Friday, June 24, 2011

Jump Down the Rabbit Hole...A Mad Tea Party with 58 Cherries!

It all started one late afternoon when I decided to laze about outdoors with a quilt and a few old books...
I read in the sun until the shade of the big tree drifted closer and led me to put my book aside and close my eyes for just for a moment and daydream.





When I opened my eyes again I found all my books picked up and stacked at my feet. On top was a delicate little turquoise and white plate with a tiny white cake!





We've all heard of how interesting adventures can begin with tiny little cakes, haven't we? Well, this one didn't say Eat Me, so I hoped it wouldn't make me grow too tall, but at the same time I couldn't resist the temptation. I decided to take a bite and see...

It was a delicious petit four with vanilla cake and a hard shell of frosting with a delicious orange cream filling inside. Nothing seemed to happen at first until I put the cake down and suddenly I noticed a white rabbit beside the plate!
I felt my eyes grown heavy and I rubbed at them, not wanting to fall asleep and miss anything, but when I blinked my eyes clear I found myself somewhere else entirely!!


I was in a big room with large bright windows and a table laid out with an elaborate tea! The chairs were all different, some formal, some padded and I decided to tiptoe closer for a look.











What a beautiful and strange tea service, indeed! So many teapots and cups already filled with tea and just look at all the plates full of goodies laid out!

I remembered the last two times I'd had the privilege to join just such a tea party so I hurried forward to take in all the wondrous sights before they disappeared!








There were petit fours, jam jewels, lace cookies with chocolate filling, shortbread with raspberry or apricot jam and so many more!



I saw the armies of chessmen again and a squirrel behind them seemed to be about to drop something into a tea cup.
The chessmen were arguing again about whose turn at the cherry it was, but I was more concerned about the large green berry or nut the squirrel was going to toss in, should I try to stop him?

Then I noticed the tiny green boat with the pretty little lady rabbit in it - she seemed unconcerned about what was going on so I decided not to interrupt...
In the center of the table were two teapots on a heavy glass pedestal. I looked closer and saw three little mice sitting at a little bowl of cream. They nodded in greeting, but were too busy dunk little crumbs of cookies to pay anymore attention to me...
I turned away and glanced down to see more guests at the table below. I was so happy to see that both Gnomes had turned up for the party as well...




They seemed to have brought their own drinks and a big (to them anyway) watermelon to share. They smiled and nodded to great me and I took a cup of tea and a plate of cookies to join in...








I heard a squeak and looked down to see that the dormouse was nibbling at his own jam jewel and had stopped to great me.



He'd already eaten nearly half of it and I offered him a small cup of tea.
There was a tower of small tea cups halfway across the table. I admired the plate beside them full of more goodies to eat. There were cherries and vanilla cookies with dark chocolate and crushed pecans sprinkled on top.
"Better hurry up," a tiny voice said nearby. I looked and saw a little mouse in an apron with a dustpan and broom. She was sweeping up the crumbs from around the table into her little pan.









Just as I realized my time may be coming to an end I felt my eyes growing heavy, blinking sleepily with my tummy full of cookies, cake and tea. I felt something tingle - a hint of magic, perhaps? And when I opened my eyes I saw all the food and all the cups that had held tea were gone from the table...







And what was this? A tiny little old bottle by the little brown rabbit washing his face...



Well we all know that if you eat the little cake...you drink from the little bottle as well. So I took a sip...
And found myself back where I started, lying in the shade with my book of Grimm's Fairy tales open again!! No hint of a crumb of cake...

Was it all a dream? I don't know, but I can't leave my guests without a gift - now can I? So I made something special - a very Alice in Wonderland gift!!

Four pages from a VERY OLD French book - and on each one? A favorite image from Alice in Wonderland!!










These would look lovely framed together in a grouping, wouldn't they?



There are two Alice figures - one with the Cheshire Cat grinning down at Alice below. One White Rabbit in full herald costume and the King of Hearts - speckles, wig and crown! These images are from the 1865 Illustrations by John Tenniel.



Here's a closeup of one of the Alice images...







I'm hoping someone will want these for their own. I love the old vintage feel of them - these are old yellowed pages from a book 'Memoires d'un Royaliste 1851'.

So if you've enjoyed our little dream and like the gift you see - please, please do comment here!! I will pick one name from a hat on Friday, July 8th. That way everyone has plenty of time to visit (especially since there is a big holiday the weekend before) and hopefully everyone who wishes to enter can do so by then.



Thank you for visiting us here!! Now off I go to hop and skip along the other parties... Have a great weekend!!


**Important Update** If you are having problems posting comments via blogger - you are not alone. I've had a heck of a time posting comments on some blogspot blogs so if you are wondering why I don't comment that might be why. Also - if you want to post a comment and find you can't you can email it to me at: bookluv AT gmail DOT com (spelled out to avoid spam, sorry). I will then add your name to the hat for the giveaway and also post your comment here, too. Sorry it is such a hassle, but at least there are ways around it. *******

65 comments:

Wendy Aspinall said...

All the treats were yum! my tummy is full.... I had such a great time , But I must run .. lots more parties to see..and hopfully sighting of Mr mad Hatter

Hugs wendy

shari said...

what fun! sneaking into a party the night before... it was a lovely party. thanks ever so much.

Cameron said...

What a wonderful mix of Party Guests! Everyone seemed most delighted to attend....except maybe the chessmen who had to fight over that cherry...heehee!

Thank you for having me :)

AlphaBetsy said...

Truly Lovely. Mine will appear in the morning, but I couldn't resist looking if it's there to see. I love the chess fight, lol.

Stampinmama said...

A great party- especially the gnomes- check ou mine tomorrow evening!!!
Thanks
Stampimamas place

A Magical Whimsy said...

Well...considering it is after midnight in New York and on the eastern seaboard...I guess it is Friday there...so why not enter in with the midnight fun?
I like all of your sweet bunnies, and the gnomes, and all of the goodies.
Please enter me in your giveaway, and come on over to my blog too!
Teresa in CA

Italian Postcards said...

I love the little mouse that ate the cookie.

The Weekend Artist said...

What a lovely party! So enamored with the shoes(a darling pair!)...and all the little details! Congratulations on your tea party! All the sweets are already giving me a toothache...off to the party hop!<3 K

apinkdreamer said...

amazing party!!!! thanks so much for inviting me!!

http://apinkdreamer.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-summer-party-in-pumpkinland.html

Sara said...

what a fun post and a very fun tea party. Hugs Sara

Terri said...

Yummy treat that led to more treats...Yay! What a well attended tea party too! Glad everyone was having a good time, I know I did : )
Hugs,
Terri

Linda Diane said...

Hello, Miss 58 Cherries! Your party was delightful! I loved getting a peek at all your little visitors, and the goodies were divine. Very nice pages with the Alice images on them, too, I might add. : )

Jorgelina said...

What a lovely party!
Very fun!!
Hugs

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Oh! all the little mini friends and those shoes! Delights everywhere! Thanks dear one! Blessings.

Robin said...

So sorry I am late
For this important date.
And your the first party on the list

With too little time
I'm leaving this rhyme
For I'm adamant about wanting to persist.

All this running about
Has left me dry in the mouth.
Might I have a cup of tea

And your cakes of square
and those jell gems too
Are so tempting to me

Oh my, the time
It goes so fast
I must be on my way

But fear not friend
I shall return
Please……Have a beautiful day.

Holiday Sparkle - Cyndi LaChance said...

Your party was divine and your yummy treats delish! Thanks for letting me crash the party.

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I had such a nice time at your party. Your table of goodies were a delight and the company devine. The pages you are so generous to give away are beautiful. Would love so much to win them. Have a wonderful day! Twyla

Pixie said...

LOVED the tiny ceramic bunnies and grey mouse. Thank you for inviting me to your party!

http://pixiepages.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-tasting-extravaganza.html

Lisa said...

such a lovely tea party!! i am having so much fun visiting tea party after tea party! thank you for a lovely cup of tea!

have a lovely weekend
lisa

Marina Capano said...

Hi!

what a cute Mad tea party post!
I love your table and your madness!

from so far away

Visit me anytime...

xoxo

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

I have enjoyed your party very much!
Happy UnBirthday to You !
Blessings,
~Myrna

Sylvia Smiser said...

What a wonderful dream! I loved traveling with you and the tea was delicious.
Thank you for having me over.
I do hope you will also visit me
http://www.anaboocreations.blogspot.com
Sylvia : )

Carolee said...

What an enchanting dream! Really lovely, and I had fun looking at all the teapots too (I collect them, hehe)...Please do throw my name in the hat for your drawing!! I adore Wonderland and paint it often myself.

And do drop by my party if you get the chance - there's a little painting giveaway. :)

♥ Carolee

Kathryn Costa said...

oh I do delight in vintage goodies. What a great party you do throw.

I have a little party of my own and gifts for all of my guests. I do hope you can stop by.

Follow this direct link: http://collagediva.typepad.com/collagediva/2011/06/tea-party.html

Have a sweet day!
Kathryn, Collage Diva

Shannon said...

Thank you for the peak into your tea party.

Unknown said...

Such fun! Thank you for the lovely party :) And a fun giveaway, too!

I do hope you can stop by my little party!

http://samsstuff-samsstuff.blogspot.com/2011/06/tea-party.html

Buccaneers and Ball Gowns said...

You and I have the same greenish color tea pot, yay! I love mine and use it all the time. Adorable tea party!

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

Hello, hello!
Such an elaborate, pretty setting! Also - I need that mouse! lol

Tea Party at the Red Queen's blog: www.afiori.com

Debbie said...

Just stopped by, I've been in such a hurry, didn't want to be late. Lovely party. Especially liked the gnomes

Debbie:)
http://theothersideofdeb.blogspot.com

Karla said...

Was it a dream or not?! Lucky us we got to enjoy the delicious treats! Thanks for sharing!

xo,
Karla
www.dremaginarius.com

Lauren said...

What a lovely little party! I loved all of the little guests, and that tiny cake looks scrumptious! Thank you so much for inviting me! :) ~Lauren

Sarah said...

A fun and magical party, thank you!

Linda said...

Oh how wondrus...great job

Exclusively Yours Ltd said...

What a cute story and tea party. Love your little guests. I would be honored if you visited my party. I have furry guests. Thanks for your invitation, Pat

Painting Apples said...

Oh what lovely images of Alice and her adventures! I enjoyed your party, thanks for having me... I must be on my way, my watch is 3 days slow you know....

;)

xoxo
Gigi

Michelle said...

Lovely table setting and lovely party! Thanks so much for having me! ~Michelle

The Gossamer Tearoom said...

Such a pretty party! Thank you for inviting me! I do hope you will visit mine as well:

http://gossamertearoom.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-2011.html

Wishing you a most Happy Mad Tea Party Weekend!

Betty

Unknown said...

I loved the apricot jam cookies the best! I had TWO! Hope that is alright. Love the mushroom. Love it!! *smiles* Norma

Teresa said...

Lovely party. I would love to put those prints up inmy studio

Theresa MacNaughton said...

You know, it's not a true party until the gnomes arrive! :) Lovely tea party - so glad I stopped by!

Hope you'll pop on over for a visit with me!
http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-mad-tea-party.html

Thank you for a lovely time...enjoy the festivities!

Bill said...

I can't tell you how badly I want a piece of white cake now! The bunnies and mice and chessmen were all such fun. I hope it's alright that I, a guy, came and joined along. How could anyone resist a tea party like this one?!

Sylvia Smiser said...

Hi, I accidentally left my wrong blog address. Here is the correct one
http://www.anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com
Thank you,
Sylvia

http://afancifultwist.typepad.com said...

OH YOU!! I came in and peeked last night ;) I love your tale, waking up back where you began, not a crumb in sight!

Your table in your beautiful room is beyond lovely!

This was so delightful! Thank you for sharing your beautiful Wonderland!

Love, A Fanciful Twist ;)

Pabkins said...

Treasures indeed - you have so many of them in this post. I enjoyed my stay and would of course - like everyone else love to win. Drop by my blog for a change for a prize as well.
Tabitha
http://pabkins.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-my-wonderland-wedding.html

Papillon Bleu said...

You have created a real enchanting story! Thank you so much.
I love all the details, the Beatrix Potter ceramics and ..oh my...how I love the little gnomes!

I wish I could have bitten in this delicious white cake too.
Thank you for the magic.

Papillon Bleu UK
He!he!he!

This is such a funny comment Catherine!
The dolls' houses I build are actually 1/6th scale. My dolls being taller that 1/12th, I design everything in a bigger scale. I have seen some very old dolls' houses at the same scale and fell utterly in love with them. Since then, it has been an obsession. Probably because of the challenge it represents. Hence the constant mix and match with 1/12scale and other objects.
Do you feel reassured now? It was such fun to put Lotte in the house and she didn't want to get out of it. She even asked me to put water in the little cup so she could really drink.

Kindest regards,
Patricia.

Unknown said...

Great slice of whimsy in this post to have w/ my TEA...great party! http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-for-pink-saturday.html

Alisa Noble said...

Such a delightful dream tea party! Thank you for having me!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Very sweet and it makes me want to grab a few books and an old quilt and find the shadiest tree! Some wonderful guests at the tea party with you!

Karin said...

A lovely tale! Thank you!

~Karin

Denise said...

A girl after my own heart.Two peas in a pod,kindred spirits....thats what I thought of when I read your post:)Denise

Candace said...

What a wonderful party! And all those little gnomes and bunnies. Too cute! Happy hoppin'!

Joyce van der Lely said...

Simply divine party Ma'am !! Love those beautiful shoes as well I must say. Thoroughly enjoyed mysel!
Thanks for the party and the tea ♥
please visit mine ♥
Joyce
http://jetdtsetters.blogspot.com

Scrap Vamp said...

Thanks so much for inviting me to this enchanting tea party! I had a lot of fun! I hope you will visit my tea party as well!

http://scrapvamp.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-2011.html

Danni said...

Such a wonderful and magical to-do, thank you for inviting me over to share your tea and enchantment! I do so love the gift you've offered up, how divine! And, I must say of all the treasures and guests, the gnome couple just tickled me most!

Though I’m running tardy, I hope you’ll come visit my party!
http://thewhimsicalcottage.blogspot.com/2011/06/fawn-and-goat.html

Jess and Brenton said...

Was so glad to be a part of this wonderful tea party! Your pictures are gorgeous!

Carousel Dreams said...

What a delightful tea party! That cake is to die for! Yum! Thankyou so much for having me x

Anonymous said...

What a lovely tale and so many fanciful characters and creatures I would love to meet. I am glad I did not have to clean up after them tho, seeing as I am so late.
Please enter my name in your drawing as I would be happy to hang those pages on my wall.
If you have not yet been to visit, my party is http://dogsmom.wordpress.com/2011/06/24/dreaming-madly-of-tea/

Hunnybee said...

What a lovely party! And such a lovely gift! Alice in Wonderland is one of my most favorite books. I'd love to receive such a gift!

Susan said...

what a sweet party and so lovely and adorable table setting! Those petit fours sound so yummy! Thanks for the invite, please do come to mine :)
Susan

http://piecesoffatesusan.blogspot.com/2011/06/fanciful-twists-mad-tea-party-2011.html

Renee said...

Lovely tea party. Loved it

Kristal said...

So sorry I am running late to your party. I have been following that crazy white rabbit and he has no idea of the concept of time!!

Your party was sweetness indeed. Thanks so much for inviting me!!!

XoXo,
Kristal

My party:
http://stateofgracegoods.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-2011-jorney-to-gyspyville.html

Kathy said...

Oh! clap, clap, clap.

This was just darling and so much fun. Loved all your little characters. Well done!!

Kathy

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous party! I love your beautiful room and gorgeous table--and those wonderful chessmen! So fantastic and creative <3

Rachel said...

Sorry for such a late comment, it's taking me a while to get round all the tea parties.

What a sweet tea party this one was, I loved all the little animals joining in, especially the sweeping up mouse. :-)

I've been having problems making comments too, but luckily yours seeems to be ok. :-)

Micupoftea said...

Ah! I had such a nice time...LOVE the teacup tower, mice and shortbread. The knomes are cute too! Thanks for visiting my garden and having a cup of tea with me~

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