And so began my tablescape….
My mind was racing. What could I do in my few hours of quiet time? Paint my hutch? Nope, too time consuming and messy. Laundry? Yea, right – not a chance! Well… if I couldn’t decide what to do – I knew exactly what I would eat. It was a soup night! And not just any soup…Butternut Squash Soup with Sherry and Rosemary.
While I was preparing my soup, I remembered something I had not done in quite a while, and immediately knew how I would spend my quiet time. Reading letters….
But, not just any letters. You see, my husband saved a shoebox full of old letters from his grandmother and grandfather. These were letters of correspondence passed to each other during World War II. The time dates are between 1941-1944. I have spent years trying to get them in sequential order, and hours and hours reading them.
I love the 3 cent stamps…..
It is my hope one day to put these love letters in book form…and share this wonderful love story with others through words. One day. But for the moment – I simply grabbed a handful of letters, fixed my soup, sat down at my favorite antique desk…and enjoyed a few minutes in a quiet home…with the sounds of Andrea Bocelli in the background. Ladies, it was one of these moments…
By the way, this is one of my porcelain name cards. I have a collection of about a dozen different kinds which I promise to blog about one of these days.
I steeped a cup of my favorite Earl Grey tea. I enjoy my tea in different ways depending on my mood. My “mood” was screaming for sugar and cream. The silver tea spoon with the tea pot on the end is part of a set. I collected several sets of tea spoons throughout my antiquing jaunts across England. The small silver tea diffuser was purchased in London. The teapot shaped teabag holder is part of a set purchased in a small shop in France. The Victorian glass creamer is one of my favorite. I have about a dozen of these lovelies.
A close-up of the tea diffuser…
I love these dainty silver tongs, generally used for sugar cubes – but perfect for selecting a yummy cookie, too.
My husband, my son and I spent 21 memorable days driving across the UK and Scotland. It was an experience of a lifetime. One of my husband’s wishes was to play “The Old Course” once again, as he had done with his father as a teenage boy. The “Old Course” is a golf course in St. Andrews, Scotland. So, while my husband was golfing – Blake and I ventured out into St. Andrews to do some exploring of our own. There was a Saturday morning flea market in town, and after some ice cream, a stop at a local video game store, and some pleading – Blake accompanied me to the flea market. (Poor child – its a wonder he is not scarred for life after being dragged to see every cathedral and flea market in Europe!) Much to my surprise, in the middle of Scotland – I found a box load of the most gorgeous Irish linens I had ever seen. Most of them were tea napkins, but some were luncheon napkins and a few tablecloths, too.
White Iris Designs says
That is truly an Ahhh moment! What a great guy to endure “CHUCK”…your setting is so quaint & cozy…the perfect place to enjoy your soup & tea. Those letters must be such a treat to read. We found a dance card that my Husband’s grandmother had saved ..that was so cool.
View Commentmarty39 says
I think that was a very precious gift from the heart. How wonderful to have a DH that understands and shows his love in such a wonderful way. Your treasures are also wonderful. I love them all. Hugs, Marty
View Commentprof en retraite says
Oh just beautiful, Barb! And what a good husband you have! Your Irish linens are gorgeous! You know I love the blue and white plates. I am not a tea person, but your little tea diffuser makes me want to be. I have a collection of little houses from waaaay back! Maybe I should pull them back out. Wonderful job, Ma’am! …Debbie
View CommentGollum says
This post was such a treat–so richly textured with the letters, postage, and your memories of traveling through Scotland and the UK. Dr. G. had his picture taken at St. Andrews–with the fake golf course in the background. LOL
View CommentThis was a gorgeous post.
Stacey says
Wow, what a great time with beautiful things around you. I love hearing about those old letters. That’s truly a family treasure you have.
View CommentKathysue says
I think this is a gift in anyones mind.How sweet and loving.When someone makes it about YOU and not about them that is really a gift.What a beautiful way to have your supper.you always make everything look so special and yet never to complicated so you can truly enjoy the whole process,thank you for sharing once again.xoxo akthysue
View CommentReally Rainey says
Barb~
View CommentWhat a nice post… That’s the best thing anyone can ever do is treat themselves to something NICE. Just like you did… Somehow sitting in front of the TV with a bowl of soup just seems like a waste of that kind of “time”, doesn’t it? You did it up and you did it right… “ME” time is so precious.
~Rainey
Alisa Lucas-Brown says
Barb,
View CommentThank you for sharing this lovely story – your husband is a gem and to have saved those old letters – well that is just wonderful! I love your blue & white! One of my favorites! I have some very old Johnson Bros. plates that are blue & white – I adore them! Your collection is beautiful. Glad to have visited today!
Cami @ Creating Myself says
I cannot tell you hw charmed I am by this post. The dishes & the setting & the prose were all perfect!
View CommentMelissa Miller says
Hi Barb,
You’re exactly right. That is a priceless gift. I also must tell you that what you and your husband are doing taking care of Cole is also priceless. You two are gems! 🙂
Welcome to TT!
Isn’t it fun?
You did an AMAZING job. How beautiful, heartfelt and so informative.
Thank you for sharing such emotion with all of us.
~Warmly, Melissa 🙂
View CommentTracey McBride says
Oh Barb, you really know how to weave a story…with words as well as pictures. This post is lovely, lovely, lovely. You touched so many senses…the beauty of your little desk, set so charmingly for dinner-for-one (loved the blue and white china on the red wall)…the delicious looking soup and Earl Grey tea with cookies made my mouth water (what a clever new use for sugar tongs :)…goosebumps went up my arms as you quoted from those beautiful love letters…chuckles burst from my lips as I read about treasure hunting in Scotland (I have empathy with you for having to plead with your son to go with you :)…and the lovely Irish linens…”aaah”. Thank you very, very much for this post. I enjoyed it so much.
View CommentWarmly,
Tracey
Kathleen says
Hi Barb!
View CommentI remember you from HTE where I was dishnut…
I love your cream soup bowls!
I am glad I found your blog!
Look fwd to seeing your treasures…
Kathleen
Linda says
Ahhh, totally a nice little retreat spot. I have some of the same food, wink! I use it for my dollies to have tea parties with.
View CommentEnjoy your tablescape and your time!
Linda
LdyDy Loves Cake says
I so enjoyed reading about your lovely, quiet evening at home. Your memories traveling through Europe collecting all these treasures is a great way to spend some down time and for us to share it with you!
View Commentmbkatc230 says
What a wonderful gift from your DH. How special that he knew without asking what would be perfect for you. Your table is lovely, as always, but those linens are to die for. And the story told in those letters, what a fantastic family treasure. Beautiful post, hugs, Kathy
View CommentPat@Back Porch Musings says
Wonderful Tablescape Tuesday post!
I have a few letters my parents exchanged while my father was in the S. Pacific, during WWII. He left before I was born and returned after my 2nd birthday.
View CommentLady Katherine says
Ahhh! My heart is still! Ilove how you set this up on the desk, lovely linens, dishes, tea, a girl after my own heart! Oh and the love letters! So special! Love to just sit down and enjoyed the moment! ok hubby I want one of these desk! lol
View Commentmbkatc230 says
Barb there is an award for you at my blog. You have such a great attitude and such spunk, you def deserve it! Hugs, Kathy
View CommentMa'dame French says
This is truly amazing! Isn’t it fun coming up with all these different ideas…truly loved this!! French;)
View Commentellen b says
Oh Barb, this setting is just heavenly to me. I love every bit of it right down to the Irish linen! The secretary where you set up your service is fabulous!! How very creative of you…
View CommentCheryl says
Simply Beautiful I love the linens and the table scape is gorgeous not to mention it just look so cozy and peaceful. What a wonderful hubby.
Peace and Blessings
View CommentCheryl…Snatch JOY
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Barb…what a lovely evening…tablescape for one, please. 🙂 Love the little tea diffuser and your china is beautiful! Hope the rest of your week is less hectic! Thanks for a wonderful TT post! Susan
View CommentSusan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Oh…and the letters…what a great book those would make! Maybe they’ll even make a movie from the book! 🙂 Susan
View CommentThe Muse says
Treasured moment of romantic…memorable BLISS !
View Commentkate says
I have looked at all the tabletops and i think yours wins for uniqueness alone!!! Love your blue and white and all your vintage pieces…
View Commentcome visit us
kate
Lana G! says
Ahhh is right! Good job to hubby! Beautiful gift!
View Comment