Hello lovely friends! I sit here looking out at the oak trees watching the crispy leaves fall. I feel so happy and content. Over the weekend I had the joy of hosting a harvest tea for some lovely friends.
The First Table
The first table was set with antique red transferware and accented with traditional autumnal colors.
The centerpiece was a twist on the classic cornucopia.
I had posted this image on Instagram and Facebook and a few eagle-eyed readers picked up on the “turkey” I had created with gourds.
I made three different savory sandwiches. Apple Harvest, Curried Tuna with Apple, and Orange-Turkey tea sandwiches. The recipes were found in The Twelve Teas of Inspiration that I talked about in this post.
But all the sweets were….gasp, STOREBOUGHT! We had yummy scones, pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, an apple tart and three types of cookies.
I mention this so that if you don’t feel confident in your baking skills don’t let that stop you from hosting a tea. I guarantee your guests will focus only on the wonderful conversation and friendship.
The Second Table
The second table featured white, sage and berry tones.
I was eager to use the newly acquired antique Bavarian loving cups I had found at a recent estate sale.
This centerpiece featured a white wire birdcage I have had for many years.
Nestled inside were several swan gourds.
An Outdoor Area
A third table and buffet were set up outside. I somehow did not get a photo of the table but this was part of the buffet. It also featured a crock pot filled with hot apple cider and other treats.
Some of the guests included (L-R) were the delightful Karen, Judith, Sissy and Kelly. Judith brought the yummiest chicken sandwiches which were charmingly cut in the shape of harvest pears.
Darla, at the head of the table, made the moistest apple caramel cupcakes I have ever eaten. To her right is sweet Adrianne. Sadly, I did not get photos of the two other tables. They were attended to by my daughter, the Fashionista.
I’ll be back on Thursday with the grand reveal of the pop-up shoppe. Lovely bloggers in attendance included Carol, Stacey and Judith.
You won’t want to miss it.
Laura
Beautiful! Absolutely lovely tea party.
I am curious about your pop-up shop, as it is not a term White which I am familiar. Did you have to obtain a permit or a business license for the shop? Is your home is zoned for retail sales? Is it difficult to figure out how to calculate and file the sales tax? It sounds like such a great I can not wait to find out the logistics of it, and to see your next post/pictures. By the way, are you plann8n* on creating and Christmas items to sell at your Etsy shop this year?
Kay Curran
Looks like a great time. Wish I could be there.
Your tea table looks so lovely and I love your use of the gourds to emulate the different birds. Looking forward to the next post!
This makes my heart warm on this chilly and dreary November morning, Laura! So happy that the bloggers I know were with you (Carol, Stacey, Judith). The double-handled tea cups are terrific and the centerpieces truly look like turkeys -great job. Your food fare sounds really, really good. I’m so looking forward to the pop-up shoppe reveal. Happy dance, happy heart for you, no doubt!
That “turkey” from gourds is just genius! I love all your table settings and the feeling you created.
I had are wonderful time! Thank you for hosting…it was a great afternoon! !
I hate that I missed the tea but everything else was wonderful!
All so beautiful. For the umpteenth time I wish I lived closer.
Love your top
There are so many things to love about this! YES, that centerpiece is amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever seen gourds like that around here but I will definitely be looking because that ‘turkey’ is beautiful ! I love that you made what you wanted and bought what you didn’t want to make – I can’t imagine anyone caring since it ALL looks and sounds so beautiful. It sure looks like everyone had a wonderful time!
I love tea parties, Laura. Everything looks gorgeous and delicious! I love gourds and squashes and your swan gourds are wonderful.
What fun. You really put together a lovely tea with so many nice touches. How fun that bloggers could join you.
Laura,
Thank you hosting such a wonderful day in your new One Room Challenge Pop Up Shoppe. The Harvest Tea was extraordinary, delicious food and delightful conversations getting to know one another. It was also fun to visit with Stacey and Carol, also. I am looking forward to our next gathering of Texas bloggers in McKinney, TX for a little Christmas cheer in December.
Judith
Laura, your tea was exceptionally lovely. Each table and buffet was elegant and special. I’m sure the rooms were quite noisey with laughter and fun. You have done so much in a short amount of time.
I’m loving all your beautiful dishes and centerpieces. So creative. Love the turkey gourds. Your china is stunning.
Great to see pictures of everyone.
I’m going to be off the radar until after Thanksiving. I have tons of family coming.
What a great idea to use gourds as birds! I’ll have to remember that. Rose and sage are the colors in my living room! I agree about store-bought sweets or any other part of the meal.
Such a beautiful Harvest Tea.
I noticed right off the turkey you created with the gourds and thought it was darling! I may have to look for some shaply gourds and create something myself. 🙂
Your sandwiches all sounded delicious and those desserts, wow! Sweets from the bakery are just as delightful.
Looks like sweet fellowship around your tables.
Joy!
Debbie
Your tables all look so lovely! The shaped gourds are pretty in your arrangements. Not a thing wrong with bakery goodies! Everything all looks so yummy. A beautiful way to enjoy company with your friends! xoxo
How fun Laura! I’m sure all of your friends loved it! The menu sounds wonderful, and I love your creative turkey! Thanks for SYC.
hugs,
Jann
It looks like you ladies had so much fun Laura and that cornucopia centerpiece looks stunning. Love the turkey gourd, that’s real clever and the gorgeous colors
You did an amazing job hosting this very special soiree for your friends, Laura. I’ve been to afternoon tea out with friends, but have never thought to host one of my own . Your ‘how-to’ makes it feel more accessible and achievable somehow. Next time, though, I’d love to be invited! You all look like you had a lovely time together 🙂
Everything looks amazing! Store bought is just fine…much more important to make the time to be with friends than not having a tea because it’s just too much work. Lovely!!!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy