Linderhof


Gardening, Cooking and Decorating on the Prairie of Kansas


Welcome to Linderhof, our 1920's home on the prairie, where there's usually something in the oven, flowers in the garden for tabletops and herbs in the garden for cooking. Where, when company comes, the teapot is always on and there are cookies and cakes to share in the larder.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

A Lavender and Violet Tea

I usually have guests for lunch but this week I decided to have an afternoon tea -- in the breakfast room on my new table. The maiden voyage of the table at Linderhof.

And not only the new table, but a new tea cloth and new French teacups, saucers and cake plates.

The silver tea set is Plymouth and I've had it "forever" -- not a family treasure but one piece is engraved with an "MS" and although I probably paid too much for it (especially for an engraved piece) -- I just had to have it.

No sugar and cream for my guests take their tea straight.
A lavender and violet centerpiece as well -- a Victorian piece with purple flowers both on and in. Flowers from my garden -- all the ones with shades of violet and lavender.
The violets are the tea set. French, handpainted with violets so each cup, saucer and cake plate are just a wee bit different.

The lavender is the lavender wand or bottle for guests to take home AND the teacake which is lavender and pear (the recipe from Friend Mary on a favorite food board).
Alas, we didn't have lavender tea. Instead I poured a French pear tea that a dear friend had gifted me with. It really was the perfect tea to sip with the lavender pear teacake.

The hot August afternoon passed all too quickly with good food and good friends in the breakfast room at Linderhof.

Please join Susan at Between Naps On the Porch to see how others have set their tables. It is Tablescape Thursday after all! One of my favorite days of the week!

26 comments:

Southerncook said...

OMG, Martha, I have been looking for a beautiful Tea what do you call it...... a Samavour???? Yours is gorgeous. I am so envious. Your tea looked like so much fun. Perfection!!!!!! And the lavender wand..... just beautiful. Oh how I wish I could be a guest at one of your luncheons or for tea.

Carolyn

Blondie's Journal said...

Martha,

This is so pretty! I have always loved this color and the lavender looks so pretty on a tea table. Your new dishes look so sweet and I love the new table (you need to show us more of it!!)

xoxo
Jane

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

This is all very beautiful!

Katherine

Chandy said...

I love your tea... I'm barely discovering tea but I am more intrigued each time I see them.

Pearl Maple said...

Simply lovely tablescape, full of all those delightful scents and colors of summer.

Deanna said...

Absolutely charming!
I just love this and wish I could have joined you.
Summer blessings to you,
d

The Bloom Girls said...

Absolutely beautiful! Purple is my favorite color so I am in LOVE with your new plates and tea cups, they are stunning! Looks like a wonderful place to sit down and visit with friends!

Blessings!

Karyn

The Tablescaper said...

I can see why you couldn't pass up that tea pot, with the stand and all. It is fabulous! Love those tea cups too. Wish I could stop over for a cup of tea.
-The Tablescaper

A Hint of Home said...

Your table and tea time looks so inviting. What time should I arrive?

susan said...

Martha- I can see why you couldn't pass up the tea set! The shape is lovely and so unique. Glad you are enjoying your new table!

Eileen said...

This is really beautiful!
So many people used blue, purple, and/or lavender this Thursday. I think it's so pretty and soft looking! You did a great job and I love the sound of the lavender pear cake!

And your kitchen in the picture on your sidebar looks so pretty too!
This was great!
All the best,
Eileen

Unknown said...

I love your Tea Server! That is just to die for! So pretty.
~Liz

Joyce said...

What a nice maiden voyage for your table and the tea set is so elegant.
Joyce

Dana and Daisy said...

Martha, how elegant and old fashioned! O my, I better wear my white gloves and hat next time I visit you!

Forgive me this time, please, lol!

Dana and Daisy said...

p.s. I mean "old fashioned" in the best of ways! I love old things!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Gorgeous!!! This is such an elegant tea party!!! I love the lavender wand...beautiful!!! I would love to have tea in this setting!!!

Happy TT!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Slice of Pie said...

So beautiful. I love the grace of delicate tea cups ... what pretty colors. Love the setting .. and the silver is fantastic.

Debbie

Sharlotte said...

Your table is just lovely! It looks so cool on these warm summer days. I absolutely LOVE your silver. It is gorgeous!

Brenda Pruitt said...

You have SOOO been enjoying that nice new table! I've come to realize when there's something "I just have to have" I might as well just go ahead and get it rather than think it to death!
Brenda

Jennie Shutt said...

You have a very beautiful tea service. The lavender wands look really neat.

Anonymous said...

Hi Martha! Oh, how pretty! Your colors are just beautiful and the flowers!
Be a sweetie,
shelia :)

Kathryn @ Bonafide Southern said...

This is so lovely! I especially like the handpainted violet plates. Great job! Happy TT to you!

Unknown said...

That's a serious teapot! I love the cups and saucers! And the lavender wands... I made some in the spring.
I hope you have a fabulous week end!
~Really Rainey~

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Oh...I LOVE that teapot. Very art deco I think.....Nothing like a wonderful summer tea!

Michelle said...

That teapot is so amazing!! Lavender is oen of my favorite flowers :)

Tea in the afternoon is such a delight...and yours is calling all of us!

Best,
Michelle

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

This is such a lovely tea setting. I love your new tea cups, so dainty and pretty. Your new table looks like the perfect spot for a tea party, and the cloth is so pretty. The silver tea pot is gorgeous. It just looks like such an inviting and perfect tea party, and the little wand for your guests is wonderful. laurie