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Thursday, March 31, 2016

Set Your Table With Flair--A Spring Tea For National Tartan Day

Hello, dear friends!  Thank you so much for stopping by to visit me!

Are you a fan of tartan?  I can clearly remember when my love affair with tartan began; as a girl, going to school smartly dressed in penny loafers, knee socks, a cabled sweater, and of course, a wonderful skirt or shorts of Black Watch Tartan (Think:  Alicia Silverstone or Stacey Dash in Clueless, but loooong before the film was released).

In just a few days is National Tartan Day.  National Tartan Day occurs every April 6th, and it is a celebration for people of Scottish heritage.  Did you know that plaids and tartans are not the same, and that all tartans are plaids, but not all plaids are tartans?  According to Encyclopedia Americana 1957 ed., a plaid is a pattern in textile fabrics consisting of bars, or stripes of color crossing each other at right angles, and a tartan is the typical Scottish plaid; a thin worsted cloth having alternate bands of different colors, forming a checkered pattern, which has been highly specialized by Scottish weavers for the dress of Scottish Highlanders, each clan having its own pattern

The word plaid originated from the Gaelic word for "blanket."  Therefore, plaid may have originally referred to a long cloth, double the size of its wearer (patterned or not), and was worn by people of the Scottish Highlands.  The word tartan originated from the French word tartarin meaning "tartar cloth".  It has also been suggested that "tartan" may be derived from modern Scottish Gaelic tarsainn, meaning "across."  Tartans are usually specific to a clan.  So many Scottish wore tartan plaids, that in Northern America, the terms became confused and intertwined. 

There are a multitude of websites on which people can research the tartan of their specific clan, but I find that The Scottish Register of Tartans is the most complete and concise.  You can even create a new tartan if so desired with an interactive online weaver via House of Tartan, Tartan Designer, or Tartanmaker.

Black Watch Tartan has been a favorite of mine as long as I can remember,


with McQueen (registered as MacQueen on The Scottish Register of Tartans) as a close second,


especially during Christmas.  I usually prefer rich tartans such as these during the holiday season, but for National Tartan Day, I thought it might be fun to take tea with a pretty Spring theme, and of course, tartan!  I hope you enjoy the post!



I began the table with a pretty topper of Springy pastel;


a simple centerpiece of coordinating colors


in a depression glass bowl lined with pink petals


lends to an atmosphere of playful springtime whimsy.








A flowered teapot along with a creamer and sugar, all in white...


dainty gold-rimmed teacups and saucers sit pleasantly on plates, also of fresh white.
 

At each setting, a delicate gold spoon, sachet of tea, and napkins held by pretty peony petals.







If you would like to view the tutorial for my pastel Victorian tea sachets, you may do so on my blog The Crafting Table here.



Completed Tablescape.








We enjoyed some delicious little bites.


Although not traditional teatime fare, they were a hit.
 

To view the recipe for my spicy grilled ham and cheese, you may visit the post on my blog Parsimonious Pabulum here.
 

To view the recipe for my spicy roast beef brioche, please visit the same post on my blog Parsimonious Pabulum here.


This week was spring break for us, and it was so enjoyable.  My eldest and I just started watching the full series of Soap.  Do you remember it?  I vaguely remember it, but I knew I liked the series, so when I saw it, I nabbed it.  It is pretty zany, and very un-PC!  You would never get away with some of those off-color jokes nowadays.  How times have changed!



I hope you all are enjoying the beautiful springtime!










From my collection:

Topper:  Tommy Hilfiger, HomeGoods
Pink teacups and saucers, Grace's Teaware, HomeGoods
Gold flatware, Wallace Silversmiths Grand Duchess Collection, Horchow/Neiman Marcus
White plates, Ralph Lauren Club Collection 
Teapot, Godinger
Sugar, creamer, and white napkins, generic
Pastel Victorian Tea Sachets, yours truly
Peony napkin rings, Bed, Bath, and Beyond
White cake plate, Ralph Lauren Pavilion Collection


UPDATE

 

04/08/2016~~ 


I have noticed a few comments and/or questions about the bench featured in this post.  The bench is my handmade highback bench, which also was the impetus for starting this blog.  You may visit the full tutorial for the bench in my archives or by clicking here.  Thank you so much!
 

If you enjoy this post, please visit the archives!  You may also visit my full profile to view my other blogs. Connect with me on my Facebook Page, Parsimonious Décor Darling.   You might like to visit my other blog hubs,  

The Marvelous Maison, a lifestyle blog hub and 
Frugal Fab Fashionista, my fashion blog hub. 

Follow me on Pinterest!!  Please be sure to kindly follow the board guidelines, as it takes time and effort to find fabulous pins across the Internet and Pinterest!  Thank you!  

Thank you for stopping by! ❤










74 comments:

  1. I love tartan too. Wish my hubby did! This is so pretty! I love all the pastels and those teacups in baby pink are so sweet! Love how you pulled it altogether. Thanks for sharing with us and linking up with me. Enjoy your day.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  2. What a stunning table. I love the colors, makes me want to stop and stay a while. You are one talented lady. Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

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  3. So beautiful! I love tartan but never thought about using it for spring. But then, I don't remember seeing tartan in spring colors. I love all the floral patterns too...Christine

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    1. Thank you, Christine! Yes, they are rare, I come across more ginghams and toiles this time of year instead. Thank you for stopping by!

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  4. Your tablescape really captures the essence of spring. The colors are wonderful and I adore the tablecloth. I need to keep my eye out for pastel tartans-so pretty. Your teapot with the flowers is lovely too. Happy Spring!

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  5. Love the pretty tartan and that bench is so lovely. New here, so will be looking around for more decor.

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  6. Your pastel tartan is so pretty for your tablescape. The centerpiece is exquisite and picks up all the colors. I love those napkin rings and the tea sachets...I'm swooning! I'd love to be a guest and sit in that pretty tufted settee!

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  7. What a beautiful outdoor tea. Your white plush chair is fabulous!

    I wore a kilt as part of my high school uniform. The plaid was in our school colours: burgundy, gray and navy blue.

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    1. Love a great kilt! The bench is handmade by yours truly, thank you so much!

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  8. I love plaids, tartans and others! Enjoyed the fun history you gave. Your spring plaid tea is gorgeous! Happy tartan day and thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  9. What an absolutely gorgeous tablescape - wow - you arranged everything so perfectly!

    I had the cutest little mini skirts in the 80s from The Gap - my favorite was Blackwatch Tartan - I was sick about putting on weight and it not fitting any more back in the day.

    I adore your beautiful pink Gracie china, and those sweet precious flowers! Your menu looks yummy, so glad you enjoyed putting together such a lovely table. Thank you for sharing the beauty with us!

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    1. Ah, when The Gap was really preppy! That and the ESPRIT store were among my favorites...ah, memories! :)
      Thank you so much for stopping to visit, Michele!

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  10. This table is so beautiful! The plaid is just about the prettiest I've seen! What a treat for your guests.And thanks for the tutorial for the sachets. They are adorable!

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  11. I just love your spring tartan.

    I used to do a Tartan Day at my school when I was the Activities Director. It was always fun.


    Thanks for bringing back a memory by sharing this on SYC.

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  12. What a beautiful tea table setting. I love tartans, but looks like I missed the big day. . .will have to call my brother . When he was in the Navy, long ago, he was stationed in Scotland, and brought back lots of tartan for his sisters and mother. I still have the scarf he gave me. He also picked up the bagpipes in the mid 1970's, and is quite accomplished on them. I'm sure he celebrated tartan day!

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    1. Enya's "Scotland" is one of my favorite instrumentals, ever. I love the beautiful bagpipes. How lovely that your brother took them up! Thank you so much for stopping by!

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  13. you set a beautiful table. I love that tartan has its own day. I used to watch Soap every week! thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo

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    1. Thank you so much, Katherine! I love Susan Harris, she is a maverick for certain!

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  14. Absolutely gorgeous! Wow! The food looks great too!

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  15. love the tablescape and can't help but notice the chair behind your table very interesting what type is it. I'm scottish and love the tartans used to have the red and it makes a table stand out love it thanks for sharing

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    1. Thank you, Robin! The highback banquette is a handmade one, made by yours truly, and you can visit the tutorial in my archives!

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  16. Your tea is beautiful! Have a great weekend!

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  17. Beautifully done! Love the pastel coloring of the tartan tablecloth and your center arrangement! The china is beautiful especially the pink tea cups. Love that white banquette piece- that must have been work to get outdoors!

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    1. Yes, Liz, it was, lol, but I love setting tables outdoors with it! Thank you so much for visiting!

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  18. Your plaid and afternoon tea are beautiful! Plaid brings back memories from 12 years of catholic school. I much prefer your pastel one to mine from years ago. Have a great weekend!

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    1. I love the jewel-tones as well! Thank you for stopping by, Joan!

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  19. Your table setting is so pretty. Love all the pastel colors. I had a blackwatch tarten, which I just called plaid, jumper, when I was in high school. I don't even think most would know what a jumper was these days. I also remember Soap. That is the first time I remember seeing Billy Crystal. My family loved it and wouldn't miss it each week..A great post..Happy Thursday..Judy

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    1. Thank you, Judy! I think that was the first time I saw Billy, too. Much before the "You look maaaahvelous" days, lol! Thank you for visiting!

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  20. This is one beautiful table setting and by using these dreamy pastel shades you have made me want to sit and stay awhile!
    Just love these sweet little pink tea cups...
    Thank you so very much for sharing all of this beauty with us at Thoughts Of Home On Thursday!
    Jemma

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  21. A beautiful tablescape...love the pastels which so speaks of spring...When I think of plaid I always associate it with winter...not anymore!

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  22. Loving this post, your table is pure perfection! I have to ask, that beautiful tufted bench...did you DIY that with outdoor fabric or is your outdoor space covered? (not that I need another "wish", but you may have just inspired me to try and create one for outdoors and I would love to know more about yours!)

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    1. Thank you, Christine! Yes, the bench was a DIY project, one of my first shared here, and I used a sturdy marine vinyl as well as faux leather. I usually have it in the house at our dining table, but I adore using it outdoors as well! You can visit the full tutorial in my archives. Thank you so much again!

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    2. What a beautiful teascape!! A lovely centerpiece and a beautiful tablecloth!
      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Hugs,
      Debbie

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  23. What a glorious tablescape. The pastel plaid is perfection. My favorite tartan is of course the Gunn! :) Your post is such a happy addition to Thoughts of Home on Thursday. Thank you SO much for sharing the joy.
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thank you so much, Laura! Gunn is a lovely tartan, quite close to blackwatch! Love it!

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  24. What a perfectly lovely tea table and beautiful arrangement. Your dishes are all charming. I think you made darling favors with those little tea bags. Thanks for sharing and linking!

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    1. Thank you, Bernideen! I am still enamored with your hunt table for Autumn...so beautiful!

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  25. Beautiful tea table. Thanks for visiting me at Delights of the Heart.

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  26. Dearest PP, this is just DIVINE!! A pastel tartan? Who knew, right? You have such a talent, my lovely. Mimi xxx

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  27. I'm a bit late to the party but in time to see how amazing the table looks. I love the way you've matched everything to that gorgeous tablecloth and the nibbles look divine.
    Amalia
    xo

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  28. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog about my limoges cream soup cups
    You white settee is wonderful it gave me the idea to paint a black chair very similar, i'll spray paint it white for the studio

    Janice

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  29. Absolutely beautiful spring table! You really know how to do it right :) Thanks so much for linking your posts up at Vintage Charm--we love having you--

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  30. I loved your table setting here! I have featured you on my blog this week from Thursday Favorite Things! I love that Spring tartan!

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  31. This is just stunning! And yes, I do love plaid. You socked this out of the ballpark, my friend! The bench, too.

    Have missed you and wanted to say, "Hi". I hope you and yours are well. I plan to return to blogging someday, but just not, now. The house is a jealous mistress. Understatement of the year!

    Love to you,

    Sheila:-)

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    1. Oh!! So, so nice to hear from you sweet Sheila! It has been a while! We miss you in bloggerland! I hope all is well with you too dear, and please return to writing soon! I have missed you, too! I hope you are enjoying the beautiful springtime!

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  32. Yes, I was definitely drooling over the bench! How fun to feature it in this tablescape! Now I want one outside! Gorgeous, and you did it!!! Wow!
    The pastel plaid is fabulous - that would be my kind of tartan! Lovely, and it makes me wish the weather were nicer!

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  33. Your centerpiece is just stunning! And I LOVE the vignette of the china with the arch of stacked cups, just beautiful!
    Jenna

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  34. What a wonderful table! A delightful tea time here!

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