Merry Christmas

Stopping in to wish y’all a Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.  I have been absent lately on my blog, but you may follow me on my Instagram at missjanice_14.

I am having a very pink Christmas this year.

Social Calling Cards

Do you have your own social calling cards? I have had calling cards in my stationery wardrobe since I was a young girl.  They are great to use at parties, class reunions, or just to give to an old friend when meeting after a long absence.  The card is a great way to connect socially--"Call me, here’s my number."
If you want to learn more about calling cards, try to find this sweet book "Calling Cards," from Victoria Magazine that I have had in my library for many years. All the publications from Victoria are exquisite and this book is no exception.  It’s full of photos of lovely cards and fascinating facts on the history of calling cards as graceful social accessories.
My cards are engraved in brown on ecru paper.  I have used the same cards from William Arthur for many years--they have my full name and my telephone number in the bottom right-hand corner.  You can find beautiful calling cards online at Crane Stationery.

I will share the rest of my stationery wardrobe in my next blogpost.  Thank you for visiting with me today.

Princess Eugenie's Royal Wedding

Princess Eugenie Victoria Helena, HRH Princess Eugenie of York and Jack Brooksbank, a British wine merchant and socialite will be married October 12, 2018 at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.  Of course, this was the chapel where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle earlier this year.

Princess Eugenie is ninth in the line of succession to the throne, so this will be a "Royal Wedding Light."  All the same, it will be a royal wedding.  Yay!!!  The Princess will be "dressed in a couture gown and waving from a horse-drawn carriage as trumpets sound and red-coated calvary march to and fro."  After her wedding, Princess Eugenie will be known as HRH Princess Eugenie, Mrs. Jack Brooksbank.

                 Princess Eugenie and her fiancé Jack Brooksbank

Princess Eugenie is the daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.  I remember watching their wedding in 1986.  Even though they divorced in 1996, they are still together today.  The couple reportedly live together at the Royal Lodge at Windsor and have a ski lodge in the posh Swiss resort of Verbier.  There is definitely a riff between Sarah and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.  He has never forgiven her for the scandal she caused back in the 90's.             .



Sarah and Prince Andrew are often seen at public gatherings, but she has never been fully welcomed back into the royal fold.



Princess Eugenie chose her sister Princess Beatrice Elizabeth Mary to be her maid of honor.



Which royal will not be attending the wedding?  Camilla.  She has a previous engagement. Okay.



But...we will get to see Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as they will be a part of the wedding party--bridesmaid and pageboy!  Yay!!!



800 people are expected to attend the wedding.  The Dean of Windsor, David Conner will officiate.  Andrea Bocelli will sing two pieces, and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will perform.

The wedding can be viewed in America, Friday morning October 12th, on TLC starting at 4:25 a.m. ET and repeating at 7:25 a.m. ET.

The Mote Spoon

I love to collect tea accoutrements.  All the dainty pieces serve a purpose and also are pretty to look at during teatime. The mote spoon is an elegant accessory to use while serving tea.  The spoon end is pierced to skim stray tea leaves from the cup.  The pointed end is used to stick into the spout of the teapot to scoop out tea leaves.  With its long handle, it is also a convenient utensil to stir the loose tea after the hot water has been added.

In this photo the silver tea strainer is placed on top of the tea cup to catch the stray tea leaves while pouring the tea.

If there are any stray leaves in the teacup after straining the tea, the mote spoon can be used. The silver mote spoon is placed on a teaspoon rest after each use.

The mote spoon is from the Victorian and Edwardian era and a must-have teatime accoutrement. 


"But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea."
~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

I love starting my morning with a good pot of tea...planning my outfit, writing my to-do list, and relaxing.  Thank you for visiting with me today.

Lemon Etiquette at Teatime

Lemon is a delightful addition to hot tea and of course there is etiquette to be followed at teatime.  Tea pairs exceptionally well with Anne of Green Gables and today I'm sipping a Darjeeling tea from Harney Tea.  Darjeeling is a black tea--"The Queen of Teas," a blend of First Flush and Autumnal teas from the best tea gardens.  I would only add a lemon slice to a black tea.  Be sure to pour the tea in first, then add sugar, then the lemon.  Lemon is offered thinly sliced (never in wedges!).



A lemon fork (with splayed tines) should be provided.  The tea pourer or the tea drinker can then put a slice directly into the poured cup of tea.  Should you desire another cup of tea, the pourer will remove the slice of lemon from your cup, place it into the tea slop bowl (shown on the right), and pour your tea.  The tea pourer or you may add a fresh lemon slice.  You may also be offered a fresh cup, depending on availability.  Remember that milk and lemon are never used together in tea.  The citric acid of the lemon causes the milk to curdle


Etiquette tip--These are a few lemon faux pas you do not want to commit at teatime:

~Putting the lemon slice into the cup before pouring the tea.  Tea is always poured in the cup first.
~Placing a lemon slice on the edge of the saucer in anticipation of adding it to the cup later.
~Transferring the lemon slice from the cup to the saucer.  You will end up with your cup resting in a puddle of tea.
~Removing the cloves from the lemon slice before placing in the teacup.  The cloves are placed in the lemon slices to add flavor.
~Using the spoon to press the lemon slice after you place it in the cup.  The oil from the peel and the juice from the fruit will provide the desired essence.

"Of course I'll stay to tea, said Anne gaily.  I was dying to be asked."
Anne of Green Gables

Napkin Etiquette at Teatime

Let's talk tea today.  What's in my teacup?  It's a loose tea "Florence Tea" from Harney Tea.  I know I carry on all the time on my Instagram about the fabulous teas from Harney, but there are so many to love!  This is a China black tea with hints of chocolate and traces of almond and hazelnut.  It's delightful y'all! 

From my etiquette book collection...I love this classic book by Dorothea Johnson, "Tea and Etiquette: Taking Tea for Business and Pleasure."  Of all the etiquette tips she taught me, napkin etiquette will remain with me forever!

Today, in all dining situations, the napkin is properly picked up and unfolded on the lap, not above the table level.  A large dinner napkin is folded in half with the fold facing the body, while a tea napkin (12" serviette) is opened completely on the lap. Don't iron the napkin folds flat (iron the napkin but not the folds).  Remember that all napkin folds on your table should face the same way. 

Wait for your hostess to take her napkin and place it on her lap.  Then pick up your napkin and place it on your lap. 



Please don't wipe your mouth with the napkin.  Blot it.  Lipstick is never blotted on a cloth napkin; discreetly blot the lipstick onto a tissue before you begin to eat.  Don't use a napkin as handkerchief.  The napkin should remain on the lap during tea.

If you need to leave the table temporarily, place your napkin on your chair, not on the table.  Push you chair back under the table if the setting is appropriate.  Return the napkin to your lap when you are seated.  The host or hostess picks up his or her napkin to signal the close of the tea.  At the end of the tea, the napkin is not refolded but picked up by the center and placed loosely to the left of the plate.

Pumpkin Pretties and Goodies at Williams-Sonoma

It is that time of year when I become obsessed with everything pumpkin....the décor, the scents, and the tastes of pumpkin.  Williams-Sonoma never disappoints with their seasonal merchandise.  These are just a few of the autumn/pumpkin items on my wish list:

These pumpkin crackers will add a fun, festive look to any autumn tablescape.  They are stuffed with a party crown, jokes, riddles, and party games.





I love the colors and print of this tablecloth.  It is machine washable and available in several sizes.



The 20" square matching napkins...also machine washable.



The pumpkin-motif porcelain dinnerware is gorgeous!



The mugs would be perfect for sipping apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte.


I already have these adorable pumpkin napkin rings...they can be used now through Thanksgiving and year after year.  They never go out of style.




Speaking of the scents of autumn...this candle has pumpkin, with scents of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves!  LOVE this candle.  Pumpkin scent...all through the house!


Pumpkin Spice hot chocolate?  Lord have mercy, this sounds good!  Just combine it with heated milk and voila!  This makes staying home on a Saturday night fun!





Since I fail at making my own pumpkin bisque, I must try this.  All I have to do is heat this soup starter with vegetable or chicken broth.  I think I could do this.



I need this because I LOVE pumpkin bread and the pecan pumpkin butter sounds delicious!  The bread mix makes 12 muffins or one 4" x 8" loaf.  The butter size is 13.5 oz.  I'm sure that pecan pumpkin butter would also be wonderful on scones or crumpets!



Yes, I think a shot of this pumpkin spice coffee syrup would go well with my coffee!  It will also be delish drizzled over ice cream and pancakes.

French Onion Soup Etiquette

Onion soups have been popular throughout history.  They were seen as food for poor people, as onions were plentiful and easy to grow.  French Onion Soup became famous in the 18th century with the opening of the gigantic food market Les Halles de Paris.  At dawn, workers and night owls sat together around a fragrant, yet cheap bowl of this delicious and heartwarming dish, made from beef broth, caramelized onions, a large bread slice, and grated and grilled Gruyere cheese.  The first bowls to get reinvigorated, the second bowls to avoid any hangover.  Soupe a' l'oignon (onion soup) has always been Paris's timeless hangover cure!


The "French" in "French Onion Soup" refers to the manner in which the onions are chopped ("frenched")--cut into thin lengthwise strips.


Personally, I would never serve this soup to guests at a dinner party.  Nor would I order this soup in restaurant.  (Even though most restaurants in my small town serve it as a beef broth, with chopped onions, croutons, and shredded cheese, toasted).  If prepared correctly, it is just too difficult to break through the layer of cheese and maneuver your way through this gooey delight.  It lives up to its reputation as "one of the most difficult foods to eat."


Although healthier than a creamy soup, the bread and melted cheese in this soup has lots of saturated fat, refined carbs, and a high sodium count.  So there's another reason I wouldn't order this...I don't want my cheat meal to be difficult to eat.


So, how do you eat French Onion Soup?  One of my etiquette teachers, Dorothea Johnson, suggests using a soup spoon to eat the soup, and a knife and fork to cut the cheese on the rim of the soup cup so that it does not trail from the mouth in a long string.  Don't mess with the cheese baked on the outside of the bowl.  Lord have mercy, I'm not going to be using a knife and fork to eat soup!Still interested in serving this soup?  Here's a recipe for you:

FRENCH ONION SOUP

1/3 cup olive oil

8 sliced onions

2 cloves minced garlic

2 tablespoons flour

8 cups beef stock

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 loaf French bread

2 cups grated Gruyere cheese

Sauté onions and garlic in oil over low heat until onions are tender and golden yellow. Sprinkle flour over onions, cook a few minutes more, browning the flour well. Add stock and wine and bring to a boil, add thyme and bay leaf. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 20 minutes or so. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Meanwhile, slice French bread into 3/4 slices and butter both sides. Toast slices on griddle until golden brown. Ladle soup into an ovenproof bowl, add toasted bread and cover with cheese. Place ovenproof bowl on a baking sheet lined with tin foil. Bake at 350 °F or 5 minutes under a hot broiler.

London Collection at Talbots

I am in love with the new London Collection from Talbots.  So. Much. Cute. Stuff.  I had to prioritize the items I wanted to purchase.  Until my husband hits the lottery, I can't buy every little thing I love.

The cute London Destination Tee is on my list.  This is a must-have for me...it will be cute alone, with a denim jacket, or layered under a navy or red puffer vest.  Of course, I'd add a navy/red ponytail bow for me.

I also love this London City Print Shirt.  It's adorable...would be cute worn alone with a multi-strand pearl necklace, a navy/red cardigan tied over the shoulders, or a navy/red puffer vest.  Again, a navy/red ponytail bow to coordinate.  All things must be matchy-matchy for me.


How adorable is this London Charm Bracelet?!  I love it!

Okay, I am obsessed with these brooches...The Crown, Palace Guard, Regal Crest, City Bus, and the cute London Charms.  I need to add them all to my brooch collection!!!  Every one of them.

Okay, I'm ordering this fabulous London Tote today!  Priorities.  I just can't resist destination totes.


Do I need these Palace Guard Loafers?  No.  But I want them.  They are too cute!


There are lots of other items available in the London Collection.  It is all 25% off until September 3, 2018.  Enjoy browsing!

Royal Tea

Since it is National Afternoon Tea Week in the U.K., I decided to enjoy a tea here in Georgia today.  Actually, I am having a "Royal Tea."  What is the difference between an "Afternoon Tea" and a "Royal Tea?"  A "Royal Tea" is also served in the afternoon and in addition to serving savories, scones, and sweets, a special dessert is also offered.  A glass of champagne is offered along with hot tea.

This book "Tea Fit for a Queen" was my inspiration for the tea, as I'm sure Queen Elizabeth II serves a "Royal Tea" to visitors at Buckingham Palace.

"Tea Fit for a Queen" is published by the people at Historic Royal Palaces, with narratives by Lucy Worsley, Chief Curator of the charity.  Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity that manages some of the United Kingdom's unoccupied royal palaces; i.e., Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle. 

This pretty little book reveals how the tradition of afternoon tea started in royal Britain.  Recipes for finger sandwiches, Victoria sponge cake, Chelsea Buns, and a Champagne Cocktail are some of the royal recipes included.  Naturally, the recipes are beautifully photographed, but the measurement quantities are U.K. based.  So, if you are in the USA, you will need to convert the measurements.



I decided to use my Franciscan 'Desert Rose' dinner and tea ware for this tea.  I think any china pattern with a rose motif is so pretty at teatime.

Menu
Savories, Scones, and Sweets
Apple Cobbler
Champagne Cocktail
Royal Palace Tea

{I used the book's recipes for Cucumber and Mint Sandwiches, Egg Mayonnaise Sandwiches, and Champagne Cocktails}

Etiquette Tip:  The savories {sandwiches} are always placed on the bottom tier and eaten first; followed by the scones eaten next from the middle tier; and the sweets from the top tier.  Don't forget to take dainty bites!  Take small bites, sip a little tea, and make pleasant conversation.

The Royal Palace Tea may be purchased at Harney Tea...it is delightful, as one would expect!


I hope you have enjoyed your visit today.  Tomorrow, I will be back with a very sad post.  "What Happens When the Queen Dies?"

The Queen’s Fashion

Have you ever wondered how the Queen always looks so elegant and majestic?  This beautiful book "Dressing the Queen" tells the story of the Queen's royal wardrobe.  The author is Angela Kelly, Personal Assistant, Advisor, and Curator to the Queen.


Angela Kelly is often described as the "Queen's Gatekeeper." The daughter of a Liverpool dockworker, she served in the Army before joining the royal household as a maid.  Divorced and twenty-five years younger than the Queen, she has become a confidante to the Queen.  She has been the Queen's personal assistant since 2002 and is one of the few people who can lay hands on the Queen.  As for handling the Queen's wardrobe, she has a meticulous eye for detail and understands the Queen needs to wear something that sets her apart from the crowd.  She plans the Queen's official and private wardrobes and is the curator of Her Majesty's personal jewelry collection. 


The Queen's wardrobe is planned months in advance.  Wardrobe diaries are kept with the details of the outfit and events at which it was worn and it takes a Logistics Team (handled like a military operation) to handle the packing and transportation of her luggage when traveling

Stewart Parvin is the Queen's royal dress designer and has worked with her since 2000.  He choses fabrics that do not crease and are fully lined so that they don't. Day dresses are designed to stop just below the knee.  Cocktail dresses are just below the knee or ballerina length.  On the day of an event, the outfit will be laid out with a handbag, gloves, shoes, and a hat.  A matching headscarf will also be added, just in case the hat gets wet in the rain. 

The Queen favors dresses/suits over skirts and blouses.  She can't be bothered adjusting a blouse that may have come untucked when exiting a car.  Her trademark is monochromatic color with matching coat and hat and her signature style of suits/dresses (with weighted hemlines) has withstood the test of time.


When the Queen steps out in public, she's usually wearing a hat designed by Rachel Trevor-Morgan.  Ms Morgan has been the Queen's milliner since 2006.  The crown of her hat can be higher and sharply angled so that everyone can easily see Her Majesty but not so high as to cause a problem getting in and out of the car.  Of course, no hats after 6pm...but a headpiece or a tiara is de rigueur at a state event.


The Queen has an umbrella to match every single one of her outfits...transparent (so everyone can still see her) with a colored handle and edged trim coordinated to match the color of her outfit.   Of course, now I need umbrellas to coordinate with my outfits!


The Queen's handbag of choice?  A Launer Bag. She owns more than 200 of them!  As one would expect, her bags are bespoke with a longer handle and black appears to be her go-to color.  Rumor is that she uses her handbag to signal her staff when they need to intervene on her behalf.  Her Ladies-in-Waiting carry her necessities such as extra stockings, medicine, band-aids, etc.  The Queen carries lipstick, a mirror, reading glasses, and mints.  She only carries cash on Sundays...to place in the collection plate on Sunday.

Gloves are a staple of the Queen's iconic style.  Forget everything I have ever told you about glove etiquette.  The Queen ALWAYS wears gloves.  You cannot wear them all the time.  She can.  She is the Queen of England. 

Since 1947 Genevieve Lawson's family, Cornelia James has been the Queen's official glove maker.  She first wore their gloves on her wedding day in 1947.  Since the Queen shakes approximately 45,000 hands per year, hand gloves are needed to protect her hands from dirt and damage while shaking hands all day.  She loves the classic-style gloves, wears only black or white, cotton and nylon, and they must be washable. 

Also forget everything you have heard about handshaking etiquette.  When greeting the Queen, the rules are different.  You never extend your hand to the Queen.  When she extends her hand, a simple touch is all that is done...no shaking, squeezing, or patting with the other hand.  FYI, Just in case you ever meet the Queen.



The Queen's swoon-worthy collection of brooches is every girls dream!  She has taken the old-fashioned brooch and made it a must-have accessory. You can view tons of them on Pinterest, all stunningly beautiful and truly made for a Queen.  My favorite?  The Flower Basket (shown in the photo below).  I think it is exquisite and oh-so prissy!   And...I adore this photo of the Queen.  It reminds me of my mama...the hairstyle and the outfit. Not to mention the lovely three-strand pearls!  




What shoes does the Queen wear?  She has worn the same Anello and Davide pumps for over 50 years.  The Queen spends all day on her feet and can't exactly walk around complaining that "her shoes are killing her feet," now can she?  What is one to do?  Well, she has a servant to "wear in" her shoes!  Yes ma'am!  You KNOW that is NOT a rumor.  Oh, to be the Queen.



The Queen is a wonderful example of aging gracefully.  You can see from her photos through the years that she did not color her hair.  "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31

Bright colors, soft makeup, being well-groomed, and apparently an excellent skincare routine have kept her youthful for her age.  God Save the Queen!

Thank you for visiting with me today.  Tomorrow I will share an afternoon tea setting to celebrate National Afternoon Tea week in the U.K.