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Come to the maddest Mad Tea Party in the world on this tea cup Tuesday

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Come see what I found at RGB Kew. A 40 place setting tea party in celebration of The Great British Tea. Here is the story of this project.

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This project was created by Kirsti Davies, a London artist, and realised by skilled British craftsmen.

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This beautiful, huge table and the 40 chairs were made from green oak using traditional peg and slot methods by Welsh woodworker Giles Thaxton. He also carved the lettering into the table top.

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The china was crafted by Stokes Croft China and hand painted by Kirsti Davies and other artists who also came up with the riddles.

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I loved how they thought of everything for a tea table including milk and water jugs.

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But this was Kew, and so the most important focus was on all the edible plants which end up as part of tea.

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There were herbs, and veggies, and fruit trees and even tea bushes.

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I wished some of these dishes were for sale in the gift shop because they were so fabulous, but unfortunately they were bespoke for this table only.

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There was also some transferware made for this table. I loved this gently Lady Grey plate.

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Of Course I eventually did have a cup of tea and the barista who made it for me somehow broke the tea bag and left me this fortune. Can anyone read tea leaves? Robert said it looks like I’m having to get over a wall. I saw myself painting at an easel and my friend Marrianna saw me as a gypsy dancer dancing away as carefree as anything. What do you think?

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Linking with Terri to admire her wonderful pink tea cup and matching cake, with Martha and thinking I want to go to Italy for a fantastic blue glass cup, with Sandi and admiring the English rose cups, (I love English roses), and hopefully, later with Bernideen.

Comments: 28

  • July 16, 2013
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    In the teacup, I see you sitting back on your knees, on lovely rolling hills, peacefully reading a book. πŸ˜‰

  • July 16, 2013
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    But where are the scones?

  • July 16, 2013
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    Hi Veronica: It looks like you are having a wonderful time. I would love to see this wonderful party up close. Enjoy each minutes lucky lady. Hugs, Martha

  • July 16, 2013
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    Hi Veronica,
    That tea party looks amazing. Wow! I wish I could have see that in person …..you must have been thrilled! The dishes and plants are so authentic. I love your teacup with the tea leaves. My grandmother (from Scotland) used to read our tea leaves when I was a little girl but unfortunately I don’t have the knack. I am so pleased that I visited you this morning in England. It is just a fabulous tea time and the best post that I have ever seen regarding teacup Tuesday! Thank you so very much for posting this extraordinary tea! I hope that you linked up with all of the tea times on Tuesday. Enjoy your time away. It sound so exciting! (I am at the cottage to avoid the mess and concerns at home). Keep in touch.
    Karen

  • July 16, 2013
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    Hello Veronica, it is always a pleasure to visit you at your blog. This table is so unusual and so wonderful in many ways. The china really is something special. And I love that they have all edible plants and even tea plants. So cool!
    I am glad you are having so much enjoyment on your trip.
    Hugs,
    Terri

  • July 16, 2013
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    Veronica, this is fabulous! Love the pitchers and teapots that are labeled. Wish you could have brought one home with you. The table is wonderful too.
    hugs,
    Jann

      • September 9, 2013
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        Deep in the beating heart of The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft, Bristol, where we made all these pieces with Kirsti, you can! We hold china decorating workshops on the first Sunday of every month, where you will have access to a wild array of ceramic decals, vintage and modern, to create your own unique piece of fine English bone china πŸ™‚ From Β£10 for a mug!

        Flora, Stokes Croft China

  • July 16, 2013
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    What a incredible table that just goes and goes and goes!!!! So glad you shared at Tea In The Garden!

  • July 16, 2013
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    Let me just say first of all, that the tea table is fabulous and it’s such a whimsical and wonderful sight. I do hope you’re having a splendid time in England and enjoying lots of delicious English tea. I understand you also celebrated a birthday while visiting. Happy Birthday, Veronica, and thank you so much for sharing at my party this week! Enjoy your vacation.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

  • July 16, 2013
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    What a beautiful table and fun dishes! Thank you for sharing and happy tea day to you!

  • July 16, 2013
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    FANTASTIC V !!!!! Just loved this!

  • July 16, 2013
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    A tea time masterpiece! By the way, I’m drinking Lady Grey right now.

  • July 17, 2013
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    Hi Veronica,
    What a FUNtastic way of celebrating tea with a great party! It is all so imaginative but simple and natural!
    Thanks for sharing this beautiful table and all the details.
    Hugs

  • August 21, 2013
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    Lovely post! I’ve just visited this and I’ve written about it on my Lewis Carroll blog (I’ve published a biography of him) because “Alice” was really the inspiration for the whole mad tea party idea. You can find the post here if you are interested. Jenny
    http://www.jabberwock.co.uk/blog/index.php?itemid=796

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