Monday, April 4, 2011

Tartan Day Tea Party ~ 2011



Tartan Tea Party

Celebrating

~ National Tartan Day ~ April 6 ~



Bluebonnet Tartan

Like others across the globe, many Texans will no doubt celebrate National Tartan Day on April 6, 2020. The official State Tartan, Texas Bluebonnet Tartan, was designed by June Prescott McRoberts in 1986 and adopted by the state of Texas in 1989. You can read more details about the Texas Bluebonnet Tartan here.



My Grandparents

My grandfather, born in Helmsley, England, came to this country as a young man of 28 in 1884. He lived to be 78, but died before I was born. I've not traced our family history, but I suspect that there is Scottish ancestry in some branch of our family tree. Regardless, I've long been mad about tartan. It's not just for Christmas, you know! So join me as I honor all Americans of Scottish descent and celebrate Tartan Day.




I have a fresh pot of a special blend 

 of Scottish tea steeping.



 And I've pulled out one of my favorite little treasures from MacKenzie-Childs in the Maclachlan pattern and filled it with Scottish shortbread from Campbells.



 The lid of this sweet box features a thistle, which like tartan, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Scotland. The thistle can be found in the Royal Arms of Scotland.



 Campbells is internationally famous and according to the Campbells' website, is Scotland's oldest bakery. You can visit their site here.



 We have a selection of shortbread 

 from Campbells' Gold Kilt tin.




 I've gathered some of my 

 tartan pieces to celebrate the day.



 Tartan paper maché 

 balls gathered in a footed dish.




An empty Walkers' tartan tin filled with spring flowers. Walkers is another company known for Scottish Shortbread. You can find them here.



 This vertical tin is perfect as a vase, and it

features a charming little Scottish lass with her dog.




 Entitled "Which Hand Will You Take?",

this tin was filled with chocolate chip shortbread.




 Fortunately, I don't need reading glasses, but I couldn't resist this pair of vintage specks in their own tartanware case.




 The case is in the McDuff pattern. TARTANWARE by Princess Ira Von Furstenberg is a great little book full of photographs of tartan covered objects that were produced as souvenirs from Scotland in the early to mid 19th century. Many of the objects are from the Princess' personal collection. Published in 1996, this book is now difficult to find.



You might want to settle in with a cup of tea, a few shortbread cookies, and enjoy my copy.



 You can see the Gold Kilt 

 tin here on the tray.




 The kilt is the distinctive traditional dress of the highland Scottish male. As this attire does not have the convenience of pockets, a sporran, (leather pouch) is worn to carry valuables.



Giveaway Now Closed
I purchased an extra Gold Kilt tin of Campbells Shortbread for one of my followers who leaves a comment on this post. If you would like one of these Gold Kilt tins of Campbells Shortbread for your own tea party, just leave a comment letting me know you are a follower and want to be included in the drawing. I'll draw a name on Sunday, April 10. Unfortunately due to international shipping costs, I can only ship to US residents.



Thank you for joining me today to celebrate Tartan Day, 2011.

For more tartan to celebrate the day you'll want to visit

who is sharing fab photos of all things tartan,

for even more tartan inspiration,

And the gorgeous Highland Tea with

Please click the links below to visit our hostesses for their
weekly parties to see what others are sharing this week.

Joining:
















on

81 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 12:26 AM

    :)

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  2. GardenOfDaisiesApril 5, 2011 at 12:53 AM

    I didn't know there was a Tartan Day!! I learn new things all the time on this blog! Guess I'll have to search for something in a McDonald tartan for Wednesday! And maybe break into song: "You take the high road and I'll take the low road... on the bonnie bonnie banks of Loch Lomond."
    When I was a wee girl living in Canada, I wore my little green kilt to school, complete with pin. My big sister wore a red one. We also had matching plaid lunch boxes... I should find a picture of that.
    Well, anyway, I would love to enter your giveaway! Shortbread and tea is delicious!

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  3. PondsideApril 5, 2011 at 1:03 AM

    If there's one thing I have lots of, it's tartan! Besides my MacDonald of the Isles kilt, I have a MacDonald of Clanranald - then there's the Cape Breton tartan, the Nova Scotia tartan and the Royal Canadian Air Force. While I won't be in the draw, I'll enjoy some Walker's along with you - it's delicious!

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  4. Johanna GehrleinApril 5, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Hi Sarah,
    only you can make posts like this. I am very fond on tartan patterns. I also own a pretty designed box of Walkers Shortbread. I really enjoyed that post. Made my heart smile.
    Greetings, Johanna

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  5. AmyApril 5, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    I love your tea party! What a relaxing setting. :) These Scottish shortbread are so classic and perfect for tea time!

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  6. yvetteApril 5, 2011 at 2:10 AM

    What a lovely post...you're right in saying I only think tartan for Christmas celebrations...but everything looks great for your tartan celebration. Love those tins! yvette@twistedvines

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  7. MaggieApril 5, 2011 at 2:19 AM

    Tea and shortbread just perfect.
    Your eclectic collection of tartan ephemera is delightful, I'm certain that there is some sassenach blood in you somewhere!
    Maggie

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  8. SnapApril 5, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    I learned something new this morning. I had no idea there was a Texas tartan ... based on the bluebonnet certainly makes sense. :D :D :D I love MacKenzie-Childs anything! Fun post! happy tea day!

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  9. SoniaApril 5, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    Sarah, What a fabulous post..never did I know there was a Tartan Day!! I do have a few tartan tablecloths I use at Christmas. I am of Scottish descent and have long wanted to visit the area where I've traced my families home..it's on my list of things to do. I love shortbread cookies and have never heard of Campbell's bakery..they look so good! Thanks for sharing this very informative post, it was so very interesting.

    Miss Bloomers

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  10. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeApril 5, 2011 at 7:18 AM

    I wasn't aware of Tartan Day either! Would love the chance to win, please enter my name!

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  11. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    You are making my mouth water for shortbread! Beautiful display. Both of my parents are of Scottish descent. My mother used to love the thistle and had several around the house for decoration. I also didn"t know about tartan day-thanks for all the info.

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  12. CRICKETApril 5, 2011 at 7:28 AM

    Boy, would the Preppy Bloggers love this post!!

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  13. Ricki TreleavenApril 5, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Sarah, lass.....I love this post! It is verra lovely....

    My ancestry is Scottish and Scoth-Ulster. I love all things Scottish!!! Such a cute idea for a tea party!

    I hail from the Logan, Jeffries, and MacBride clans....

    I hope you have a fantastic rest of the week! (Oh! I love your shortbread tins, too)..... :D

    (((hugs))),
    Ricki Jill

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  14. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsApril 5, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I don't think I have any Scottish in me...some Irish, French, Dutch and German....

    Love tartan though. Thank you for inviting me to tea!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  15. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsApril 5, 2011 at 8:14 AM

    I don't think I have any Scottish in me...some Irish, French, Dutch and German....

    Love tartan though. Thank you for inviting me to tea!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  16. Lori EApril 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Quite the collection you have there. I do genealogy research and just want to warn you that it is very addictive and be prepared to be pulled into its grip and to give up hours of your time to research because you will have no choice.

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  17. On Crooked CreekApril 5, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    Sarah,
    Wonderful tartan plaid collection! I so enjoy when you give the history of the plaids and the shortbreads. Thank you for an informative, entertaining and inspirational post. The little lass and her dog is adorable!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  18. Maggie OApril 5, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    Well, I am Scottish and love my tartan (Campbell). Our daughter has been given the honour of Chieftan at the local highland games twice (what an honour for a woman). I travel back 2-3 times a year just to feel the rain on my face lol. I love the Walkers shortbread and the tins are great...love your kiltie tin but alas in Canada so I don't qualify. My qualifyng teacher in Scotland said that anywhere you go in the world you will meet a Scotsman - darkest Africa to the Caribean and the sheep stealers in Australia ( Campbells mostly lol)...she has been right so far. Hope y'all enjoy it!! Love the blog.

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  19. Wanda MetcalfApril 5, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    I'm a Texan from the MacDougall clan. My Dad made sure we always new all about our crest, coat of arms and tartan. Our tartan looks close to the shortbread box but rather than the yellow it would have blue.

    Thanks for a post close to my heart
    Happy tartan day!

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  20. Linda @ A La CarteApril 5, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    I love Tartans! I did not know about the Blue Bonnet Tartan but it's lovely. I was born in Texas and so will always be a TEXAN!! My last name is Scottish...MacKean part of the MacDonald clan I think. I really should learn more about tartans. Love your tea and the shortbread cookies! I am a follower and would love to be entered into your giveaway! hugs, Linda

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  21. The Quintessential MagpieApril 5, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Oh, I adored this, Sarah! You know the Scot in me is just beaming at the sight of tartan. You are a girl after my own heart, and I'm wild over the things in this post. Love the plaid cups, and I adore shortbread.

    My mother's maiden name is Scottish, and her mother's family is Scottish on one line. Her father has Scottish ancestry on two lines. My father's maternal lines bleed plaid! ;-) They have some Hugenot ancestry mixed in there for good measure. And my father's paternal line is solidly English but leads back into connections throughout Europe. I hit genelaogical paydirt with one obscure ancestress who tracks back through a gateway line.

    I loved visiting Scotland more thn anywhere I've ever been. I was completely at home there and loved the land and the people. I wish I had thought about Tartan Day. I have tartan drapes in one room that is currently being readied for repair, and I have DR chairs whose seats are slipsoverd in plaid (McCleod tartan) which I found out later is a name in Mother Magpie's family. (Mr. Magpie's mother). She was thrilled!

    I have been a proud follower of your blog since I first found you, and I would love to be entered in this drawing. That tin is DARLING, and you are, too, for allowing us to participate in your giveaway.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  22. Scot Meacham WoodApril 5, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Sarah,

    It's just perfectly - and wonderfully - inspiring. And I'm completely fascinated by the sporran tin (I'm going to need to find one for myself!).

    Happy, Happy Tartan Day!

    Cheers,
    Scot
    The Adventures of Tartanscot

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  23. Tammy518April 5, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    Sarah, I'm a follower, so please include me in the drawing!

    This was a wonderful post. I didn't know that there was a Tartan Day. I would love to have tea and shortbread with you!

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  24. BabsApril 5, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Sarah, I'm in TARTAN HEAVEN!! Where do I start to tell you how fabulous your tartan teascape is?

    The darling kilt tin and how you used another tin for a vase, the book and tartanware eyeglasses case are all "speaking" to me.
    I love how you served the shortbread in the beautiful Mackenzie-Childs dish with the thistle... so perfect.

    Of course, I'm a follower and would love to be included in the drawing for the kilt tin.

    Thanks for the invitation to your Tartan Tea and telling all about the special things on the tray. It was so much fun!
    Hugs,Babs
    PS.. Can't wait to see what "tartan scot" has for tomorrow. Of course, it will be over the top and fabulous, too. :)

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  25. Donna@Conghaile CottageApril 5, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    I LOVED your post Sarah! Everything is fantastic BUT my VERY,VERY Favorite thing IS "Your Grandparents"!!! LOVE that picture!!! We took my father in law to his mother's birthplace in Scotland and we went to the hall of records and found her home!!! That was so much fun. I didn't know about Tartan Day. PLEASE remind me so I can participate next year, hehe! I have LOTS and LOTS of things. If you look closely at my last post, my doll has "Diana's Tartan Blanket" behind her to the right! You have SO MANY Lovely things Sarah, I LOVE your posts...What was your Maiden Name???
    Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  26. vignette designApril 5, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    You outdid yourself for Tartan Day! I'm working on a post, but after seeing yours, I don't know.....How fabulous! I love that you love tartan as much as I do!
    BTW, I found that book yesterday. Now I have to order it! Happy Tartan Day my friend! xo Delores

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  27. JacquelineApril 5, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    I had no idea there was a National Tartan day! How fun. My 2nd daughter in law is half Scottish! I wonder if she knows about Tartan Day. I love all butter shortbread. That fun kilt shaped tin is just fabulous. You created such a fun post today - I loved it!

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  28. By the BluegrassApril 5, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    Very neat and interesting post! We should all trace our family history. I often think about that....it's important to know where we came from.
    xo,
    Sena

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  29. Wanda LeeApril 5, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    Dearest Sarah,

    What a delightful teatime you have shared with us this week! I absolutely adore your charming Tartan teatime post!

    The fabulous tea vignettes and yummy looking shortbread cookies are just such heartwarming vignettes, as well as the interesting information you have shared was just fabulous.., Wow!

    Everything was just so picture perfect!

    Thanks for joining Pam and I once again for TTTT and also for my 77th, Tuesday Tea For Two. ~ We always love having you join us!

    Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

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  30. Sue McPeakApril 5, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    Well blow up my Bluebonnet Tartan skirt! I didn't know about Tartan Day! Thanks for the very informative post and the wonderful photos of all your Tartan Collection!

    I've been away and am blog hoppin' to catch up with everyone. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week....Sue

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  31. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageApril 5, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    What a wonderful idea; Tartan Day! We have no such holiday here in Canada that I know of. I have always loved tartan probably because of my Daddy's English/Scottish roots. Your tartan made for a wonderful and creative tea. Wonderful tins, shortbread, and information! Thanks for sharing with us and thank you for joining me for tea.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  32. WhiteWhispers2uApril 5, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    Looks fabulous to me! I love tea & shortbread.Thanks for your visit~Cheers Kim

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  33. DebbieApril 5, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    I love this! Since I'm married to a Scot, I have a love of all things like this. One of my favorite recent weddings had the groom and his father in their kilts and beautiful bagpipes playing. Oh, I just loved it. I talked like Fiona in Brigadoon for the next month.

    Your tartan table is wonderful, and I'm so glad you did it. That bluebonnet tartan is wonderful. You are such lucky folks to be Texans.

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  34. bjApril 5, 2011 at 7:11 PM

    I was born and bred in Texas and have lived here all my LOOONG life.
    I have never heard of Tartan Day.
    I can't believe this is the first time I have heard about it, Sarah. Where HAVE I been??? Beneath a rock, I guess.
    Your tartan tea is so pretty. You do have such beautiful things.
    I would dearly LOVE a tin of these cookies. The tin is so sweet.
    Remember..."Your kilt should be short enuf to dance an Irish jig but long enuf to cover your Lucky Charms..." :O)
    And I an a long-time and very happy follower.
    xoxo

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  35. ~Lavender Dreamer~April 5, 2011 at 7:15 PM

    How gorgeous! And I love seeing your old photo! I wish I had known...I could have added a little tartan to my tea party! ♥

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  36. AnonymousApril 5, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    I am loving the plaid! This is beautiful!

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  37. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereApril 5, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    Hi Sarah! I remember seeing a lot of Tartan around Christmas last year. I think that is when my love affair with it began. Your table is so pretty and I love the tins. My favorite thing is the Mackenzie-Childs piece. Thank you in advance for linking up to my Open House party.
    xo,
    Sherry

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  38. KathleenApril 5, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    I didn't know about Tartan Day till I saw a few posts on it! Remind me next year. I don't have one bit of Scottish in me, nor Scotch, lol, but I love shortbread cookies.
    And I adore all your tartan pieces, I do love plaid, and that blue is so pretty!
    I am a follower and even if I don't win, I will remain loyal! :)

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  39. ShannonApril 5, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    What a lovely blog. Thank you for sharing your tartan collection and other pretty things, and for bringing a bit of Tartan Day to the masses :)

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  40. Susan FreemanApril 5, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Hi Sarah! This is the most delightful post! I adore tartans and this post just makes my heart sing. Thank you for a lovely visit!!

    Love,
    Susan and Bentley
    xxoo

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  41. The TablescaperApril 5, 2011 at 9:05 PM

    Oh Sarah, this is a fabulous post!!! I never knew there was a tartan day and you gave us so much interesting history. I love your collection.

    - The Tablescaper

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  42. SueLovesCherriesApril 5, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    I sure love a good tartan - I'm mad about plaid! It all started with my little red plaid lunchbox in elementary school! Mister's family are Stewarts, via Nova Scotia, and they wear their colors proudly!

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  43. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiApril 5, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Happy Tartan Day!

    I didn't know there was a Tartan Day or a pretty Texas tartan, Sarah!

    I loved your vignette of tartan shortbread biscuit tins, ornaments and china.

    You are so lucky not to need reading glasses! I have to wear glasses over my glasses because I'm so blind..lol

    I'd love to be entered in your contest..and I am a folower!

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  44. Yellow Rose ArborApril 5, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Nice post! I have a special fondness in my heart for tartans and Scots as my mother-in-law was from Scotland.

    I think tartan plaid is beautiful, love the dishes and accessories!

    Katherine

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  45. Debbie@Mountain BreathsApril 6, 2011 at 5:33 AM

    I had no idea about Tartan Day, so thank you for the wonderful history lesson. Of course, I am smiling at your MacKenzie-Childs in the Mac Lachlan pattern and how you have filled it with Scottish shortbread from Campbells. I am a follower :-)

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  46. AngelaApril 6, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Oh thank you so much for a delightful tea party. I so enjoyed it. I truly just love that tartan tin..oh my goodness!!

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  47. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeApril 6, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    Wow, love the Tartan. Such a fabulous teascape. You do have some of the prettiest things. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  48. BabsApril 6, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Sarah, Thank you so much for mentioning my post. You are the sweetest. I just saw Delores and Scot's pages... I'm running a little late this morning, looking at everyone's posts. I'm headed back to mine to mention you and Delores and Scot. I'm getting better at learning how to link. My computer skills are improving..slowly.. LOL
    Hugs, and could I pour you another cup of tea?

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  49. The French HutchApril 6, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Sarah, You have a very nice collection of tartan, and I love how you celebrate NTD with your vignettes. Just Lovely! Thanks for sharing your tartan collection......

    ~Emily

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  50. FABBY'S LIVINGApril 6, 2011 at 10:38 AM

    I love, love all your tartan things! What a gorgeous collection you have, Wow! I'm in love with your pretty porcelain box and the tin kilt...just gorgeous! Everything is great! Thank you for dropping by sweet lady...yeah, there's two plates on the wall I designed in blue and white, one with doves and one with birds. Thank you again.
    FABBY

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  51. ThreeOldKeysApril 6, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    Tartan Day !!! I had no idea. So interesting, and such great pictures. Fun post!

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  52. AnonymousApril 6, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Hi Sarah! Oh, you always do everything just perfectly! What lovely little plaidness and a perfect little tea! Wish I could come over.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  53. DogsMomApril 6, 2011 at 2:02 PM

    This has been fascinating. I guess there is a "day" for almost everything but I enjoyed hearing all about this. I have a Campbell's collection but that is chubby faced kids related. I also know friends named Campbell, so this would be nice to win and share.
    You have a beautiful collection.

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  54. Bella's Rose CottageApril 6, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    I will join in and saw I never knew there was a tartan day either, but I love Bluebonnets and they make a good pairing:-)
    Love the photo of your grandparents, those family photo are such a treasure! I have been watching the tv show "who do you think you are" where they trace family trees, I have been thinking about working on mine next winter, spring is too busy for me:-)

    Hugs,
    Bella

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  55. MaryApril 6, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Sarah~ I'm mad for your plaid! I've never heard of Tartan Day! I also didn't know there was a Texas Bluebonnet Tartan, how fun! I love your collection of items and of course I love your teapot :-) I'd love to be included in your giveaway, the shortbread tin is adorable!

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  56. Bargain Decorating with LaurieApril 6, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    Well, Happy Tartan Day Sarah (I never knew there was such a day!). What a beautiful collection of tartan plaids you have assembled for this post. I love tartan too, but I don't have much of it. Seeing your beautiful collection makes me want to look for more tartan ~ maybe I can find enough to celebrate Tartan Day next year! That kilt tin is so neat! What a great giveaway. I'm glad that you'll be linking all of this tartan beauty to Favorite Things. laurie

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  57. UnknownApril 6, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Hi Sarah! Hope you're having a wonderful Nat'l Tartan Day! Love the tabletop and Walker Shortbread is my fav! Thanks for stopping by my Rednesday Sundae. Plaese come by again!

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  58. OliveApril 6, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    You are definitely carrying the spirit of the day! Tartan speaks to ancient times and strong men in kilts and the women who made them. Love this post.

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  59. Blue Creek HomeApril 6, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Sarah,
    This is seriously a gorgeous tea party.
    I have this china. I may just have to get it out and have a tea party myself!!

    I am so happy that you joined my first Treasure Hunt Thursday. I would love to see you every Thursday!
    Rhonda

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  60. LynnApril 6, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    How pretty and fun Sarah, love the colors! I also didn't know there was a tartan day:@)

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  61. Tablescapes By DianeApril 6, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Hi lovely lady. You know I love to look and look on your Sweet Blog so sweet. I hope you have a Great Evening Sarah. I am right next to you.
    XXOO
    Diane

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  62. MarlisApril 6, 2011 at 8:54 PM

    Sarah! this is fabulous. I never even heard of Texas Tartan (shame on me). Your collection is lovely. I'd pop in for tea were I closer! Please drop in for a Mikasa giveaway!

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  63. My Dream CanvasApril 7, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    This is gorgeous. Hope to see you at My Dream Canvas!

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  64. Alison @ The PolohouseApril 7, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Sarah! This is so lovely! s you already know.... I too am mad for plaid. Your collection and your tablescape setting is magazine worthy. :)

    Thanks for sharing.

    Alison

    P.S.
    May I ask, where did you find the Royal Stewart red plaid ball ornaments? LOVE those!

    ReplyDelete
  65. JennApril 7, 2011 at 12:14 PM

    Love the tartan tea party! I am now your latest follower and am so happy to have found you. I am mad for plaid too and have just recently started a tartan ware collection---found 4 pieces so far! I am hooked!! Thanks for sharing all your inspiring photos.
    Jenn

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  66. UnknownApril 7, 2011 at 9:21 PM

    I recently discovered your blog, and I am a follower now.
    The Quimper displays are like eye candy. They are just delicious to look at over and over.
    I never knew there was a Tartan Day, but I am one of the many Cameron descendents. Please include me in the giveaway. Thank you for such a lovely and informative blog.

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  67. DiannApril 8, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    Hi Sarah!
    What a wonderful Tartan Tea you put together! Everything is just fabulous. I love those tartan spheres and the different tins. So pretty!

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  68. Ann @ Childrens Tea Party Sets and IdeasApril 8, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    How fascinating! I'll have to tell my grand kids about that. And I love your unique tea pot and tea set. Thank you for a very educational tea break.

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  69. A Toile TaleApril 8, 2011 at 10:18 PM

    Sarah -
    You KNOW you've rung my chimes with this post. National Tartan Day is new to me, but I could celebrate it every day! How I would love to join you with a cup of tea. I would love it if someone would do a Tartan Day blogparty next year. Are you up for it?
    Linda @ A Toile Tale

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  70. Red Couch RecipesApril 8, 2011 at 11:11 PM

    Sarah, one can only imagine all the books that you have! You do have a book for every occasion. My husband lived in Scotland for awhile in his younger days. Shortbread is a favorite of his. I make a brown sugar shortbread that we love -- but the tins of shortbread always taste so good too. I loved your little vignette and the glasses fit in so perfectly. Love the teapot too. Joni

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  71. UnknownApril 9, 2011 at 12:39 AM

    I'm sorry but I don't think that I have ever heard of tartan Day....The things you learn blogging! :) Your tea is darling. What a lovely collection of tartan. I love it all! Can you send me a cookie? I'm already having tea. :)

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    ~Liz

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  72. MaryApril 9, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    What a fabulous plaid post Sarah! I love tartan and my favorite has always been the Black Watch. In the fifties in the UK, tartan trews (kinda like skinnies but in wool not denim) were en vogue and I had a fabulous pair in Black Watch. They had little ankle slits to get your feet in the narrow bottoms. I so loved them and wore them out!!

    Now shortbread is my passion. Of course while on Atkins I cannot have even a tiny bite unfortunately!

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  73. The TablescaperApril 9, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    Great to have you be a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  74. JessaApril 9, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    What a beautiful tea! Love the tin, that is such a treasure.

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  75. SusanApril 9, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    My hubbie is Scottish, however we have nothing Tartan! He moved from Scotland with his parents when he was a little boy!

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  76. The Quintessential MagpieApril 10, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Dropping back by to let you know that I took a picture of my tennis shoes just for you, but I will email it to you. LOL! Getting ready to travel, so it might be later.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  77. The Charm of HomeApril 10, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    Sarah, This is fabulous!! Is it too late to enter for the kilt tin? How neat. Being of Scottish descent, I need to mark my calender for next year and join you on tartan day. What a lovely table you have set here. You have mentioned both my madien and maternal surnames in this post. Yes I should be ashamed I didn't do a tartan tea! Thanks for linking this up!
    Sherry

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  78. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~April 10, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Good day Dear~ ~I loved your post and learned a thing or two. Never too late you know. I adore Shortbread and make them myself. Simple and yummy. Do you ever? I have a wonderful recipe if you would like it.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  79. ~ ~ Ahrisha ~ ~April 10, 2011 at 5:35 PM

    My Goodness, of course I follow you. please put my name in the hat.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  80. Cherry ChickApril 10, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    What a charming post. I've so enjoyed all of your tartan pieces. Shortbread is one of my favorite treats. Too bad they don't make it low in calories...lol.
    It was really nice to see all your various tins and you know I adore your MacKenzie-Childs piece.

    ´*•.¸(´*•.¸♥¸.•*´)¸.•*´
    ♥•.*.*.*.Cherry*.*.*.•♥
    ♥•.*.*.*.Chick.*.*.*.•♥
    ¸.•*´(¸.•*´♥´*•.¸)´*•.¸

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  81. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaApril 11, 2011 at 4:35 PM

    I love the kilt tin, but missed the drawing having only just viewed your post today. Is it possible to buy this from the link to Campbell's that you so kindly provided? I haven't been able to quite figure out how.

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Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.