A new tea-themed Christmas tree

Last year my teapot and teacup ornaments outgrew the little pink Christmas tree I had been using, so this year I found a bigger tabletop tree, in teal, at Garden Ridge. When my niece Amelia and nephew Matthew were over the night before Thanksgiving, they helped me get started by placing most of the ornaments on the tree!

In the days since, I've been adding a few more that were stored in various boxes of Christmas goodies. It really is like opening new presents each year, because I forget what all I've got, like this glass teapot ornament from my friend Mrs. Earlene, who retired as a bookseller earlier this year and closed her beloved downtown Newnan bookstore. I think of her each year when I hang this ornament.

I also rediscovered another old favorite, this cream and pink teapot ornament from my friend Susan. Apparently I had stored the "winter white" ornaments in a separate box one year, so they got separated from the others and have been AWOL for the past few Christmases. It's nice to have them back where they belong!

It was fun to add the new ornaments I picked up this year, like this red glass teapot from Target …

… and this Wedgwood teacup from Marshalls.

When decorating this little tree each year, I always enjoy reminiscing about the "tea friends" who have blessed me with ornaments, including this favorite, a bejeweled piece from Marilyn.

Lani gave me this fun Madame Alexander doll ornament carrying a teapot.

And last year, Janet surprised me with this handmade teapot ornament!

Earlier this fall, Mary Jane gifted me with a beautiful teapot ornament that is absolutely the most meaningful one I have ever, ever received. Why?

Here's what she wrote on the back, so you can see why I was so moved when I received it. What a precious, precious gift!

And finally, since I "introduced" you all more formally to my Aunt Jane a few weeks back, I thought you might enjoy knowing that she gave me this pink glass teacup off of her very own little tree a few years ago, just because she thought I would enjoy it. Isn't it nice to have so many sweet memories to associate with Christmas ornaments?