“It was time to take the pumpkin out of the pot and eat it. In the final
analysis, that was what solved these big problems of life. You could
think and think and get nowhere, but you still had to eat your pumpkin.
That brought you down to earth. That gave you a reason for going on.
Pumpkin.”
―
Alexander McCall Smith
At last! After several weeks of postponing due to nasty head colds and pressing last-minute projects, my new friend Sara Pom and I finally gathered the other day for our long-awaited Pumpkin Tea and what a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon it was! Here's how it all came together:
The Setting:
Every modern girl should have tea in a pumpkin patch at least once in her life, Reader. But, if you cannot fit a trip to the patch into this year's calendar, may I suggest an indoor nod to fall's favorite fruit (yep, pumpkin is technically a fruit).
The Tablescape:
One of my favorite versions of the Pumpkin Tea tablescape uses fresh pumpkins, a few gourds and a selection of fall-colored linens--items that can be replaced at little cost from year to year. Or, if you prefer the pumpkins on your table to be of a more permanent variety, affordable ceramic and resin choices (like those featured here) will continue to bring back those cherished memories with loved ones every October & November.
The pumpkin teapot & matching salad plates pictured above and below (from the Home Essentials and Beyond Autumn Pumpkin Collection) were a gift and became the inspiration for this autumn tablescape.
Because pumpkin items tend to steal the show with their rich colors and generous size, I went simple with the linens: just a white brocade tablecloth and a tapestry reproduction table runner ($7.99 at TJ Maxx). The harvest floral napkins, vintage glassware and pumpkin-themed serveware came from our stash on-hand. Don't be afraid to add punch to your tablescape with complimentary (but not necessarily matching) linen & glassware patterns. The pumpkin salt & pepper set and the fall chargers came from this year's very affordable and gorgeous seasonal collection at Wal-Mart.
The pumpkin teapot centerpiece was emphasized by elevating it just a bit on a simple glass cake stand draped with a harvest-patterned napkin. A couple tea lights flickering in velvety warm hues of copper and brown complete the cozy feel.
For my fellow teacup aficionados, the patterns pictured are English bone china from Royal Danube, Queen Anne (pictured with Butternut Squash Soup) & Canada of the Royal Albert From Sea to Sea series.
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| Royal Danube |
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| Royal Albert |
The Menu:
Pumpkin Tea is a wonderful way to treat your guests to some amazing seasonal flavors. Of course, we must serve at least one pumpkin dish! But a well-rounded menu will also pull in an assortment of other seasonal favorites like cranberry, apple cider, squash, plums & nutmeg--just to name a few. Below is a list of links to the cozy, delicious dishes Sara Pom & I lingered over, including two wonderful teas and a delightfully grown-up apple cider bellini. Bon appetit, dear Reader!
Suggested Pumpkin Tea Menu:
Oh how we love pumpkin season. You did
know this gourd-ish squash has its own season, right? Winter, Spring,
Summer, Pumpkin.... We anxiously anticipate it every year. ~Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer, October 2010
Quote #1 courtesy of goodreads.com & #2 courtesy of the Quote Garden.
Looks beautiful You are amazing at giving Tea Parties! It was thoughtful to add gulten-free items to the tea you had when I was there. You are so thoughtful. God bless you dear one. Love, Jan Peterson
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