Can you believe it??? Spring is less than a month away and I can hardly wait! To pass the time, I am joining a group of talented ladies for another “on a tray tour.” Hosted by the amazing Katherine, of Katherines Corner, our theme this season is Tea Time. Come along as I put together a tea party to share with a friend. Thanks so much Katherine!
If you’re coming over from Debbie-Dabble Blog welcome! Her designs are always gorgeous aren’t they? That being said, she is a tough act to follow so I better get busy!
Spring Fever
Spring fever has definitely set in at My Home of All Seasons. I’m trying to keep it in check but the urge to start my spring decorating is strong. I can’t wait to see the bunnies that I carefully packed away last year! Plans for my spring fairy garden are well under way and I long to replace the evergreen boughs with flowers of every color! But I refuse to give in! It’s just too early! This tour has provided me with a welcome distraction and the chance to simply relax and enjoy a spot of tea with a good friend.
But you know what they say about the best laid plans! I had intended to put together a traditional English Afternoon Tea . I pulled out a heavy silver tray that I thought would be the perfect thing. Quite tarnished but that adds to the charm. At least that’s what I told myself as I put the polish back in the cabinet.
I created a pretty tea related sign, brought out a favorite teapot, accessories, and cups and went to work.
However, I simply couldn’t get spring off my mind. I put the silver tray back and decided on another that reminded me of the outdoors. After all, a big part of Spring fever is the intense longing to spend time outside after a harsh winter indoors. I decided to go with a natural bark tray that reminded me of the trees that will soon be budding in the back yard.
Feeling the need to dress it up a bit, I draped a lace doily on the side and started over. I put the teapot in place, added the sugar bowl, creamer, and a few flowers for a bit of color.
I finished it up with the teacups, spoons, and my cute little sign. Perfect! With the tray in order, I was looking forward to a quiet afternoon with a good friend.
Uninvited Guest
Leaving the tray on the family room console, I went back to the kitchen to fill the kettle. Lost in my thoughts, I was startled by an odd flapping sound behind me. Quickly spinning around, I was surprised to see the most gorgeous purple bird had landed on my teapot!
Lovely as she was, I certainly didn’t want a bird flying through the house! Still, I decided to let her be for the moment. Surely the kettle would scare her off once the water boiled. So I went to work putting together some cucumber sandwiches to enjoy with our tea.
The kettle whistled and I turned again. I was hoping to see her fly away so I could determine how she got in in the first place. What I saw was unbelievable. With lightening speed she had built a nest in one of my teacups. A nest, with two perfect purple eggs no less!
Although I thought she was quite rude to intrude on my plans in the first place, I didn’t want to disturb the nest. At that point, I accepted the fact that my pretty tray was not to be. Since it would need to stay exactly where it was for the time being, I needed to make a few changes. ( I’m nothing if not flexible! ) I made a more appropriate sign & debated on cancelling my party.
And Then…
I was arranging the scones on a plate listening to Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony when I heard the chirping. It didn’t take long to realize that was more than just one bird! I turned back to my tray and was amazed to see, 2 little purple birds occupied the nest where the eggs had been.
It was at that point that I realized the tea party I had painstakingly planned had gone to the birds. Of course I was disappointed, most definitely annoyed, but what could I do! I called my friend and cancelled and set about cleaning up the kitchen.
I wrapped up the sandwiches, put the scones in a bag, and turned to the stove to put away the kettle. It was no longer there! I was definitely questioning my sanity as I searched the kitchen. There it was! Full of beautiful spring flowers in the center of my table!
While contemplating how this all happened, I heard what sounded like giggling coming from the tea kettle. I pulled the flowers aside and there she was! Now I understood it all. I do believe she was growing impatient waiting for me to put her home together under the trees. Fairies are such magical little beings but it really is best to stay on their good side!
In Conclusion
However unintentional, spring decorating has begun at My Home of All Seasons. My tea party may have been a bust but the birds really are quite cute! They can stay where they are through the season. Although I had intended to wait a few more weeks, I’ll be starting on the fairy garden this afternoon too. I need to get it done before they can create any more mischief! Birds today… bunnies hopping through the house tomorrow I’m sure.
FULL DISCLOSURE: While I absolutely love a pretty teapot, I am not a tea drinker by any stretch of the imagination. I am one of those people who should wear a sign around my neck warning no one to speak to me until I've had at least 3 cups of coffee. On a rare occasion I might enjoy a classical moment with Mozart or Chopin. However, I'm more likely to be bopping around the kitchen to a Bruce Springsteen song while eating a PB&J, (cucumbers are for salads!) But... the birds and the fairies? Well... they're REAL of course!
Pin For Later
If you’re not quite ready to begin your spring decorating, I totally understand! Still, I’m hoping there might be an idea here that will help you in the future. You can find the tray and several of the elements I used today in the Create the Look section of the blog.
The tour continues over at The Painted Apron. You won’t want to miss a visit with Jenna!
Thanks so much for stopping by. Links to all the tour participants can be found below. Have a great day!
What a sweet tray! I’m smitten with your nested tea cup–so charming! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction
Thanks Cecilia! Great touring with you!
Omgosh Denise! Your had me smiling and even chuckling a few times. I loved your post. So creative and so much fun. Yes, I’m ready for all things spring too. I can’t wait to see your fairy garden. XO- MaryJo
Thanks MaryJo! Spring is still a long ways away for me I think. We are expecting more snow tomorrow night and I have to say… I am just plain over it!!! Fun touring with you and I hope you have a great week ahead.
Denise,
Totally loving that elegant tea set!!
And what a delightful tale you spun ,my friend!!!
The nest in the tea cup is so pretty…I did that myself and made ornaments out of tea cups with nests in them…
It was a pure delight visiting with you today!!
I enjoyed “touring” with you!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Thanks so much Deb. I bet those ornaments were adorable! I’m filing that idea away for the future like I do with so many things I find on your blog! Great touring with you. Have a wonderful week!
Love the bird sitting on the tea pot waiting for tea time to begin! Everything is so pretty.
Thank you Melynda. I hope you have an easy trip back to Wyoming! Take care!
I so enjoyed seeing your pretty tea tray and enjoyed reading your delightful story telling too, you are so gifted and talented! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your kind comment Christie! I am so ready for the spring birds to come back. I saw the first one the other day and snapped a picture for this post. I won’t be letting them inside but I do love to watch them from my kitchen window!
What fun Denise, your tale of a tea tray creation was so cute and clever, I absolutely love your Spring tea on a tray! Your story really demonstrates the process we go through when decorating, moving and changing things until we feel it’s just right, though often times discovering more than just one arrangement that we like. Your tea pot is so cute and I love the way the tea cup is tilted and the pretty moss and eggs. The added framed sign is a delightful idea! Enjoy your early Spring!
Thanks so much Jenna! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I NEED spring to get here. More snow on it’s way tomorrow night! If only my fairies could change the weather too!!!
Denise, I really enjoyed your cute story along with showing the steps for building up the tray; adding and, subtracting decor until you feel that it works. Your finished tray has springtime written all over it.
Hang in there, spring will be here soon!
Love,
Rachelle
Thanks so much Rachelle! I’m not a tea drinker so I was a little unsure on this one. In the end though, it turned into such a fun challenge. I think of you often and I hope you’re doing well. Continued prayers!
Love the bird’s next and flowers. Isn’t it grand that we get to change our minds and do something totally unexpected? Spring is definitely on the way in your lovely tray.
Lynne
Thanks so much Lynne. Fun touring with your today! Have a great week.
What a beautiful way you decorated your tea tray. I love the charm of your tea tray and the bird accent.
Thanks Maria! Such a fun tour. So glad I could join you today!
I am so excited for spring too! Gorgeous tea tray with so many beautiful pieces! Great to tour with you!
Shelley
Thanks so much Shelley. Have a wonderful week ahead!
You had me smiling through your whole story. What fun. Your tray is lovely. Thank you for joining in the fun. Pinned! xo
Thank you Katherine and thanks again for organizing such a fun tour!
Denise, I love that this tray went to the birds. When spring fever hits, it hits hard! The purples are so bright and beautiful. Love the moss and eggs pouring out from the tea cups. so cute. Have a great week.- Meagan
Thanks so much Meagan! It does hit hard. I am so ready to be outside and I’m ready for the green to come back. It’s just cold and brown here at the moment! Great touring with you. Have a wonderful weekend ahead!
Great story beautiful tea tray. I’m ready for spring
Thanks Vicki! You and me both. We have snow in the forecast again for tonight!
I loved the charm and the whimsy — and the storytelling! The mossy nests are lovely. So fun touring with you!
Thanks Sandra! I’m not a tea drinker but the cozy little spot that you set up at your house might just make me one. Have a great weekend!
What a sweet tray and a fun little story! Isn’t it fun to imagine these wonderful scenarios? Your little next in the teacup is just adorable and perfect for Spring!
Thank you Chloe. It is fun to imagine these things! Have a wonderful weekend. It was great touring with you!
Absolutely love your tea tray design. I would love to know where the teapot, creamer, and sugar bowl came from. It is perfect for what I need in my in process living room decor. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much Sylvia! I could not find any store that still sells the teapot but I have seen several for sale on Etsy and Ebay as well. Some as low as $10.00. It is the 2002 Woodsong Designs Devonshire Place set by Demdaco. I just checked this morning for you and my search brought up quite a few. I’ve tried to link them here but my system is not letting me! Hopefully you will find one!
Thank you so much Denise. Love your whimsical story too. Really appreciate your help with locating this lovely tea set. Have a great day.
You’re welcome Sylvia! I hope you found one… it is such a simple design but so pretty.
Looks really nice, I love that you kept adding to it, and I really like the teacups nest! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedLinkParty 102. Shared.
Thanks Dee. It was such a fun tray to put together.
Denise, CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at the #UnlimitedLinkParty 103!
Thanks so much Dee!
Denise, such a lovely tea vignette. Love your story and how you built the tea on a tray. The nest in the teacup is darling. Love the purple eggs. A beautiful tea set as well. Such an awesome story teller.
Thanks so much Linda! I was a little stumped with this one since I am most definitely not a tea drinker. I had to let my imagination write it this time. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks again for stopping by.
I love all the pretty details on your tray! I also enjoyed how you wrote your post. The arrival of your birds and fairy was so sweet. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty!
Thank you Allyson! Have a great week!