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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Cozy Afternoon Tea


Late afternoon tea is such a fine idea! But how do you refined English ladies find the time at 4 pm to indulge the practice? Most American women are either a) still at work, b) in the car fighting traffic, c) on after school homework, or extra curricular activites duty, or d) preparing dinner!


Even though I am somewhat past all that, I rarely find myself at my leisure on a late afternoon. That is, except for today. . . .



Isn't it funny how much later 4:00 is in the fall than in summer? I have had an amber glow candle of chestnut, cinnamon, and clove burning in the kitchen for a few hours. I'm not often home all day, and I think I've been mesmerized. Not to mention craving pumpkin sweets as a result of all the good smells!


So out come the bone china teacups with the leaf pattern to celebrate the occasion. The design is not my usual "era" either, but it's a day for things out of the ordinary. My favorite chai tea will even everything out while I ponder where a whole day got off to, and enjoy the late afternoon hour take on an amber glow all its own. . . .








Vintage white on white cutwork embroidered tea napkins make the moment special.




My vintage English leaf pattern china includes a creamer and sugar bowl.












I hope you have a few cozy afternoons ahead too!
Ciao! for now!

Jacqueline

Join me at
No Minimalist Here

Between Naps on the Porch
Tablescape Thursday

2805

The Charm of Home


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30 comments:

  1. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenOctober 12, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Jacqueline, I LOVE your teacups!! What a delightful blog you have. Mmmm, I also love Chai tea, but have never tried the Good Earth brand. I'm going to be your newest follower!!!

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  2. AnneOctober 12, 2011 at 6:13 PM

    Looks delightful -- these kind of afternoons are one of autumn's great pleasures! The dishes are perfect for the season.

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  3. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageOctober 12, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Hello Jacqueline,
    What a cozy tea and I love Chai! Your napkins are gorgeous and the candle casts a warm and inviting glow upon it all. Enjoy your tea and I hope the rest of your week is lovely.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  4. PamelaOctober 12, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    I am a big tea drinker and would love to join you for a cup with this beautiful set!

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  5. Bella's Rose CottageOctober 12, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Hi J,
    Yes four o'clock is feeling late these days! Your yummy tea is a great treat on a cozy day, here it is windy and wet, so it feels like hybernation is beginning early!
    Hugs,
    Bella

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  6. Ivy and ElephantsOctober 12, 2011 at 6:56 PM

    There is nothing like a good cup of chai. You have inspired me to go out tomorrow and get some fall candles. Your china is absolutely darling. They are just perfect for the season.

    Paula

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  7. janice15October 12, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    You always have such lovely things...very nice tea set...

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  8. JocelynOctober 12, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    Oh my your bone china is so beautiful. Everything looks so elegant. What a fun time to take tea.

    Jocelyn @
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  9. Heirloom treasuresOctober 12, 2011 at 8:26 PM

    Your leafy china is so appropriate for your fall time of year. It's really a nice change from our usual favourite of florals. I am retired so always take tea at 3pm. Our son finds it very strange that hubby and I always take tea morning and afternoon at the same time. He said,"what if you get thirsty before or after that time" LOL xx

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  10. Susan Nowell @ My Place to YoursOctober 12, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Oh, isn't it wonderful to have an unexpected afternoon off?!!

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  11. DianneOctober 12, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Such a lovely thought to have afternoon tea. I am one of the ladies that would be at work or bootcamp at that time though, so thank you for sharing your tea with me. Your china is so lovely. Dianne

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  12. A Super DilettanteOctober 13, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    Hello Jacqueline, I'm sure you agree with me that tea always taste better when you drink it out from a fine bone china cup. A wonderful post!

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  13. The Blackwood CottageOctober 13, 2011 at 5:47 AM

    What a gorgeous pattern! Beautiful.

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  14. In My Wild EdenOctober 13, 2011 at 7:23 AM

    What a beautiful post! I love it all but especially the glow of that wonderful candle! I'm glad you had such a beautiful afternoon.

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  15. a quiet lifeOctober 13, 2011 at 7:26 AM

    its always so restful here...

    pretty too!

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  16. MarlisOctober 13, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    You know I come by everyday to see your pretties. This set reminds me so of my grandmother.. it's of that era.. and I love the colors in it.. Your napkins are so pretty. Every now and then, it's good to indulge oneself. xo marlis

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  17. PetraOctober 13, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    You have a wonderfull blog and i go follow you. Mabey you can take a look at my blog you are welcom.

    Greeting Petra.

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousOctober 13, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    I'm adding your blog to my side bar...just thought you might like to know that! It's so beautiful here...


    stop in and enter my FLASH GIVEAWAY...IT ENDS TONIGHT!


    ciao bella

    creative carmelina

    ReplyDelete
  19. Chubby ChiequeOctober 13, 2011 at 3:05 PM

    Those teacups are adorable.

    That's so luxurious, having by ownself once in awhile and just wandering, isn't it?

    Hope you enjoy your day.

    Greetings,
    /chie

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  20. CarolynOctober 13, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Your afternoon tea time was lovely! I will look for that chai tea here as I have found that there is a big difference in the flavor of chai.

    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  21. FABBY'S LIVINGOctober 13, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Wonderful tea time and me as you, I'm passed not having time anymore, so I do endulge with friends for tea at my house, at theirs, or we go out for tea as well, I mostly do it with my 81 year old mom, who comes for lunch every wednesday. I love your vintage English tea cups, beautiful. Hugs, FABBY

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  22. Janette - The2SeasonsOctober 13, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Those tea cups are charming and perfect for fall.

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  23. Mid-Atlantic MarthaOctober 13, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    How pretty your leaf china is for a fall tea!

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  24. MarigeneOctober 13, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Beautiful pattern on your tea set.

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  25. xinexOctober 13, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    I love your Adderley teacups, Jacqueline. They go so well with cream tea pot. The napkins are lovely. I hope you will come and sign up for my giveaway...Christine

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  26. Alycia NicholsOctober 14, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    Gorgeous china and absolutely exquisite linens, Jacqueline!!! I really like the pattern in the china. Very peaceful. I don't know how the English find time for tea, either. I don't work outside the home, don't have to fight traffic, don't have young children, and usually cook early in the day, so I don't know WHAT my excuse is!!! :-) I used to take time around 2 in the afternoon, but life somehow suddenly just got in the way. I need to get back on that routine. I seemed to be a lot more at peace then. Hmmmm....what does that tell me? Have a peaceful weekend!

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  27. Honey at 2805October 14, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    What a lovely idea, Jacquline, to sit in the afternoon and enjoy the simple pleassure of a cup of tea. This tradition is one we shoule all indulge in, at least from time to time.

    Your teacups are lovely and I always adore your linens.

    Thank you for linking to Potpourri Friday! You help to make it a special day!

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  28. Gayle Page-RobakOctober 14, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    I love all your wonderful treasures, thank you for sharing. You have a beautiful blog. I am your newest follower and I look forward to revisiting to your blog. I have started a new ‘sister’ blog called A TASTEFUL TOUCH, and invite you to join my followers list as well, and to also grab a blog button. My blog address is: http://atastefultouch.com. Enjoy your day. Hugs, Gayle

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  29. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereOctober 18, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Hi Jacqueline, I love your china and the pretty napkins. Thank you for linking your beautiful tea at the Open House party.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  30. The Charm of HomeOctober 23, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    It is all gorgeous! I just bought Chai tea for the first time this week. I love it! Sorry I'm late getting by had computer problems 1/2 the week. Thank you for joining me for the HSH Fall Open House!
    Sherry

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