Isadora Reiko at Tea

Isadora Reiko at Tea (2), originally uploaded by confections.

The Blythe dollies went to tea at Tea-upon-Chatsworth for the first time on Saturday and they had a most enjoyable time. Isadora Reiko (Frosty Frock) was joined by her cousin Mademoiselle Rosebud, and they indulged in the following incomparable High Tea:


Summer Tea Menu

Baked Brie with Cherry-Peach Compote
Roasted Vegetables & Cheese Strata
Sweet Onion Chicken & Mint Chiffonade Tea Sandwich
Artichoke Provencal Tart
Fire-Roasted Pepper & Cheddar on Raisin Tea Sandwich
Apples & Oranges Tea Sandwich
Chatsworth Scone & Cream with Rose Petal Jam
Watermelon Gazpacho
Wedding Tea Cake
Lemon Basil Square
Mocha-Almond Torte

Paris and Apricot Teas

Johnny-Jump-Ups & Narcissus (three)

Johnny-Jump-Ups & Narcissus (three), originally uploaded by confections.

This lovely live arrangement of white johnny-jump-ups and not-yet-blooming narcissus (paperwhites) was a birthday gift from my sister last month.

We had tea at our favorite tea shop, Tea-upon-Chatsworth, on December 13th, Saint Lucia Day. In Scandinavia, Santa Lucia Day is celebrated with girls wearing Lucia crowns with candles.

In San Diego in Balboa Park on the first weekend in December, the House of Sweden has a Lucia procession as part of Christmas on the Prado (or December Nights, as it is now called).

The Lucia postcard is early 1980's vintage. She graced our table and reminded us of the many traditions that are re-enacted at this dark time of year.