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Sunday, February 15, 2015

Tuesday Cuppa Tea, Violets Tea, Anniversary,Antique Violet Postcards

Hello and welcome to Tuesday Cuppa Tea. The folks on the east coast are enduring another wave of snow, and our are is breaking records for warmth and lack of snow....amazing!

I am focusing on Violets today...although hours are just peeping up and haven't flowered yet....So...we have a Violet tea party!
“Do you think amethysts can be the souls of good violets?” 
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables


Tea is in the sunroom, because for a few hours today we actually HAD sunshine today...long enough to take a walk and then put together a tea table of items with violets before it disappeared again...I still had a few heart shortbread cookies left that I made last week, and added a couple of ginger cookies from this weeks baking....

The table between our chairs was made during the 1890s and came to me from my grandmother...the one who started me on my tea and teacups obsession...it is English, and has twisted legs which are called Barley Twist, after the way barley sugar candy was twisted into sticks for a children's treat. It was a very popular furniture style in the Victorian and Edwardian eras....The table cloth is netting and is from my grandmother as well..although it has become popular lately with versions from China....

The first of my teacups for Tuesday Cuppa Tea was made by Royal Stafford, England in the 1940s and besides being a square shaped cup, it also has a molded flower handle...these are very collectible. I just love their work! Also, rather than painted or brushed gold trim, the set has little gold individually painted U shapes...very labor intensive, but Royal Stafford made wonderful china! The pattern is called Sweet Violets...


Royal Stafford grew out of the Thomas Poole & Gladstone China and operated in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent until 1992. It reformed in 2004 as RST Ltd and is making china again, but on a much smaller scale...but at least they're there!


“You are the only person who loves me in the world," said Elizabeth. "When you talk to me I smell violets.” 
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars


The next teacup is by Duchess, England in a Violets pattern made between 1947-1951...as old as me!!! It is such a classic and lovely bone china teacup...




Duchess was made by A. T. Finney & Sons which in 1969 became part of the Tams Group, Ltd. and then Grimwades acquired the company in the early 1990s when so many English potteries were either closing or consolidating...although they still have the patents and moulds. Grimwades is currently operating Royal Winton and beginning as of 1997 some new items, but Duchess has disappeared...


The last teacup for this week is a Shelley China Dainty shaped Violets patterned cup and saucer...and you KNOW I love Shelley...



The Violets teacup is pattern 13821 which was made from 1940-1966 when the pottery closed. But with the name being there as well, the teacup is from the 1955-1966. I love the lavender trim!


This is a Shelley bon bon dish also in the Violets pattern I thought I'd put to use as a sugar bowl with a pair of mid Victorian Apostle sugar tongs.....




And of course we have to have a Violets teapot...this is a new English bone china teapot from Springfield...one of the new potteries that have sprung up...that I am carrying...so pretty!  All of the china is available at Antiques And Teacups...just click on the photos for more info...





So that's it for my Violets tea. I hope you enjoyed it! On Monday Feb. 16th, we will have been married 41 years...thanks for many of you sending us good wishes...here is a wedding picture...SOOO 1970s!


Have a wonderful week! Below is the list of some of the blog parties I will be part of and there is the linky for your tea related posts...please remember that it is SSSLLLOOOOOOWWWW but if you are patient...it's there! And I love to read your comments, and can find you to visit!


Mosaic Monday with Judith
 Tea Time Tuesday with Sandi 
A Return to Loveliness
 Tea Cup Tuesday
 Tea Cup Tuesday 
 Friends Sharing Tea
 Share Your Cup Thursday
Roses Of Inspiration
Simple And Sweet Fridays

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42 comments:

  1. Judith @ Lavender CottageFebruary 16, 2015 at 5:46 AM

    As violets are the flower for my birthday month, is it any wonder I like purple? Not to mention the lovely amethyst gemstone for the month too. :-) You have some nice violet china Ruth and I feel right at home looking at your wedding photo - we'll be 43 years in July.
    Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.

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  2. Beth in NEPAFebruary 16, 2015 at 6:14 AM

    Oh Ruth, "great minds think alike" as you will see when you read my post. Happy Anniversary. We just celebrated our 49th anniversary a couple of weeks ago. Sure has gone by fast........... I love violets and so your post was were fun to read. I have a few vintage post cards with violets. I must find them.

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  3. MargieFebruary 16, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    Happy Anniversary, Ruth! Love your violets tea (purple is my favourite colour) and of course, I love the Shelley teacup the best!

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  4. Sandi@ Rose Chintz CottageFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:21 AM

    Happy Anniversary, Ruth! What a sweet couple you are and your hat is much like the one I wore at our wedding. I love all your violets! I almost did a violet tea too but I had to choose china to go with my posies. The teacups are all so pretty and your teapot is lovely. Such a unique table and a treasure to own. Thank you for sharing and hosting. Enjoy your day and I wish you many more happy years together.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  5. Gina @ VictorianWannaBeFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:45 AM

    Hi Ruth, What a lovely post with all the wonderful violets! The first teacup is my favorite because of the sweet gold flowers on the handle. Your antique table is pretty and even nicer that it was in the family. And you know I enjoy seeing postcards! :)
    Happy Anniversary!
    Gina

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  6. GailFebruary 16, 2015 at 8:46 AM

    Violets make me think of spring and I think we're all ready for that now. My post this week featured a violet teacup also. Your teacups, teapot and postcards all give hope that spring is just around the corner. So much fun to see other designs with the same theme. Happy Anniversary!

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  7. SnapFebruary 16, 2015 at 8:53 AM

    Ruth, your posts are always so interesting. A celebration of violets and your anniversary! Happy Happy! Thanks for hosting and happy tea day!

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  8. angieFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    ruth, what a lovely post!!!!!!! thank you for hosting!!!!! happy monday, angie

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  9. KarenFebruary 16, 2015 at 10:10 AM

    Hi Ruth,
    Happy Anniversary! You look so sweet in your wedding pic. Your dress looks something like mine did. I do love your violet tea today. I also have a collection of violet teacups. Yours are stunning! Everything is so pretty. Thank you for hosting Tuesday Cuppa Tea! Happy Tea Day! Karen

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  10. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenFebruary 16, 2015 at 11:20 AM

    Awww Ruth, Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! My late beloved and I were married in 1970. I loved seeing your picture...such sweet love!
    Your teacups of violets are beautiful. I think the first one is my favorite because of its shape and the pretty handle. Thank you for hosting and sharing with us.

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  11. StephFebruary 16, 2015 at 12:12 PM

    How sweet and happy Anniversary! I love the photo of you two. I recently spied a pink violet. I think it's a hybridized version. Pretty but just not the same!

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  12. Michele M./ Finch RestFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:22 PM

    Gorgeous tea time with your beautiful collection of Violets china. Wow, just perfect.
    Your snacks looks delicious, and your table and netting is STUNNING, how precious that they are family heirlooms!

    I wish you, most sincerely a truly Happy Anniversary! You were a beautiful blushing bride. I hope you have another wonderful year together - with good health and lots of laughter. ♥ Thanks for hosting.

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  13. ThreeOldKeysFebruary 16, 2015 at 3:44 PM

    delicate, dainty and dear ... what beautiful violets.

    and oh, the memories of Anne Shirley and her young life ... those books meant so much to me as a kid!

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  14. Nora @ Teacup TalesFebruary 16, 2015 at 4:25 PM

    Happy Anniversary! Thank you for hosting such a pretty violet tea party. I just love the handle on your Royal Stafford. So unique! Of course my favorite teacup is the Shelley Dainty.

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    Replies
    1. Antiques And TeacupsFebruary 16, 2015 at 5:05 PM

      Hi Nora...I have tried for 2 weeks to respond to your lovely comments, and leave some of my own, but your blog won't let me! It says I must be a member, but then rejects me! And as there is no email, I can't respond that way! Just wanted to let you know that I am reading and trying to respond!
      Ruth

      Delete
    2. MomWaldsPlaceFebruary 17, 2015 at 4:09 AM

      All of your violets and sunbeams make my heart sing!

      Delete
    3. Nora @ Teacup TalesFebruary 17, 2015 at 7:32 AM

      You're so sweet! I have been having issues since I started my blog with the members gadget as well as readers leaving comments. I just emailed the Google help forum (again) and hopefully someone will be able to fix the issue soon as I don't want my "new" readers to lose interest. I'll let you know when it's fixed and I'm also trying to embed a link for my email too on the blog. Thanks for continuing to visit my blog.

      Delete
    4. Antiques And TeacupsFebruary 17, 2015 at 8:33 AM

      Don't worry...I'll keep trying!

      Delete
  15. CarrieFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:04 PM

    Hi Ruth! Great minds think alike this week (my post also has violets). I really like all the china you shared, especially the cup with that interesting handle! The teapot was lovely too. I really enjoyed going down your post and seeing those vintage violet cards mixed in with the pretty teacups as well as those fun Anne of Green Gables (and following books) quotes. Happy Anniversary!

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  16. FABBY'S LIVINGFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:26 PM

    Happy Anniversary to you and hubby sweet Ruth. Your post is lovely and the violet dishes are to die for! We will be 40 years married this Feb. 25th. too.
    Thanks so much for the lovely party.
    Have a wonderful week.
    FABBY

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  17. Parsimonious Décor DarlingFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:41 PM

    Happy anniversary! I love your crocheted linen, it really looks quite beautiful with your teacups. Everything looks lovely!

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  18. Ruthie MillerFebruary 17, 2015 at 3:44 AM

    Happy Anniversary!!! That is wonderful that you have so many happy years together. We are coming up to 38 and every year is more precious than the last. You have quite a collection. How neat is the square one? Of course, Shelley always makes the heart skip.
    I always learn something from your posts and today it was about the table legs. Love that! What a treasure for you to have. Is it from Emma B? :) Ruthie

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    Replies
    1. Antiques And TeacupsFebruary 17, 2015 at 8:32 AM

      Hi Ruthie...I can't get to your blog, and can't respond by email as your comments don't come through with anyway to reply or follow...except this way! I always love your visits and kind comments. Yes, they are from my grandmother Emma Bridgewater. Have a great week!
      Ruth

      Delete
  19. relevanttealeafFebruary 17, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    What an absolutely gorgeous Violets tea party - so very fitting for February. I can truly appreciate all the time that was required to put this post together. Your china is beautiful! Wishing you a very Happy Anniversary, many more! ~ Phyllis

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  20. SylviaFebruary 17, 2015 at 10:08 AM

    Beautiful teapots and teacups,Ruth. I love violets! Thanks for your kind comments and visit to my blog.

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  21. JoAnn ( Scene Through My Eyes)February 17, 2015 at 10:52 AM

    Oh I do so love violets - so sweet to look at and to smell. Happy Anniversary!!!

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  22. Deborah MontgomeryFebruary 17, 2015 at 11:26 AM

    Happy anniversary Ruth! Love that 70s pic! Your violet teacups are beautiful! I especially like the first one you featured, very unusual and lovely. That is a gorgeous table too, with a beautiful lace topper. And, of course, I adore vintage postcards, just lovely.

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    Replies
    1. Antiques And TeacupsFebruary 17, 2015 at 4:12 PM

      Thanks Deborah! '70s indeed! Thanks for your visit and sweet comments!
      Ruth

      Delete
  23. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonFebruary 17, 2015 at 11:49 AM

    Oh my gosh Ruth, I love Violets! One of my favorite Spring flowers. I had lots of them at my previous home. You have so many lovely things! Thanks for hosting and so happy that you will be sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  24. AliFebruary 17, 2015 at 12:41 PM

    Your tea service is so pretty. I loved seeing your wedding photo, you both look soo happy. I have just popped by via The Enchanting Rose.
    Ali xx

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  25. JESFebruary 17, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    What a delightful blog! I found you via Roses of Inspiration. I also have a sweet violet teapot which I received as a wedding gift. Thank you for the enjoyable read and pretty pictures! I hope you have a lovely week and I look forward to following along :)

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  26. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2015 at 7:35 PM

    Those teacups are absolutely beautiful! Bone china is so wonderful.

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  27. Martha's FavoritesFebruary 18, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    Hi Ruth: You must own every example of tea cups. This is a beautiful set of violets, each one prettier than the next. I am so happy I met you. Hugs, Martha

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  28. Zuni, Chickadee Home NestFebruary 18, 2015 at 8:03 PM

    I just had to stop by and say hello and take a peek at your violets, since I love violets, and am joining parties with my violet post this week too! What a nice coincidence! Yours are lovely; so glad I stopped by. I hope you'll stop by and take a look at mine.

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  29. StephanieFebruary 19, 2015 at 6:35 AM

    Oh Ruth, your wedding picture is darling! Happy Anniversary, sweet lady! Your tea cups are absolutely beautiful :) Thank you for sharing at Roses of Inspiration. Hugs to you!

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  30. Jean | DelightfulRepast.comFebruary 19, 2015 at 9:42 AM

    Ruth, happy anniversary! I came over from Bernideen's blog. Good to meet you! Love your violets. I have a teapot with violets, but that's all. I use it with some solid white cups and saucers.

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  31. Tea in the LibraryFebruary 20, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    I'm going back and reading again! I can't decide which tea cup I like best. The Shelley is a shape I really love. And the post cards -sigh! This has been a difficult week, with not 1 but 2 deaths. Thank you for a few minutes of blessed distraction.

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  32. Zuni, Chickadee Home NestFebruary 20, 2015 at 7:36 PM

    Hi, Ruth. Thanks so much for visiting me back (I really appreciate it!), and for inviting me to join your party. I've added your link to my post, and here I am, joining in! Thank you! ~Zuni

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  33. Christina PaulFebruary 21, 2015 at 5:55 AM

    What a lovely post! I adore violets and had never heard the Montgomery quote- charming! You have the most amazing tea collections- I got an set of 4 violet tea cups with matching little oval sandwich plates (they have a little ridge to set the cups but are larger than saucers) as a wedding gift - am now inspired to bring them out
    Wishing you a Happy Anniversary! 41 Years- wonderful!

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  34. Michele's Treasures, Teacups, and Tumbling Rose CottageFebruary 23, 2015 at 6:18 AM

    What a beautiful post! Who can resist teacups with delicate violets on them. Lovely!
    ~Michele

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  35. Rita C at PanoplyFebruary 23, 2015 at 9:26 AM

    Just dropping in from your feature on Kathy's blog (A Delightsome Life), and wanted to wish you a belated Happy Anniversary! Not too many couples make it that far anymore, so you deserve to be recognized. Also, your violet tea set is lovely.
    Rita C at Panoply

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  36. Rosemary and ThymeFebruary 24, 2015 at 4:46 PM

    Oh my, I am in love with these gorgeous pieces. I love purple and violets and your china is just perfect. So sweet and charming.

    Congratulations.

    Janet

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Thanks for visiting and we love to hear from you! We read every comment. If my husband's health permits, I love to visit andreply. Have a wonderful day and a cuppa tea always at hand! :)