Sunday, September 27, 2009

autumnal equinox tea party

Today we had our four-times-per-year tea to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The autumnal equinox is bittersweet for me because it is so un-fall like here. I dream of curling up under a hand knitted blanket or going for a brisk walk through the leaves, but alas it was hot here--like in the 90's. We will have some fall weather but it will be later and it will be sporadic. Ken reminded me that we do have seasons here, unlike those who live near the poles or near the equator, and I am grateful that we do. I found this little fall leaf in the front yard today as proof to myself that fall is coming. Meanwhile I'll be watching and waiting and making the most of what we have.
We decided to make these cupcakes again. Cupcakes are really so festive, aren't they, and purely delightful with a cup of tea. Every season, when it is time for the celebratory tea, I think that I should change the format and next time will make one simple batch of cookies or a plain loafcake and that is all--with the pot of tea of course. But everyone loves these bigger more festive teas so I always go forward with it. Maybe next time, though. These cupcakes were a big project--two kinds of cake, three kinds of icing. Faith helped me frost and decorate them.
{Contemplative at the tea}
{Cucumber sandwiches --a perpetual favorite of ours}
{A post-tea nap}
And while Rainer napped, Dieter and I got out a new game. He loved it, and I must confess that I love it as much as the four-year-old. It's a matching game, but the pairs don't match exactly--instead you match up two similar tiles and look through the little hole in the top tile to confirm your match. It's darling and good for my brain to have a little challenge. He'll be beating me in no time, I'm sure.
Happy fall season to you all, no matter the weather!

13 comments:

realgranola said...

Your party looks lovely ! I can relate to the hot weather. It's still in the triple digits here. What is the cute game ? Looks like it's made by Haba.

BellaBree said...

I just love a wee party!! Any excuse really...we have just had a pizza party, with the childrens friends...it was a 'just because we can' party! Thankyou for the reminder of season party's...I have fallen behind on these and have yet to welcome spring (at the beg of Sept no less!!)...happy autumn to you all!...in no time at all we will be the other way around!xx

Rain said...

Cupcakes are so fun! I love your celebrations. I'd love to know where you got the game.

Jessica said...

Your celebrations always look like such fun! Nothing is better than the combination of cupcakes and tea. That game looks like loads of fun!

Sarah and Jack said...

Do tell where you found such an adorable matching game! Must have one for Jack and I.

Joy said...

I recognize that little Syrendell sprite! We have it in lavender. Such a sweet offering they hold. Your teas always look amazing! The cupcakes look especially wonderful. What special memories you're creating for your children by celebrating this way! :)

Mary Beth said...

Thanks, everyone. The game is "Pair Discovery" by Chelona. I got it at Magic Cabin when it was on sale last summer. I looked for it last night and tried to link to it, but I couldn't quickly find it. It's probably still there, though, if you want to look around their website.

http://www.magiccabin.com/welcome.asp

Nellie said...

Neat! I love ritual celebrations.
It was so fun to see you linked to on Soulemama!

Jennifer said...

What a lovely tea part, and such a fun game.

tawnya said...

That is the CUTEST game! What is it? Where did you find it?

Christine at Origami Mommy said...

So lovely! We are very much into small parties and celebrations in our house. We had a gyoza party recently and have had many little tea parties too.

tam said...

Go Mummy - you are a constant inspiration - that game looks like funxx

Rain said...

For everyone who is interested in the game, I found it here:
http://www.finewoodentoys.com/chelona.html