Thursday, December 19, 2013

Tea & Cookies

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I've been running around like a crazy lady, 
trying to get the house all decorated, 
the gifts all bought & wrapped & 
all the traditional recipe's ingredients purchased.
 
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My daughter & Ms. C. gave me this
 beautiful Christmas cookbook , 
as a hostess gift on Thanksgiving Day.  

I've enjoyed perusing the pages but I think I'll 
stick to our traditional favorites this year.  
I'll experiment with some new recipes later on.  
They may become favorites, too, 
you never know!

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I pieced & quilted both of these tablerunners last year &
 had every intention of making more, 
but I fear I've run out of time.  
There just aren't enough hours in the day!



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I stopped all the madness for a few minutes,
 to enjoy a soothing cup of 
"Super Irish Breakfast Tea", 
(made by the Stash Company) &
some tasty cookies called
"Pecan Tassies".  

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My older sister,  Fritzie, makes them every year &
she shared her recipe with me so
I can now share it with you.
Click HERE for a printable version.

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My favorite cups to drink from right now
are these Pfaltzgraff ones, 
with their timeless classic
Christmas tree scene.

It echos the designs on my
triple tiered cookie server as
well as my matching cake stand &
 "Happy Holidays" plates
 by Nikko (made in Japan).


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I've used a little wooden sled as a serving tray &
I have brought out my Christmas poinsettia teapot 
that was a gift from my sisters last year. 

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I'm very partial to cardinals, since they
are the state bird of Ohio.
This is a full view of the message
on the little sled.
 

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Did you see BJ's beautiful round 
tablecloth with red birds,
 HERE?


She said it came from Hobby Lobby,
so I'm off on another shopping trip 
to try to find one for me! 

I'm joining Cuisine Kathleen's "Let's Dish" party along with
Susan's "Tablescape Thursday" at Between Naps on the Porch & Confessions of a Plate Addict's Cookie Exchange as well as  Michael Lee's "Foodie Friday", then
The Tablescaper's "Seasonal Sundays" meme and after that, Marty's "Inspire Me" party on Tuesday. 

Thank you, Ladies, for hosting such inspiring parties each week & that YOU for visiting The Gazebo House during this very busy & blessed season.  

Help yourself to a cookie before you leave!



25 comments:

  1. Rett, I love this tableland the runner! And that cute Santa teapot and the one with poinsettias. I love it all! And I have to check out BJ's tabletop, too!

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  2. I am not an idiot. I repeat, I am NOT an idiot. When I type fast and and even slightly hit wrong on this IPAD it changes what I am saying. You know I didn't say Toyland for tablescape. I said tablescape and...

    I type fast so I have probably insulted bloggers and not known it since I can't see! LOL.

    xoxoxox

    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I knew exactly what you meant to type, Shelia! Not to worry...my brain move faster than my fingers all the time. In fact, it moves faster than MOST other parts of my body too! LOL

      Delete
  3. Hi Rett, Your poinsettia teapot is gorgeous! Love the runner too, and your cookies look good. I'll bet you are cooking up lots of good things for your family! Merry Christmas, Rett.

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  4. How sweet to mention my tree skirt...thanks so much. You can always use any photo of mine that you want.
    That is such a handsome teapot....and those cookies look sooo delicious.
    Hope you find the skirt....:)
    xo

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  5. Have a very Merry Christmas Rett! I hosted 3 different parties last week, and seem to have lost some steam. I need a cookie I think to reenergize for the home stretch;-)

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  6. Rett, that red and black runner is gorgeous. Those tassies are calling my name...yummy. You have given me an idea on how to use a little sled I have had for ages...
    Merry Christmas!

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    Replies
    1. I'm looking forward to seeing how you incorporate YOUR sled, Marigene!
      This is my second miniature sled...I had a really olden one that I stupidly gave away years ago. That is why I am no longer getting rid of ANYTHING because just as soon as I do, I need it & go looking for it.

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  7. Love your table runner it is gorgeous. The tea pot is very pretty also. What a great idea to use your sled as a tray.
    Merry Christmas.
    Mary

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  8. Everything looks pretty Rett! I've never made pecan tassies but I know I'd love 'em! Merry Christmas-enjoy:@)

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  9. I loved seeing both of your pretty teapots, Rett. What a sweet gift from your daughter and Ms C. I have several of those Southern Living cookbooks and enjoy looking at the recipes and pictures. The sled is adorable as your serving tray. And yes, I'd love a pecan tassie as I leave your pretty home. Merry Christmas blessings to you. xo

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  10. I love Pecan Tassies and I'm always looking for round tablecloths. Hope I have time to get back to Hobby Lobby before Christmas.

    It was so thoughtful to give you a Christmas cookbook for Thanksgiving.
    Lillian

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  11. I bought that book at Dillard's this year, and I absolutely loved it!!! I tagged SO MANY pages!!! When it's frosty out this January & February, I can keep myself busy trying out a bunch of the recipes. This was a really nice edition!

    Our living room is done in your state's state bird this year for Christmas. The cardinal is truly a great foundation for decorating, isn't it? I just love it! The cardinal and the chickadee together on the sled are really cute!!!

    I hope you can slow the pace down soon so that you can just relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Take care!!

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  12. Your table runner is gorgeous. It does seem that the clock hands speed up at this time of year. So much to do. Time to revise the lists and prioritize.
    The book looks great. I have a couple of Christmas Southern Living books (from the 90s) and use recipes and ideas from them still. A quality publication.
    Enjoy the season.

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  13. That table runner is to die for!!! Love it, and everything on your table, especially the Pfaltzgraff.

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  14. That looks so sweet! Super Irish tea, for a super Irish gal! Your teapot is beautiful! And the cookies look wonderful to have a cuppa with!
    Nollaig Shona Dhuit , my friend!
    Thanks for linking to Let's Dish!

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    Replies
    1. Go mba hé duit....translation: "And to you!"

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  15. Hi Rett
    Wanted to pop by and wish you a Merry Christmas as well. I love the pattern of the table runner and the Pfaltzgraff china for tea. I'm going to have a look at your recipe, they look like what we call pecan tarts in Canada, a close relative to our famous butter tarts.
    Hope your holiday is wonderful and that you find time to relax.
    Judith

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure pecan tarts are the same as pecan tassies, Judith. In fact, I think that WAS the original name but somewhere along the line, it got switched. Whatever they call them, they're GOOD!!

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  16. What a wonderful idea to give a Christmas cookbook for a Thanksgiving present! You have made one of my very favorite desserts, pecan tassies. This year, I did not make them. I tried pecan pie cookies, instead. They are pretty good, too. Hope you have a fabulous Christmas. It certainly looks like everyone will be eating well - lol!!

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    Replies
    1. TOO WELL, I fear! LOL
      I hate to climb on the scale some Jan.

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  17. Merry Christmas! Everything looks so pretty and yummy!

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  18. Rett, I love your sled as a tray for serving cookies and tea! Tea always tastes better served from a beautiful pot! I love watching the cardinals and chickadees at the feeder. The cardinal is NC's state bird too :) Love BJ's skirt, I haven't seen anything like it at my Hobby Lobby. Merry Christmas wishes!

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  19. Rett, you are the winner of Becky Povich's memoir! Please email her your address so she can send you an autographed copy. Your house looks warm, cozy, and festive. Beautiful Christmas Cheer. I hope you and your family have a magical holiday. xxoo

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    Replies
    1. How wonderful...I shall email her right away! Thank you SO much, Michael Lee...I can't wait to read her book!
      Merry Christmas to you & your family, too.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~