Just a Little Southern Hospitality

The Wisteria - A Tea Room experience

2012-01-30T12:40:00.001-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I had an opportunity to meet up with my BFF. She was down in Naples for a little R&R, so we planned to meet in Fort Myers for lunch. And wow, what a lunch we had!

This is the Wisteria Tea Room and Cafe.

This neglected 1919 Florida bungalow, has been remodeled and converted into a very delightful Tea Room.

It's only been open since July, but they really know how to treat gals right.

Here, let me open the door for you.

We were the first guests to arrive, so we took a little photo tour.

We were seated in a nice quiet corner.

But before very long the Tea Room starting filling up. Fast!!!

We ordered the most delicious Tea

Creme Au Caramel - and OH MY was it ever a delicious Rooibos tea.

We decided to order the soup and salad, served with a Praline Scone, which was again very delicious. Everything is home made and you can tell it.

We finished it off with a Tiramisu Roobios tea ;-)

My friends and I had a wonderful time together. If you are ever in the Fort Myers area, be sure to stop in at The Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe. It's a Tea Room that is not to be missed.

Tea Time Tuesday
Simply Sweet
Tea Cup Tuesday
Tea Party Tuesday
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Martha's Favorites
A Return to Loveliness
Friends Sharing Tea

Seasonal Sunday

2012-01-28T16:25:00.000-08:00

Today my sweet hubby took me to a fabulous restaurant for lunch.

The food was good, but the view was breathtaking.

You can sit outside on the veranda.......

or just by the window and drink this all in..........

The Florida sky was just magnificent today.

I'm joining the Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday

Did someone say - PINK!

2012-01-27T17:45:00.000-08:00

When I found this Starbucks coffee mug today at Goodwill, it instantly became my #1 favorite mug. Ringing up at $1.06 didn't hurt matters either.

So I thought I would share a recipe for a wonderfully delicious cheesecake pie that goes so well with coffee, Hot chocolate or hot tea.

Brownie Swirl Cheesecake
1 pkg brownie mix (I used Dark Chocolate)
2 pkgs (8oz ea) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Whipping cream, whipped with 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
mini chocolate chips

Prepare brownie mix according to directions on box, for chewy brownies. Spread into a greased 9 inch springform pan. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes (brownies will NOT be done). Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour over the brownie crust. Using knife, run through both layers to gently mix them and bring some of the brownie up to the top--- bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes, til center is almost set--- loosen sides by running a knife along edge--- remove sides of pan-- cool completely for at least 3 hours--- garnish with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips---- 8-10 servings Enjoy!!!

(I would love to share a picture of this Cheesecake, but unfortunately it disappears right before my eyes :-)

Pink Saturday
Foodie Friday
What I Love about the Thrift Store
(woo-hoo I just saw that my post from last week was featured on Cap Creations!)

Outdoor Wednesday

2012-01-24T16:55:00.000-08:00

Outdoor Wednesday

Valentine's Breakfast

2012-01-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

Recently I read Susan's post on Between Naps on the Porch where she shared a Valentine's Breakfast. I took a double take because I saw a few familiar things. So I thought I would try to recreate her beautiful Valentine's Breakfast.

My daughter has this beautiful antique bedspread, but it was not big enough for my bed. So I reversed the colors and used my beautiful Chaps bedspread and laid the antique one at the foot.

My Limoges china cup.

I found these gorgeous plates at Goodwill. I was sorry there were only three sets.

The Rose plates are Georgian by Homer Laughlin
The Pink square plate is Octaparagon by Ranmaru

The antique chairs were left in our new home by the former owners.

What a delightful way to enjoy a sweet Valentine's Breakfast.

Tea Time Tuesday
Table Top Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Tea Party Tuesday
Martha's Favorites
A Return to Loveliness
Winter Blues Wednesday

Tablescape Thursday

Open House Party
Home Sweet Home

Heart Friend

2012-01-23T04:50:00.000-08:00

Do you have a friend who sticks closer to you then a brother? I've had two such friends in my lifetime. One is with the Lord, and the other lives many states away. But yet when I think of the sweet friendships that we have shared, it warms my heart beyond measure.

"There's a blessing in our friendship,
It's a bond between we two.
For the Lord brought us together,
And I thank Him now for you.

You've been there when I needed you,
We've shared our dreams and plans.
And when at times I've fallen down,
You've given me your hand.

You are always such a Joy
Each time that we're together,
But more than that, you are my friend
And in my heart forever."

So today I am thankful for my heart friends. The ones who really care, and share part of their lives with me. Friends may come and friends may go, but your heart friend is with you forever.

"Kindness is a friend's greatest asset,
With it she can mend misunderstandings
and smooth out rumpled feelings.
With only a well placed word,
She can raise a downcast spirit."

It's my BFF birthday today. So I wanted to send Happy Birthday wishes to Lin.

Hug your friend today :-)

A Winter Tea revisited

2012-01-21T14:24:00.000-08:00

I am reposting this from last January. It seems most appropriate for another look at this time of year :-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Winter time can be so dark and bleak, but it is also a wonderful time to enjoy a piping hot cup of tea and share it with a friend.

So come along, pull up a chair and let's enjoy a spot of tea together. My little Hostess Angel is waiting to serve you.

Thank you for joining me today. I am also sharing my table with The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday and Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Soup for a cold day

2012-01-20T13:01:00.000-08:00

If you want to warm your tummy with a fast and delicious bowl of soup, try this quick and easy recipe.

I found it on the back of a package of Swanson Chicken Broth.

Sensational Chicken Noodle Soup

4 cups Swanson Chicken Broth
Ground black pepper
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1/2 cup uncooked egg noodles
1 cup shredded cooked chicken or turkey

Heat broth, black pepper, carrot and celery in 2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil

Stir noodles and chicken into saucepan. Reduce heat to medium. Cook 10 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring often.

3-4 servings

That's it! For my family we increase all the ingredients and add some crushed garlic. It sure makes a great bowl of Chicken Noodle soup on a cold day.

(I am reposting this from a previous post, mostly because I love this soup and it the right soup for this time of year :-)

Home and Garden Thursday
Foodie Friday

Vintage Sandwich Dishes

2012-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

For many years, when I would go "hunting" with my hubbys Aunt, we would be on the look out for these vintage dishes.

I've collected several designs and have at least 8 to 10 servings for each design. Not as many of the cups though. And unfortunately when I was bringing these dishes down from the cabinet, one of the cups made a crash landing on my unforgiving tile floor :-(

But isn't it fun to use these pretty glass sandwich dishes for a special occasion or luncheon?

Vintage Thingie Thursday

Thrifty Things Friday

What I Love About the Thrift Store

The Sewing Bee

2012-01-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

For years we sewed and quilted together. But in the last year life has sort of gotten in the way. Caring for aging parents, work schedules, travel, family responsibilities........... there are just times when you cannot work/play in a Sewing Bee.

Over the holidays the quilting buddies got together for a little Tea and lunch. It was so enjoyable to catch up with each other.

Fresh baked scones.

Fresh garden salad with strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese and Sweet Roasted pecans.

Salad dressings served in crystal creamers.

Pasta E Fagioli soup.

Delicious desserts (Recipe HERE)

What a lovely way to end the holidays.

Tea Time Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Table Top Tuesday
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Martha's Favorites
Tea Party Tuesday
Friends Sharing Tea Wednesday
Open House Party

Seasonal Sunday

2012-01-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

I just can't resist posting these pictures. This IS Seasonal Sunday in Florida :-)

Foto Finish
Seasonal Sunday

Cranberry Bliss bars

2012-01-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

My daughter made these desserts recently. The one on the left is a Pumpkin roll. The one of the right is called Cranberry Bliss bars. She found the Starbucks copy cat recipe. And let me say, it's delicious!!!

	Cranberry Bliss Bars Cake 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar 3 eggs 2 tablespoons minced crystallized ginger 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 cup chopped sweetened dried cranberries 4 ounces white chocolate, cut into chunks Frosting 4-ounces cream cheese, softened 3 cups powdered sugar 4 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup chopped sweetened dried cranberries Drizzled Icing 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 tablespoon milk 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening



	1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Make cake by beating the butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs, ginger, vanilla, and salt and beat well. Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until smooth. Mix the chopped dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks into the batter by hand. Pour the batter into a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is lightly browned on top. Allow the cake to cool. 3. Make the frosting by combining the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. When the cake has cooled, use a spatula to spread the frosting over the top of the cake. 4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped dried cranberries over the frosting on the cake. 5. Make the drizzled icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and shortening. Drizzle this icing over the cranberries in a sweeping motion with a squirt bottle or fill a small plastic storage bag with the icing and cut off the tip of one corner. 6. Cover the cake and let it chill out in the fridge for a couple hours, then slice the cake lengthwise (the long way) through the middle. Slice the cake across the width three times, making a total of eight rectangular slices. Slice each of those rectangles diagonally creating 16 triangular slices. Makes 16 bars.

http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/Starbucks-Cranberry-Bliss-Bar-Recipe.html

Winter Blues Wednesday
Home and Garden Thursday
Foodie Friday

Red for any season

2012-01-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over. But I had one more special table I wanted to share. It was my Red for the Season Breakfast.

I love these red and white transferware dishes that I found at Goodwill a couple of years ago.

Ever since then I keep my eye out for anything Red that would go with them.

I found the Tea Pot at Cracker Barrel.

Tea cups and saucers from Queen of Hearts in Alpharetta GA.

Red always goes with the Christmas holiday, but with Valentines just around the corner, these dishes will make a new statement for the season of love.

Tea Time Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Table Top Tuesday
Tuesday Cuppa Tea
Martha's Favorites
Tea Party Tuesday
A Return to Loveliness
Open House Party

Tablescape Thursday
Thrifty Things Friday

It is with deepest regrets that I have been informed 'Teapot And Tea Things Tuesday', as well as 'Tuesday Tea For Two (Wanda Lee) will no longer be hosting or blogging anymore. It really saddens me to see these lovely Tea parties leave blog land. As well as Lady Katherine has not posted since November. I wanted to let Wanda Lee, Pam, and Lady Katherine know how much I have appreciated their being such gracious hostesses over the years and we will miss them sorely. I pray that all is well and they will enjoy their time with family and friends. We would welcome them back anytime they feel they can return to sharing Tea with us.

Winter

2012-01-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Winter in Florida............

Seasonal Sunday
Foto Finish

Spiritual Sundays

2012-01-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

"And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you, He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. Deut 31:8

As we embark on yet another New Year, there are uncertainties that lie ahead. The Lord does not send out a calendar of events that will happen in life. We are more likely to be taken by surprise as the story unfolds. God, in His great goodness, knew that we could not handle knowing what each day would bring. So we step out in faith, facing each day as a new adventure. However, our loving Father is not ignorant of each step. Even when we cannot feel His presence, He is with us.

Spiritual Sundays

The Nutcracker

2012-01-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

For years I have watched my father in law crack Pecans with this nut cracker. So recently when we were given a sack of Pecans, we asked to use it to expedite the process.

Place the pecan into the adjustable slot.

Give the handle a whack

And the pecan shell peels like a banana ;-)

I'm not sure how long ago my father in law made this nutcracker, but it sure has been a handy old tool.

Vintage Thingie Thursday

Home Made Chili

2012-01-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

After my post yesterday, I was asked to share my Chili Recipe. I really don't have a specific recipe, but I can tell you how I make Chili.

The first most important thing is the cast of characters.

Years ago I started using Van Camps New Orleans Style Red Kidney Beans. It was the best beans for my Chili.

After using this product for YEARS, our grocery stores stopped carrying it. I thought perhaps Van Camps was not making it anymore. But on a trip to Alabama, my hubby found it at the Piggly Wiggly supermarket. Since then he brings home a case of the Beans every year.

The same thing happened with the tomatoes I used. The GaRed Tomatoes went into my Chili, and again the grocery store stopped carrying this brand. Thankfully, Piggly Wiggly still carries this brand as well.

I tried using other beans and tomatoes when these products were not available, but my Chili just did not taste as good. So if you can find these products, I would suggest that you try it in your Chili.

The Seasoning of choice is the Original Mexene Chili Powder Seasoning. It's the only seasoning I have ever used.

Home Made Chili
1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef)
1 medium chopped onion
3 cans 15 oz Peeled Tomatoes
2 tablespoons Mexene Chili Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1/2 cup water
2 cans 15 oz Kidney Beans

Brown meat and onion. Drain.
In stock pot, cut up Peeled Tomatoes and add meat, onion, and remaining seasoning. Mix well. Add Kidney Beans. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes.

Serve hot with crackers.

Foodie Friday

Chili for Chilly

2012-01-03T12:45:00.000-08:00

I love living in the South. The balmy weather makes for very pleasant days almost year round. But about this time of year, someone always leaves the door open from the frigid North and we get bombarded with pretty cold weather.

So on days like today, I love to make a pot of Chili to serve up hot and filling. Add a little salad on the side and what a great meal to ward off the cold weather.

I love these beautiful dishes that I found at Goodwill a few months ago. I nearly left them because they only had Soup bowls and salad plates. I'm so glad I decided to bring them home.

Soup and Salad dishes - Mornay by Mikasa (Goodwill)
White Chargers - Westbury Court by PTS International (Home Goods)
Soup Tureen - Nortake (Antique shop)
White plates with silver rim - Royalton China (my Mom was given a place setting every time we bought gas at the Shell station many years ago. Do you remember those days?)

Table Top Tuesday
A Return to Loveliness
Winter Blues Wednesday
Home Sweet Home
Open House Party
Tablescape Thursday
Thrifty Things Friday

Collections

2012-01-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

The Polohouse is hosting Favorites on the First. This month we share "Collections?" I collect several things, but probably my favorite collection is my Tea Cup collection.

Each tea cup holds a special memory.

And for Christmas my sweet hubby bought this pair of Limoges Tea Cups. I just love them!!!

So my question to you is.......... what do you collect??

Favorites on the First
Tea Time Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday
Tea Party Tuesday
Martha's Favorites

Seasonal Sunday

2011-12-31T13:23:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week I wrote a post about Milk and Cookies. Several people commented on the pretty Christmas dishes that were pictured. So I thought I would share what happened to those dishes.

A sweet lady friend was in an accident and was laid up right before Christmas. After having a back injury myself a year ago, I knew the only thing that this gal would be able to do was #1 read, #2 watch a DVD, or #3 listen to music.

So with that in mind, my daughter and I made up a Tea Party in a Basket. We baked fresh scones, prepared a plate of cookies, I found a perfect Tea book, and added a DVD and CD into the basket. Along with the pretty Christmas dishes.

Tea, Hot cider and Hot chocolate mix to round out the goodies.

It's not a fun way to spend the week before Christmas, but hopefully the Tea Party in a Basket brought a little pleasure during an unpleasant time.

May this Seasonal Sunday be the beginning of a wonderful New Year!

Pink Saturday

2011-12-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

As we come to the close of yet another year, I want to send out a THANK YOU to all of you who read and follow my little blog. It really means so much to me as you have shared your life with me. I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people. I have been blessed by your very sweet and generous comments. I wish each one of you a very Happy and blessed New Year!

Pink Saturday

For the New Year

2011-12-30T05:54:00.000-08:00

"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died of us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." Romans 5:8-10

"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved, for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation." Romans 10-9-10

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. " Romans 5:1

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

We all do wrong things. Whether in thought or deed, I have sinned against God in my life. I am so thankful that the gift of God is free, and that Christ's death on the cross was atonement for my sins.

Will you let Christ's ransom be applied to you?? If so, you can pray.........

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and in need of Your forgiveness of my sins. I know I deserve judgment in hell. I understand that I can only receive this forgiveness through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for my sins and rose from the dead that I might spend all of eternity with You in Heaven. I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my life as my Savior. Thank you in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

Spiritual Sundays

Vintage memories

2011-12-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

Here we are, the last few days of 2011. As I look back on this past year I am amazed at the talent, creativity and beauty that is shared via blogging. Whether it is thift store shopping, finding treasures in antique shops, home improvement or quilting, the internet has surely made it a very small world.

I'd like to introduce you to a very special lady. This is our sweet 96 year old aunt.

She has been my teacher, friend, and soul mate in treasure hunting for over 30 years. I used to tag along with her to yard sales, antique shops and all kinds of second hand stores. She loved paper weights, and she also loved vases. She had quite a collection of both. I recently found two beautiful tea/coffee cups for her birthday last month.

More importantly, she has loved my children and has been a huge part of their growing up years.

I like the term "Vintage things" better then old, or antique. It is a term that I learned about when I started participating in Vintage Thingies Thursday with Colorado Lady Suzanne as our hostess. Every week I love to visit the other blogs and see what great vintage treasures are being shared. Please be sure to stop by Colorado Ladys blog and take a peek at the other great Vintage Thingies.

Wishing you a very happy and blessed New Year!

Outdoor Wednesday

2011-12-27T20:37:00.001-08:00

Outdoor Wednesday

Milk and Cookies

2011-12-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

What is better on Christmas Eve then cookies, milk, hot tea or cocoa?

I hope your Christmas was as wonderful and delicious as a cold glass of milk, or a hot cup of tea and a freshly baked cookie.

Table Top Tuesday
A Return To Loveliness
Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday
Home Sweet Home
Friends Sharing Tea
Open House Party
Tablescape Thursday
Home for the Holidays

Christmas Prayer

2011-12-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Prayer

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in the Song of the Angels,
the Gladness of the Shepherds,
and the Worship of the Wise Men.

Close the door of hate
and open the door of Love all over the world.
Let Kindness come with every gift
and Good Desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the Blessing which Christ brings,
and Teach us to be merry with Clear Hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy Children
and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with
Grateful Thoughts, Forgiving and Forgiven.

For Jesus' Sake........ Amen

~ Robert Louis Stevenson ~

Wishing you and your families a very blessed and Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

May the celebration of our Savior's birth inspire us all to rejoice and to serve Him with humble hearts. May we always remember the "reason for the season".

Our Heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave His beloved Son to this fallen world, to die for our sins so that we may live forever with Him (John 3:16) It's a gift that cannot be earned or worked for. It's free to all men.

May your hearts be filled with love and joy this Christmas season.

Spiritual Sundays

Holiday Party Cookies

2011-12-22T20:25:00.000-08:00

About 30 years ago, a friend of mine gave me this recipe for some awesome cookies. She made hers using chocolate chips,but I have always substituted M&M's. My family loves them, and I can tell you right up front, they aren't good for you ;-)

Holiday Party Cookies -

Cast of Characters

1 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
1/2 cup sugar

Blend together, then add

2 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon Wheat Germ (optional)
1 Tablespoon Flax seeds (optional)

Blend everything together and add 1 1/2 cups M&M's or Chocolate Chips

Drop by teaspoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Aren't they pretty :-) I do place the M&M's on the top. I hope you enjoy them.

Foodie Friday
Sweets for Saturday
It's a Cookie Party
Chic & Crafty Party

Thrifty Things Friday

2011-12-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

As most of my readers know, I love to scout out the thrift stores and find little treasures. Well the other day when I was at Goodwill I came across these darling dishes. Great buy for $1.00 each.

They are perfect to fill with cookies and take to my neighbors.

I hope you are having a great week and that your Christmas plans are all coming together. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year :-)

I'm joining Diann for Thrifty Things Friday.

Holiday Tables

2011-12-21T16:32:00.001-08:00

I thought it would be fun to share some of the pretty holiday tables that have been featured on my blog.

Thank you so much for stopping by. Wishing each one of you a very Merry Christmas.

Share the Love Wednesday
Tablescape Thursday
Home Sweet Home
Home for the Holidays
Seasonal Sundays

Christmas lights

2011-12-20T14:05:00.000-08:00

Our house decorated with lights.

Outside......... looking in...........

Merry Christmas!
Outdoor Wednesday

Sweet Roasted Nuts

2011-12-20T06:42:00.000-08:00

Today I am sharing another goodie. These are great to make just to eat, but they make very nice little gifts as well.

My niece made these Sweet Roasted Nuts for us last year and of course we all loved them and wanted the recipe. Well, she basically said she did not have a recipe but told me how to make them.

The cast of characters

1 bag of pecan halves (or 1 1/2 cups)
1 bag of walnuts (or 1 1/2 cups)

Melt 1/2 stick of butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, a pinch of salt and a little vanilla in a sauce pan.

Coat the nuts in the mixture and then spread on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. You will know when they are done when you smell them!

Cool on wax paper before storing

I found these little canning jars at Target, and they are the perfect size for gift giving.

I hope you enjoy making these little morsels. They are so delicious to eat and you could make someone very happy :-)

Linking with Your Recipe, My Kitchen
My Sweet and Savory

Christmas nights

2011-12-19T14:21:00.000-08:00

At Christmas, do you ever just sit by the tree and take in the beauty of the season?

After everyone has gone to bed, do you fill a plate with some sweet goodness, make a hot cup of tea and just enjoy the quietness of the evening?

Do you sometimes wonder what the Shepherds thought on that night, so many years ago, when the Angelic host proclaimed the birth of Jesus?

What an awe filled experience that must have been.

And for now, I will turn the lights down low, and pretend the twinkling of the Christmas tree are the stars of the Universe proclaiming the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Merry Christmas!

Table Top Tuesday
Tea Time Tuesday
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Martha's Favorites
Open House Party
A Return to Loveliness

Christmas Holiday Home

2011-12-18T10:52:00.001-08:00

Christmas certainly adds a special air of magic to our home. I love the twinkling lights and the warmth of opening our home to family and friends.

Welcome to our home.

The front entry

We have a little greeter by the door

Our tree in the Living room

The Fireplace
The Formal Dining Room

Our breakfast room table and hutch, all decked out

The tree in the Family Room.

We bought this tree when our youngest was just 1 year old. So we've enjoyed this Christmas tree for 19 years. She's still beautiful and full of memories.

The Christmas Village.

This is our favorite part about the holidays. Enjoying great food, talking with friends and gathering around the fireplace singing Christmas Carols.

Christmas Holiday Home Decor
Metamorphosis Monday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday
The Nesting Place Christmas Tour of Homes

Just a little sweet

2011-12-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I tend to indulge in desserts during the Christmas holidays. So for the next week I thought I would share some of our favorite recipes that sweeten up our household.

My daughter makes this yummy dessert recipe. I posted this on my Quilting blog, but thought I would share here too. This is almost like a pumpkin pie cobbler. Serve it warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pumpkin Pie Cake

Ingredients:
2 (15 oz) can canned pumpkin puree
1 (12 fluid oz) can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 (18.25 oz) package yellow cake mix
3/4 cup butter
1 cup chopped nuts

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease one 9 x 13 pan
2 In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Melt butter and drizzle over the cake mix. Sprinkle nuts over the top.
4. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until done.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

I'm linking up with............

The Corson Cottage for Home for the Holidays
Sweets for Saturday

Special Delivery

2011-12-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

What was that?? Was that Reindeer I heard?? On no, it was just the mailman :-) He was delivering a package from my Secret Santa.

And what a lovely package it was too!

A perfect pair of teacups. Let me get the kettle going. Thank you Secret Santa. I wish we could share a cup of tea together.

Thanks to Coloradolady Suzanne for hosting the Secret Santa Soriee

A Tartan Christmas Lunch

2011-12-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, the simplicity of lunch can become a festival at Christmas time.

A Return to Loveliness
Share the Love Wednesday
Open House Party
Tablescape Thursday
Home Sweet Home
Seasonal Sundays

Outdoor Wednesday

2011-12-13T14:35:00.000-08:00

As I was driving home one evening, I couldn't help but be captivated by this beautiful red sky. Just perfect for the Christmas season :-)

Outdoor Wednesday

HospitaliTEA

2011-12-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

For several years I would host a Christmas tea in my home. It was a fun time to renew friendships and enjoy lunch together.

My sweet mother in love has been such a wonderful example to me when it comes to Hospitality. She was always a most gracious hostess and welcomes everyone that passes through her doorpost. I am thankful today for the gift of Hospitality. When we open our homes, we open our hearts.

Tea Time Tuesday
Teapot and Tea Things Tuesday
Tea Cup Tuesday
Table Top Tuesday

Vintage Ornaments

2011-12-07T16:09:00.001-08:00

When I was a little girl, I remember having these ornaments on the Christmas tree. I think I must have been in the third grade when these ornaments first appeared.

How they have survived through all these years I'll never know.

As we were unpacking Christmas boxes recently, I opened one and found this Nativity that was also from my childhood.

After my Mom passed away they had been packed away and only came to the surface when we moved. I'm thinking this Nativity has to be about 50 years old.

When we were first married, I started collecting ornaments with the current year. So there are Norman Rockwell,

Currier and Ives
Hummels

Betsy Clarke

Ferrandie

to name a few. When my children were little we stored the glass ornaments away in the attic, but now they are gracing the Christmas tree in our living room. Such sweet memores.

I'm joining Coloradolady's Vintage Thingie Thursday.