I do believe Christmas magazines will always be some of my favorites, but I'm afraid I haven't come across very many new ones that tempted me this year. Vintage Holiday magazine was a treat with all its Shabby Chic and pink and vintage decor, but many of the others looked so similar, I usually left the newsstand empty-handed. Thank goodness I knew I could count on the new issue of Tea Time for something pretty!
One of the things I most enjoy seeing in this magazine each year is all their pretty Christmas china. This Johnson Brothers Victorian Christmas is a pattern that was new to me, and it is quite lovely, and I love the plaid accents on this table as well. Something about Christmas plaid is always so elegant and classic looking.
I was also inspired by this little two-tiered server with Lemon-Ginger Walnut Tartlets and miniature Victoria Sponge Cakes. I'm having two of my neighbors over for Christmas tea this weekend, and I really want to do something special for them. Lord willing, I will have Friday free to make a few things ahead, so I'm pondering what that might be. Not the tea sandwiches or the scones, obviously, but maybe some special cookies or truffles or tarts? What would *you* find most tempting on a Christmas tea tray? Suggestions are most welcome!
I thought that Johnson Bros china was pretty, too, and love the plaid with it. Personally, anything chocolate, cherry, or lemon would appeal to me. The Lemon, Ginger, and Pistaschio Bark on p. 27 sounds delicious (and easy!) but peppermint bark would seem more "Christmas-y" to me.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy sweets flavored with tea. Chai spice cookies or Earl Grey truffles come to mind!
ReplyDeleteI would recommend making orange-flavored madeleines for your tea tray. I recently made them for the first time, and they were so beautiful, so delicious, and so classic! You can make them in advance, put them in the freezer until you need them, and then dust them with powered sugar before serving, and they will look
ReplyDeletevery elegant.--from Vernona in DC
I haven't purchase any extra Christmas magazines this year either, but may check out the British issue of Better Homes and Gardens. I could skip most sweets and just go for the sandwiches and savories. Love roast beef with caramelized onion for a Christmas tea time. Also making Coronation Chicken sandwiches just for dinner tonight because I was so hungry for them and had left over chicken.
ReplyDelete