Skip to main content

SOCIAL MEDIA

8th Annual Mad Tea Party *plus* a Giveaway

Saturday, July 11, 2015



Welcome to the 8th Annual Mad Tea Party hosted by Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist.

Once upon a time there was a little girl whose mom was preparing a tea party for her and her big sister.  The mom asked the little girl what theme she'd like for this tea party, and the little girl replied, "Strawberries!"  The little girl is now a grown-up 18 years old, but one is never to old to enjoy strawberries!

A Strawberry Themed Mad Tea Party

*Press Play



Candy Flip- Strawberry Fields Forever



"Who dares to taint with vulgar paint the Royal Flower Bed?
For painting my roses red someone will lose his head!"
~the Queen of Hearts


 photo fc145f8d-7eb0-476f-9d6b-14c4ba6207ee.jpg


 photo 878d77b4-5790-440c-93a8-237520d82b31.jpg


 photo 0ff717d5-26c8-4c3d-a27d-70fc74ca990e.jpg


 photo f293db96-d9f4-416f-bc5a-53508b4fc7b0.jpg


 photo d0b904e2-f224-4a08-a4b0-200d0ee7e51f.jpg


 photo a4fd6848-7eb2-4287-bf6e-1d65d921390b.jpg


 photo 0b1534d2-8dbc-488a-9213-65177ecec822.jpg

"The next thing was to eat the comfits: this caused some noise and confusion, as the large birds complained that they could not taste theirs, and the small ones choked and had to be patted on the back."


 photo 5fc6ad46-75d4-44b0-906a-0a29eca3bb27.jpg


 photo 96fbd059-0f71-4618-900d-8e963ec093d8.jpg


 photo 9a4c5037-1cb7-4f8f-89a0-b3e36c19a7bd.jpg

The Victorian comfit consisted of nuts, seeds, spice pieces, and dried fruit covered in hard sugar.  They used the treat as a breath freshener.  The confit above consists of nuts, ginger, and dried strawberries, of course!




"She took down a jar from one of the shelves as she passed; it was labelled ORANGE MARMALADE but to her great disappointment it was empty."


 photo 185f28b4-fd68-4a46-8e26-02434287b0dc.jpg

No orange marmalade today, but we do have lemon curd…




 photo 757d01af-8bf3-42f1-b921-aa940b42ea66.jpg

…for our strawberry lemonade muffins.




 photo 36c256ff-833b-49be-a6f9-6b5a84f56b62.jpg


 photo 55edc945-ff23-4b67-9a54-0c5af415e2f2.jpg



“Why the hell are we conditioned into the smooth strawberry-and-cream Mother-Goose-world, Alice-in-Wonderland fable, only to be broken on the wheel as we grow older and become aware of ourselves as individuals with a dull responsibility in life?” 
― Sylvia Plath, The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath


 photo 6ca1c7ec-57a5-411a-aa8f-2fc255853f7e.jpg

“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense.”
~Alice 



"Take some more tea," the March Hare said to Alice very earnestly.  "I've had nothing yet," Alice replied in an offended tone: "so I can't take more."



Well, by all means, please tuck-in, and let's have some tea!

 photo bc36b113-ec6b-4afa-bbfd-b98f0997353f.jpg


 photo bbf3fd17-1caa-4a1d-909d-5274d71e2fb3.jpg

Do you prefer hot tea…



 photo 3bb885fe-27fc-4cba-a606-0fc115943ece.jpg

…or iced?  We have iced strawberry basil tea, of course!



 photo b1ae7546-50b0-4dda-b05f-a254098528ef.jpg

“Yes, that's it! Said the Hatter with a sigh, it's always tea time.” 
at Art @ Home!


Resources:

Everything on the table is from our MacKenzie-Childs collection except:
Tablecloth:  Macy's
Napkins and muffin pan:  Anthropologie
Strawberry Basket:  Williams Sonoma
Flatware:  Horchow's hotel collection


“And what is the use of a book," thought Alice, "without pictures or conversation?” 








Recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Muffins from Southern Living's Feel Good Food

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided (I used India Tree gourmet caster sugar)
1 (8-oz.) container sour cream  (I used Daisy brand)
1/2 cup butter, melted (I used Land O Lakes unsalted butter)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries 

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Combine flour and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture.

2. Stir together sour cream and next 4 ingredients; add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Gently fold strawberries into batter. Spoon batter into lightly greased 12-cup muffin pans, filling three-fourths full. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup sugar over batter.

3. Bake at 400° for 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack 1 minute; remove from pans to wire rack, and cool 10 minutes.

This is one of the easiest and most delicious muffin recipes I've ever baked.


And now on to the giveaway…

I'm giving away one copy of Everything Alice pictured above.  Just fill out the form below.  Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Thanks to Vanessa @ A Fanciful Twist for hosting!



Also Linking to:


Musical Mondays at My So-Called Chaos></a></center>  </center> <center style=



Until next time...

Blessings!
Ricki Jill



64 comments

  1. Oh that Everything Alice book looks like a great read and fun to have on the coffee table. I am a such a big word/quote junkie. Loved your strawberry tea...William Butler once said about the strawberry, "Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless he never did."

    ReplyDelete
  2. What an absolutely DE-LIGHT-FUL posting! And to be serenaded by a cover of one of my favorite songs that I never knew existed was such an exciting find (I'm on my way right now to iTunes to download it!). Thanks so much for the time and effort you put into your Mad Tea Party - I appreciate the reward of getting to enjoy it! And thanks for the chance to win what looks like a fabulous book (being a real Alice aficionado, I always appreciate a new 'look' at the Alice story and characters! OH! My favorite character is small in importance - but always looks so regal and I love him - is the Frog Footman at the Duchess' house. Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Gorgeous tea party set up. Those roses are fabulous. I'm ready to stop by for cup!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A delicious unBirThdaY Feast! I do think I have gained pounds!
    Please come visit.
    http://dogsmomvisits.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-fanciful-twists-8th-annual-virtual.html

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely party. Thanks for inviting us in. And thanks for the recipes. Have a wonderfully inventive day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like The Cheshire Cat. Thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  7. LOOK at those roses!!! Lemons; however, always have my heart. :)
    Every morsel was delicious.
    So fun to visit.
    xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  8. Happy unbirthday to you...love your Mad Tea Party
    Hugs
    Kerstin

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a lovely post- strawberry lemonade cupcakes- yes please! I'd love to be entered in the giveaway - being a cat person- I have to go with the cheshire cat! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Enchanting and mesmerizing, such lovely photos and beautiful table ware. Thank you for the recipe too, I was hoping you would include it, as those muffins really caught my eye!
    Hugs,
    Jemma

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a out standing tea party. Love the chance to Ewing a copy of the give away book.
    I don't have a favorite character from the book.
    CABWNANA1@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ricki Jill, I'm positively MAD about your wonderful MacKenzie-Childs collection and your tea party! Your Anthro muffin pan is adorable too! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Everything Alice.♥

    ReplyDelete
  13. Ricki Jill, loved that. The Beatles brought me back to childhood. :) Those roses are gorgeous and I took one of the cookies.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thank you for posting the muffin recipe ~ they sound delicious. I loved all of your photos.

    ReplyDelete
  15. MacKenzie Childs ... lemon curd ... roses ... perfect combination

    ReplyDelete
  16. This is a beautiful party---thanks for the invite! I was especially interested in the information on the Victorian comfits---I MUST make some now! :) Thanks for the opportunity to win your fun giveaway. My daughters and I will really enjoy that book, I know! My favorite Wonderland character is the caterpillar. He seems very intelligent---probably well read! He likes to puff himself up...but also doesn't want to be bothered with too much nonsense. That's how I feel today. Ha!! :) Hope you're having a great time visiting all the parties!

    Blessings,
    Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thank you for visiting my party and for all the yummy treats and recipe! Gorgeous roses! :-)

    ~♥Carmen♥~
    http://www.moonlyf.com/2015/07/8th-annual-mad-tea-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. What a brilliant girl, for strawberries are always yummy and always appropriate... and when they are in the same platter with ginger, they are simply perfect!

    Happy Mad Tea Party!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love the strawberry theme!! It looks delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Strawberry lemonade muffins?! Oh, my! Thanks for sharing the recipe. The Queen of Hearts is my favorite "Alice" character... love her sass!

    ReplyDelete
  21. RJ, it was me. I told you I was Mad! I just discovered where the comment link is at the bottom. Did you change the format?
    Anyway, loved your charming party with all the delicious treats. Your collection of MacKenzie-Childs pottery steals my heart every time. Oh, to grow up in your home. Hope your girls realize how fortunate they are!

    ReplyDelete
  22. A lovely and intriguing visit for the Mad Tea Party 2015. Thank you for popping over to to visit my tea post. I had such a fun time visiting back. :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for including the Sylvia Plath comment and keeping is (a little bit) real. This is all beautiful and I will save the muffin recipe, as I am a huge fan of muffins.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh, I'd love to give that recipe a try. My kids would love it!. Now to see if I can score some lemon curd as well...yum.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Looks delicious! My granddaughter loves strawberries too! Wonderful treats indeed! Hope you get a chance to hop over my way for some treats too! Hugs,
    Susan
    http://flutterbeforeyou.blogspot.com/2015/07/mad-hatters-tea-party-2015-blog-hop.html

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thank you for visiting my Beloved Bijou's Craft Blog. I absolutely love your tea pot! And the treats look delicious ♡

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh, what a fantastic Tea Party! I love the roses and the basket of strawberries - such an awesome basket! I do think I'll have some strawberry basil iced tea, please. I will be back for the recipe!
    God bless and Happy Unbirthday to You,
    Sherry - Sherry's Cabin

    ReplyDelete
  28. And.... my favorite characters would have to be Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love your beautiful roses and I can't wait to give the muffin recipe a try! Thanks so much for sharing. Cheers, Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  30. My favorite has to be Alice.. I thought she was everyones favorite!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Strawberry lemonade muffins and Sylvia Plath-food for thought indeed! Loved your party thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hmm. I couldn't get the give-away box to allow me to comment, but fortunately I saw this. I hope nobody loses their head, because the roses you have here are beautiful! I love lemon curd, and would enjoy it on strawberry lemonade muffins immensely. Thank you for inviting me to your wonderful party!

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a wonderful post ... thank you for allowing me to be a guest at your party.

    Thank you for always the beautiful writings and photographs.
    xo
    SuZeQ

    ReplyDelete
  34. I really like the Mad Hatter! What a fun party - always fun to see what people do to decorate and how they mix in food with the theme. :)

    -lauren

    ReplyDelete
  35. A wonderful party! Beautifuly set and scrumptious too. Thanks for adding the terrific muffin recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Just letting you know I am glad I dropped in to day

    ReplyDelete
  37. I had such a good time at your party. You really know how to throw them. Strawberries! Love them up. Thanks for the explanation of comfits. It was really interesting. Those strawberry lemonade muffins have my mouth watering. Might have to try to make some. Your flowers are lovely.

    Thanks for coming over to my party as well.

    ReplyDelete
  38. How absolutely darling! The Strawberry Lemonade muffins look delicious, and as always your table is vibrant and whimsical. Brava!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I LOVE strawberry lemon muffins! So many delicious treats. AND a giveaway! How wonderful!
    Thank you for sharing your lovely party!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Super delicious-looking & oh so colorful... What a fabulous tea party you've created here! CHEERS -xo

    ReplyDelete
  41. Ricki, your roses are gorgeous and what's not to love about Mackenzie Childs? The strawberry lemonade muffins look delicious and I love my tea iced this time of year. Thanks for the fun! Also for offering the wonderful give away!
    hugs,
    Jann

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your sure know how to put on a good party, or two was it this week?!! Love the roses, muffins and all your perfect porcelain. How very clever of you to note where my photo was, you're absolutely spot on with your Bodeian Library observation!
    Loved joining you here, but can't stop so many wonderful Mad Tea party posts to visit :)
    Wren x

    ReplyDelete
  43. What a lovely party! The roses are tooooo lovely. As for my favorite character? I'd have to say the talking flowers. I love gardens and gardening and think it would be such fun to have talking flowers in my own garden!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Wow, you are the best host for a party! Love the roses, and the muffins sound divine! I've never heard of Mackenzie Childs? A great tea party. Aso a great giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I like how clean your site is. I entered but was confused to where the comment was supposed to be so I hope this is it. My favorite character is the March Hare.
    I am also doing a giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I always love your blog! I recognized your M.Childs right away, so fab! Lovely treasures, china wonderments and treats on top of that. So pretty, truly! Happiest Mad tea party wishes! <3, Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  47. Fabulous, Ricki Jill!! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, your party was delightful!
    Thank you for being a most gracious hostess, my Dear!
    Hugs,
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  48. Simply delightful, RJ. What a wonderful whimsical tea party you gave her.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love your dishes, tablecloth, and the beautiful roses you have. All the whimsy and everything about your party is so wonderful! take care, Darlene

    ReplyDelete
  50. Strawberries and tea are the very best things for a Mad Tea Party.
    Thanks so much, it was delightful.

    ReplyDelete
  51. ♪♫♪ Strawberry fields forever ♪♫♪

    What a lovely tea party! I have to make the Strawberry-Lemonade Muffins, and soon, before the fresh strawberries are gone. Thanks for sharing everything with us!

    ReplyDelete
  52. What a fun party! I am definitely making thosse muffins! thanks for having me :0) Thanks for stopping by my party.

    ReplyDelete
  53. This is such a fun tea party.... gorgeous table, and those muffins sound delicious! Hope you're having a wonderful day!
    -Heather
    www.stringtownhome.net

    ReplyDelete
  54. So full of Strawberry Sweetness ~ I love the idea.
    xx oo
    Carla

    ReplyDelete
  55. This is so very beautiful -- your flowers are so lovely I can almost smell them from here! And the treats (and recipe) delicious! Thank you, and thanks also for your visit and kind comments at The Marmelade Gypsy!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Oh my, your roses are absolutely gorgeous! I absolutely love anything with lemons. Pinned, your strawberry/ lemonade muffins look seriously delicious. Thank you for the lovely tea party and for the visit!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Bonjor,
    Everything here looks delicious. I have been for a couple of days in Paris....but today I am here and enjoying
    Thanks for such great party.

    Hugs, Monika
    from the party over here: http://blythetheque.blogspot.fr/2015/07/after-pyjama-tea-party.html

    ReplyDelete
  58. You did an outstanding job Ricki Jill. I love the MacKenzie -Child's ware, it looks like it should be at a Mad Hatter Tea Party. Everything looks so fun and what a great party you had. The strawberry/lemonade muffins looks yummy! I think I might have to make some after we get back from vacation for our Sunday dinners with the kids.

    ReplyDelete
  59. That was lovely, and I really enjoy Lemon Curd!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Love this post RJ! I hope you're able to get to the MacKenzie-Childs barn sale this weekend. It's a party!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi Ricki Jill! Your muffin recipe sounds delicious and those muffins must be so delightful served on your fabulous M-C dishes. I am reading Alice now and enjoying it so much, and I would love the chance to read the book you are offering too. Thanks for the giveaway and for your pretty mad tea post! :) Linda

    ReplyDelete
  62. I'm back to say my favorite character is the White Rabbit. I feel the need to help him with all his cares! Linda

    ReplyDelete
  63. What a lovely Mad Tea Party! I am so late! Like the White Rabbit.
    Thank you so very much for the muffin recipe. The muffins look so scrumptious and with a bit of cream on top I am sure they will taste divine!
    Congratulations to the giveaway winner too!
    I am going to have to get a copy of the Alice book!
    Cheers!
    Teresa in California
    http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Comments are friendly!


Hello!

I'm Ricki Jill. Welcome! I'm honored that you're reading my blog. I enjoy sharing my creative lifestyle @ The Bookish Dilettante. For more information about my blog, please read the Start Here page. Thank-you for stopping by, and I hope you'll consider following me via email.

Follow me on Instagram