The Answer is Tea

by Helen Kain | Nov 23, 2020 | Brown, Fall Tablescapes, Green, Grey and Pewter, Tea, Vintage china

Have a cuppa? It’s the British cure for whatever ails you and seems particularly apropos in this hustle-bustle week. Whether navigating Thanksgiving preparations, Christmas arrangements, Zooming or Google meeting, it seems everyone is a bit … ahem, testy....

Dried Cherry Panettone

by Helen Kain | Jun 3, 2020 | Bread & Scones, Breakfast, Desserts, Fall Recipes, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Tea, Winter Recipes

I”m a glutton for slightly sweet bread. Not the super-sweet-sticky stuff like iced cinnamon rolls, but scones, date loaf and Portuguese King’s Bread, also called Bolo Rei, a marvellous concoction that Isabel, our cleaning lady, brings every Christmas....

Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day at Home (Instead of on Parade)

by Helen Kain | Mar 17, 2020 | Green, Spring Tablescapes, St. Patrick's Day, Tea, White

If we can’t have a parade, we can certainly enjoy a celebratory St. Patrick’s Day Tea in the comfort of our homes. Comfort food takes centre stage. Beef Stew Braised with Guinness Irish Soda Bread (photo and recipe courtesy of BBC Good Recipes) ...

Come to Tea with Cottage Garden

by Helen Kain | Jun 27, 2019 | Green, Pink and Red, Purple, Tea, White, Yellow

Earlier this year found me scrounging for ideas for an Irish table setting for St. Patrick’s Day. Googling “Irish Tea” turned up this tea set by Aynsley with the charming name of “Cottage Garden”. Always a sucker for multi-coloured...

Ice Cream Social

by Helen Kain | May 23, 2019 | Blue, Green, Pink and Red, Tea, White, Yellow

“You scream, I scream, We all scream, for Ice Cream.” Except at an ice cream social. Screaming would be rude. Ice cream, though – that we must have! Let’s gather some of our favourite flavours. How about Peanut Butter Chocolate, Mint Chocolate...

A Purrrrrfect Pretty Kitty Tea Party

by Helen Kain | Feb 18, 2019 | Accessories, Black, Tea, Winter Tablescapes

One of the great joys of grandchildren is elevating everyday experiences into memorable ones, whether it’s with special food or fun tableware.  Tea parties are a favourite ordinary-turned-special meal with our crew, and when they include a cat theme,...