Cindy's Birthday Tea Party

This tea party ended up being a Sangria birthday party. Cindy was finally going to showcase her Belleek Irish China with the very delicate almost see-through cup and saucers. She purchased the whole set when she was in her 20's. I have known her since then and my lips have never kissed a cup of her collection.

Since most of us are not tea drinkers, she informed us she would have some Prosecco but decided to make this wonderful Sangria made with the prosecco, brandy, peach nectar and fresh peaches and nectarine. It was like drinking a really refreshing fruit juice on a warm afternoon except it went straight to our blood stream like an I.V. and felt a surge of alcohol.

Her table setting was beautiful with the Belleek china. Everything matched of course like everything in her house. The cutlery was antique which she also purchased a long time ago. She had party favors on top of each place setting. Her table setting was simple yet elegant.

The food was also simple and delicious. She had Tomato Butter and Cashew Chicken Sandwiches, Tuna-olive tapenade, a block of the most delicious cheese; Delice de Bourgogne from Trader Joe's. In addition, she had Lemon Lavender Scones with lemon curd and Blueberry Scones both from the best bakery, L'Amande, which unfortunately has closed since then. She also served a variety of macarons and since I had the first pick, I took the caramel!

After all the eating and drinking it was time to open her presents and tell stories. We were all relaxed and had a wonderful time catching up. We did miss Mertz who was flying somewhere and Ana who was out of the country. I know they were both there in spirit.

Before we left, we had to say hello to China Blue, Cindy's cat, who also matched her living room....but of course!