A Second Christmas

As mentioned in my last post, after the tea luncheon everyone went into Linda's living room where she presented each of us with gift bags.   It was like Christmas all over again!   Inside each bag were multiple gifts carefully selected to suit our individual interests. I wish I would have thought to take a photo of my overflowing gift bag before I delved into it, but I did photograph each item to share after I got home.

A cast-iron teapot warmer for the Japanese Tetsubin Teapot I bought at Tea Haus in Ann Arbor, MI last November.

~ Eight blue and white porcelain teapot shaped napkin holders. ~

A blue and white porcelain tea caddy that Linda's son-in-law brought back from China, and a blue and white linen tea towel.

A blue and white teapot brooch with matching teacup earrings.

~ A journal and teapot ornament. ~

And an out-of-print, hard-to-find cookbook pertaining to automotive pioneer, Henry Ford. Linda knew I've done presentations about Henry Ford, and thought this book would be an interesting addition.

Now ALL these gifts were more than enough to overwhelm me, but she gave me a second bag that she said wasn't for Christmas.  They were just things she thought I'd like!   That bag included a DVD of Disney's Frozen, another tea-themed brooch and teapot charm, a tea-themed book titled Good Friends Sip Together, and a cloche hat.  I might add, she was just as generous to the other seven ladies, saying it brought her great joy to give gifts to us!

The ladies all wanted me to model my new Roaring Twenties style hat.  Can you envision Lady Mary or Lady Edith Crawley on Downton Abbey wearing this hat?

I thought you might enjoy seeing a few pictures of Linda's kitchen all decorated for Christmas. Actually most of it can stay out through February since it pertains to snow and winter.  

~ A corner hutch with Christmas dishware. ~

There are no words to adequately thank Linda for her kindness and generosity, only to ask our Heavenly Father, who is the giver of all good gifts, to bless and repay her abundantly!

A Post Christmas Luncheon

Today was a wonderful day with a tinge of melancholy.   Our daughter, Lori, has progressed well enough following her knee replacement surgery to be able to return to her apartment today after recuperating at our house for almost a month.   I'm thankful for her progress, and happy she's able to go back to work on Tuesday, Jan. 17th, but I will miss her.   It's been a delight having her home again.

My friend, Linda, had a post Christmas luncheon at 11:00 a.m. today that was the perfect antidote for chasing away any blues lurking about.

I took lots of photos to share with you.  Linda [below] loves peacocks, and they were incorporated into her Christmas tree, home décor, and tablescape.

Before we went into the dining room for lunch, Linda had Brie and Crackers [and other hors d' oeuvres] and champagne [including non-alcoholic] set out in her kitchen for us to enjoy.

Pictured below is Linda's tea station. Eight ladies were invited, so eight peacock teacups were waiting to be filled with two kinds of tea throughout the luncheon.  We began with a first flush, unflavored green tea that her son-in-law brought back from China, and then we transitioned to a Marzipan flavored black tea. 

~ Linda's tablescape from one end of the table to the other, and in-between. ~

~ Place Setting ~

Each lady had a place card held by a peacock.  There were two Phyllis' present and we sat next to each other.

The luncheon began with Sweet Potato/Coconut Soup.

~ Salad ~

~ Green Tea in a beautiful Peacock Teacups. ~

~ Scones with homemade Lemon Curd and mock Devonshire Cream. ~

The main entrée was Cheese-filled Ravioli in a Lemon Herb Sauce, garnished with Fresh Fruit, and Green Beans.

~ Dessert was a slice of Coconut Cake and Spumoni Ice Cream ~

Everything was delicious!  Pictured around the table are Linda, Connie, and Louise.

~ Louise, Joanie, and Barb ~

~ Phyllis N., Me, and Kathleen ~

When we finished eating we went into the living room where Linda had Christmas presents for everyone...next post.