Thankful for Friends Tea Party

It's funny, but I am just noticing how many tea parties

 and extra special occasions

 that I haven't ever shared on my blog.

 One of them includes a 

Thankful for Friends Tea

 I hosted for my very bestie best tea-sister friends last year.

So, yes, it's an old party but it's never been shared on my blog!

(Glad I noticed it.)

I do wish I had noticed earlier in the season. Oh well.

Better late than never, I suppose!

I hand-made my napkin holders from thrift-store

 wooden napkin rings wrapped in burlap

 and hot-glue gunned silk flowers I already had in my stash
from a practically free end of season sale earlier.

The menu graphics matched the name label graphics.

I used my little clay pumpkin card holders too.

The table runner I used, and my teapot cozy match.

I didn't have a pick of the teapot from the party
so I am sharing where I have it stashed this year.

Top shelf to the right is where you will find it.

Add cheese and a sprinkle of pepper or paprika or curry

on your soups for a nice look and extra bit of flavor!

I think this is gruyere I used here.

What autumn salad is complete

without some seasonal apples and pears?

Nature provided the simple centerpiece, 
keeping it low so everyone could see one another well
from across the table.

Everything for this tea was easy
 so dishes could go in the dishwasher after.

When hosting a slumber party weekend
the teas have to be low-maintenance clean up!

At least on weekends when my wonderful hubs
isn't around to help.

Because he is a God-send most tea parties -
invaluable help for me to be able to put them on in style.

I remember last year he had plans, so that's why I used
stoneware and glass dishes!

Most of you know I'd always prefer to use
 my pretty china for tea parties. ♥

I *adore* decorated sugar cubes.

The source I used stopped making them.

I think it's time I learned how to make my own now -

 I spent a small fortune on them for years!

I found a pic of the favors I gave away, but I can't really 
remember what I filled inside of them anymore.

I know there was a cute decoupaged birdie ornament

and some Thanksgiving napkins, and knowing me probably

a Yankee candle and perhaps a sachet.....

These favor gift baskets were so much prettier in person!

Yep, not the best lighting for these last minute pics.
No time, fuss, tripod or special tricks - just fast shots.

Good friends, good food, good fellowship...

(and a calm and happy hostess)

 make for the successful and memorable party!

That, for sure, is what we had that day.

As always, thank you for your visit!

Hugs and prayers!

♥

~Michele

Linking:

Friends Sharing Tea   * Inspire Me   *   Tablescape Thursday   *   Foodie Friday