" WHO'S COMING TO TEA "

" Who's coming to tea?  Can't imagine "whoo" it might be !!!!
I've looked all around the room and even answered the door....  Do you have pumpkins carved? Are they all in their places, with scary, or even happy faces?  I wonder, "whoo" it will be, that will stop over, for a Thanksgiving tea?

I'm  inviting  and wishing all my American friends, a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.... To celebrate the season, I've strayed a little from the traditional oranges, into the dramatics of black, contrasted with  vibrant yellow and red roses. Today, I shall be brewing rose hip tea reaped from my very own garden.

The best time to harvest the rose hips is after the first frost, as I've been told that frost helps to sweeten the flavour. It's a great way to get a tasteful sense of the bud. 

You can use fresh or  dried rose hips, but you'll need twice as many hips, if your using fresh. For this aromatic tea, steep four to eight rose hips in a cup of boiling water for about 10-15 minutes ... or take a short cut and simply buy some  in the store.

M-m-m-m...It  tastes simply delicious in this artful 1950's "Rosina" teaset from England. The company operated in Longton, Staffordshire and began trading in 1941...  It became one of the many  potteries operating in the region referred to as the " Staffordshire Potteries".

Many of the pieces feature delicate floral designs and patterns with slightly small and dainty handles.

I'm  quite in love with this pattern, especially since it's so fondly decorated with something that I adore, " Roses"... 

" Would Jove appoint some flower to reign

In matchless beauty on the plain

The Rose , ( Mankind will all agree)

The Rose, the Queen of Flower should be ."

- Sappho

Yes, I'm still in the poetic mood of the autumn blush... I trust that, most of you, have  taken time out, to reflect and enjoy the gifts of the season with your families. I've even found a cosy little spot to curl up in, for those quieter moments of thanksgiving.

Since today, I am expecting teatime company..... What better way to celebrate than to share something you love with friends  .... garden fresh tea and  fine china !!!!

 Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving,  the second Monday of each October, so we are now,  actually eating our left overs in a Turkey pie ...( Gobble Gobble) ...  but I'd love to join my American friends on Thursday, for a home cooked meal and a piece of pumpkin pie ...  I can smell it from here. ( Yummy)

If you need a little  break from the hustle and bustle of baking and excitement,   remember that there's a relaxing spot of tea waiting for you, just over the border, in Canada... with the "Grand Lady"and friends.

                                                    " HAPPY THANKSGIVING "