Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Having a T-Party

I love going to antiques malls and looking for items that I could use in my kitchen. I especially love the vintage items that could have been in my Nana's kitchen--treasures such as Pyrex, Decoware, old kitchen gadgets, tablecloths, and tea towels.

However, it has been almost a year since I went antiquing. I was unemployed for a bit and then when I obtained employment, it turned out to be a significant reduction in pay. Consequently, antiquing was moved to the "not in the budget" list. I didn't even want to go to my favorite stores to window shop; it was a bit depressing to go and not be able to purchase even a tea towel.

Gadget Guy and I are doing okay, and I'm grateful that I now have a recession-proof job. However, I've missed visiting my antiquing haunts and finding treasures.

Well, this week that all changed, because...I won something from T-Party Antiques!

Susan at T-Party Antiques has a fondness for antiques and a great collection of vintage items at her website store. She also joined two friends in running a tearoom along the Connecticut coast for five years. I found out about her place too late and missed out on experiencing the T-Cozy. However, her post on making tea sandwiches helped inspire me to host my first tea party in December 2007.

Now, I read her anniversary post and commented on my favorite T-Party blog post, but I didn't expect to win. You see, I don't win random drawings or raffles. If I win a prize for anything, it's because I earned it--like the trophy for my high school science fair project and my scholarship-worthy SAT scores. I don't win at random.

Until now.


When I received word from Susan that I had won, I never thought of looking back at the "giveaway post" to see what I had won. So when it arrived yesterday, I was eager to see what I had won.

First, I opened the tea. Mmm--orange cranberry. Harney and Sons makes a wonderful Cranberry Autumn tea with black tea, cranberry, and orange peel, but I can only drink it in the morning. T-Party's caffeine-free herbal tea will be great any time of day.

Doesn't it look delicious? Remember...good looking = good tasting.


Next, this adorable key holder. I wish I had more keys so I could hang this up and use it. I guess I'll have to find another home for it.

A vintage cake plate made by Knowles China, perfect for me to use when I make myself a birthday cake! (It will be over a week late, but hey, it's still my "birthday month.")

I adore these flowers...


SIGH. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong decade. But then I remember how much I like the modern conveniences...especially air conditioning, dishwashers, and the internet.

I think this asymmetrical and fluted edge is delicate and homey at the same time.

Does that make sense?

Oh, did you notice the vintage calico fabric that I used as a background for the items? Yep, from T-Party also--too cute.

And finally...

The tea is delish.

So stop by Susan's T-Party for antiques, handmade items, or just a trip back in time. You may not want to leave. So make plenty of tea.

Happy T-Party Antiquing!--bjh

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nicole,
I'm so glad you like your vintage goodies! If you're ever down in this area of CT, you must stop by my studio and say hello.
Warm regards,
Susan

Sentimentally Me said...

Good Morning!

Found your blog/twitter through T-Party's! I'm in CT, too ~ Redding. Small world, isn't it??! Congrats on winning that lovely bunch of goodies!!

Tony C said...

Now I'm starving...

Do you guys drink sweet tea in Connecticut?

Yea Spring...love the pictures.

abby jenkins said...

I LOVE THAT TULIP CAKE PLATE!!! oh, it reminds me of spring....