Inspiration for living a luxuriously and balanced life

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

A Box of Secrets ... But we have a key!

Welcome, I'm so happy you stopped by for some tea today. 
 Before I share our tea setting we are going to unlock a little secret ...


What could this box contain that a key is required?


TEA SECRETS.....Do you want to take a peek inside?


HMMM... we are not shown the contents right away.... lets see what is under this compartment.


Another  cover ... but look there is a label ... 


Rose Congou Emperor Loose Tea ...



As you can see Roses are the theme for today's tea.

Let's take a closer look as our tea steeps.....



The teapot was a wonderful find in Stowe Vermont last summer. It is manufactured by Royal Chelsea, made in England; the pattern is Golden Rose. The stamp on the bottom also has the anchor and the following handwritten 3983 A D . I love the gold detail it brings out the brilliance of the peach and red/pinkish roses. The handle has a small thumb rest,which is perfect when pouring the tea. If you look on the lid opposite the handle you will note there is a steam escape hole.


Since we are having a rose tea, white roses from the market sit in a glass flower frog.


The teacup looks like it belongs to the teapot set, with it's delicate red/pink roses and gold detail 


The roses and gold detail surround not only the outside of the teacup, but inside and the saucer too! The outer side of the handle is also covered in gold.


The bottom of the teacup is equally stunning... with it's small bouquet of roses. 
SURPRISE! the teacup is Royal Albert Crown China England, the pattern Old English Rose..



Our treat for tea today is the LadurĂ©e  inspired double- decker macaron 
Awww memories of Paris ...
This pedestal dish holding these delights is Limoges from France. 




The dish for our treats is also decorated with roses and other pretty flowers. I forgot to take  a photo of the bottom of the plate ~ there is crown above a shield with a scroll  in green. Across the crown JLMENAU .. in the scroll is some writing and a date (I can't make it out, it is script writing) under the crown and shield ~ Made in German Democratic Republic. I came across these plates during a visit to a local antique store.


Well our tea is steeped and ready....


love the rich golden colour.....


Thank you for taking tea with me today ... and  to new visitors, I hope you will join us again...






Hope to see you at the BlogHomes of these fabulous hostesses, who are also hosting afternoon tea...

Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi 
Martha's Terri's Tea Time Tuesday


41 comments:

  1. Everything looks so lovely! Delicious rose tea, scrumptious macarons & a beautiful tea set. What more could a woman ask for? I would love to join in! x

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  2. How beautiful! That china makes me want to have a tea
    xoxo
    SC

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  3. Thank you for sharing your tea with me. It was lovely. The tea chest is a treasure. Have a good weekend.

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  4. what a beautiful setting and the tea looks so lovely.

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  5. You set a beautiful table for afternoon tea. Lovely teapot, cups and saucers.

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  6. You know I have never had tea. I must change that.

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  7. Dearest Celia,

    What a lovely teapot did you come home with. That alone makes the memories of that trip precious! The tea box is very special too.
    This was a treat for having tea with you in winter on a rainy day.
    Love to you dear friend!

    Mariette

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  8. That tea box! It's magnificent. I've never seen one like that.
    xoxo

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  9. Love your tea set, the cup is exquisite. I so want a "tea box", am very envious of yours. What a beautiful display.

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  10. How gorgeously civilised ;-) That tea-box is divine; never come across one before. Sheer elegance Celia xx

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  11. I'm in for tea! With this wet weather, it sounds just perfect.

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  12. What a beautiful post! The tea set and cups are so exquisite and I loved the ornate silver tea strainer. Like the idea of the tea chest!Wonderful post and thanks for the tea. Dropping in from Marty's TTT.~Poppy

    http://withadashofcolor.blogspot.com/

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  13. Hi Celia
    The teapot you found does match well with your teacups and the whole table is lovely.
    I am dying to dry a macaron, doesn't matter what colour as they all look so yummy.
    I hope your roses are fragrant, white ones are nice for a winter tea.
    Judith

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  14. This is fabulous! Rose tea, macarons and white roses... a lovely way to spend the afternoon.
    Your teapot was a great find.
    xoxo, B

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  15. Your tea is gorgeous, Celia! I love the roses on all the china and the gold makes it look very elegant and rich!
    I have a teacup in the Old English Rose pattern too but it's a different shape. Both are beautiful!
    Love the white roses, and I have never tasted a real French macaroon, can you believe that? Wish I could reach into my computer and politely help myself to one! *sigh*
    The tea chest is wonderful and the tea it houses looks lovely.
    Thank you, my friend, for sharing this with us today. It is a truly swoon-worthy post.

    Blessings and hugs,
    Sandi

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  16. What a beautiful post! I love seeing all the pretty teacups & teapots & the goregeous roses.

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  17. What a gorgeous post with such stunning teacups and teapots and lovely roses, I'm loving this! The tea chest is beautiful and so is the tea it contains. Thank you for your wonderful visit sweet lady...there are lots of American repats that are retiring here, there are young ones too, very many in our town as life is cheaper in every sence and we also use the dollar as currency. Come on over! Have a great week.
    FABBY

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  18. Your tea table with such lovely fresh roses is beautiful! The lovely teacups, and accessories are stunning. I adore Lauduree macaroons and enjoyed eating upstairs there in such a gorgeous room.

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  19. Well you certainly pulled out the stops here...I was excited to see what was in your treasure box..I KNEW it would be fabulous. I am sure that tea tastes fantastic. YOu have the most lovely cups, I just really enjoy looking at them - and that macaron! Well. what do I say but *deep sigh*!!!!!!!!!! I would so LOVE to share tea and macarons with you Celia and here about your Paris travels that would be great! This is a super post for Sandi's Rose Tea Tuesday this week.

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  20. hear...not here....I am a TAD tired but I mean well! HA!

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  21. I love all of your roses -- from china to tea to macarones.

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  22. Your teapot is gorgeous! So are the teacups. Very romantic vintage look with the roses and gold trim. I would love to have a cup of tea in that beautiful rose teacup! Have a wonderful tea time today.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  23. Hello Celia,
    oh my, you made it so thrilling with the tea box! And it contains truly a treasure. Such a fine tea I had never seen before. The rose tea, the outstanding and charming tea pot and the wonderful cup make a great set. This is a Royal tea time and I love it for every item (including those yummy macarons). Thank you for sharing this wonderful tea time. Have a great week.
    best greetings, Johanna

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  24. Oh Celia,
    This is sooo beautiful--what a fabulous tea party!!!
    XO
    Cindy

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  25. Gorgeous china and awesome tea party!
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hope to see you on my blog:)

    Sanghamitra.

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  26. This is a lovely post, I so went with you to the tea box, opening it so gently and searching inside for hidden treasures and secrets. Your tea cups are beautiful, and until you pointed it out I was convinced the tea pot was a match. Love the feeling that your tea brings, Cindy

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  27. Fabulous tea caddy. I love it. Your teascapee is stunning, such lovely china and accessories. Beautiful. Thanks for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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  28. Love your tea chest ... complete with key! Fabulous! Your new gold teapot is gorgeous and goes so well the the teacups. Beautiful tea tablescape ... and macaroons too! Happy Tea Day!

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  29. WOW! Now that is alot prettier than my lipton bag and ordinary coffee cup!!!
    Loved you comment this morning on my blog. Thank you.
    Have a pretty day!
    Kristin

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  30. What a lovely vibrant post... Your teapot is just perfect for your lovely cups and of course the tea and tea box are such a special detail for a tea party( ha Ha)... Yes please..I'd love one of those yummy double decker macaroons...It just sort of transports you to Paris , doesn't it.... Thanks you for sharing your dreamy teatime today..Hugs

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  31. Oh my goodness, what a beautiful post! Your teaset is just about the loviest I've seen. Thank you for sharing.
    Nancy @ Two Cottages And Tea

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  32. Aah, memories of Paris indeed! What a lovely tea and the roses on the tea set are fabulous. What a fun bottom of a tea cup! Just exquisite.

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  33. Celia, I would love to have tea time with you! My son and I were talking about this a few months ago - incorporating an afternoon family tea time into our day but I am not sure HOW or WHEN. I feel so strapped for time as it is, trying to do everything I want to do in a day. Perhaps weekly rather than a daily one would suit us better right now? Hhmmm...

    And I love your "About Me"! Love it!

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    1. Sofia thank you so much for visiting... I say give yourselves 20 minutes - once a week ... and sit and enjoy a cup of tea... it will rejuvenate you and create a special time for the two of you..Blessings, C.

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  34. Celia, have you ever thought of opening a little tea room on online tea boutique? You would be so good at it!!! xo

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    1. Aww ...Thank you Debby. I have thought about it ... but the hours and chaos of running a business may be (would be) overwhelming at times, and not good for me. BUT; I'm learning all about this precious leaf... and when I'm stronger I would love to speak on it and encourage women in life transition to adapt the ritual of tea in their day .. even if for 15 minutes ... to breath and take a moment ... it (afternoon tea break... has been wonderful for healing, for me).xo HHl

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  35. wow all these dishes are beautiful! all the detail and elegance is just stunning. love antique dishes.

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  36. everything is so elegant! Those macaroons look so good...did you make them?

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    1. Hi There no :( I wish I was talented that way ... I have often thought of giving it a try though. There is a place in the city (Toronto) that I try and stop by when I get to the city. They are almost as good as the ones in Paris... wishing you a fabulous day...xo HHL

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