Monday, March 25, 2013

The Tea of Friendship




One of the goals of Gracious Hospitality is to show how to implement tea as a integral part of daily life. If you've looked at the side-bar you'll see the words "Gracious Hospitality, making tea a part of daily life, one sip at a time."


Enjoying a simple cup of tea with a friend is such an enjoyable experience. My friend, Sharon, owns a business that brings her to my community several times a month. Frequently she drops in for a cup of tea and a long visit. I cherish those times! Last week we enjoyed cups of Oriental Beauty Oolong from Floating Leaves Tea. The tea was a gift from someone in attendance at Marilyn's Wu-Wo Tea Ceremony last summer. As you can see, Sharon and I always enjoy our tea without milk and just a touch of stevia for sweetness.


Our teacups were from the Allyn Nelson Collection, fine bone china, made in England. You might notice that they are not identical. Although the design is the same, one is embellished with  painted gold trim and the other is not. One was a gift from a friend and the other one that I purchased at a motel gift shop on the Oregon coast.

Today I am linking to Sandi's Rose Chintz Cottage and Bernideen's Tea Time memes.

20 comments:

  1. There is a certain healing/calming pleasure when you enjoy teatime with friends! Love the two 'matching' tea cups.

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  2. this is so "Alexandra Stoddard"....love her book on tea celebrations

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  3. I enjoy mine with milk and a touch of honey.

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  4. That is one lovely cup and saucer. I sold Allyn Nelson until it closed and was bought out by Herman Dodge and then a few years ago they closed. You have a treasure!!!

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  5. Lovely friendship tea. Tea with friends is such a treasure. Happy Tea Day!

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  6. Ohhhhh, the cup with the big roses is very, very lovely. Susan

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  7. You served a nice tea when your friend dropped in. Tea for two is always a pleasure.

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  8. Your teacups are just lovely; especially the embellished one. I always enjoy a cup of tea, whether by myself or with friends. Thank you so much for sharing and coming to tea.

    Easter blessings,
    Sandi

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  9. Time spent over tea is never wasted... Both cups are lovely...I rather like the gild.

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  10. Tea with friends is always so special! Your teacups are so pretty all decorated with sweet roses. Have a great week!
    Nancy

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  11. Your header is so lovely with all mosaic photos pertaining to tea. Glad you and your friend can enjoy a special tea time occasion. The cups and saucers are so lovely in this collection and make any tea a treat. My family spent part of last summer in Oregon and I loved shopping all the gift and antique shops, too.

    Pam

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  12. Tea with friends make life special even if it is an impromptu tea -- a "come on over, I've got the kettle on" kind of tea rather than a planned far in advance tea!

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  13. Any oolong from the Floating Leaves is just perfect for sharing with a friend. What a lovely gift.

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  14. Hello, Sweet Friend.
    I know you will not like the recipe because it is made with lard. However, after looking at it and based on the research I have been doing, I think I can (and if so, I will) use palm oil shortening next time. Here is the recipe any way so that you can 'vegan-ize' it.
    http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/04/homemade-laundry-stain-stick/

    I am crazy excited about how much fun it was to make this. Since finding out I have food allergies, I have really missed baking. The soap making fills that gap. I too love how it makes the house smell. I'd love to hear more about your soaps. Maybe some photos too?
    Thanks for stopping by.

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  15. What a lovely little tea setting! The tea cups are very pretty. I love the shape of the main one and those beautiful flowers. How lovely to have tea with a friend that you enjoy so much! Those are precious moments.
    Enjoy!
    Hugs,
    Terri
    Thank you so much for joining in Tea Cup Tuesday : )

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  16. That sure is a lovely teacup. Wonderful thought too, sharing the time with someone over a cup.
    Ruthie from Lady B's Time for Tea

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  17. Lovely little rosy cup! I've got a bunch of what I call my URCs (ubiquitous rosy cups) and rarely photograph them. Lately I've been thinking I probably should give them another chance. Tea is always better shared, isn't it? I try to have tea with one of my children every day.
    Have a lovely day. :)

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  18. Both cups are lovely! And it is even more special when you get to share tea with a special friend in the lovely cups! Have a wonderful week!

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  19. I love the colors of your tea cup. The cup is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing it with us today. Blessings, Martha

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  20. Dear "La Tea Da" fellow tea loving enthusiast,

    What a wonderful tea post. Such sweet teacups with the Rosy flowers, the tea selections sound fabulous.

    Have a marvelous and blessed Easter dear lady.

    Cheers, hugs and blessings from Wanda Lee

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Thank you for commenting on my blog post. I am always happy to hear from blog readers. Your words encourage and inspire me. I am glad you stopped by to share conversation, recipes, ideas, and thoughts on creating a welcoming home.