Sunday, December 02, 2007

Christmas Tea


My not-so-annual Christmas Tea was today. Such a nice group of ladies were able to attend. I've been baking up a storm to get ready this week. Yesterday my Mom came over to help entertain boys, and helped with the cleaning as well.

She was also quite a helper in being my taste tester. Quality control is important! I'd hate to serve something that wasn't delicious. I made a completely new dessert and needed her imput. I'd been thinking about how delicious the Peppermint Mocha was that I got last week and began to ponder how I could turn that taste into a dessert. Hence, the Peppermint Mocha Shortbread was born. I'll try to remember what all I did and post the recipe this week. It was easy and really good, if I do say so myself.

I made a couple of quiches, a bunch of tea sandwiches, scones, pumpkin bread, lemon clove shortbread, lemon bars, chocolate pecan toffee bars, ginger cookies, and the peppermint mocha shortbread. I tried to make spiced apple cider, but the percolator just kept running and boiled out all the juice. Oops! Good thing Sweetheart smelled it and took care of it. There was coffee and punch still to drink as well as teas. Lots of teas. I just put a bunch of choices out and then brewed four pots of the flavors people wanted to try. Harney and Sons Valentine Blend, which is a chocolate and rose flavored black tea, was a hit though probably not too Christmasy! The scent is so delightful.

It was so nice to visit with everyone, plus most everyone took home goodie bags for their families. No one will ever starve around here! The only thing I wish I could do different would be to have each one of you here. Wouldn't it be fun to gather together all of us that "visit" one anothers' virtual homes regularly for a tea? I am blessed that I can get together with Joanne for tea since she lives her in town, but there are so many others of you I'd like to sit down with and really get to know. Alas.

I'm glad I did it and yet, I am glad it is done. Now, everything is ready around here for Christmas and I can just relax and enjoy it all. Thanks Mom for all your help!!!!

I'm tired now and headed off to a bubble bath.

12 comments:

Kelli said...

Everything looks absolutely beautiful, Kimberly! You are an inspiration and a blessing to many. Yes, I wish I could have joined you!
Hugs,
Kelli

Proverbs3122 said...

That would be fun if we could get together to visit in person, wouldn't it.

I'm amazed that you pulled all this together with a newborn and a toddler to care for! Wow!! Everything looked so lovely, too. Looking at all your tiered serving pieces reminded me how much I really want/need to start collecting some of those. Were all those yours or did you borrow some??

Meredith said...

Stunning, simply stunning!

Anonymous said...

Isn't your Mom the best taste tester?
She did an excellent job in Italy!!
Oh, I wish I were there...I could have joined in on the testing...just to keep on top of quality control!!

Hoppy Holidaze Honey!!

Mimi said...

Beautiful table setting.. I know the ladies had a wonderful time enjoying the atmosphere, food, and visiting with one another!!
looks like you are completely ready for the holiday.......
so you deserve a bubble bath after all that! :-)

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

Everything looks so beautiful. I wish I was there. :)

Yes, do post that recipe if you remember it.

Ashley said...

Beautiful! It sounds like it was lots of fun.

Sandra Evertson said...

How lovely!
Happy Holidays!
Sandra Evertson

Bonnie said...

I had to look twice before I realized that was your table all laid out with the feast! At first I thought it was a nagazine! I wish I could've been there too...

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Looks like it was wonderful...so sorry I couldn't make it.

Hope you're taking it easy and still recovering!

Love,
Joanne

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

Just beautiful... and very inspiring. Thank you for the series of informative posts... what a practical, memorable way to reach out to community
You inspire, Kimberly...
My humble appreciation...
Ann

Jodi said...

Kimberly ~ Everything looks beautiful and sounds delicious. I just love hearing about your teas. Now enjoy that relaxing part. :o)

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