A Black and Gold Tablescape

Yesterday [Tuesday] I had four lovely ladies over for a tea luncheon.  It was the first time we had all been together since the COVID pandemic prevented gatherings.

With my recent blog post about black teacups in mind, and two of those teacups were gifted to me by two of the ladies who were coming, I decided to go with a black and gold tablescape. Those colors were a first for me, but I was quite pleased with the dramatic and elegant look.

I really wanted to fold the napkins into bows, but the night before when I sat down to work on them, I just couldn't get the hang of it - even though the tutorial said it was very easy! When I finally got one made, the teapot on the napkin ring wasn't in the upright position and I was too tired and frustrated to continue.  I ended up just putting the napkins through the rings the same old ordinary, uncreative way.  I'll practice for next time!

Louise sat by the teacup she gave me, and Barb by the teacup from her.  Louise told me afterwards that her teacup sat in her china cabinet ever since her grandmother passed away in 1988, but she had never had tea in it.  She was grateful for the opportunity to drink from it in honor of her grandmother.  As for Barb, she didn't remember giving me the teacup, but said she really liked it and I was lucky she gave it away!  ;-)

Since these were ladies who all had fond memories of Hudson's Department Store and the famous Canadian Cheese Soup and Maurice Salad served in their restaurants, I made those items my menu.  The recipes were in The Marshall Field's Cookbook that devoted a section to Hudson's.

Hudson's used to serve popovers with their soup and salad, but since I didn't have a popover pan I went with another item on their menu - blueberry muffins.

We were so busy chatting and enjoying each other's company that I forgot to take a picture of the soup, but Linda took a picture of the salad and sent it to me.  I served two black teas from The Tea Room in Savannah throughout our meal - Emperor's Bride and Asher's Georgia Peach.

Dessert was Hot Fudge Ice Cream Puffs - also a Hudson's specialty.  I have made the cream puff pastry from Julia Child's cookbook several times with success, but for whatever reason... like the napkin bows... the recipe met with resistance this time.  I thoroughly read the recipe before starting, and accurately measured, but the pastry paste wasn't stiff enough.  So I pitched it and started over and got the same results!  I decided to bake them anyway to see what would happen.  With 'creamy' paste instead of stiff paste, they spread out on the baking sheet like a small pancake, but did manage to raise a little.  After baking, I cut a slit in the side so the insides could dry out a bit, then removed the excess egg-like mixture.  I sampled one and they tasted like a cream puff so I decided to use them, and like Julia Child always advised, I made no explanations or apologies!  ;-)  My guests must have enjoyed them because they all ate the whole thing, but what went wrong with the pre-baking pastry paste will definitely be a question for pastry chef, Eric, at The Whitney the next time I see him.

It was such an enjoyable afternoon.  It was Linda's birthday and we all had an opportunity to reflect on the gift of friendship.  I made a chocolate mound cake for Linda, and was glad she got to take it home to enjoy with her family in its entirety, rather than part of it being served as 'Plan B' at our luncheon.

Back row L-R:  Me, Louise and Barb

Seated:  Linda and Joanie

I requested no hostess gift because the luncheon was my gift to them, but Linda brought a 1,000-piece teacup jigsaw puzzle.  Can you believe I have never put together a jigsaw puzzle before? Jerry and I decided it would be a fun project to work on together.

Happy St. Paddy's Day

I hope you've been enjoying St. Patrick's Day.  It's been a busy day and I realized I better get my post written before the day is over.  

I enjoy St. Patrick's Day not only because it gives me an opportunity to celebrate my Irish heritage, but it also gives me a chance to celebrate the missionary who helped spread Christianity throughout Ireland, and used the clover to illustrate the Trinity.  I recently read a prayer St. Patrick prayed on his missionary journeys and it's a prayer I want to take to heart. "Christ above me, Christ in front of me, Christ to my right, Christ to my left, Christ below me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ in my every thought, Christ in my every word, Christ in my every deed."

It was just my hubby and I for dinner this evening, but we enjoyed an Irish tablescape and menu.  I used all my emerald green dishes with the exception of the clear glass shamrock dishes and dessert plates.  I was so happy to be able to use the small green vases I've been collecting.

We began our meal with Reuben Soup and Rye Croutons.

I made Irish Soda bread last night, and cut it into wedges today and served it in the clear glass shamrock dishes.  

I got out all my Irish cookbooks and thought seriously about making corned beef and cabbage [something I've never made before], but then reverted to a tried and true favorite - Shepherd's Pie.  

Dessert was a new recipe - Key Lime Cake.  We liked it, but I wish I would have gone with Pistachio Cake instead.  Next year!  We each drank our favorite tea.  My hubby had Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice and I had Citron Green.  The Irish love their tea.  They are second in world-wide consumption per capita, out-ranked only in recent years by Turkey.

~ My hubby ~

I got a new tablecloth, napkins and apron to match this year at Marshall's/HomeGoods Super Store.

I added a pair of shamrock leggings to my wardrobe this year.  I got brave and wore them to work last Saturday with the sweater I got last year. I wondered if I'd be pushing the boundaries, but everyone enjoyed the festivity.  Wait 'til you see the Easter Egg dress I ordered to wear to work next month!  

I left the hat at home but they told me I should have worn it too.  I didn't get a chance to have my picture taken wearing the complete outfit, but you get the gist.

How did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?  I was hoping Hallmark Channel would show As Luck Would Have It, starring Allen Leech and JoAnna Garcia Swisher, filmed in Ireland.  I saw it a couple of times last year, but it would have been perfect to view on St. Patrick's Day.

Giveaway Sneak Peek and Thrifting

After today's post I'll be just three away from my 2,000th post, so I decided to give you a sneak peek at one of the items that will be in my stationery giveaway.

I had notecards made from four of my pictures [below].  The set will include 2 cards of each picture plus envelopes packaged in a nylon gift bag.

 

Be watching for details of the entire giveaway and when you can enter.

It's not often that I go thrifting, mainly because I don't take time for it and because I seldom find anything to bring home when I do go, but I scored twice this week.  Yesterday when I was at a local craft supply store, there was a Salvation Army store close by so I decided to go in quickly and take a peek at their dishes.  To my surprise and delight I found one of the glass shamrock dishes that I've been collecting for $2.99.  This makes four that I've found now - just two more to go.  I plan on using it in my St. Paddy's tablescape tomorrow.

And my eyes stumbled upon a Valentine's plate to match several I bought years ago when Hudson's Department store was still open.  I didn't buy the matching mugs, but they were selling it as a set yesterday so I had to take the mug.  It's always good to have an extra plate in case of breakage [perish the thought!]  My total bill was $5.28.

This morning my hubby and I went to another Salvation Army store a little bit closer to our house to donate three large bags of clothing [we've been cleaning out our closets] and two kids bikes that are too small for our grandkids.  Since I had such good luck yesterday, I decided to go inside to see what dishes they had.

I don't know if I'll ever be asked to do another Gone With the Wind presentation, but I bought a commemorative plate that I didn't have and a Princess Diana plate.  It's amazing that I've never been asked to do a presentation about Diana, yet I've been asked to do Queen Elizabeth II, several times.  Everyone seems curious about all the Royals, so I'll have the plate in case a request about her life ever arises.  Today's bill was $6.34, and I'm pleased with my thrift store finds.

It looks like spring has finally come to southeastern Michigan [though not officially until the 20th].  It's supposed to get up to 61 degrees today and 69 degrees tomorrow, but I remind myself that we had snow on the ground when we woke up last Sunday so you never know! Fortunately as the day progressed and temps climbed into the 40's it all melted. We had to give up an hour of sleep, but it's so nice having daylight into the early evening hours.  It was a good trade-off.  

I'll be back tomorrow with a St. Paddy's Day post, so until then I'll bid you farewell!

Sweet Tea Dreams

I love a good story and if it includes tea, it's even better!  My daughter came over yesterday and told me about Ben & Erin Napier's newest episode on their HGTV program, Home Town, on Discovery+.  She knew I'd be interested because it's about a tea farm three miles outside of Laurel, Mississippi, where Ben & Erin renovated and transformed a 1926, six generational, farm house into a Tea House or "Gathering Place" for tea tastings and tea events for the Longleaf Tea Company.

I know you'll enjoy watching it too so I wanted to share it here.  It's Season Six, Episode 8 that just aired a few days ago on March 6th.  It's called Sweet Tea Dreams, hence the title of today's blog post.

[Internet Photos]

The company was formed in 2018 when owners, Thomas and Hillary Steinwinder, planted 1,500 tea plants on property Hillary inherited from her family. The farmhouse had been vacant for several years until the couple decided to turn it into a gathering place for their tea farm.

Ben and Erin on the front porch of the newly renovated house.

A brief history on how the tea farm all began... Thomas was based outside of Shanghai as an engineer between 2010-2012.  While there, the couple spent time traveling the countryside sipping the world's highest quality tea.  When they returned to the States, Thomas began researching the process of growing tea for seven years before they decided to try growing it themselves in Mississippi.  

It takes three years for tea plants to mature for harvest, so they got their first harvest in 2021, all plucked by hand.  

Ben and Erin inside one of the rooms before the reveal.

~ Another tasting room ~

Photo taken before the reveal with Thomas and Hillary.

And lastly, a photo of Ben & Erin with Thomas & Hillary in an outdoor gathering place behind the tea house.

We tend to think of tea gardens and plantations in China, India, Sri Lanka and other far-off places, but a quick search revealed there are at least 60 tea farms and plantations in 15 U.S. States, and most of them started since 2000 or later.

Most tea drinkers are familiar with the Bigelow tea plantation near Charleston, South Carolina because it's large and fully mechanized.  But below is a list of other States that are producing tea.  It may not be inclusive since the resource I used is from 2017.

     Alabama [two tea farms]

     California [one tea farm]

     Florida [one tea farm]

     Georgia [two tea farms]

     Hawaii [13 tea farms]

     Maryland [2 tea farms]

     Michigan [1 tea farm]

     Mississippi [3 tea farms]

     New Jersey [1 tea farm]

     New York [1 tea farm]

     North Carolina [1 tea farm]

     Oregon [1 tea farm]

     South Carolina [2 tea farms]

     Virginia [1 tea farm]

     Washington [1 tea farm]

I'm raising my teacup in celebration, and I wish much success to Longleaf Tea Company!

A Surprise Package and More...

My hubby and I went out to breakfast this morning, and when we got home I noticed a package on the front porch. I didn't remember ordering anything, but the return address quickly revealed it was from a dear tea friend [and blog follower].  I quickly opened it and read the sweet note, then unwrapped the contents - a beautiful square-shaped black floral teacup. My friend said it belonged to her grandmother and was the only black teacup in her collection. What an honor to be given such a treasured keepsake.  Thank you so much, Louise!

Since this is the second black teacup I've received recently, it inspired me to get my black teacups out of storage.  I decided to photograph them to share with you.  

I've been getting several posts on my Facebook feed from designers lately that say china and china cabinets scream "Senior" to those who enter your home, so get rid of them! They don't have a place in today's decor.  Well, to today's minimalist designers my response is, "You decorate your homes and I'll decorate mine."  And since I am a senior, it's okay if mine screams "senior".  ;-)

Black and gold Hall teapot, sugar and creamer.

I'm including my black and white musical tea set in this collection since I've used it many times with black accessories.

It's pictured below in one of my tea time tablescapes at church.

The two German-made trios below belonged to my mother.

All three Japanese-made teacups were gifts from wonderful ladies.

A Royal Albert teacup.

I bought the black and gold teacup on the left in 2018 during a visit to Mackinac Island.  The teacup on the right is a Royal Albert, from The Whitney.  I asked my boss if I could swap it out for another bone china teacup and he graciously agreed.  In truth, I really rescued it, because it would have been broken by now at the restaurant where there's so much breakage.   

~ Floral teacups ~

All 17 of them!

On an entirely different subject, I've been cloistered in my office Monday thru yesterday completing a new Shutterfly album. They had a great unlimited, lay flat page promotion, that I didn't want to miss out on.  

My son, Jeremy, asked me awhile back to give him a list of my top ten, most requested presentations for a project he's working on.  It was no surprise J.L. Hudson Department store was #1, with 14 presentations.  While looking back over my presentations, I was inspired to use the Shutterfly sale to make a photo book of them since I always take pictures.  As I reviewed over 70 presentations, I thanked the Lord for all the wonderful opportunities He's given me, and the beautiful people I've met along the way.  Below is a screen shot of the album cover which features the church at Troy Historical Village.  I can hardly wait for the 111-page album to arrive.

 

Paczki Day 2022 - Fat Tuesday

I had good intentions of making my own reduced calorie donuts today from a recipe that came through my Facebook feed on Sunday. They're made from Rhodes frozen dinner rolls, and I thought they would be a good alternative to an authentic Paczki, but "the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray."  [Thank you, Robert Burns for letting me borrow the similar line from one of your poems. ;-)]  The recipe will keep until next year.

I had a early morning hair appointment, so on my way home I stopped and purchased a 4-count box of raspberry filled Paczki.

They had King Cakes too, but I passed on buying one of those.  I remember the year I made one myself.

After Paczki Day last year, I decided to order a Polish pottery teapot, luncheon dish, and cup and saucer to use on Paczki Day this year.  I don't have an ounce of Polish blood in me but I like to celebrate the holidays, and I have some wonderful friends who are Polish.  A few weeks ago I added a sugar bowl and creamer to the set.

~ Card that came with it. ~

Several years ago my sweet neighbor [who is Polish] gave me a doily crocheted by her grandmother, so I got it out today in honor of her.

I took a photo of the side of the Paczki box that explains the tradition.  Not all areas of the United States celebrate Paczki Day - just areas with a high population of Polish people. [Click on the picture to enlarge to read.]  I smiled when I read on Facebook today, "Everyone's Polish on Paczki Day!"  

My hubby and I enjoyed our Paczki.  Notice I included fresh raspberries so I could have something healthy with my Polish pastry. ;-)  One paczki can contain 300-450 calories and anywhere from 15 to 24 grams of fat, depending on its size.  Yikes!  Now you know why it's called Fat Tuesday!!  Lent begins tomorrow and many people will sacrificially be giving up sweets until Easter. 

Now it's back to my task at hand.  I've been diligently working on a Shutterfly album of all my presentations and hope to get it finished tomorrow so I can get their special 'lay flat' pages promotion.

Happy March 1st!  I wish you a wonderful month!