After reading Kim Brenneman’s Large Family Logistics, Ani, Yosi and I have recently adopted a new weekly routine, an afternoon tea party. Usually, we enjoy sitting together sipping tea and nibbling on whatever treat we made together with the ingredients we can find in the pantry for that week. I love how it slows us down and gives the kids quality time with mama. This week was a little different; we wanted to share our tea time with our neighbors.
Ani and I found a recipe in her new cookbook and had a blast dressing up our simple deviled eggs into little white mice with currant eyes and radish tails. Then we blended cream cheese, sour cream and a handful of butterscotch morsels (sent in my mom’s most recent care package) into a rich dip for our strawberry hearts and blueberries!
After our afternoon nap, we warmed up the tea kettle, and made some fancy Ceylon tea with honey and raw goat’s milk for cream. Ani made her friend’s their own place-mats with her artwork. And I used another item from my mom’s box for the table-cloth: a red Indian Sari. The only thing missing were fresh flowers.
Our guests arrived at 4 pm, dressed well and very mannerly and with a bouquet of flowers for Ani. She was tickled pink! We sat down after everyone had a good laugh over the kosher egg mice. Everyone was happy and smiling and enjoying the special treats. The boys left the table with Ani to dance to the classical music playing while I talked more with my friend, their mother.
Overall, it was a great success, and Ani and I look forward to more great tea parties. Some alone and some with guests. I really encourage mothers near and far to plan one with their children and take the time to let the children participate in preparation, party and clean-up. Sit back and enjoy life’s simple pleasures with your treasures from Yah! Cheers!
So lovely and I’m so jealous of your neighbours! I want to come to one of your tea parties!
The sparkle in Ani’s eyes is so beautiful. What a treasure you have been given in her
Aww Thanks Christine! I believe someday, not too far away we will be sipping tea in our Abba’s Land..we will be neighbors!
And thank you for blessing Ani with your words. At least once a day, I just stare at her or Yosi…and think “Wow, what blessings I have from Yehovah!” And then I usually think about having more kids!
Children really are such a treasure if they are brought up in Abba’s ways!
What a wonderful idea. I know my own children would love this. I have been tempted to check out the Large Family Logistics book. If the ideas are just as lovely as this, you may have convinced me.
We loved the opportunity to come to one of your parties, it was lovely! Ani was such a good hostess, and it gave my rugged little boys the opportunity to learn the more delicate side of manners (like napkins on laps and waiting to eat until the hostess does). It was delightful! You are a beautiful mother.
Toda to Abba! Yay! Teaparties are perfect ways to learn hospitality and servant skills. Ani will always remember this from her childhood! I remember you telling me once when Ani was young of your dream to have a regular tea-time. Yah is good!