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!

Jana & V-R
When a friend looks out a window of your life, 
she sees the same world you do.
Your happiness is her happiness.
Your success is her success.

Such a friend is the best sort to have.
Every good thing multiples
when it is shared by two 
with the same heart.

 Treasured Friends by Sandra Kuck and Heather Harpeham Kopp

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20 comments:

  1. What a wonderful time you must have had!

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    1. Yes, it is always wonderful to spend time with Jana, my sister, and daughter. Thank you for visiting!

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  2. What a lovely photo of you two and then the beautiful dishes and those roses are just gorgeous. Unfortunately I am leaving awfully hungry now, lol ! I do have fresh tomatoes and basil out in the garden but I need a bakery baquette ! :) It all looks delicious but you've got me craving that now :)

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    1. I would like some of those tomato and basil sandwiches right now myself! Thank you for visiting and for your kind comments, Deb.

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  3. Yum! Tea time is always better when shared with a dear friend!

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  4. Hi Karen,
    Jana sounds like such a special friend and the luncheon that you prepared for her certainly looks beautiful too. The china is gorgeous and the treats are amazing! Happy Tea Day! Have a wonderful week! Karen

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    1. Thank you, Karen. Yes, Jana is, indeed, a very special friend. I hope your week is filled with blessings.

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  5. Hi Karen: How wonderful to have a special friend like Jana. Everything looks amazing. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

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    1. Thank you, Martha. I hope your week is full of lovely surprises.

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  6. Hi Karen,
    What a blessing to have a special friend, like Jana, in your life! Your tea looks perfect, with all your lovely treasures. What a lovely find of your lidless silver teapot and how wonderfully you are using it as your centerpiece.
    Your menu for your tea party sounds divine and I know everyone had a fabulous time.
    I checked the darling sundress you posted, and it is just adorable! I need to look for that pattern. I love how you use hankies and crocheted pieces.
    May you have a happy day!

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    1. Thank you for the lovely compliments, Kitty. I enjoyed every minute of that visit. Yes, Jana is a blessing to us...all the time! She is the most faithful correspondent (and I am the worst!). Sewing is one of my 'relaxation' pleasures. I believe that the pattern can be purchased at itssewheavenly.com.

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  7. Having such a friend really is a blessing. I enjoyed your post so much and it sparked some lovely memories of my best friend whom I miss very much. She passed from cancer at an early age and I still miss her very much.
    Your Noritake china is very lovely and how nice to have the silverware; so special! Your treats look wonderful and I agree that roses look especially beautiful in a silver tea pot. Thank you for sharing with us and have a beautiful day, Karen.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Thank you for the kind words, Sandi. I am sorry for the loss of your best friend. I am glad that I was able to spark some of the lovely memories of her. I wish you a day filled with joy and peace.

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  8. What a lovely tribute to friendship! I love the special touches! Wonderful china and the food looks delicious. Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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    1. Thank you, Ruth! Thank you for hosting the party!

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  9. The food and china looks wonderful.
    Yes, what can I say, but also a wonderful and generous tribute to friendship.
    I will certainly keep your husband in our prayers next time. I believe in the power of prayer, it has done and still does so much miracles for my family, cause God is good.
    Hugs my friend,
    FABBY

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    1. Thank you for the prayers, Fabby. I, too, believe in their power. Blessings for a wonderful day!

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  10. Thank you, dear Heart Sister, for this lovely post! I remember sitting down to this tea, how beautiful everything looked, and how delicious all the food tasted. I appreciate your friendship, love, and hospitality with all my heart!

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  11. Sorry to gatecrash your blog post, but an email to your Blogger profile bounced. I've found an out of print Oliver + S pattern you were after (Sunday Brunch) Both sizes paper pattern available on instagram @littlesewitalldestash
    If you're not on instagram then email me and I'll try and set you up with the seller. Good luck. Shelley

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