Hello everyone,
The fall weather is hitting Northern California tonight. We are finally having some rain...I have a love affair with Scotland and I've been on the hunt for another tea cup with a Thistle motif.
'Jack Pot' while thrifting I found this beauty. This afternoon I set a little tea table to enjoy some tea and Scottish shortbread cookies.
This tea cup was my first Thistle find. 'Adderley' England.
Flower bouquet from my garden. Chrysanthemum and Dahlias are blooming in abundance
'Brandi™ Burgundy'
While visiting Scotland in 2011 our hotel rooms would have a tea center. 'Walkers' shortbread cookies were always offered in individual wrapped packages. Whenever I see some different shaped Walkers shortbread I buy them. These Shortbread Rounds features the Scots Thistle, long recognized as the National Emblem of Scotland.
'Walkers' Scottie Dogs
'Campbells' Pure Butter Shortbread Kilts.
My new favorite book is Jan Karon's newest book Mitford #10.
*Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good*
I have all the Mitford books in my library and I truly loved them.
The prickly purple thistle was adopted as the Emblem of Scotland during the rein of Alexander III (1249 -1286). Legend has it that an Army of King Haakon of Norway, intent on conquering the Scots landed at the Coast of Largs at night to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen. In order to move more stealthily under the cover of darkness the Norsemen removed their footwear.
As they drew near to the Scots it wasn't the only thing hiding under the cover of darkness. For one of Haakon's men unfortunately stood on one of these spiny little defenders and shrieked out in pain, alerting the Clansmen of the advancing Norsemen. Needless to say the Scots who won the day.
As they drew near to the Scots it wasn't the only thing hiding under the cover of darkness. For one of Haakon's men unfortunately stood on one of these spiny little defenders and shrieked out in pain, alerting the Clansmen of the advancing Norsemen. Needless to say the Scots who won the day.
The first use of the Thistle as a royal symbol of Scotland was on silver coins issued by James III in 1470
Stacked tea cups
Acorn tea spoons.
Now it's time for me to start packing for my retreat I'm attending this weekend. Prayer and Meditation is going to be my goal.
Have a glorious week
Joyously,
Betty
I will be joining these lovely parties.
Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday
Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Dandelion House for Farmhouse Friday Blog Hop
My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday
Dandelion House for Farmhouse Friday Blog Hop
Natasha in OZ for Say G'Day Linky Party
Under The Table and Dreaming for Sunday Showcase Party
Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home
Your Going to Love it Tuesday At Kathe with an EAmaze Me Monday at Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home
A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday
Cedar Hill Ranch for The Scoop!
Martha's Favorites for Tea Cup Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants
Simple & Sweet Fridays
Share Your Cup Thursday
Ivy and Elephants
Simple & Sweet Fridays
Share Your Cup Thursday
Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday
This is a lovely post, Betty! I LOVE your thistle teacups and saucers! I'm also a big fan of Walker's shortbread; it's really hard for me to limit myself to just a few of those. I love that they're buttery and sweet, but not too sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteI have all the Jan Karon books, too -- they are wonderful. My MIL told me she has a new one out, but I haven't had a chance to look for it yet. I'll have to put that on my Christmas list. Did you know that she wrote those books while living in North Carolina, where I'm from? "Mitford" is actually the beautiful little town of Blowing Rock, NC. :) By the way, I LOVE your lace curtains; they look beautiful at your windows.
Have a great week!
Denise at Forest Manor
Just wonderful post - love your new teacups! And I appreciate learning more about Scotland. I hope to visit there one day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!!
Those little Scottie dog cookies are so cute! I love Walker's shortbread.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun seeing your McGregor teacup. While living in England back in the 60's, my family toured Scotland one summer. Such a beautiful country! My maiden name was Craig and we were told that it derived from the name McGregor. I'll have to be on the lookout for a McGregor teacup.
I've read and collected all the Mitford books too. Several weeks ago, Phyllis Hoffman DePiano, on her Ribbon In My Journal blog (Victoria magazine), interviewed Jan Karon. It was exciting to learn that she has a new book out.
Beautiful...love your new teacups.
ReplyDeleteI must look into getting that book....I enjoy her books too.
Carolyn
I love your teacups. Perfect! And your cozy setting is perfect! I, too, have all the Mitford books and just have been telling myself it was time to find the new one. Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
ReplyDeleteRuth
Hi,
ReplyDeleteYour newest thrifty find is lovely! The china looks so thin and delicate. I also love the one with MacGregor. That is my hubby and son's middle name. My mother in law was born in Scotland. Your setting is so very pretty beside the wicker, light of the window and beautiful flowers. It has cheered me up. Thank you. Karen
I love the thistle motif. Actually when we lived in Maine we had them growing wild. That teacup is pretty.
ReplyDeleteHi Betty,
ReplyDeleteI love your Scottish teacups and the thistle really is a pretty one. Those shortbread Scottie dogs are just too cute! I have read several books from the Mitford series and enjoyed them so much. I must see if I can find the latest ones. A cup of tea and one of those stories would be a lovely past time. Thank you for sharing and joining me for tea. Have a wonderful time at your retreat.
Blessings,
Sandi
Lovely Post Betty... Your tea sets are so special...My mother is from Scotland so I'm so familiar with the shortbread..m-m-m--good...but the little scottie dogs ( ha Ha) I had never seen before.. It is indeed very difficult to find thistle cups so you have a rather fine start to a most enjoyable day...Hugs
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful blog post! I did not know they made the cookies in different shapes, or the history behind the thistle emblem. Your tea cup photos are delightful. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post. The Scottish teacup is thin and translucent. Your photo displays it well. I have never been to the UK and desire to go there. The Mitford series is my favorite. Sometimes, I give paperback copies away so others can enjoy the graciousness of Mitford. I am behind as I was unaware of #10. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI would love to sip tea with you, as it looks so comfy! I had never seen a Thistle cup and love it. Those shortbread shapes are too adorable!!
ReplyDeleteHi I don't think I've visited you before but I'm glad I did today!! My family is from Scotland too and I love a cup of tea. I didn't have anything representing Scotland in our home, until just recently when I found a Royal Albert cup and saucer with thistles on it and a mug with tartan on it. I remember my grandma making shortbread.
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading that book and enjoyed it just as much as all her others. Your tea cups are beautiful.
I love your new cup. It is just gorgeous. Food always taste better on a pretty plate or a pretty teacup. My niece buys me a cup/saucer and/or dessert plate each Christmas and I love each and everyone.
ReplyDeletep.s. Please send some rain south.
Madonna
MakeMineLemon
How lovely! The shortbreads are making me so hungry. I actually looked at a big box of Campbell's today. Love your MacGregor cup.I have one but different make and pattern. I've had it for many years and it's one of my favorite cups.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you which tea cup I love the best. The colors are so stunning. Your home looks beautiful. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha
ReplyDeleteBeautiful teacups and beautiful post! Such a lovely tea time!
ReplyDeleteNancy
I love your teacups! Especially the thistle one.
ReplyDeleteSherry
I love your Scottish themed tea time, those thistle cup are wonderful! I bought a thistle porcelain coffee cup a couple years back at the Portland Scottish Highland games I attend every year, and ever since then I too have been in love with the thistle motif. Yum, shortbread and tea, I may have to make some tomorrow! :)
ReplyDeleteVery pretty cups and tea table, Betty! I love Walker's shortbread cookies, and splurge on them every now and then. I am going to put my name down at our library for Karon's new book, and hopefully I won't have to wait forever! Am hearing nothing but good things about it. Be blessed, Bess
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ReplyDeleteI saw your tea cup on Pinterest and was so excited to see the thistle cup and saucer. My Aunt from Ohio recently sent me one from her tea cup collection. I haven't seen that pattern before. Thank you for sharing the history of the thistle and Scotland, it was very interesting and has made that tea cup and saucer even more special. You meet the best people over tea :)
ReplyDeleteRochelle