Tea with Aunt Cella

Each time our family visits Aunt Cella, the two of us make a special effort to spend a day at tea. That's right, not just an afternoon tea, but an all day long tea! This year was no exception. We didn't sip and eat the entire time, but spent much time chatting, looking at linens in her cedar chest, and admiring old-fashioned handiwork and vintage tidbits from Grandma's life.

Two years ago we enjoyed a Peter Rabbit tea together. You can read about it here or for the entire post, check the archives for December 30, 2005. This year Aunt Cella chose to use her Moss Roses Tea Set. What a pretty presentation it made! Although it's December, we always have our tea parties outside on the porch. The warm Arizona sunshine is pleasant and comfortable, making the tea party a cheerful and enjoyable experience.

Aunt Cella and Uncle Mike lived in Germany for thirty years. Yearly they would take a trip to beloved England (sometimes together, sometimes individually) to explore the countryside and to take tea at manor houses, castles, and cottages. The tea offerings available at each place they stayed were always considered when selecting accommodations. Aunt Cella enjoys hearing all about how Americans have altered the afternoon tea experience to our own expectations of 'proper'. And she has added elements of her own to a traditional English tea. More like a high tea, Aunt Marcella's teas are always delicious and satisfying.

Our menu this year included:

* fresh baked whole wheat bread with butter
* peanut and celery sandwich spread
* dilled cucumber slices in dressing
* peanut butter stuffed celery sticks
* miniature tomatoes and romaine
* boiled eggs

* sultana scones
* prickly pear cactus jelly
* apple butter
* apricot jam

* date and nut filled cookies
* prune cake with cream cheese frosting and walnuts

* Calli tea
* Casablanca tea
* milk

Aunt Cella selected a beautiful embroidered tablecloth which enhanced the table-setting nicely.

A lovely verse on the napkins added to the welcome feeling of the table.

Aunt Cella is always a gracious hostess and the conversation is lively, entertaining, and informative. From family topics to serious spiritual discussions, our visits are always cherished and precious.