Teatime With My Snowpeople

January days are typically gray and dreary here in Texas, 

perfect for setting a cozy teatime with my friends Mary and Pam for

Tea on Tuesdays.  

I'm always thrilled when these special ladies kindly extend 

an invitation to guest host for one of their monthly parties.

Thank you, Mary and Pam!

January and February are typically our coldest months, and though we rarely get snow, I have a soft spot for snowpeople.  Tomorrow, January 18th is World Snowman Day.

It is also my birthday!  What better way to celebrate than with tea and birthday cake beside a cozy fire!

When I saw this darling cake at Whole Foods Bakery, I knew it would be perfect for Tea on Tuesdays.

Want to join me by the fire for a cup of tea and birthday cake?

I recently read Lisa Richey's Tea Time Etiquette Tips

on Victoria Magazine's site.

Unfortunately the link is no longer working.

Tea time can be whatever one wants.Mine is usually a simple, modest, time to relax alone or with a friend.I like to fill my tea pot with hot water, then use individual tea bags to offer a variety of tea if a guest is joining.My tea service is Richard Ginori Palermo Brown,our wedding china selected in 1975.

Lisa Richey says that hot tea is served 

with lemon slices, not wedges.

Sugar should be cubes served with tongs.

Milk, not cream, is offered for hot tea.

                       

I have a silver tea caddy that holds an assortment of tea bags.

My current choice for winter tea is John Harney's 

Hot Cinnamon Sunset, a blend of black teas, 

three types of cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves.  

After steeping in the cup of hot water, one should 

have a strainer available for the wet teabag.  

                                            

Another etiquette tip from Lisa Richey is that the 

spoon should move front to back rather than swirl around.

I often use linen cocktail napkins for tea time, 

but beautiful paper cocktail napkins are nice too.

Typically tea time might include a variety of sweets

and something savory served from a tiered tray.

Since I'm just serving cake, I used salad plates 

that will hold both my tea cup and cake.

These beautiful cups were gifted to me several years ago.

They were from a friend's grandmother's estate, and my friend 

knew I would love these delicate cups and saucers and use them.

Vintage silver and mother of pearl forks, and an antique English

silver cake knife make even the simplest teatime feel special.

Even for casual teatime, use your special pieces.

They will add a touch of elegance.

I might add that this cake is beautifully detailed.

It's a work of art!

Hope your winter is cozy and that special times are shared with

those you hold dear, perhaps savoring a cup of tea together.

This painting by Betsy Hybicki was a thrifty find some years ago.  

I smile at the joy depicted in this snowy scene and winter activities.

Leave me a comment and let me know about your winters.  

What do you like to do on a snowy day?  

Do you like to build a snowman?   

Or are you like me and have to 

settle for snowmen inside the house?

Bundle up and make your way over to 

my friends for more teatime delights.

Links below:

Mary @ Home is Where the Boat Is

Pam @ Everyday Living

Sadie says, "Don't forget to hug a snowman tomorrow.

It's World Snowman Day!

Joining

Love Your Creativity @ Life and Linda  Sundays on Silverado @ House on Silverado 

You're the Star @ Electric Red Barn  Inspire Me Monday @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia    

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life Tuesday Turnaround @ My Wee Abode

All About Home @ Common Ground  Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop @ Electric Red Barn
Share Your Style @ French Ethereal  Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner Charming Homes and Gardens @ Shiplap and Shells  Embracing Home and Family @ The Everyday Farmhouse   Farmhouse Friday @ The Painted Hinge