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, November 3, 2010

Reprise -- The Lunch Bunch is Now the Tea Trio

I'm reprising this April 2010 post because I've been having router problems and we had to disconnect it so the only computer we have is the "main frame" -- and . . . all my pictures are on the laptop.

I had company for tea last week and I had planned to post about the tea and the yummy pumpkin cranberry coffeecake that I served. Alas, you'll have to wait but I will share as soon as I'm able!

But I don't want to miss sharing a tabletop with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch, therefore, the reprise.

It's Tabletop Thursday -- one of my favorite days of the week!!!!


Three friends of mine come to lunch at Linderhof once a month. It's a decade old tradition -- these three friends joining me for lunch. What is great is that I get to try new recipes and they get to eat new foods.

Today was our regular "Lunch" but instead of lunch I decided to have an afternoon tea. A traditional three course afternoon tea -- a tea that should have been at half past three but one that we had at straight up noon!
I set the tea table with my Spode and Wedgewood and, of course, the silver teapot.
As is proper -- tea is served on the three tiered curate -- sandwiches on the bottom, then scones and then sweets. A seed cake is on a pedastal cake stand.
The tea cups and plates -- Spode Famille Rose -- I've had it for a long time but haven't used it much prefering instead my blue and white. I set the table properly -- with a tea plate, the napkin and then the tea cup and saucer on top.
Sandwiches first -- traditional cucumber (bread, butter, sliced cucumber and salt and pepper) and mixed olive tea sandwiches from The Watts Tea Shop via Savoring Time in the Kitchen -- a daily read of Linderhof.
In the middle of the curate, freshly made scones. I love Ina Garten's receipe -- they make lovely scones -- whether in triangles or in rounds which is what we always had in England. Served, of course, with real Clotted Cream and my homemade strawberry jam.
And at the top of the curate -- tarts -- strawberry tarts with patisserie cream and lemon curd tarts topped with a pansy.

And, in addition, a seed cake -- a traditional British cake for afternoon tea. Mine was made with poppy seeds and my guests pronounced it stupendous!

The curate, filled with tea goodies!



And at the end of the afternoon . . . . the pot is empty, the cups are empty and we feel sated. It was a grand afternoon tea!


13 comments:

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

What?! No recipes? That seed cake had my mouth watering. Everything looks both beautiful and delicious.

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

what a great tea treats! all i see scrumptious treats.. all so yummy! and lovely setting too! hope there is some left for me :D.. teehee! have a great day!

Scribbler said...

This looks mouthwatering! Your Spode is beautiful -- don't think I have seen that pattern before. What is a tea plate? Something in between a salad plate and a dinner plate?

Hope your computer problems are resolved soon!

Alycia Nichols said...

Your tea table is fabulous!!! Just fabulous!!! I still love that teapot...it's just the greatest!

Tricia said...

What a beautiful table -- and lovely luncheon! Your Spode is gorgeous, and the food looked so delicious. I know you and your friends had a wonderful afternoon!

Entertaining Women said...

The Spode Famille Rose is such a beautiful pattern. I'm glad to see it in use. Such a treat to see a proper English tea laid for friends. I've never seen the seed cake. Are there assorted recipes available for the cake? I'd love to try to bake one...sounds so good! Thank you for sharing your lovely tea and for stopping by my post. Please, come for a visit any time. Cherry Kay

my cup of tea said...

Everything is just beautiful! The food looks so delicious! What a lovely afternoon!
~Donna~

BumbleVee said...

took the word right out of my mouth. Stupendous!! wow.....

Marlis said...

This is lovely.. I love the china. It's quite beautiful. That was a lovely tea/lunch you served your friends.

Julie said...

Love the china... but honestly .. the adorable Corgi stole the show for me!!!

Enjoyed my visit to your blog!

Julie
www.equusvilla.blogspot.com

On Crooked Creek said...

Martha,
I remember reading this in April and learned the proper way to serve my Tea guests! I'd been serving from the top down. .. none of us knew!It does make perfect sense to have the pretties on the top. . ."eye candy". Those rose patterened dishes are calling my name! How exquisite! Thank you for the perfect blog to read while I'm having my 'cup of tea'!
Fondly,
Pat

Bernideen said...

Oh what a lovely tea and the food - amazing!

Tess said...

What a lovely table...and the food looks delicious. I love afternoon tea and this one looks wonderful! Did you live in England?

Tess