Do come in!  I’ve prepared a celebratory tea in honor of my friend, Liz.

Liz is one of my internet friends.  Although we live on different continents, we’ve bonded over books, her love of geology (I think we might call her a rock hound in the States), and her fabulous sense of humor.  We have walked a similar path in recent months, during which she demonstrated her gift of encouragement.  She gave us a scare of late with a bit of ill health, but now that she’s on the mend, I wanted to put together a cheerful afternoon in her tribute.  Since we are separated by the Pacific, what better way to celebrate than a virtual tea?

    

I’ve brought out charming porcelain from Pip Studio and made a blended brew of loose black tea leaves, dried currants, blueberries, apples, raisins, and hibiscus.   I’ve chosen a selection of joyful, popular tunes from the 1930s as our music.  With songs such as The Younger Generation, This is the Missus, Everything Stops For Tea, and A Reckless Night On Board An Ocean Liner, this album always puts a smile on my face.

It’s summer Down Under, so I thought Snowballs might be in order.  They are a quintessential junk food item in America with a cream filling surrounded by chocolate cake, marshmallow and coconut.  Hey, it’s a virtual treat, so enjoy!  Plus, they match my china.

Individual red velvet cakes and chocolate dipped strawberries make a decadent addition to the tea table.

I decorated these cookies myself, in honor of Liz’s love of flowers.  The recipe came from my mother and can’t be beat for iced sugar cookies.

    

A lace tablecloth and pretty linens from Pip Studio complete the décor.  My children bought me these heart-shaped stones on our trips.  I’ve included them to symbolize Liz’s interest in geology, minerals, crystals, and gemstones.

  

Tips:

A complimentary collection of pieces works well together and keeps the atmosphere fun and delightful, not stodgy.

Recipe:

Ice Box Cookies
6 Tablespoons butter, softened
1 egg yolk, beaten
6 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup sifted flour
1 teaspoon vanilla

Cream butter & sugar thoroughly.  Add vanilla & beat until blended.  Add egg yolk, beating well.  Add flour gradually, beating.  Roll out on floured surface (I roll between 2 sheets of wax paper) – cut out with cutters & bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes.  Cool.  Decorate as desired.   I  beat together 1 box powdered sugar, 1 Tablespoon softened butter, 1 Tablespoon vanilla, & enough boiling water for correct consistency.  Then divide into smaller bowls & tint with food coloring to desired shades.  Keep icing under plastic wrap when not in use to avoid crust forming on top.  Cookies can be kept in tins or in refrigerator after icing dries.

Thank you for joining me for this jolly afternoon tea.  Come again soon!

 

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