Exotic Asian Tea

During the month of February, afternoon tea has a bit of a different look. It’s more exotic than usual with a snack that speaks volumes.

I had fun putting this vignette together. It really was a bit of serendipity. The tray belonged to Jim. He’d had it long before we ever got together. It wasn’t exactly my style, but something told me to hang onto it, that one day I would find a use for it. I did! Meanwhile, number two son no longer had room to store his Chinese tea pot, tea cups, and leaf saucers, so asked me if I could do it. That was all I needed to get a marvelously good start.

 A simple vase of yellow snapdragons, some Asian fabric, my new vintage hotel bell (it really works and I love it!), a handful of fortune cookies, and I was ready for a nice cup of tea.

I plan to use this during the entire month of February, after which I will be thinking spring!

If you like fortune cookies, you can make your own. I’ve done it, and it’s not as difficult as you think. You can find the recipe here.

Sharing with Tablescape Thursday

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Chinese New Year Tablescape

You don’t need the excuse of Chinese New Year to set a festive and fun Chinese themed table. Whether you’re enjoying a meal of Chinese delivery, or have whipped together something on your own, this fun table will add much to your dining experience.

It’s really not difficult to do. I used fabric remnants for the table covering, made my own napkins to match, and grabbed white and red dishes to use to set the table.

A few Chinese props like these chopsticks and fans add to the fun, fortune cookies make dessert something to look forward to, as well as these fresh lychees. 

Dinner will be quite an experience with a table like this one.

The centerpiece need not be fussy, number two son, Andrew, loaned me his dragon teapot and teacup set to use at center, and a few Chinese carry out containers (that I always keep on hand to share leftovers with friends) add to the fun.

The glassware I made myself for an Asian theme anniversary party I had for my parents years ago. You can read about them here.

My mother is visiting at this table as well; the crystal knife rests are used here as rests for chopsticks. These are vintage, and add sparkle and fun to the table, not to mention a practical place to put chopsticks!

I hope I’ve given you some ideas with this table. It doesn’t have to be an occasion for you to do the same.

Sources
White chargers and red plates - Pier 1
Bamboo flatware - Crate and Barrel
White lotus bowls - Amazon
White soup spoons - Crate and Barrel
Chopsticks - Amazon
Folding Chinese fans - Amazon
Chinese Takeout Boxes - Amazon
Lychees - Melissa’s Produce

  Vintage crystal knife/chopstick rests - my mom

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