Happy Valentine's Day Friends...

The origin of this holiday for the expression of love really isn't romantic at all -- at least not in the traditional sense. Valentine was a Roman Priest at a time when there was an emperor called Claudias who persecuted the church at that particular time. He also had an edict that prohibited the marriage of young people. This was based on the hypothesis that unmarried soldiers fought better than married soldiers because married soldiers might be afraid of what might happen to them, or their wives or families if they died.

Valentine secretly married them (young people) because of the edict. Valentine was eventually caught, imprisoned and tortured for performing marriage ceremonies against command of Emperor Claudius the second. There are legends surrounding Valentine's actions while in prison. One of the men who was to judge him in line with the Roman law at the time was a man called Asterius, who's daughter was blind. He (Valentine) was supposed to have prayed with and healed the young girl with such astonishing effect that Asterius himself became Christian as a result.

In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand for Christian marriage. The story goes that the last words he wrote were in a note to Asterius' daughter. He inspired today's romantic missives by signing it, "from your Valentine."

Thank you for joining me for tea today! In celebration of Saint Valentine, I have prepared a heart felt tea of friendship for you. 

Using the heart shaped place mats, for a foundation, I chose a tea set from the Bombay Company ~ pattern Poppy. 

All special celebrations deserve a toast, so we will be toasting with 10 year old Tawny Porto, Royal Oporto produced in Portugal by Villa Nova de Gaia. 

I think the butterfly and poppy are a perfect way to honour both Saint Valentine and friendship. Don't you just love the elegant handle?

A red velvet cupcake with butter cream white and pink frosting, is a perfect complement to the tea and port.

These teacups had me at first sight! The handle! The gold detail on the edge of cup and saucer and once again a gorgeous handle. The saucer is beautifully designed with the butterfly and poppy; did you notice how the saucer comes out a little where the designs are? 

and look the teacup also has a small lip... and the thumb rest is done in gold.

Your place setting awaits your arrival...

Today's tea is from Angelina's in Paris, France.  Thé Angelina is a combination of  oolong from China,exotic fruits and citrus, mango pieces, petals of marigold and safflower.

There will be many roses about today ... so a little different, a lily (Peruvian lilies, or alstroemeria, represent friendship and devotion) ! I love it's trumpet shape.

Tea is poured ....

WHAT? no cupcake for you ... You're are watching your waist line....

It's a celebration of Saint Valentine, How can you resist this scrumptious delight!!! Red velvet , with creamy butter cream frosting.....

HA! I knew you couldn't let it go without at least one bite....

Happy Saint Valetine Day to you my wonderful friends and readers...

Click the button above to read more on how for the cost of a stamp, a card and a few moments of your time ~  YOU can make a difference to a young girl.






Joining these wonderful hostesses ...
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi 
Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish

Martha's & Terri's Tea Time Tuesday

Teacup Thursdays

Antiques And Teacups

For some wonderful vignette inspirations visit Marty for   Table Top Tuesday

Semi Wordless Wednesday with Flip Flops & Pearls

Tablescape Thursdays ~ with Susan