Canada 150

This year, Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday.

White teacup by Aynsley

  Of course, my Canada 150 celebrations involved red and white-themed tea times!

Rosecrest snack set by Federal Glass

Celebrate Canada Birthday Cookies with Red Rose orange pekoe tea from a blogging friend.

Established in 1894 in New Brunswick, Red Rose Tea is considered a Canadian food icon.

Red and gold teacup by Old Royal Bone China

Another blogging friend sent me this delicious "Canada 150 Blend" by Murchie's:

"A mosaic of black, green and oolong teas, blended with a hint of maple to celebrate our nation’s history and diversity." (From: Murchie's)

Some of you may have seen this Canadian Tire commercial already. 

Click on the image to watch the 30-second commercial.

I was proud to see the Valley's charming downtown featured in the commercial.

Happy 150 Canada!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Vessels | Pouring & Storing

A few weeks ago, I attended the Carnegie Gallery's opening reception for Maureen Landry's exhibition titled, "Vessels | Pouring & Storing."

"I have a fascination with teapots and all the facets that make up a teapot – the body and the many shapes it can take, the lid and spout and how they correspond with the body, and the handle that invites you to pick up the teapot." (Maureen Landry)

This black porcelain teapot, sugar and creamer would be perfect for a Gothic tea party.

The Mad Hatter would approve of these whimsical celadon green teapots.

Green and brown teapots with a matte finish.

My favourite: Dancing teapots

Save the last dance for me!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Tea at the White House's Pop-Up Tea

When I heard that one of my favourite tearooms, Tea at the White House, started hosting pop-up teas at the Jitterbug Cafe on Sundays, I had to make a reservation for afternoon tea!

My high school friends and I were able to meet up earlier this month.

The Jitterbug Cafe was transformed into a cozy tearoom.

The pretty white china made an elegant table setting.

I drank the House Blend, a fruity black tea with "notes of hibiscus, currants, raisins, and a flowery finish."

Afternoon Tea for One

I was famished and ordered the full afternoon tea.

Top Tier: Sweets for Two

I didn't know what those meringue things were but they were delicious!

Middle Tier: Scones with Devon Cream and Jam for Two

My favourite part of the tea: Scones with Devon Cream and Jam!

Bottom Tier: Sandwiches for Two

The sandwiches were: the classic cucumber and cream cheese; egg salad, and salmon mouse.

As we were paying our bills, I heard this. The 24 CTU ringtone was the last thing I expected to hear at a tea room! It turned out that the Tea at the White House Proprietor had downloaded the CTU ringtone for his cell phone.

I enjoyed the elegant ambience, delicious food and tea, and wonderful service and hope to experience Tea at the White House's pop-up tea again!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden

Cornflowers

Like many teacup addicts collectors, I often browse online for tea sets. Several years ago, I purchased my first complete tea set from a local seller.

The set included a small teapot and 4 cups and saucers.

According to Replacements.com (which tends to overprice items), the teapot alone was worth around $100. The seller was helping his mom downsize her china collection and was selling the entire set for only $10! I gave the man a $10 bill and skipped away with my purchase.

 The pieces were all in pristine condition. The pattern was called "Cornflowers" by Adderley.

A few weeks after my purchase, an e-mail from the seller popped up in my inbox. I thought, "BUSTED! He finally realized how much the tea set was actually worth..."

It turned out that he found the matching cake plate and was offering it to me for $5. SOLD!

Some Earl Grey teas are blended with cornflower petals.

Screenshot of Monarch Tea Co Instagram

"Blue cornflower can help ease anxiety, smooth skin & help boost immunity. It also provides a natural creaminess to tea." (Source: Monarch Tea Co.)

Earl Grey Cream by Tealish

Cornflowers enhance both the look and taste of teas!

I'm joining the following parties this week:

Tuesday Cuppa Tea

Tea in the Garden