I’m not sure I agree completely with the quote above.  Let’s face it, trials can come at any hour.  However, I concur with the comfort and happiness statement.  So come in.  Let’s forget our troubles for the moment, enjoy the French café music playing, and discuss our happy places!

I’m always telling people, “That looks like my happy place,” or “That’s one of my happy places!”  In all honesty, it doesn’t take much to make me glad.  A stroll through Sur La Table or World Market can do the trick, or a turn with a good book accompanied by a cup of piping hot tea and some quiet.  When we get a spring visit from an Oriole (they visit rarely and only in spring), or some of my flowers are in bloom, a window becomes my cheerful spot.

                 

I live in a congested area.  The freeways are all jammed and the side streets aren’t much better.  Just getting to the grocery store can be a chore.  Thus, a seaside cottage on a remote Scottish coast often becomes the spot I long for.  A girl can dream, right?  My husband claims it appeals to him, too.  But wait, there’s more!  What about Paris in the spring time — or anytime for that matter?  Oui, j’aime Paris!

          

      

I’ve chosen a Parisian theme for our tea today.  I braved my crowded town for all these store-bought items — still quicker than homemade.

Take a gander and choose what appeals to you from the herbed cheeses, olives, date crackers, croissants, jams, chocolate covered figs, and marzipan.

      

Choose a tea.  I’ll brew your preference in your individual pot.   Sit a spell and tell me about your very own happy places, real or imagined!

     

Mix-and-match cups, plates, and small tea pots make a fun, casual table.

       

        

Tips

• When combining different patterns, be sure your colors mingle well together.  I like to keep at least one constant.  Here, my napkins and placemats match with a crisp blue stripe.
• Creating a theme always adds some excitement.  My French cheese plates and Café Paris teapots create a Francophile atmosphere.
• Consider utilizing dinner plates as chargers to lend a little drama to your tablescape if your main dishes are on the small side.
• Pamper guests with individual tea pots and allow them to choose their own brew.  They may even stay long enough for a second pot!

  

   

Thank you for visiting and be sure to let me know about your happy place in the comment section!

 

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