We have a big flowering cherry in our backyard that dazzles us each spring with its profusion of pink blooms. I’ve been monitoring its progress in recent weeks, from bare twigs to buds to tightly-furled blossoms. It seems now as if the slightest breath of a south wind would cause it to burst into life and color. I look forward to it every year, the blowsy, powder-puff blooms against the silvery bark, fallen petals mingling with the violets in the grass beneath. But I told my husband this morning as we surveyed it from the den window that I wished it would hold off one more week.
He gave me an incredulous look. Then a light of understanding dawned and he smiled. “You must be having a party.”
Of course, he was right–I am having a party next week to celebrate the visit of an old friend. It will be a reunion of sorts, a gathering of precious sister-friends, and I want everything to be perfect. A gorgeous spring evening. Lady-like fare and beautiful rose-flavored tea. And the cherry tree in full bloom.
A few years ago I hosted a tea party in honor of this very tree. We sat beneath its low hanging boughs, petals drifting into our tea cups, and savored its fleeting loveliness. We went through pot after pot of Earl Grey, discussing everything from the weather to the war. I never have to look far for an excuse to have a party, however small, but there was something about the utter simplicity of this particular day that makes it one of the dearest little fêtes I can remember. It felt wonderful to just pause in the sunshine for a while and be glad that the ‘flowers had appeared on the earth and the time of the singing of birds had come’.
Spring is definitely tea party weather. Whether you share it with a dear friend or two, or simply prepare an extra special little refreshment for yourself, I encourage you to brew up a pot–white, green, black or red–and find a golden patch of sunlight to enjoy it in. Maybe even under a flowering tree.
And no tea party would be complete without finger sandwiches! Here’s one of my favorite recipes:
Cucumber-Basil Tea Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives
- 12 slices whole-wheat bread
- 1 English (seedless) cucumber
- 24 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and half-and-half until it is the consistency of soft butter.
Stir in the chives.
With a 2 1/2 inch round cookie cutter, stamp out two rounds from each slice of bread.
Spread the cheese mixture on the bread rounds, then top each with a slice of cucumber and a basil leaf.
Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. (My mother always places a damp paper towel over her tea sandwiches to keep them from drying out.)
Lanier Ivester
@LaniersBooks
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Lauren says . . .
March 29, 2006 at 4:34 pmMm, the tea sandwiches sound wonderful! Tea-time is a much-treasured time for me, whether it is alone or with friends, indoors with a book or outdoors enjoying God’s beautiful nature. I have not had a tea party in 9 years though, so hopefully I will do that this spring or summer.
Elizabeth J says . . .
March 28, 2006 at 4:50 pmOh, Lanier, those tea sandwiches sound so good!
Jenna says . . .
March 28, 2006 at 4:22 pmLanier, your timing is perfect! My Mother and I are soon to hostess a tea for my sister and the young women in her home school graduation group. Our thoughts and efforts have been turned to tea flavors, tableware, manicuring the backyard, etc. I’m thankful for a tried and true recipie to add to our menu. Now to pray that the rain won’t come as forecasted!
sarah says . . .
March 28, 2006 at 1:36 pmI’m with you on the tea! I never understood its virtues until I went away to college, but now I appreciate it in all its many varieties. 🙂
Betsy says . . .
March 28, 2006 at 1:12 pmThank you for the recipe, Lanier! I am always looking for tried and true recipes for tea parties – for little girls, making new friends, or kindred hearts!
Jessica says . . .
March 28, 2006 at 11:08 amTea parties…they never grow old! The recipe sounds delicious…and so spring-y!
Owen Family says . . .
March 28, 2006 at 9:28 amOooo, sounds yummy Lanier! In April I’m planning on having a Mother/Daughter tea and have been searching for some good finger foods to supply – so thanks for the recipe!