Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tea Parties With My Niece

It has become a tradition in our family to have a tea party in my parents backyard every summer.   It started a few years ago when my youngest niece said she would like to have a dolly tea.  So every summer we invite the dolls, get out all my Mom's pretty teacups and serving dishes,  dig out the hats, make the food, pick the flowers, and have a fun afternoon for the whole family.   (These photos are from several years worth of backyard teaparties, and many of them were taken by my sisters and mom.)

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)
My niece and her dollies.

One of the cats decided to join the party.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)
Helping to make the tea sandwiches.

The table is ready.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)
My 3 sisters and niece at the table.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)
My sweet little niece picked the flowers for the centerpiece.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)
This was  from another year.
My daughter, son, niece and her Mom (my youngest sister).

And yet another year.  Little dollies coming to see if there is anything good to nibble.

Scrumptious goodies ready to serve.

 (Family photos may not be borrowed or pinned.)
Waiting patiently for everything to begin.
Putting all these pictures together in one place made me realize just how much 
she has grown in the past few years. 

Tea made just the way each person likes it.  And one little glass of strawberry milk.

I'm joining  Lady Katherine Tea Parlor for Tea Time Tuesday



33 comments:

  1. That is very cute, and such a nice tradition! Your niece is a dolly too! Something she will always remember and maybe do with her nieces someday as well.
    Cindy

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  2. well, that's just the sweetest tea
    party ever!

    such a great idea!

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  3. What fun! a great way to spend a girls day out. Tradition's are wonderful and always enjoyed by all.
    I love the idea!
    Take care and hugs, Elizabeth

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  4. This is such a great idea! What a sweet family tradition. Everyone looks wonderful in their hats :) Kathy

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  5. That is such a beautiful idea, I must do something like that with my sisters. Hugs, Diane

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  6. That is so sweet!!! What wonderful memories y'all are making. Enjoy the evening.

    ps...thanks for the great ideas for my front porch.

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  7. What a cute tradition! I think there are too many boys in our family for that!

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  8. What a fun family thing to do. What great memories you are making for her. Isn't it fun to watch them grow too.

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  9. It's lovely to read about special traditions. Your niece will surely remember these times all her life - perhaps go on to carry them through to the generation after hers.

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  10. What a great idea! I looks like you had so much fun. You are the funnest Aunt ever ;)

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  11. What a fun idea! Loved seeing all the photos from the past tea parties. Makes me want to start this tradition with some of the neighborhood children and their dolls. Thanks for sharing!

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  12. Just too sweet and darling. Love the setting and all your hats!
    Robin

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  13. What an adorable tradition and the photos are so beautiful...just like a magazine layout! Your little niece is a sweetie pie!!!

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  14. Very cute and how much fun for everyone. Great memories for your niece.

    Melinda

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  15. How sweet is that!! What a wonderful tradition to have for memories...I love that! There were 4 girls in your house????? Wow!! Your momma is a saint! :0) Thanks for sharing those special pics....Your niece is so sweet.

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  16. Oh what fun and everyone looks so happy!

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  17. A new tradition started at the request for a dolly tea. It's just the sweetest thing ever. Your niece is adorable. Love your memory-making that will surely continue on forever.
    Blessya

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  18. I'm so glad I stopped by today because I thoroughly enjoyed your tea party. What a lovely tradition! You've documented it beautifully. I also liked seeing the Polish pottery "cheese ladies". I have some of the pottery (my husband is Polish) but have never seen those "ladies".

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  19. What a great tradition. Your niece is so sweet and looks the part n her hat.

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  20. Gayle, your family is incredible! I love the way you do everything together. These annual tea parties are SO special...all because a little girl expressed a desire she had. I LOVE IT!

    The food and the table settings are all SO beautiful! I'm sure the food is yummy. I've been thinking about that cheesecake of yours...so I'm guessing we are going to need to try that recipe in the very near future!

    I haven't posted the recipe for the kraut yet...but I will later on today.

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  21. This looks like so much fun!!! Tea and goodies...and flowers...oh and little girls!
    Thank you so much for the sweet words you left for me over at my place:)
    Rene'

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  22. What a wonderful tradition to have started with your neice, Mother & sisters, I love it. The food looks lovely, I love afternoon teas like these.
    The cat sitting on the dolls really made me grin!
    ~Maggie~

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  23. Your tea parties are so lovely. What a wonderful family tradition. Love all the ladies in their hats!

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  24. What a beautiful tradition and a gorgeous tea party! Hope you are having a lovely week xx

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  25. What a sweet post! I love tea parties. Especially the food! Looks like it was a perfect day.

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  26. How lovely and what a great tradition!

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  27. This is a lovely post! What a great tradition! I loved the picture of all you ladies at the table with your hats on. The food and tea look just scrumptious!
    Blessings, Beth

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  28. First your niece is so lovely!!!! I love your tradition with all the parties! Now you have to do one every week! I love every party! The food is just wonderful! I would love to hear more about each parties food, for I see some things I would love to know what they are and how to make them! The hats are wonderful! So much fun at Tea with your family! I love all the different tea cups you have used! Thank you for sharing your lovely niece and family Teas! On Tea Time Tuesday! Tell me more about the food and the dishes!

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  29. What a special moment you spend together each year! Wonderful beginnings for your niece. A lovely way to cherish family. Joan

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  30. How absolutely sweet. One must wear hats at a tea party.

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  31. That is such a sweet tradition. Your niece is so adorable. How old is she now?

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  32. I love those family traditions. How nice the dolls are included too! ;)

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THANK YOU for your thoughtful comments. Replies to your questions will be posted here, so be sure to check back soon. Have a wonderful day! - Gayle, Garden Of Daisies