Fall Garden Tea Party

Monday, September 18, 2017

My dear friend and neighbor A, her mother and another friend who accompanied them to pick up the vintage chairs for my garden were treated to a garden tea party this past Friday at high noon.  How thankful I was that the day before the cold front and freeze blew in, that I was able to host my friends for a tea party in the garden, on the very last day of summer in my garden!



It was a simply delightful time.  We sipped on hot tea and chatted for a good while.  You know when women of like-minded faith get together, conversation is uplifting and amazing.


It seemed I had refilled everyone's tea cups several times, before it was time to bless the food and eat.


Everyone enjoyed drinking hot tea in the garden!  My teapots keep the water very hot for about an hour or more.  I used a Homer Laughlin teapot (the red one), and my Ellgreave ironstone teapot for the party.


 While the ladies were filling their plates, I got this shot.


The bees and wasps invited themselves to our party, as I knew they would.  I set up the food table inside my garden shed/gazebo, and it was perfect to keep *most* of the bees away.  There were a few very persistent ones!


Our high noon tea menu included:

Peach Upside Down Cake (brought by my friend A's mother)
Cranberry Butterscotch Scones
Tuna Salad with almond crackers
Fresh Fruit with Whipped Cream Dip
Spicy Pretzels
Turkey Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Sliced Apple & Chicken Salad
Caprese Salad (Tomatoes from my garden with fresh mozzarella & basil)







Lots of goodies on our plates... as we laughed, chatted and shared our life stories with each other.  It was a wonderful time that we enjoyed.


Too soon, our time together ended, as A's mother was tiring and needed to go.  After the table was cleaned up, I managed to get this last picture of the setting.


The little tray "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" is one that I made many years ago, having rescued the sad tray from a thrift store, repainting it, and adding the words to it.


The tea themed pot holders/coasters I made earlier this year after finding the fabric at our local craft store.  The flowers I found at the dollar store. I used a combination of old tablecloths, and fabric to dress the table with.


Another glimpse of the lovely bistro set that set this tea party in motion... if you want to read how it all came to be.... you can find it here



Again, I just used a variety of old tablecloths and fabric to cover the table. I made the fabric banner much like the hanging banner in the garden, however I cut the pieces longer.  It added the perfect touch to the table, and brought all the vibrant colors around the table setting together.



It was a lovely wonderful day... and it made me so happy to do something so special for these ladies. They were thrilled to come to tea at high noon, and I was delighted to bless them in this way.


My beautiful garden came to an end that night, with a freeze down into the low 20s.  The next morning, as I came to the garden, fearing what I might find... my heart rejoiced when I saw my sunflowers had survived ... and not only survived but were ecstatically blowing in the breeze with the bright blue skies... and warming my heart with their vibrancy.


I might just get sunflower seeds out of them yet... we shall see! 





I let the chickens in the garden to aid with the cleanup... happy girls and boys they were!  It was sad to see the end of most of the garden.  My broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, potatoes and strawberries were unaffected, and will continue to be harvested... but the squash and tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, pumpkins and peppers are done.  Such are the seasons of life!  They come and go, and we enjoy each one, and now we are looking forward to the beauties around us that fall offers up, the cooler weather, north breezes, and vibrant colors.

But I'm thankful for the wonderful memories made this summer in my garden, the produce gleaned from it, and the special times we've had.



Until the snow comes, I will continue to enjoy my time in the garden, when it will be closed for the winter :)


~~~~  I also wanted to mention that I have joined Instagram, and would love to see any of my readers there... You can find me there as MountainTopSpice ~~~~

Sharing with:
Antiquesandteacups
Tea in The Garden
Share Your Cup
Julie's Creative Lifestyle


79 comments

  1. Ahhh! Beautiful. Such blessed guests you had, being able to enjoy a wonderful day in the garden. It does seem that fall has arrived and very quickly too. It appears that you are a wonderful hostess and, I fear, would put me to shame. :-) Every detail is so beautifully thought out. I just know that everyone felt special just for being there with you.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    Replies
    1. It was a very special time that we had! Appreciate your visit dear friend !!

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  2. What a pretty tea party. A tea party is something I've thought about a lot and would love to have, but what do I really know about tea parties. :) I sure enjoyed yours! You made everything so beautiful; the food, the table, and I love the pink bistro set! Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. Well I don't know much about tea parties either but it was so fun to have one!!Appreciate your visit!!

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  3. So sweet of you to have other ladies over, what a great way to reach out to others. Lovely garden party!

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    Replies
    1. It was so much fun Theresa! Appreciate your visit.

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  4. Absolutely lovely tea party. Your table cloth is beautiful. And the food? Wonderful. The only thing missing is cucumber sandwiches (crusts cut off) I have a thing about English cucumber sandwiches. ;-)

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    Replies
    1. I agree!! In fact I wanted to make them with fresh cukes out of my garden and just didn't get to do it...next time!! Lol

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  5. Oh dear Marilyn...what a delightful way to end the summer, with a beautiful tea party :) We have not had any frost yet, still in the 80's here in the mountains...but oh I am so looking forward to cooler temperatures :D
    Blessings sweet friend...
    mari

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  6. Oh me, I wish we were neighbors...I'd bring the lemon curd and clotted cream and talk and talk. LOL Love all the photos.

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    1. It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Lemon curd and clotted cream.. Yes please!! Hugs!

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  7. Such a lovely lunch, Marilyn, in a beautiful setting!

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    Replies
    1. It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  8. A beautiful tea. Thank you for sharing the menu.
    I spent a day with a dear friend last Thursday. We see each other usually each season. We catch up on the changes in our life and the growing of our kids. It is a special time. You have given me an idea to host a tea in my garden next summer.
    Love, Carla

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    Replies
    1. Tea is a lovely way to visit and bless your friends...you should do it if u can ...It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  9. What a wonderful tea party! I especially love the gorgeous red teapot!

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    1. Thanks Margie I love the Homer Laughlin teapot too! It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  10. I love how you added the ribbon banner around your table. So cool. It really looks like everything came together so nicely for the tea party. I'll go find you on instagram I'm there as lnbseattle. Blessings.

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    1. The banner was something I had been working on to hang as a banner but it fit perfectly on the table so there it stayed lol..glad to keep up with you on IG!!

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  11. What a pretty tea party! It looks like you had a very blessed time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  12. Great tea time!Gorgeous red teapot and pretty teacups!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit and sweet words! So happy to meet you!

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  13. Marilyn, I feel as if I joined you at your lovely tea party! Thank you for sharing all these lovelies with us. You sent summer away with a beautiful farewell. xo

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    1. Yes summer ended that afternoon and when we planned it we had no idea..so thankful we did!! It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  14. Oh how very dreamy your tea party must have been. Such a beautiful setting, and lovely tea and delicious looking food. So glad you had a blessed day, and for those that were able to join you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

      Delete
  15. What a charming tea party - such a delight to see all the wonderful details! Your guests must have been delighted, too! A perfect way to end the summer. Blessings xx Karen

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    Replies
    1. It was a delightful time and so thankful we did it when we did! Appreciate your visit Karen!

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  16. I love your new blog header! And I just followed you on Instagram. What a lovely tea party you had! I am so enamored with your rag tablecloth. Did you just make a banner with the rags and attach it to a tablecloth all the way around? I do miss a good time of chatting with my sisters in the Lord. I have been out of the loop over the summer. Fall brings new opportunities!

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    1. So happy to see you on IG too! I just tore strips of fabric 1-1/2 wide and halved them then tied to parachute cord...it was fun to use up a variety of fabrics for it! It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  17. How inviting your tea table looks. I'm sure your visitors were delighted with your lovely hospitality.

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    Replies
    1. It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  18. Oh Marilyn, what a beautiful tea party...your table was absolutely adorable with the torn fabric strips all around...what a cutie idea! And the food looked SO scrumptious! Oh how much fun that had to be and I'm sure your sweet friends and you will remember that for a long time!

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    Replies
    1. It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

      Delete
  19. Your tea party sounded wonderful. Good friends and beautiful decor. You did a lovely job. It's so hard to believe that summer is over now. We are getting very warm, humid temperatures right now but this too shall end. Enjoy your week.

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  20. I can't get over how talented you are, Marilyn, in creating the marvelous tablecloth and the festive decor for your tea party. I would have loved to be there!
    Yes, the seasons are changing, but life goes on. May we rejoice in every season of our lives.
    Blessings!

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    1. Thank you Martha! It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  21. Oh I am loving this tea party! So very pretty. Love, love, love the tablecloth. Great idea. I had to pin it. That tray is so pretty. Such a lovely tea party. Oh I love me some sun flowers. I planted some right before "Irma" made her downpour and was certain it had washed up my little plants that had begun to grow from the seeds. We had dug a trench along side the plants before hand to help with this sort of thing and I am so glad I did. As of right now...they are coming up still. Have a great day. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. I hope you get lots of sunflowers..they are solo pretty!! It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

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  22. Wonderful! So wish I could have been there! Love your tablecloth...so cute! The menu is perfect! Made my mouth water. I love Ellgreave and Homer Laughlin...so substantial. They do keep Tea warm for a long time. I know your tea party was a great success. Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea
    Ruth

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    1. Thanks for hosting such a lovely party :) It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

      Delete
  23. Dear Marilyn:
    You made it to last week's blog party but please come relink to the one today - Wednesday so that no one will miss this lovely posting! I know they will more likely see it there. What a lovely tea you had! I love your garden "at the end of summer"! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks for letting me know about the new link up! It was lovely..all of it and I wish I could have all my sweet blogging friends over for tea! Hugs!

      Delete
  24. You are a fabulous hostess and what a charming space you have to hold a party. The tablecloth is just amazing. I love banners, so this is right up my ally....you have me contemplating the possibilities! Glad you had a fun day!

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  25. Marilyn,
    What a lovely, lovely tea you had! And just in time! I'm sure that everyone had a wonderful time, and that the memories of that afternoon sipping tea in the garden will stay with them for a long time!

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  26. Oh a tea party!! What could be lovelier? And outdoors! What bliss!

    ;-}

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  27. Oh, oh, ooooh.....I am swooning right now, sweet friend! What an enchanting and oh-so-whimsical tea party. Everything, and I do mean everything, took my breath away. Like Linda Stoll said, what bliss!

    Thank you for sharing with us, dear friend, for you have truly made my day extra beautiful. Love and hugs to you!

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  28. Oh, this is just such a beautiful post! I LOVE, love, love your lovely, wonderful tablecloth! What a neat idea! You do just amazing work, and your heart is pure gold. I can only imagine the precious, sweet time of fellowship you and your dear friends had. I can just feel the love and kindness and hospitality you put into every, single detail, and I know it warmed each and every heart of your guests. I think I would have a very difficult time leaving such a warm, happy, uplifting, and edifying place and event! You are such a dear, sweet friend to so many, and I am so blessed to be in that number. Your support, love, encouragement, and prayers are invaluable gifts to me. God bless you and return all of your good deeds back to you a thousand fold, sweet friend!

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  29. Oh dear me, Marilyn, your tea is sooooo lovely and I just know your friends had the best time!!! Your table in the gazebo was set up so perfectly. I so wish I could taste everything. Your table outside is equally pretty, and I love the shabby chic bunting that you made. The gifts were precious, and everything was fixed with love. Thank you for sharing this special Fall garden tea with us.

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  30. Wow! That is just beautiful! My mouth was watering at your menu and pictures. What a wonderful gift you gave in hosting this gathering. How did you add the fabric strips to the table cloth - I love that look!! I haven't hosted a tea party in quite awhile but you have gotten me thinking about doing one again. I don't know how much longer we could do it outside here either (although the next 4-5 days we are in the upper 80's and 90's! Yay!!). Thanks for sharing this special event with us!

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  31. Lovely, Marilyn - and you are making me hungry!! Wow, I can't believe you got your first hard frost already, we've been dealing with hot sticky weather this week, it's bizarre!

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  32. To sit in your beautiful garden, enjoying the pretty tablescape before me, partaking in delicious food and chatting with like minded ladies does sound a little bit of paradise this side of heaven, lovely Marilyn. Everything is quite simply gorgeous, lovely lady! Tea parties are always the best fun!

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  33. I love the bunting on the tablecloth and I just might have to copy that idea. I'm thinking about moving my sewing to the basement so I can use my study to study and write. I must keep that project in mind. I am enjoying my flags in the garden very much. My zucchinis are no more. Not sad. The zinnias are still blooming and the nasturtiums are thriving. Yay!
    Stay warm and cozy, garden girl!

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  34. What a lovely tea party. Everything is so pretty and appealing. You did such a nice job. The beauty of the atmosphere combined with the beauty of friendship. Thank you for sharing.
    Marilyn

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  35. Your farewell to summer tea party sounds like it was a lot of fun, as well as being very pretty. It's always sad for me to see the end of the garden. No frost here, yet, but things are winding down.

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  36. Oh my goodness! Lovely! Oh, I would love to come to a Tea like this.

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  37. Oh my goodness! Lovely! Oh, I would love to come to a Tea like this.

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  38. Wonderful post ... as ever.

    God bless.

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  39. Marilyn, what a lovely High Noon Tea! I'm sure your friends will be appreciating it for a long time to come.

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  40. So wonderful that you were able to have that last tea party before the cool winds starting blowing in, such a lovely spread it was and oh my do I ever love what you did with the table cloth, that is so beautiful and it does bring out all your colors in the china! Love the vintage chairs too! Wow I love how you painted on that platter, such a great way to recycle that platter.

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  41. Hi Marilyn, oh what a beautiful tea party you had in your garden! The table looked so pretty and the food sounded really nice. I bet you all had a fun time.
    Thanks for sharing this at Cooking and Crafting with J&J.
    We hope to see you again.
    Julie

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  42. Oh my goodness! What a treat to be a close friend of yours - wonderful party, and I can only imagine the conversation. There's nothing like a great chat.
    Wonderful post!
    Enjoy the rest of your week,
    Andrea

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  43. Such a lovely tea party. Your decorations look so pretty and the food looks yummy!! I really love the tablecloth, what a great idea, and the garland to match, so pretty.

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  44. What could be more lovely than an autumn tea party. And, wow, what a party it was! Your table setting was just beautiful and the food looked oh-so-delicious! I can only imagine how much your guests enjoyed this special day!

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  45. Oh my goodness, your menu and photos are wonderful! Bees are always pesky this time of year, aren't they. Love that red teapot! It all looks splendid!

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  46. You certainly know how to throw a party . . every thing looked lovely and what a charming setting. Perfection :)

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  47. What lovely photos! :) I'm sorry I've been MIA lately. If you go to my blog, you will see why. I would love for you to read my testimony. I'll try to be a better blog friend!

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  48. Wow you throw a wonderful tea party and the decor is so pretty and the food looked delicious. - Wow a freeze already. We've had snow in the upper elevations but no freeze yet. I'm not looking forward to winter at all.

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  49. The photos are truly gorgeous! Such a delightful party!

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  50. Oh, I love that tablecloth with the torn strips of fabric. So pretty! I love that red teapot too. What a wonderful party you had. Such a nice menu and lovely setting.

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  51. What a wonderful lovely post!
    I loved it all!
    Thank you for sharing!

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  52. How wonderful! I'm so glad that the weather was perfect for your delightful tea. The menu sounded delicious and you decorated everything wonderfully. Nothing better than conversation and sipping tea with dear friends! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  53. Marilyn, I loved this post about a tea party just in time. I am glad everyone had such a good time. Have a great week. Sylvia D.

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  54. What a wonderful tea party! I think everyone who came was blessed! I enjoyed just seeing the photos!

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  55. My goodness, Marilyn , that is a lovely setting for a tea party! How blessed your friends are that you take such care to see to their comfort with your hospitality. Everything is beautiful!!! You sure are gifted when it comes to gardening and creating gorgeous decor. Much love, my friend~

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  56. What a delightful party! That makes me want to host one too!

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  57. This is the reason you are here in any case. You might need to influence courses of action ahead of time of your visit in the event that you to have a bigger gathering. howard donuts

    ReplyDelete

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