Tea-themed Salt and Pepper Shakers

My mother had a large salt and pepper shaker collection when I was growing up.  Many were souvenirs from trips taken, while others were themes and creative novelties.  Her collection no longer exists [she sold it], but I always think of her when I see salt and pepper shakers  in antique stores.

I only have a few tea-themed salt and pepper shakers, but since recent posts have featured my tea-themed collections, I'm sharing them today.

The first is set is "Bearware Pottery" [Boyd's Bears].  They're collectible, and are numbered on the bottom.  As yet, I haven't used them.  They've just been residing in one of my china cabinets.

The next two sets are silverplate teapots by Godinger, and have been used many times. Since salt corrodes metal, I try to remember to remove it after each use.

I received the cute vintage set below with matching tooth pick holder, last Christmas. 

The last set isn't in the shape of a teapot, but they'll go perfectly with my burgundy and dark green Depression glassware that I use for fall and Christmas teas. I bought them recently at Tea by Three's going out of business sale.  There are three sets of the burgundy, and three sets of the green.  At $3 for all, I couldn't pass them up!

Now tell me about your tea-themed salt and pepper shakers.

Tea-themed Music Boxes

I only have two tea-themed music boxes, so it's not a collection.  The first one was a gift from a dear friend, made by the San Francisco Music Box Company.  The teacup with delicate porcelain roses on top is from the 2001 Anna Rosa Collection, and plays, "You've Got a Friend."  

The second one is a 1996 Lefton figurine that plays "Tea for Two."

Do you collect tea-themed music boxes?

Lords, Ladies & Mummies - The Story of Highclere Castle

Last Saturday [May 31] a friend and I got tickets to attend the 30th Annual Antiques Show and lecture at Christ Church in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. 

I knew Christ Church [Anglican Episcopal] was there, but this was my first visit.

The lecture was held in the chapel since all other areas were occupied with the antique show. I was glad photos were permitted inside the beautiful chapel.

[Front of chapel]

[Front facing the back]

The lecture, Lords, Ladies & Mummies, was the story of Highclere Castle, which the highly successful PBS series calls Downton Abbey.

Curt DiCamillo, an Architectural Historian, presented the very interesting lecture of how Highclere Castle began as an 18th century Georgian box-style house, that was renovated by architect Sir Charles Barry in the late 18th and early 19th century for the 3rd Earl of Carnavron.  Barry, who was also the architect for the Houses of Parliament, used the same Gothic Revival style on Highclere.

"Mummies" refers to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon's discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922.

Mr. DiCamillo shared the history of the home from the 1672 Herbert family [later Earls of Carnarvon] up to the present residents - the 8th Earl of Carnarvon.  His lecture was very interesting and educational.

[L-R:  Me, Mr. DiCamillo, and Linda]

After the lecture my friend and I toured the antique show which benefits the Music and Outreach Ministries of the church.  I wasn't planning on purchasing anything until we stopped at an antique linen and lace display.  The vendor came from Connecticut, and this was her last road show before retiring.  I purchased a 28" x 30" square linen cloth with a crocheted edge of tea accoutrements for $34.  It's my first piece of quality vintage tea-themed linen. I was told it's from the 1920's.

[Marjorie and Me]

Close-up of the linen.

After browsing the antique show, we went to the Angel Cafe in the church's lower level for a late lunch.

We got the Angel Plate sampler which was delicious.

It was a wonderful day of education and fun!

A New Meakin Tea Set and Dresden Dishes

Last week I received another e-mail from Tea by Three tea room that more dishware had been put out for sale, so I couldn't resist looking!  Since I'm a blue and white china lover, a three piece J & G Meakin English Ironstone tea set in the Blue Nordic pattern immediately caught my eye.  For the price of only $12 it came home with me.

Sitting close by was a set of Imperial Blue Dresden dinnerware [service for 8] made by Homer Laughlin China Co.  Cheryl, Tea by Three owner, had purchased it for one of her Titanic teas since blue and white dishes were used in the 2nd Class Dining Room.  Knowing I have a weakness for blue and white dishes, she persuaded me to buy the set for $30.

While the tea set and dinnerware patterns aren't identical, they're a very close match.

I told myself I was maxed out on dishware, until I recently visited The Tablescaper blog. Oh my goodness! My china and glassware collection doesn't even come close to hers, so I don't feel too guilty about this newest acquisition. ;-) But storage is always an issue.  My hubby has built me two large china cabinets in addition to the Temple Stuart china cabinet we purchased, but there's never enough space for everything, so totes are relegated to the basement.  I have a new project in mind that I'm going to present to my hubby... I'll keep you posted!

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Today I'm joining Artful Affirmations for Teacup Tuesday

 Rose Chintz Cottage for Tea Time Tuesday
and Antiques and Teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Memories of a Milestone

I sometimes deviate from the subject of tea when special occasions occur in my family. Today is one of those times since my my granddaughter, Brianna, had her Senior Prom, Baccalaureate Service, and High School Commencement last week. Today's post is in honor of her milestone.  She will turn 18 on June 29th, and I'm reminded again how quickly time passes!  

[Brianna Nicole 1 year old]

My hubby and I were at Brianna's house last Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock to take prom pictures before she and her date went to another house for group photos.

~ Brianna and her escort, Jake ~

A kiss from her dad.  He's wearing a shirt from the university she'll be attending this fall, Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee.

~ Bri and her Mom, Sharon ~

~ Proud Nana and Papa ~

 ~ Bri and her girlfriends ~

~ Some of the Couples ~

 Bri and Jake opted for comfortable footware! ;-) 

 Getting on the Limo Bus to head to Heritage Gardens for more pictures.

 Below is Heritage Gardens.  There were prom gowns in every color and style imaginable.

We left Heritage Gardens to go to an Awards Ceremony at Powell Middle School for granddaughter, Brooke, Brianna's younger sister.  It was an event-filled afternoon and evening.

Brooke's certificate for all A Honor Roll and Outstanding Citizenship.

Thursday night was Brianna's Baccalaureate Service, and I blogged about it in yesterday's Sunday Reflection. 

Commencement was Sunday morning, June 1st, 11:00 a.m. at Ultimate Soccer Arena.

There were 438 students in Romeo High School's 2014 graduating class.

Waiting for Commencement to begin.

[L-R:  Me; Bri's other grandparents, Larry & Sheena; Brooke; & Sharon]

Brianna walking up the platform steps to receive her diploma. 

~ Tossing Mortar Boards ~

~ The Happy Graduate ~

~ The Family ~

[Brooke, Sharon, Brianna, and Steve]

~ Family BBQ at Bri's house after commencement. ~

[Jerry, Brianna, and Me]

Congratulations, Brianna!  We love you, and are so proud of you. We wish you God's blessings as you begin the next chapter of your life! 

I couldn't resist including the picture below of her playing with her Madeline doll and tea set that I got her for her sixth birthday, and she still has it.

Giveaway Winner...

The winner of the cookbook and teacup earrings is Joy Moore.  If you'll send me your mailing address I'll get them in the mail to you.  Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Sunday Reflection...

My high school graduating class didn't have a Baccalaureate Service, and neither did any of children's, so I attended my first Baccalaureate Service this past Thursday, for my granddaughter, Brianna.  

The sermon to the high school graduates was about Change, and the verse printed in the program was Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

The minister reminded the teens they were ending one phase of their life, and beginning a very new and different one.  Attitudes, choices and decisions will determine their happiness and success. He challenged them to commit their lives to God and seek His guidance in all things, and quoted the words God gave Moses for Joshua: "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified... for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6  

The graduates were given the blessing in Psalm 20:4 "May He give you the desire of your heart, and make all your plans succeed."

Graduating seniors aren't the only ones who experience change. We all experience it. Someone has said, "Change is the only thing in life that doesn't change!"  I don't know what changes are ahead, but I'm glad I know the One who is omniscient and does know. The same promise He gave to Joshua applies to every believer, regardless of age or circumstance in life.  

May God bless your week!