Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Tea Time Blues







Tea Time At

  Hyacinths for the Soul




Today's tea celebrates

 all things blue.





The cups and saucers were souvenirs purchased 

in Quimper, France in honor of my first visit.





They are antique pieces produced by 

the De la Hubaudiére faiencerie circa 1895.




The graceful teapot 

holds steaming water   .   .   .  




To use with vintage silver steeping spoons 

that feature mother of pearl handles.




I think they are bit more elegant than

using tea bags.   Don't you agree?




Just place the spoon in the cup 

and pour in the steaming water.




Can you smell 

its delicate fragrance?




These sugar tongs are petite, 

and beautifully embossed. 




One lump or two?




A friend gave me blueberries 

fresh from the farmer's market, 

so I made blueberry muffins to have with tea.




I used Martha's recipe found here.

They are made with cornmeal and 

 buttermilk, very moist and not too sweet.




Where there is food involved, 

you can be certain our Sadie girl

will be waiting at your feet.


Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits @ Stone Gable

 My tidbit for today is, 

 "Take those pretty things out of the cupboard 

 and take joy in actually using them 

 for their intended purpose."

 Joining


on

55 comments:

  1. thepaintedapron.comJuly 24, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    oh Sarah, what a lovely post! your photos are beautiful, and yes, a seeping spoon is a must for a proper tea! ha ha~but you're right, pretty things should be enjoyed, not held hostage in the china cabinet!
    Jenna

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  2. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenJuly 24, 2013 at 8:28 PM

    Oh Sarah, I want to come to tea at your house! I would love sipping tea from your treasured Quimper teacups. I promise, I'll be careful!! Those muffins look simply sinful and I'd love one of those, too, please. You even provided the prettiest sugar cubes to sweeten the tea...LOVE!

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  3. Debbie@Mountain BreathsJuly 24, 2013 at 8:29 PM

    Sarah, you are the Quimper queen. What a beautiful collection you have. I'm sure when you use the Quimper, you reflect fondly on your trip to France. xo

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  4. Botanic BleuJuly 24, 2013 at 8:38 PM

    Sarah, thank you for inviting us in for tea in your wonderful Quimper teacups and for homemade blueberry muffins. You are so right...take joy in actually using them (pretty things) for their intended purpose.

    Have a wonderful rest of the week.

    Judith

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  5. MarlisJuly 24, 2013 at 9:12 PM

    Steeping spoons! You know that I will be searching for some of those.. They are gorgeous. Love the quimper pieces. They are so beautiful. The linens are perfect with these pieces too. Just beautiful as always Sarah. xo marlis

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  6. La Table De NanaJuly 24, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    I've never seen lovelier steeping spoons..the silver pot:-)
    And luscious muffins to boot.

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  7. Alycia NicholsJuly 24, 2013 at 10:03 PM

    Oh, Sarah....those steeping spoons are just SO pretty! I don't think I've ever seen them quite so elegant! In fact, I don't think I've ever seen them at all!!!!!! What nice pieces to have in your repertoire for tea!!!

    The sugar cubes are just as cute as can be! I love the ones depicting a cup and saucer!!!

    Cornmeal in the muffins. I just have never tried that yet. I'll pop over to see the recipe.

    Beautiful cups and saucers...with a lot of memories attached to them! Very pretty post!!!

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  8. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageJuly 24, 2013 at 11:27 PM

    Oh I am loving these Frenchy blues! Just a beautiful tea you have put together. The muffins look really good. Love the papers. Simple and elegant!

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  9. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJuly 25, 2013 at 12:05 AM

    Dearest Sarah,
    You do have lovely antique and vintage pieces for pulling off a very elegant tea. Such a ritual is a feast for the eye and will add to the real taste for sure.
    Hugs to you,
    Mariette

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  10. Entertaining WomenJuly 25, 2013 at 12:37 AM

    The vintage elements for steeping and straining tea always tell such a delightful story of times when stopping for a cup of tea was a welcome part of everyone's day. The Quimper is so special. Thanks for inviting us for a peak. Cherry Kay

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  11. Art and SandJuly 25, 2013 at 1:01 AM

    Your dishes are beautiful and you set a beautiful table. Your post makes me want to rise early tomorrow morning to make blueberry muffins for the family.

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  12. LynnJuly 25, 2013 at 4:32 AM

    Very pretty Sarah! I love those gorgeous tea steeps with the mother of pearl handles-enjoy:@)

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  13. DianeJuly 25, 2013 at 5:21 AM

    Sarah, I have been to France several times, but never to Brittany. I would love to visit and scoop-up lots of Quimper! I own only one bowl and it is not old. All of your pieces are so special. I do love the steeping spoons and the wonderful muffin recipe. Thanks for posting it.

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  14. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizJuly 25, 2013 at 5:25 AM

    Very sweet Sarah. You are right about using these things as intended. Those tea spoons are great! I bet the blueberry muffins were so good!

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  15. MaryJuly 25, 2013 at 6:15 AM

    Oh Sarah...Your steeping spoons~ they elevate tea time to new heights! I wouldn't know how to drink tea without a teabag floating in my cup but I'm ready to give it a try :) Beautiful sugar tongs and beautifully crafted cubes! I would have to sneak Sadie a morsel of muffin~ who could resist that sweet face!

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  16. Castles Crowns and CottagesJuly 25, 2013 at 6:20 AM

    Sadie knows that TEA TIME is in order, especially because of the blueberry muffins! Oh Sarah, what a way to have tea, FRENCH STYLE! Ahhhhh.....and you are a Texas gal, and that's just about the same as a California Girl, because we know the sun and the warm memories that it burns into my minds. Thank you so much for coming to visit and to comment. I hope your summer is going well, enjoy your family, and create beauty. Anita

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  17. Penny from Enjoying The Simple ThingsJuly 25, 2013 at 7:10 AM

    Oh! I want to come to tea at your house. I have never seen such beautiful tea steeping spoons and your muffins look delicious!

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  18. PondsideJuly 25, 2013 at 9:00 AM

    Just thinking - if I had such pleasure from your post, I can well imagine how much I'd enjoy truly joining you for tea. The table is lovely - blue always gets my attention!

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  19. Linda @ A La CarteJuly 25, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    Sarah this is so pretty and just makes me want to sit down and enjoy tea and a muffin! I do love steeping spoons very much. I use to have one but think I need a new one. :)

    Linda

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  20. Patti @ Pandoras BoxJuly 25, 2013 at 10:49 AM

    I wish I could stop by for a cup of tea and visit and chat for hours with you!! Your muffins look so tasty, I think I drooled a bit looking at them !!

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  21. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJuly 25, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    Sarah, you own the most beautiful china treasures and you present them so artistically in your posts.

    I love your photo of Sadie! What a cute pup she is!

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  22. StitchforkJuly 25, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    I wouldn't feel blue taking part in your tea time!
    xo
    Cathy

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  23. OliveJuly 25, 2013 at 3:00 PM

    How beautiful Sarah with the Quimper cups. I must dig out my sole Quimper cup and have some tea.

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  24. The French HutchJuly 25, 2013 at 7:20 PM

    Hello dear Sarah. I can almost taste those blueberry muffins and taste the tea served up in your amazing beautiful Quimper tea cups and saucers. Yes, I love the steeping spoons, very elegant with the mother of pearl handles. Lovely silver teapot. I’m sure I need not worry about Sadie not getting a treat, I’m sure you pamper that sweet little friend with with anything she wants! Lovely post!

    ~Emily
    The French Hutch

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  25. ChiPPy-SHaBByJuly 25, 2013 at 7:26 PM

    Hellooooo Sarah!*!*!
    Those Polka-Dot Muffins Papers are Just Adorable!!! - along with their fluted edges as well... YUM!*!*!
    Jeanine Burkhardt

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  26. Sanghamitra Bhattacherjee(Mukherjee)July 25, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    Beautiful is the word! Love those polka dot muffins paper..
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

    ReplyDelete
  27. RettabugJuly 26, 2013 at 7:26 AM

    Sarah, my ♥ skipped a beat when I saw your beautiful glass basket,(TX brother inherited my Mom's) not to mention that gorgeous teapot & your amazing collection of vintage Quimper!

    I have never seen nor even heard of "steeping spoons"...what a lovely idea!

    I recently bought disposable purple polka-dot bread pans that match your pretty cupcake holders exactly! We think so much alike. LOL

    That is great advice to use & enjoy our treasures NOW!

    Hugs,
    Rett

    p.s. I'll be making blueberry muffins today, too, as my Dad's/sister's bushes are now producing. Yum!

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  28. La DolfinaJuly 26, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Gosh you really know how to make a presentation.
    So very lovely!
    I love Quimper.
    Thank you so much for stopping by my blog.
    I see I need to stop by here more often.
    It is a welcoming spot.
    Love your did
    XO

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  29. a quiet lifeJuly 26, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    oh so adorable, from the cups, to the purple polka dots! and such cute spoons, i am from an english family, you remind me of my grandmother with the very same ones... oh i love your decorated cubes! and blueberry muffins, a personal fav, you just need a dash lavender ;-)

    of course you have that show stopper sadie, my gosh she gets cuter every day! love the lighting on you last shot, what a delightful visit!

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  30. Lady of the ManorJuly 26, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    Your blue tea setting is perfect! I'm going to try the muffin recipe this weekend. Just picked up some fresh blueberries at the market today. Have a lovely day!

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  31. MaryJuly 26, 2013 at 2:27 PM

    Love everything Sarah and would be at the door with bells on for one of those muffins!!!!
    I'm making raspberry ones today as I bought too many and don't want them to spoil

    Love the china and the teaspoons, haven't seen any like that before.

    Happy weekend dear.
    Hugs - Mary

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  32. KarenJuly 26, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    Sarah,
    What a lovely setting. Where did you find the cool cardboard sleeves for the muffins. Is that what they are, decorative sleeves?
    karen

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  33. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJuly 26, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    Oh how pretty, Sarah. You know I love the French pottery, but I'm also loving those steeping spoons. I've never seen any with mother-of-pearl handles. They are gorgeous. And that silver coffee pot is gorgeous too. Well, everything is gorgeous - even your little sugar cubes. your muffins look delicious, and I love the little holders for them. laurie

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  34. Rattlebridge FarmJuly 26, 2013 at 8:03 PM

    Quimper always makes my heart speed up, beating like a hummingbird's wings. This is truly a celebration of all things purple, and a celebration for the soul. Sadie has such a loving little face--you can tell she loves her mom. So happy your post has graced Foodie Friday. xx

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  35. pamJuly 26, 2013 at 8:36 PM

    I love the tea spoons!!!

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  36. DebJuly 26, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    I loved this post, Sarah. I am so attracted to Quimper pieces. One of my kitty clients has many beautiful pieces and I just swoon over them. The tea spoons are so unique. I have never seen them before. They are absolutely beautiful. And blueberry muffins...I can't say enough. :) Deb

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  37. Pinky at Designs by PinkyJuly 26, 2013 at 9:20 PM

    Oh Sarah, the plates make me swoon.....I remember those tea spoons from my Grandmothers house. I wish I had some. And t
    he blueberry muffins look SO good. XO, Pinky

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  38. AnonymousJuly 27, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    The Quimper is wonderful, Sarah. I love this post. Beautiful table and photography!

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  39. Canadian ChickadeeJuly 27, 2013 at 1:45 PM

    Everything looks wonderful. I love the Quimper cups. I have one (one!) Quimper plate I bought years ago, but have never been able to find another. Perhaps a trip to France is in order!

    The muffins and tea sound delicious. I'm sure you all enjoyed your tea.

    Take care and God bless. xoxox

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  40. AnonymousJuly 27, 2013 at 9:55 PM

    Hi sweet Sarah! OH, how lovely! It would be so wonderful to be able to have tea with you. I don't think I've ever see Quimper cups and saucers and I love them. That is a very graceful and elegant tea pot along with the mother of pearl handled spoons. You do know how to set a pretty tea table. I love blueberries and your muffins look so good.
    Thanks for popping in to see me.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  41. Phyllis @Around the HouseJuly 28, 2013 at 12:27 AM

    I adore the tea holders, they are so beautiful and your dishes are so devine..I would love to be near you so I could stop over and have a sip of tea and one of those fab blueberry delights..thanks for sharing your beautiful and creative tea party.

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  42. Decor To AdoreJuly 28, 2013 at 10:13 AM

    Why yes, I will have a muffin. :) I have to say that my heart went pitter pat when I spied your Quimper teacups.

    Have a wonderfully lovely day!

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  43. MarigeneJuly 28, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    I am really fascinated with Quimper designs...love the older pieces. Those steeping spoons are lovely.
    Have a great week, Sarah...

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  44. JojoJuly 28, 2013 at 4:06 PM

    Love having tea time with the special serving utensils and sugar cubes!!! It's the little things that matter.

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  45. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouseJuly 29, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Your Quimper cups are exquisite. And I agree with you, tea always taste better if it's not in teabags.

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  46. SmilingSallyJuly 29, 2013 at 3:12 PM

    I like your blue china, and those sugar cubes are the cutest thing! Thanks for sharing.

    Happy Blue Monday, Sarah.

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  47. betty-NZJuly 29, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    So much beautiful blue!! Love them all especially the cute little sugar cubes!

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  48. Confessions of a Plate AddictJuly 29, 2013 at 7:54 PM

    Oh my, Sarah! You know I loved this post! Such pretty photos, too! Your Sadie is a cutie! Thanks so much for sharing at The Scoop!...hugs...Debbie

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  49. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJuly 29, 2013 at 11:03 PM

    I so agree. What good are pretty dishes if they just sit in the cupboard? Your spoons with the mother of pearl are gorgeous! I have one little metal one is all. Your muffins look so good and cute with the dotty wrappers! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  50. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeJuly 30, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    YOur tray display is fabulous and your pictures are GORGEOUS. I love the quimper and the silver together, so beautiful. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  51. The Charm of HomeJuly 31, 2013 at 12:09 AM

    This looks fantastic. Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home.
    Sherry

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  52. KathyJuly 31, 2013 at 8:54 AM

    LOVE your blue inspired tea setting, Sarah. Your dishes are gorgeous. The muffins look delicious - I have tried this recipe-it is good! Love the cupcake liners! I am delighted that you shared with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  53. KathleenAugust 1, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    What a beautiful tea! The pot is just lovely!
    Love your muffin wrappers too!

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  54. Botanic BleuAugust 3, 2013 at 9:22 PM

    Marty,
    Congratulations for this post being featured by Confessions of a Plate Addict at The Scoop. You are such a wonderful and gracious blogger who encourages all of us every week with well-written and pertinent comments on our posts. Your comments always relate to the posts' contents perfectly. I'm so happy for you to be recognized for your wonderful blog.

    Judith

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  55. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeAugust 4, 2013 at 5:22 PM

    Beautiful china, silver tea pots, Martha's BB muffins, sweet pup and even your sugar is fancifully decorated...can I PLEASE come over! :)
    Thanks so much for sharing at Amaze Me Monday...such a treat having YOU share!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

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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.