Welcome Friends
I’d be delighted if you could join me today, along with my tea-loving friends Mary and Pam. I have the honor of being a guest at their Tea on Tuesdays, which they host once a month.
My dear friends Mary from Home Is Where the Boat Is and Pam from Everyday Living have graciously invited me to share tea with them again. It truly warms my heart to receive the invitation; it is a cherished honor. Thank you so much, Mary and Pam. Their tea times with links will be at the bottom of this post.
There are places that hold lots of memories and bits and pieces of who we are.
Our summer home is also my childhood home. Every corner of our home is filled with special memories for me. I have said it before just as Miranda Lambert sang the words— “it’s the house that built me.” And as I sat down to set up my Tea on Tuesday in the dining room, I found myself looking around the room and remembering just how much life has happened around this table.
I had my Sweet 16 birthday party right here. And the little creamer and sugar bowl sitting on my tea table today have a story of their own. They came from a Princess House party I had when I was 16, with a group of friends gathered around this very table.
The dishes and teacups belonged to my Mom, along with the silver. Mom loved her “fancy dishes” and always enjoyed setting a pretty table. My sister and I added to those memories when we bought Mom the rose dishes for Mother’s Day several years ago. She loved using these dishes. So I am glad I can use them today and remember Mom as we sip tea, enjoy chicken salad, and delight in cheesecake for dessert.
The porcelain china is The Royal Kent (Poland) collection. It’s name is Moss Rose and it was produced in the 20th century. We got the china for Mom in the 80’s.
The teapot is another little piece of Mom. I remember seeing it sitting in her hutch, though she didn’t use it often. I love having it here now, where it can be part of another tea and another new and sweet memory for me.
And then there is the cranberry Fenton Hobnail glass vase. My sister gave it to me when I graduated from college. It has traveled through the years with me, and now it sits among so many other things that remind me of the people I love.
A Special Gathering
My aunts and uncles once gathered around this very table to read letters that my uncles had sent home to their wives, my Mom and my Grandmother—while they were serving during World War II.
Just think about that for a minute.
Those letters were written by young men far away from home and read by the women who loved them. And years later, those same people were gathered around this same table, holding those words in their hands. I was there, shedding tears right along with them and being thankful that they survived that war. That whole generation of our family is sadly gone now. But they are looking down from heaven and smiling at our tea table.
Here’s a cherished photo of Mom, captured by my Aunt Helen on that special day when everyone gathered around this table to read letters from WWII. This beautiful picture of Mom now happily sits inside her kitchen hutch, a warm reminder that our kitchen is still her kitchen.
Having Tea Steeped In Memories
Now, all these years later, I’m sitting at that same table, having tea among the dishes, silver, and keepsakes.
I suppose that’s what makes this tea feel a little different.
It isn’t just about the tea, the pretty china, or setting a beautiful table. It’s about the memories that come along with them. It’s about the people who once sat here, the celebrations we shared, the stories we told, and the love that filled this room.
Before We Finish Our Tea
I just wanted to share that Mom would have really adored these cloth napkins and napkin rings. They’re new purchases from Amazon, and I can’t help but think how much Mom and Dad would have enjoyed quick deliveries from online shopping.
Today’s tea is another favorite of mine. I wonder if Mom would have liked it? I feel it needs one or two sugar rose buds to add a little bit of sweetness.
I love their delicate tea sachets.
Thanks For Joining Me
Some heirlooms are valuable because of what they are.
Others are valuable because of who they remind us of.
For me, our treasures with remembrances are what I will always cherish.
So today, I’m having my tea surrounded by memories. And somehow, sitting here in the dining room of the house that built me, it feels a little like having tea with Mom, too.
Thank you for sipping tea and listening to all my stories.
I do encourage you to visit my wonderful friends, Mary and Pam. They have such a passion for tea and always create the most beautiful and inviting settings. I know you’ll enjoy their company and the warmth they share!
Thank You for joining all of us for Tea.
Enjoy what this upcoming week brings to you. And whatever you have planned… make every day count and be thankful for your Blessings.Take good care of yourselves!
Joining Terri for The Flower Hour
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“Tea steeped in memories” — around a table that was the center of so much love. Oh boy! Damp eyes this morning as I read. I’m sure you had extra loved ones joining you, Nancy Lou. Keeping them near in our heart means everything! ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve got my Nanny’s kitchen farmhouse table that’s beaten up, showing 100 years plus of wear and I love just putting my hands on it, closing my eyes. Remembering. Thanks for another beautiful invitation to be grateful this morning. ❤️❤️❤️
I, too, had damp eyes. This was a special post for me. So glad you enjoyed it right along with me, Vicki Lou! 😘😘
Love you! ❤️😉❤️
Love you right back! 🥰🥰😘❤️
Oof! You might get a double reply…just tried to send a “love you” but the d*mn internet wobbled on me. Trying again! Xo! 😘
It came through! I felt it too! Love you back Vicki Lou! 🥰😘🥰
Whew! 🤪❤️🤪
😃😀😁
I couldn’t express myself any better than this! 🙂😍 All the beautiful family love, times, memories and heirlooms.❤️
Thank you so much Mitzy. This tea was a special one for me.
Goodness, I enjoyed reading this and seeing your beautiful pictures. I love the stories behind the beautiful pieces of china. You are fortunate to live in your childhood home- I love that Miranda Lambert song- how neat to have that apply to you! You are blessed to have been so loved and cherished in a family that enjoyed memory making. Have a great Tuesday!
I am proud to have been well loved, and now I make sure to do the same with our kids.
Memories make the world go round. Thank you for always stopping by on Tuesdays. I appreciate you. Hugs!
Good morning, Nancy! You know how much I love a table setting with memories attached. I loved every memory you shared…your mother’s teapot, the china that you and your sister gave her, and most of all the table where memories were made and still being made! You are blessed to still have your family home and to spend summers there each year. I would imagine that every day you are reminded of a special memory.
The table set for tea is beautiful, I love pink and my EM would definitely approve. Chicken salad is perfect anytime but especially during the long days of summer. The cheesecake looks delicious. The cranberry Fenton vase is striking! Best of all is the photo of your mom.
I do remember tupperware parties and still have pieces in my cabinet. The Princess House Party is new to me, I don’t think they were a “thing” in my little world back then.
It is always a pleasure to share tea with you🩷
When we were in high school, all the girls got Hope Chests. So they started having many different house parties to put things in their Hope Chests. Those were the days, my friend!
Thank you for enjoying today’s post. I know how much you love memories attached to a pretty table. You were on my mind the whole time I was setting this tea.
Thank you also for inviting me for tea. I am so honored. I always enjoy myself joining you girls for tea. But today was a special one for me. Happy Tea On Tuesday! 🥰
Good Morning. I don’t think I have ever read your blog but had to smile at some similarities. I am originally from PA but living in Virginia. I have a Princess House pitcher I just used yesterday. I bought it at a “party” during high school (early 1970’s). The tea I am drinking as I read this is Cherry Blossom and it is one of my favorites! I just love when I see connections…it shows how small this great big country is! Peace.
What similarities! I so appreciate you taking the time to comment with such lovely words. The tea is delicious!
I have the Princess House glass pitcher, too. Too funny!
Thank you for stopping by. I post every Tuesday. I sure hope you stop by again. ☺️
Nancy, what a beautiful and heartfelt tea, truly steeped in memories! I loved seeing your mom’s pretty Moss Rose china, teapot and silver gracing the same table where you celebrated your Sweet 16. Your Princess House creamer and sugar bowl and the gorgeous cranberry Fenton vase are such special treasures, too. 🩷 The story of your family gathering around that very table to read the WWII letters was especially touching—what an incredible memory to have, and I loved seeing the beautiful photo of your mom from that day. Your garden flowers are the perfect complement to all that pretty pink, and chicken salad followed by cherry cheesecake sounds delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed the Cherry Blossom Green Tea, too. Thank you for joining Pam and me for Tea on Tuesdays, Nancy. It was such a treat to have you at the table and to share in these precious memories with you. 🫖🌸💕
Oh Mary, this Tea On Tuesday was a special one for me— all because of you and Pam! I appreciate you both so much!
Thank you for enjoying this special post of mine. It’s always an honor to do Tea with you gals. Have a great Tuesday! 🥰
Everything looks so inviting! Pink and red rule, right down to the scrumptious looking cheesecake!
Thank you so much Dorothy. That cheesecake was delightful!
Happy Tuesday!
Nancy, steeped in memories is a wonderful way to cherish life with those we love. I so enjoyed this post, full of your sweet memories. How special to have your childhood home and the loving memories attached. Reading letters from WWII! Sitting around the family table! I recently lost my sister. She had the dining room table that my mom grew up with, and then my mom used it until she was 90 and sold her home. Like my mom as a child, we played under that large table as children as did my mother’s grandchildren. Once my sister took the table, her grandchildren played under it. It is large and heavy and no one has a place for it. My nieces’ are putting it into storage in hopes that one day a grandchild will want to take it for one of their homes. Family memories wrapped up in places and things is a legacy that is priceless.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful post to remind us all how special our memories are.
Thank you so much Sarah for enjoying this special post of mine. I hope that someone will find a home for that special table of yours.
Thanks for the visit and stop by again!
A beautiful and touching post Nancy. So very special you have your childhood’s home. So ma y precious memories to enjoy and also share with your readers. So touching to know your mother and aunt sat around the table to read letters during WWII. The China is so lovely and I love your new napkins and rings you purchased. The tea sounds delicious and so perfect to enjoy with chicken salad and a lovely cheesecake for dessert. Thanks for sharing such a loving memory.
Thank you Linda! How kind of you to share such sweet comments with me.
This was a special tea.
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What wonderful memories invoked during tea time, Nancy. The florals are beautiful and your mom would approve of all the details of the beautiful table settings. You are fortunate to continue living in your family home. Have a wonderful week, my friend!
Thank you Terri. We are blessed.
Thank you always for stopping by and sharing such sweet comments.
Hugs!
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Nancy, thank you for sharing your beautiful tea setting and wonderful memories with us. I always enjoy seeing your treasures and reading the stories behind them.
Thank you Beth. I am so happy you enjoyed this special post. Enjoy your Tuesday!
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Hi Nancy,
Thank you for this post, straight from the heart.
I love your memories that you shared with us about reading the letters from WWII. My grandpa served in WWII.
The photos are beautiful too.
Carla
Thank you sweet Carla. That generation was incredible!
I so appreciate you when you stop by. Thank you!
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Nancy, for a change, I am speechless as I have a lump in my throat sharing in your memories. A different room in a different state, but the same type of memories with my family. Oh how I miss those days…my dad served in Germany and my uncle served in the Philippines….while many others were scattered fighting for our country. They, like yours…are all gone now…favorite aunts and uncles and cousins, with only a handful of us younger??? of the original group left. Sadly, we do not have the brick and mortar left but we do have a few pieces of dishware, and plenty of photos though some are fading. But the memories never fade. Blessings on your beautiful tea time and beautiful dishes, beautiful food and most importantly, beautiful memories. Happy new week.
Kari I sure do appreciate your sweet comments. You always have a way of interpreting my feelings.
That generation will never be forgotten. They were incredible!
Thanks for all the love.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Oh Nancy, I so agree with your Tea Steeped in Memories!! It’s not the things in our home and tables but the reminders of those who gave them to us or who used them or passed them on to us. I love the pretty china you and your sis bought your mom, and oh that pink teapot…it’s a beauty! The napkins are rings are perfect for your table. I’d love some chicken salad and cheesecake and a cup of cherry blossom tea. I never hear of Princess House parties, but I’ll bet they were fun. Thank you for sharing your beauty and sweet memories with us. 🩷
Oh Nancy, this is such a sweet tea with so many fond memories. Every piece is just enchanting and your mother’s picture is precious. I too miss that generation, for me too…all gone now, but always in my heart. Thank you for this special time together.🌸
Thank you so much, Sue, for your sweet comments.
And yes, you are so right; they are always in my heart.
Take good care.
I love that your tea settings bring back family memories from WWII. We need to always remember the sacrifices of the men who fought in that war and the families that supported them back home. The roses on the china are so delicate, and your new napkins and rings are perfect to go with them.
I wholeheartedly agree.
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I appreciate your kindness.
Take good care.
What a beautiful post, Nancy! The table looks wonderful but I love how you’ve shown that the real treasures aren’t necessarily the most valuable things. The story of your family gathering around the same table to read those WWII letters is especially touching. What a wonderful way to keep those memories alive.
Thank you Lisa. This was a very special tea time. How nice of you to stop by and spread kindness. You take good care now.
Hi Nancy,
I am a day late but such is life. No inherited tea kettles but I do have a corner cabinet in my living room and a shelf that has hand carved maple leafs(or is it leaves?) made by my father before I was born. He was a cabinet maker. The shelves contain a number of porcelain that belonged to my grandmother as well as a picture of her also my parents wedding picture. As far as tea goes I have stopped using all tea bags because of the micro plastic seeping when it hits hot water. I have Harney teas in my cabinet but now am cutting the bag and filling my tea ball with the loose tea. Have started buying loose leaf tea from the family owned health food store here in Pennsylvania. Take care.
How nice to have treasures and cabinetry from your father and others. It’s wonderful to have those memories.
I use loose leaf tea as well. I enjoy using some of the cute tea balls, tea strainers and straining spoons.
Thanks for stopping by.
Memories are truly special! And your tablescapes are top-notch!
Thank you dear friend! 🩷
“It isn’t just about the tea, the pretty china, or setting a beautiful table. It’s about the memories that come along with them. It’s about the people who once sat here, the celebrations we shared, the stories we told, and the love that filled this room.”, so very, very well written! Of course, I do love the tablescape with all the pretty pink pieces dancing with roses!
This is serendipity! I was just posting a comment on your blog!
Thanks for enjoying my Tea. This Tea was special for me. Thank you, dear Mary.
Very late to the party, Nancy (I broke my dominant wrist on the 10th, 😩). I really love reading of your teatime memories in your childhood home, and how you still have treasures from those days! How very special this place is!!🩷
Oh dear Rita! You have had quite a time this summer.
Thanks for enjoying our Tea time.
Feel better!