Saturday, March 17, 2012

Tea in the afternoon...

Invite a dozen women
prepare some simple trays of fruit
make stuffed eggs
bake a lemon cake
buy some pretty pink roses and napkins
set the table with flowery patterned  china
boil the kettle
and make the tea...


Lavender Rose China by Royal Albert
Silvery Lace silverware by Rogers


The eggs stayed in the fridge until the first guest arrived
by gosh they were popular
I made a dozen eggs which when halved and stuffed made 24
they are so retro and I make them often because people seem to love them.


fresh fruit
even ladies who diet indulge...


flowers 
in the "powder room"


just because...


OOTD
salmon top
black tights
ballet flats
scarf


an easy outfit to move about while serving tea

now try to get a word in edgewise 
when you've invited a dozen women to tea!

It must have been a success because they came at 2:00 and left at 5:00.

Let's get this weekend rolling...



46 comments:

Anonymous said...

what a lovely afternoon . I used to have a set of Lavender Rose but switched it for Petit Point after my mother passed away. I kept my two tier cake tray and jam jar though. Everything looks so lovely on your table too . I love the eggs and they are usually the first to go . Do you have one of those serving platters for them witht he little indentations? Donna

Anonymous said...

:D Lovely post. Perfectly set and looking effortless, Hostess, let the weekend roll!

LPC said...

Thank you for the virtual invitation:).

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What a fun affair! I love deviled eggs, they are always a hit.

mette said...

Another excellent example of your hostess skills, Leslie!!

bv said...

we have chickens..9...all good layers so i always make deviled eggs. when i need to take something, starters when we have people in, hostess gifts, birthday gifts etc...i have never met anyone who did not love them...they are fast to disappear. beautiful table, hostess!

Mrs. Exeter said...

How fabulous - your table looks absolutely perfect and so inviting. What a lovely way to start the weekend!

the gardener's cottage said...

an afternoon tea with girlfriends has to be one of the most fablulous things of being a woman. it all sounds so lovely.

Suburban Princess said...

Oh my! Is that some...colour!? Love the bright spring top!

I would love to have a tea...if I invited 12 only 6 would rsvp and on the day of the event 4 of them would cancel. I used to try to entertain a lot but it seems my demographic doesnt know how to be a good guest!

Anonymous said...

Wish we had been there! looks lovely!
wendy

Bonnie said...

Sounds like a delightful time. I love deviled eggs (I am guessing they are similar) and make them often in the spring and summer. They do disappear quickly. It sounds like you are the perfect hostess. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Bonnie

materfamilias said...

Your new top is such a pretty colour -- and what an afternoon you hosted. Sounds like the perfect start to a weekend. I hope the rest of it is just as satisfying.

My Four Pretty Girls said...

Long time reader, first time commenting. You remind me so much of myself. We are the same age, and have very similar taste. I also have curly hair, which I attempt to straighten most of the time. Your afternoon tea looks lovely. Love reading your posts.

Lynne said...

Sounds and looks delightful . . . lucky twelve who received your invite . . . tulips bring such springtime cheer . . . do you share your egg secret . . .

Sunday Taylor said...

It sounds like so much fun. I love going to teas! I will have to find an occasion to have a tea, you inspired me!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

The Daily Connoisseur said...

Absolutely lovely! xx

Anonymous said...

Looks effortlessly done, but so beautiful and inviting - like all of your posts on entertaining do.

Lacey R said...

Love the salmon top on you and the tea party looks so pretty!

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Your table set for tea looks lovely and your outfit looks perfect for the occasion. I just found an egg plate at a flea market last weekend and now I just need to make deviled eggs and then have an occasion to serve them. I did try Smitten Kitchen's recipe a few weeks ago...what is your tip in making them look beautiful enough to serve to your friends? I am far from serving them at a tea. They tasted delicious, but lacked in presentation.
xo
annie

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes I do have a glass egg plate, I posted an image awhile back and I think the recipe was on the same post...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Wow my weekend has flown by...how was yours?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Cheers Lisa!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Good to know that I am not alone in "my love for eggs!"

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Mette this was easy and so much fun.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Fresh eggs must be such a luxury! I'll bet they taste better too.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I've decided now I need to host teas for my friends more often...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Celebrating with female friends over tea feels perfect...
I wish you lived closer.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Yes it is colour! It's been a long grey winter and I am rebelling.
My goodness that does sound disheartening...
you've got manners, it's obvious to all who read your blog.
If you'd really like to have a tea why don't you try again and send out invitations with RSVP stated clearly on the bottom? Let me know what happens if you do, I'd be interested.
Good luck.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

You are here in spirit!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Stuffed and deviled are the same in my opinion.
I don't know if there's ever perfection I just go about and do it.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I am working on a post from my weekend walk about in a fabulous garden.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Greetings Jan,
I am happy that you've stopped by for a chat.
Do you use a flat iron to tame the curly locks?
I have one and I love how my hair feels when it is straight.
I tried to go to your profile to read more about you but it was a private one so please comment again so I can get to know you!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I use the Joy of Cooking recipe.
Hard boil the eggs, cool and remove shells, cut in half pit yolks in a bowl and mix well with;
Mayonnaise, dijon mustard, pepper, parsley, curry powder, a little pickle relish, a couple of drops of worchestershire sauce to taste.
Fill eggs.
Make ahead and chill in fridge to allow flavours to meld.
Enjoy!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

With all those wonderful garden books you could have a tea and a book browse...
I think tea in your garden outdoors would be divine!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Thank you Jennifer!
Do you have tea parties with your darling daughter yet?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

It was probably the easiest entertaining I have done in ages...thank you Kathy.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

We all seem to be craving colour these days.
Even a die hard black and grey gal like myself has given in!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have no fancy tricks except that I sprinkle them with parsley after arranging them on a egg plate.
I use a tiny spoon to mound the filling in the egg halves and once in awhile I'll have an egg that misbehaves and rips when I slice it so that one is left off the plate and I'll nibble it after I've done the rest!

My Four Pretty Girls said...

Yes, I use a GHD flat Iron. I also love the feeling of smooth straight hair, but it's also nice to just be able to wash it, pop a bit of leave in balm in and let it dry curly when it's too humid , or I'm pushed for time. I've just had it cut into a short bob, and I feel it looks better straight as it's very short.
I live in Brisbane Australia. I've altered my profile, so you should be able to visit it now.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Jan I will march right over and pay you a visit.
I look forward to getting to know you.
XO

Anonymous said...

I would love to do tea every day! Your set up is beautiful.

Duchesse said...

Tea parties a delight. And how I wish I knew that many women here, in my new city, to invite. For now it is "tea for two". I don't quite know how to say this, but flowers on a toilet are not pleasing to me. Have never been able to do it.

Anonymous said...

Would you be so kind and share your lemon cake recipe with us please . I love anything lemon . Donna

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have tea several times a day...
but I don't fuss as much as when I invite guests!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I hope you'll get to know more women in your new city. Have you thought of taking a course in the community to meet up with some like minded gals?
Apologies to you about the flowers...I do this often so please just look the other way.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

OK Donna 'll photograph the recipe card and add it to one of my upcoming posts. It is a moist and tasty cake and I hope you'll enjoy it.