Tea Alfresco

Alfresco means “outside” or in “fresh air”.  Let’s take the tea party outdoors to the patio or porch.   The garden becomes the tea room and gives us the chance to use some of the teacups and teapots that might be a little more casual or fun.  Start looking for paper napkins that would go with your teacups.  A good place to shop for the small cocktail napkins, perfect for alfresco teas, is Tuesday Morning.  Also many stationary shops now carry them.

Add some variety to your menu.  I know I can get in a rut and serve the traditional menu items, so start trying some fun and unusual recipes.  Here’s one that is quick and easy and really good.  Reminds me of one of our teas in a quaint little tearoom in a village in the Cotswolds.

Cotswold Tea Sandwiches

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup chopped pecans

1 Tab finely chopped onion

4 strips well-cooked and drained crumbled bacon

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate one hour before making into sandwiches. Makes 16 quarters.

Don’t forget to grow some flowers that you can cut and use for the table.  Right now the peonies are blooming.  They look lovely floating in a bowl of water.  I think being in the garden and having tea is a chance for us to take that time to remember how great is God’s love for us and a place to be at his feet and hear his voice.

“Come unto me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11: 28-29

Those are the words of Jesus that I leave you with today.

Until We Tea Again.

Penelope