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

(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!!

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.

The Duchess came up with a

Mannish Version for The Prodigal Tourist

The Prodigal Tourist wrote in response:
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.

Please visit the Duchess's Award Blog to view the impressive list of all recipients here

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
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1 cup fresh radishes – thinly sliced
8 slices of french or sour dough bread
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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