It's 2013
Our original plans for New Year's Eve
got cancelled by the predicted snow and ice
And so we had a quiet night at home
Watching movies, snacking on homemade Buffalo wings
And ringing in the New Year Central Standard Time
This morning, we had our first meal of 2013
in the breakfast room . . .
breakfast!
We've fond memories of staying in bed and breakfasts in England
And we simply adore a Full English Breakfast
We set the table in the breakfast room with the English mats that one always sees in bed and breakfasts -- it keeps the hot plate off the wood table, a bread plate with a butter knife, a fresh napkin in a silver ring . . . and mostly, the Spode Blue Italian
Marmalade is the English jam of choice for breakfast
A wonderful old English silver and crystal marmalade jar
bought not in England but here -- for I had a "no breakable rule" for things I brought home
when we lived in England that spring
As close to an English breakfast as we can have on the prairie
An egg cooked English style on a piece of fried bread, rashers of bacon (alas, American bacon, not English bacon) but real English Heinz beans -- warmed
A bowl of Christmas fruit replaces the Advent wreath and the English wood barley twist candlesticks are back on the table -- for candlelight suppers.
Orange marmalade, tea in a crockery pot and a "toast cooler" full of crisp dry toast
We're not in England . . . but we can imagine!
As we have a leisurely (and large) breakfast -- we cups and cups of tea and a lot of talk
as to plans for not only the day but for 2013 as well.
And it was softly snowing as we breakfasted.
It made it even more perfect.
And after . . .
This Queen was not in her counting house . . .
And Christmas is still up . . .
but I did both polish
and count
The Reed and Barton silver bells.
The first one bought on our November honeymoon -- just before Christmas,
others added when I found them after Christmas at half price
while others were gifts for opening our home for the Homes for the Holiday Homes Tour
and still others were gifted from my brother when we used to exchange Christmas presents.
I don't have one for every year we've been married --
I'm missing 11!
I've decided that in 2013, I shall make my collection complete
So every month I shall order a bell that I don't have. . .
Today I ordered 1982!
By Christmas next, 44 silver bells shall hang on the tree at Linderhof. . .
for you know that every time you hear a bell --
An angel gets it wings!!!!
It's Thursday and I'm joining Susan at Between Naps On the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish!
16 comments:
Oh my goodness, I LOVED this post especially how you ended it. And I am very envious of your marmalade jar, what a beauty. I do wish we had just a little snow here but we don't. We have before but it is very rare. I can remember as a child of 3 a very heavy snow in Pensacola and we have had light snow three other times here that I can remember. I should be careful what I wish for since I did plant my pansy's today so I could enjoy them up until our heat and humidity hits us which is much earlier than y'all have it.
Carolyn
That is a sweet tradition. So glad you can get the bells you're missing. What a sight next Christmas when they're all together.
Happy New Year!
Martha,
Your English breakfast looks delicious...and amazing resemblance to that you photgraphed while in England!!!
I love the return of your barley twist candlesticks on the breakfast table!!!
Your bell collection is elegant! I think it is a wise idea to complete your collection. Sometimes the "thrill of the hunt", but I agree with your decision to order the remaining pieces for completion!!!
2013 has already begun on a sweet "note" @ Linderhof!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Deliciously wonderful...beautiful too.
Happy New Year, Martha!
Martha, you had me with the bells. I forgot everything else and had to go back. But I loved doing that. I do love that you are completing your collection of bells. I love your breakfast. The table looks fabulous as does the food. Snow for breakfast.. awesome. Happiest of years to you! xo Marlis
Martha, I loved the ending of your post with the silver bells!! I hope you get them all to complete your set. Your english breakfast sounds tasty and the oranges compliment the blue so nicely. Happy New Year!!
Hi Martha, I really enjoyed seeing your British breakfast table. We love the beans and eggs too, and my kids like the broiled tomatoes although I can pass on that! :) I have never seen those bells so I am off now to research them! I think it is so special that you are collecting one for every year of your marriage. Happy New Year! Linda
Martha, the bells are a wonderful tradition. I love the idea of having one for each year of your marriage. Your table and the delicious breakfast make me smile. I have a collection of barley twist candlesticks, so it is fun to see you use these on your table too.
There's nothing like a good English breakfast especially when sausages,tomatoes and mushrooms are added in. It definitely isn't a slimmer's meal though:)
All your lovely posts about life at Linderhof make me think of the end of Yeats' A Prayer for My Daughter:
And may her bridegroom bring her to a house
Where all's accustomed, ceremonious;
For arrogance and hatred are the wares
Peddled in the thoroughfares.
How but in custom and in ceremony
Are innocence and beauty born?
Ceremony's a name for the rich horn,
And custom for the spreading laurel tree.
What a beautiful breakfast and breakfast table! I just adore your marmalade jar! It is stunning!
Have you seen the Hallmark Movie called Silver Bells - a favorite one?
You have quite the collection and what a lovely English breakfast.
I love your candle sticks. they have been in my cross hairs for a year now, but I haven't found the price I want to pay. The tradition of the bells is wonderful. I can't wait to see them all together on your tree next year. Dianne
I love your bell collection! Yes, please, do complete the collection! What a wonderful idea! I bet they look marvelous on your Christmas tree!
Love your bell tradition!
Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!
Everything looks too yummy and delicious!!Great Post! But you might just want to try having the bed and breakfast in Cork , it would be really fun!
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