a barista at the Leaf, things begin to look up. In between whipping up chai lattes for customers, and attempting to catch the attention of her Barista Boy crush, Annie is finally beginning to feel as grown-up as her best friends. But an eviction notice spells trouble for the Leaf and unless they can turn the business around, the teashop will have to close its doors forever. Fresh, honest, and sweet, Laura Schaefer's debut novel is sure to resonate with readers everywhere!

I have a name for all my lovelies. You have met Mrs. Dimple, and now meet Floradora. The Hydrangea she's wearing was planted and lovingly care for by yours truly.

Duchess of Devonshire Egg & Cucumber Sandwich

6 eggs
1 to 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
Few drops of fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon of finely chopped chives
2 stalks of finely chopped celery
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 English cucumber washed & thinly sliced
1 small bunch of white mustard sprout
Organic white sliced bread with crust removed
½ diced tomato

Boil, peel and chop the eggs
Add the following 7 ingredients and mix well
Use the photo as your guide to assemble the sandwich

Make a pot of tea and enjoy!

My midnight snack!!

“Lovely Rita, meter maid may I inquire discreetly?

When are you free to take some tea with me?”
~The Beatles, Lovely Rita ~

This heavenly herbal tea is brewed from a combination of Green tea, Orange Pekoe tea, Chamomile and Lavender flowers.
Simply warm you teapot, place ½ of teaspoon of Green tea, 2 teaspoon of Orange Pekoe tea, 1 ½ teaspoon of chamomile and 1 teaspoon of lavender flowers in the pot, add 40oz. of boiling water, let steep for 5 minutes and enjoy.

Lovely Tea Cozies

Warm weather at last!!!

Iced tea anyone?

A vintage beauty from my collection

An English fine bone china cake plate is a must have for an afternoon tea table, do you have one?

I have names for all my vintage lovelies

This is Mrs. Dimple and my favorite pink lilac teacup!

Time for Tea offers a delightfully unique expression of why English society has so steadfastly preserved its teatime tradition. Thirteen English women, ranging in age from six to eighty, share their very candid and entertaining reflections on why the teatime ritual -- in all its incarnations -- is such an indelible fixture in their lives.From Virginia, Lady Bath, to Winifred Westcott, a dairy farmer, from Anne Slade, a retired ballerina, to schoolgirl Hayley Richards, a farmer's daughter, we are treated to the surprisingly moving and engaging medley of these women's memories and dreams, as they discuss their own teatime traditions and their lives with us -- over a cup of tea. The women also share their family teatime recipes for delicious cakes, scones, crumpets and jams, and suggest an appropriate tea to accompany them. Along the way, we explore the secrets of an English specialty tea shop, see the inside of a tea blender, learn how to brew a perfect pot of tea and how to make an authentic cream tea.

Which Comes First Milk or Tea?

There is much debate over the merits of pouring tea into milk or adding milk to your cup of tea. It is simple, milk first then tea, you ask why? Pouring milk into a cup containing near boiling temperature tea can scald the milk (denaturing the proteins), giving your cup of tea an odd flavor. Therefore it is best to take your tea as does Her Majesty the Queen and add your tea to a cup that already contains the milk.

Now if you like lemon in your tea, don't combine it with milk as it will cause the milk to curdle. As for using cream with tea, I would suggest not to. Cream is too heavy for tea and can even bring out the astringency of the tea while dulling its flavor.

The teapot is on, the cups are waiting
my favorite chair is anticipating, the warm fire is roaring
no matter what I have to do my friend there's always time for you

During the Victoria Era ladies would get dressed in their special "Afternoon Tea Dress". Today, people are confused when it comes to the dressing for a tea party, “what should I wear?” is a question frequently asked and the answer in my opinion is to be elegantly dressed and treat the afternoon as a special occasion. Personally I like to dress up when attending a tea party since the occasion to get dressed up does not present itself as often as it should. I remember my grandmother Lida would get all dressed up to simply go fabric shopping!! Those were the days, lovely days.

Whether it's a tea party in the garden or a cozy gathering by the fire, afternoon tea is a treat at any time of year. Teatime should begin with sandwiches and savouries - from traditional fare to the more exotic flavours. An irresistible collection of sweet and savoury recipes. Packed with information about preparing a tea-time feast, including how to make the perfect cup of tea. Irresistible photography. Hard cover. Susannah Blake. 64 pages.

When the world is all at odds
And the mind is all at sea
Then cease the useless tedium
And brew a cup of tea
There is magic in its' fragrance
There is solace in its' taste
And the laden moments vanish
Somehow into space
And the world becomes a lovely thing!
There's beauty as you'll see
All because you briefly stopped
To brew a cup of tea

Rose Sugar

This deliciously subtle sugar is lovely for tea parties! It can be sprinkled over many different treats and is wonderful over warm plain scones. It also looks lovely served along side a vase full of roses. *The most important thing is to use pesticide-FREE roses! This means most store-bought roses should NOT be used!!!

INGREDIENTS
1 - 2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 - 1 cup rose petals

DIRECTIONS
1. Place granulated sugar into a food processor
2. Add rose petals
3. Process until smooth
4. Pour into glass jar with air-tight lid

Let sit for approximately one week, gently sift and then serve

This morning, I found a bee bedded down in my sweetly scented white Glamis Castle rose. She had her face down in the white petals of the rose, sound asleep in the feather soft blossoms with her arms and legs stretched out and her antennae folded like elbows under her head

An English home without an worn, comfy chair in it is soulless

I had a little tea party, this afternoon at three

It was very small, three guest in all
Just I, myself and me
Myself ate all the sandwiches
While I drank up the tea
It was also I who ate the scone
And passed the jam to me

When the tea hour draws near, it's time to discover the simplicity and tranquility of sharing a cup of tea and cozy conversation with treasured friends. This enchanting 48-page guide to the art of tea includes ten special celebrations, including a traditional tea, a holiday tea, and a cream tea for two.

Stop and smell the roses better yet

invite a friend, brew a nice cup of tea & smell the roses together

During the early 1800s The English started a tradition of using a shaker and called it a “muffineer.” This item was used to hold powdered sugar, cinnamon or other spices to sprinkle on muffins, scones and other breakfast goods. The 19th century elegant society ladies had a fondness for coming up with tools for almost any occasion and task, so they took the plain looking muffineer, garlanded it with roses and had them produced with fine porcelain and used these magnificent looking shakers to dispense aromatic talcum powders in their dressing chambers. Today, vintage muffineers are often sold in the antique stores and are called “Sugar Shakers.”

Winston Churchill's Humor

“'Mr. Churchill if you were my husband, I'd poison your tea!'

"Ma'am, and if you were my wife, I would drink it!”

Elizabeth Braddock: Sir, this is a disgrace, you are drunk!! Winston Churchill: And you madam, are ugly. As for my condition, it will pass by morning and I shall once more be sober, you, however, will still be ugly.

After seeing Churchill leave the bathroom without washing his hands, a young man says to him “ At Eton they taught us to wash our hands after using the toilet” To which Churchill replied “ At Harrow they taught us not to piss on our hands”

Churchill: Madam, would you sleep with me for five million pounds?
Socialite: My goodness, Mr. Churchill... Well, I suppose... we would have to discuss terms, of course...
Churchill: Would you sleep with me for five pounds?
Socialite: Mr. Churchill, what kind of woman do you think I am?!
Churchill: Madam, we've already established that. Now we are haggling about the price