Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Brightening a Dreary Day


Victorian Evening
by Thomas Kinkade

March and April  bring cold, wet, dark days in many parts of the world, it seems. The weather casts a gloomy shadow on everything in and out of the home, and so today I wanted to "cast light upon gloomy days" by creating a bright tea ceremony for someone. It is tempting to save the tea cups rimmed in gold and the pretty table cloths and place mats for a special occasion, but they are needed the most on dark days.



We seemed to forget the season and the inclement weather while taking tea. 
Placemats with a reproduction 19th century painting. 

I used this this Victorian lady tea-time lamp instead of candles, on the table.

Pulling out the best and the shiniest tea vessels created even more light, and of course, Yorkshire Gold was served: nothing but the best on this celebration.

Printed on these teacups is the wild rose, the state flower of Alberta, Canada, and also a prominent flower in Alaska. 


If you want a tea confection but not the sugar and carbs that accompany it, try making this Honey Almond Cake. 

It may be tempting to trivialize the tea time ceremony, but without it, the hours of the day can get away without any distinct memories attached to them. As small as it may seem, this event becomes the most important occasion for some people. There are those who would scorn the refinement of tea time, but they are missing out on something that is quite restful and healthful. Many is the time someone has said, "I don't know what it is about it, but having tea with you made me feel there was some light in my life on that gloomy day." There is a history being created while friends take tea together, and a warmth being spread in the home.

9 comments:

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Lydia,
I love the Tea Party Lamp, it's so pretty. It is nice to do something special on cold grey days,and a tea party is special.
God Bless
Barb from Australia

Sunny Simple Life said...

I agree. The slow process of making and having tea is a wonderful time that should be cherished. My girls and I love to make a pot and share.

Anonymous said...

You did such a nice job on the tea. I especially like the rose patterned linens. Did you make any of them them yourself?

You are right about some parts of the country being dreary this time of year. It is cold here again today, and very gray. We hardly ever have a whole day of sun, though we are lacking enough rain, which is unusual. I am trying to brighten things up in my home and I have been going back through your posts for ideas.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed visiting and imagining taking tea at your pretty, flowery table with the sweet lamp, tea cups, and shiny golden spoons! Your mantel is simply lovely as well!
Thank you for sharing this~
Lynne

Lydia said...

Yes, I bought the rose print fabrics at Walmart many years ago and made the cloth on the table. Someone else made me the quilted tea cozy to match. Now, these fabrics and their coordinates are available in the Sew and Sew catalog and other quilter's catalogs you can get in the mail.
I think the name of the print is "Coming Up Roses"

Rightthinker said...

Oh how wonderful!

Anonymous said...

What a sweet way to treat one's self on a cold, gloomy and windy afternoon...esp. with all those pretty roses. Such a special way to spend some time in the afternoon...even if taking tea by one's own self.

Anonymous said...

It's important to do these kinds of things for oneself, especially on days that are so dreary.

Brenda

Barbara Jean said...

What a lovely post, and oh so true. Taking time with friends is much needed.

loving blessings
barb