Choose your tea cup from the wheelbarrow. . . this Mad Tea Party is taking place at the Potting Shed!
Warning: Photo heavy post ahead, take some advice from the King of Hearts on how to proceed. . .
“Begin at the beginning,” the King said gravely, “and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”
The Frog Footman is waiting to greet you and enjoying the Limelight ;)
He’s serving up tarts instead of bird seed for this Mad Tea Party, dressed in his floral bow tie for the occasion. . .
Help yourself to these mini tart shells, filled with lemon curd-cream cheese, topped with berries and a sprig of mint.
The clocks have stopped at 6:00, forever tea-time in Wonderland. . .
“Yes, that’s it,” said the Hatter with a sigh: “it’s always tea-time.”
The white rabbit is here:
“Oh, my ears and whiskers, how late it’s getting!”
Teapots are waiting to pour your tea or serve your nectar of choice!
*Bee* warned: “We’re all mad here!”
Party bunting hangs among the petunias and sweet potato vine in the window box . . .
Heart-shaped treats are a must for a Mad Tea Party. . .
Help yourself to a Raspberry Linzer Cookie~ cookie sandwiches with a hearts filled with raspberry jam.
How do you take your tea, with one marshmallow heart or two?
Delicate and sweet macarons await~ have two or three. . .
Three fit perfectly in your teacup!
My grandmother’s needlepoint chair came out of storage to join the party. . .
Serving up roses and a seat, along with a Johnson Brothers Staffordshire Bouquet and Windsor Ware Dover teapot.
I’m all aflutter for a tea party in the garden, Mad or otherwise. . .
And a little tea party whimsy is always welcome with inspiration from Alice, courtesy of Lewis Carroll.
2015 marked the 150th anniversary of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Written by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pen name, Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland was inspired by a boat trip down the River Thames in Oxford with family friends. As they rowed along, Dodgson, a natural storyteller, entertained his friends and the Liddell children with a story about a little girl named Alice, who goes looking for an adventure. The daughter, Alice Liddell, asked for the story to be written down and two and a half years later in 1865, AIW was published. The book and its sequel, Through The Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There, have been translated into 65 languages and film and theater adaptations.
And what is the use of a book,” thought Alice, “without pictures or conversation?”
Everything Alice: The Wonderland Book of Makes and Bakes by Christine Leech and Hannah Read-Baldrey:
Enter the magical world of Everything Alice, where nothing is quite as it seems! The tales of Alice in Wonderland provide the inspiration for a charming and original collection of 50 makes, intricate papercut illustrations and snippets of Wonderland lore and games. Everything Alice is a creative must-have for any Alice lover, whatever their age.
If you’re looking for a no-bake teatime treat, help yourself to Pound Cake Tea Sandwiches! Finger sandwiches of cake, filled with layers of chocolate buttercream and strawberry-cream cheese, as easy to make and as they are to eat!
Mary, your Limelights cast such delight on your beautiful tea party, the Frog Footman in his very cute bow tie with yummy tarts! Bees and butterflies are flitting around…one of my favorite treats, macarons…Staffordshire Bouquet…your grandmother’s needlepoint chair all combine for the loveliest of tea parties! Happy Monday, Pam @ Everyday Living
What a wonderful way to start my day – your delightful party pictures have filled me with JOY. I loved the pretty bannner and envied your beautiful flowers. It has been so hot and dry here that even with constant watering everything is looking sad. Bravo to you, Mary.
Your imagination and execution totally draws me in, Mary! So much eye candy, such a feast in so many ways…..I noticed your grandmother’s chair right away and, of course, the quilt (that detail!), the butterfly pillow, and that Windsor Ware Dover teapot. Every time I see that JB Garden Bouquet dishware I could kick myself….that’s a set I sold several years back. Your photography is outstanding, your way with words very creative. I love it all, and wish I could play in your garden with you!
Oh, so many beautiful images of your beautiful table and the area surrounding your potting shed for your beautiful Mad Tea party! I will be pinning most of these and sharing over on FB and Twitter! I always enjoy a stop by Home is Where the Boat is!
Oh my goodness Mary dear, how I’d love to come to your tea party! I’d be oohing and ahhing over each and every thing. I have that same iron wheel barrow as you, but mine is holding an asparagus fern, not lovely teacups. It would be hard for me to choose which teacup to use for the party! Your grandmother’s needlepoint chair is in perfect condition. My Late Great Aunt Kitty had one very similar to yours. Thank you for sharing your creativity and magic with us, Mary…I’m still smiling!
I’ll take 1 marshmallow heart for my tea and 2 green macaroons please, and I’ll have a seat on your pretty new bench along side the tea tray so I can help myself to more! I’ll be staying all day here, to enjoy the pretties, and since it’s always 6, I won’t ever be late! This is truly a place of magic Mary, and you were destined to win Ricki Jill’s giveaway :) Thank you for the incredible fun and imagination! Also I didn’t know the origin of the book, the way you described it, I could picture the leisurely boat ride and the emerging tale…
Jenna
Delightful, Mary! I’m still smiling too. I will have to go back and stroll thru again to take it all in. I gasped at your first picture with your beautiful limelights! ( So jealous- I don’t have much sun!) I enjoyed the history of AIW and love your vintage books.Enchanting teacups and teapots with delectable party food.
Gorgeous swallowtail pics.You know I love those! I think its a eastern tiger swallowtail. Do you know? Your pics are better than my butterfly book!
Mary, I’m giddy with excitement that the Tea Party continues at THE potting shed. I can never get enough of your photos. This is a beautiful way to start my day! I love Alice and all things Alice, all things tea party, and all things Mary’s potting shed. Have a great day!
Such fun….fantastic displays all following the delightful theme! Mary, you continue to astound me with your creativity. I know how long it takes to set up such lovely scenes & you’re really out done yourself on this one. Pure Delight!!!
I don’t know where to begin! How long did it take you to set this all up??? OMGoodness it is exquisite! EVERY last detail so beautifull thought out. You are truly amazing! What a delight!!!!!
I love evrething you do. I want you to come to my house and decorate for me. You make my days. I have had some troubles lately and you make me smile. Sandy
I’ll have some Orange Spice tea please and a green macaroon or two . I’ll sit next to Miss Jenna on the red bench and we can oohh and sigh and laugh the day away while we gaze at all your lovely plants. What fun we’d all have. I LOVE Mr. Frog!. I have a younger version of him sitting holding a small gazing ball. I have always loved your garden shed Mary. I hope to power wash my white garden shed with green trim in the next week or two, unless the weather is just too awesome and then I’ll be at the beach! :) Thanks for the great party!
~Mary~
I am never “Late” :) this is so delightful, beautiful tea cups, and Such details !! I bet your grandmother would be pleased having such a grand seat at the tea party. I am in awwwe how wonderful your plants are growing and everything so green, are your window boxes self watering ? !! its been so very dry and hot here :(. I think I need a mini tart with lemon curd !!
Paula
IN
Adorable!!! Love the way the ribbon coming out of your wreath’s tea pot just flows as if its pouring tea. So many wonderful details. As always such a pleasure!!! Thank you for all the work you put into these posts.
Mary, I took your advice and made a pot of tea to drink while enjoying this magical setting, but I ignored the King and did not stop at the end. I went back several times to party all over again. I’ll have a seat on your new bench so I can gaze at all the beauty and especially your grandmother’s gorgeous chair. I love the dish holder (I know it can’t be that but I don’t know what it is!) holding the heart tarts! How convenient for a cook/gardener when you need some nourishment! And speaking of food, I could use some of those yummy macarons for an upcoming post :) … Linda
Mary, your Limelights cast such delight on your beautiful tea party, the Frog Footman in his very cute bow tie with yummy tarts! Bees and butterflies are flitting around…one of my favorite treats, macarons…Staffordshire Bouquet…your grandmother’s needlepoint chair all combine for the loveliest of tea parties! Happy Monday, Pam @ Everyday Living
What an imagination you have and all the pretty things you have to bring it to life! So clever, so very pretty!
What a wonderful way to start my day – your delightful party pictures have filled me with JOY. I loved the pretty bannner and envied your beautiful flowers. It has been so hot and dry here that even with constant watering everything is looking sad. Bravo to you, Mary.
Mary, WOW!! Is the only word I can think of!!! Other than you Christmas tables this is the best!!! ❤️😍❤️😍
Gorgeous and totally unreal. Love that frog.
Your imagination and execution totally draws me in, Mary! So much eye candy, such a feast in so many ways…..I noticed your grandmother’s chair right away and, of course, the quilt (that detail!), the butterfly pillow, and that Windsor Ware Dover teapot. Every time I see that JB Garden Bouquet dishware I could kick myself….that’s a set I sold several years back. Your photography is outstanding, your way with words very creative. I love it all, and wish I could play in your garden with you!
Amazing and very enchanting :-) That’s a lot of imagination at work!!
Over the top! thank you.
Oh, so many beautiful images of your beautiful table and the area surrounding your potting shed for your beautiful Mad Tea party! I will be pinning most of these and sharing over on FB and Twitter! I always enjoy a stop by Home is Where the Boat is!
Oh my goodness Mary dear, how I’d love to come to your tea party! I’d be oohing and ahhing over each and every thing. I have that same iron wheel barrow as you, but mine is holding an asparagus fern, not lovely teacups. It would be hard for me to choose which teacup to use for the party! Your grandmother’s needlepoint chair is in perfect condition. My Late Great Aunt Kitty had one very similar to yours. Thank you for sharing your creativity and magic with us, Mary…I’m still smiling!
I’ll take 1 marshmallow heart for my tea and 2 green macaroons please, and I’ll have a seat on your pretty new bench along side the tea tray so I can help myself to more! I’ll be staying all day here, to enjoy the pretties, and since it’s always 6, I won’t ever be late! This is truly a place of magic Mary, and you were destined to win Ricki Jill’s giveaway :) Thank you for the incredible fun and imagination! Also I didn’t know the origin of the book, the way you described it, I could picture the leisurely boat ride and the emerging tale…
Jenna
Love your whimsical Mad Hatter tea party; so welcoming♡
Delightful, Mary! I’m still smiling too. I will have to go back and stroll thru again to take it all in. I gasped at your first picture with your beautiful limelights! ( So jealous- I don’t have much sun!) I enjoyed the history of AIW and love your vintage books.Enchanting teacups and teapots with delectable party food.
Gorgeous swallowtail pics.You know I love those! I think its a eastern tiger swallowtail. Do you know? Your pics are better than my butterfly book!
Your posts make me happy! It’s a great way to start my day!
Mary, I’m giddy with excitement that the Tea Party continues at THE potting shed. I can never get enough of your photos. This is a beautiful way to start my day! I love Alice and all things Alice, all things tea party, and all things Mary’s potting shed. Have a great day!
Good morning Mary! I’m enjoying my tea and reading my book! Thanks again! Have a great week!😎🌴
Such fun….fantastic displays all following the delightful theme! Mary, you continue to astound me with your creativity. I know how long it takes to set up such lovely scenes & you’re really out done yourself on this one. Pure Delight!!!
What a delightfully fun and beautiful post!!! You out do yourself with each new post. Thanks for sharing your beautiful designs.
I don’t know where to begin! How long did it take you to set this all up??? OMGoodness it is exquisite! EVERY last detail so beautifull thought out. You are truly amazing! What a delight!!!!!
Your posts are over the top. So much to take in within each photo. I love everything you do. Vikki in VA
You are so creative snd so full of wonderful stories and fun ideas! Love your blog!
WOW Mary, you out did yourself on this one. I so enjoyed the tea party.
Oh my…I do so wish I could be there :-)
You never cease to amaze me…I would love to be a guest at your tea party!
I love evrething you do. I want you to come to my house and decorate for me. You make my days. I have had some troubles lately and you make me smile. Sandy
Aw, thanks for the shout-out, Mary! So happy you’re enjoying the book. BTW your grandmother’s chair is gorgeous. I love needlepoint chairs!
Mr. Frog Man, I would love some mini fruit tarts! Yummy!!!
Lovely post! I enjoyed your Mad Tea Party Part 2!!!
xo,
RJ
Your shed makes me happy and with all this Tea Party goodness, you have made my yucky Monday good again! Thanks!!!
Oh what a wonderful time I had reading this post. You made me feel as if I were there at the tea party. Thank you so much.
Marilyn
I’ll have some Orange Spice tea please and a green macaroon or two . I’ll sit next to Miss Jenna on the red bench and we can oohh and sigh and laugh the day away while we gaze at all your lovely plants. What fun we’d all have. I LOVE Mr. Frog!. I have a younger version of him sitting holding a small gazing ball. I have always loved your garden shed Mary. I hope to power wash my white garden shed with green trim in the next week or two, unless the weather is just too awesome and then I’ll be at the beach! :) Thanks for the great party!
Love the blog. Have a question : heart marshmallow, do you have the recipe for these please
Thanks! No they were purchased at World Market.
Looks like you’re having fun Mary! Everything is very pretty and those tea sandwiches sound like a winner-wish I had one or two right now-enjoy:@)
Loved the frog with his teacup and lap full of goodies!
Just adorable, all of it!
I absolutely adore you. You are so talented wish I could have joined your party. Cheers Victoria
Sent from my iPad
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I am “Mad” over this post! Just Wonderful!
~Mary~
I am never “Late” :) this is so delightful, beautiful tea cups, and Such details !! I bet your grandmother would be pleased having such a grand seat at the tea party. I am in awwwe how wonderful your plants are growing and everything so green, are your window boxes self watering ? !! its been so very dry and hot here :(. I think I need a mini tart with lemon curd !!
Paula
IN
Awesome photos as usual. I would like the teacup with the bird on it and a heart please. That wreath is so pretty and full of imagination.
Adorable!!! Love the way the ribbon coming out of your wreath’s tea pot just flows as if its pouring tea. So many wonderful details. As always such a pleasure!!! Thank you for all the work you put into these posts.
Enchanting….simply enchanting with breathtaking views and the most whimsical vignettes…..Totally amazing…and love that Frog the Butler.
Mary, I took your advice and made a pot of tea to drink while enjoying this magical setting, but I ignored the King and did not stop at the end. I went back several times to party all over again. I’ll have a seat on your new bench so I can gaze at all the beauty and especially your grandmother’s gorgeous chair. I love the dish holder (I know it can’t be that but I don’t know what it is!) holding the heart tarts! How convenient for a cook/gardener when you need some nourishment! And speaking of food, I could use some of those yummy macarons for an upcoming post :) … Linda
absolutely fabulous. You are brilliant – even a ribbon/water stream coming out of the tea pot! This is true attention to detail. Just WOW!
Absolutely charming!! The photography is wonderful. Such a great theme, executed beautifully.
Mary, I hope you have as much fun putting your posts together as we have reading them. What fun!!!
ox
Does it get any better…. HELL NO!