Karen's Butterflies and Faeries: August 2015

Monday, August 3, 2015

A Luncheon Tea For Jana

"Friendship is the golden thread that ties the hearts of all the world." John Evelyn

I use this silver-plated teapot a lot to hold bouquets. It looks particularly nice with roses (my favorite flower). I found this lid-less pot at a garage sale and knew it would look lovely once polished!

I am blessed with special people in my life. I met Jana back in 1967 when we were both freshmen in high school. We became good friends the following year and each year has brought us closer together. She is my heart-sister. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her! Although she lives in Georgia, we try to see each other once or twice a year. Her last visit here was in the spring of 2014.

Jana and me at the beach just before sunset, spring 2014. It was chilly!

Jana is my 'tea guru'. She has taught classes on the history of tea, organized tea tastings, and hosted countless tea parties over the years. When she was here last time, my daughter, Victoria-Rose and I prepared a small tea party for Jana and my sister, Kathleen. We used a tea set that I have had since 1977 that was purchased at an estate sale. It was made in Japan and is hand-painted Noritake. I have looked for more pieces every time I enter an antique store to no avail. Our water glasses are from the 1930's and are etched with wheat and flower sprays, another vintage find from a Hospice Resale Shoppe.

Table set with vintage dishes, glassware, and silverware.

The tea goodies that day:

Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil on toasted baguette slices
Egg salad on pumpernickel
Curried chicken salad on croissants
Mini orange cranberry muffins
Cake (I can't remember what cake I made!)

The silverware is a family heirloom passed on to me by my dad and step-mom. It is Danish Princess by Holmes and Edwards. Most of the large set was my Mickey's (step-mother) grandparents' silverware and is engraved with the initial of their last name. Mickey used to host dinner parties for more than 20 people so she hunted in antique stores until she had collected more than enough for her parties. I think of her and my father every time I use these pieces.

Jana shares a special bond with both my children. They consider her their aunt and love spending time with her. We are all lucky to have her in our lives!

We all love you, Jana!