On St. Patrick's Day in 2007, I was watching QVC's all-day made in Ireland products. It was neat to see all of the vendors sell their goods as well as learn more about Ireland and her customs. Then, on it came-the most charming tea set I had ever seen! I just had to order it, and I've been enjoying it ever since.
Made by Blarney Stone and designed by Marcus Notley, this little set boasts white porcelain with shamrocks in a cheery green. The set consists of four mugs, covered teapot, covered sugar with porcelain spoon, and a creamer. It's contemporary in design, but fits well in my Victorian cottage.
A few years later, the same company offered four-leaf clover plates and I jumped at the chance to get them. These plates are really neat; the ribbed design waves like grasses in the wind as the light hits the surface of the plates. The plates are a more earthy-green but perfectly compliment the happy little tea set.
I used the set for the twelfth installment of the 2020 Table Setting Challenge, along with Brookside highball glasses for water. These were made by Marquis by Waterford and while they are made in Germany, they do have an Irish tie-in, being owned by Waterford Crystal. I love how well they go with the plates and the daffodils in the Charles Gallen and Company linen placemats (QVC). The tea mugs rest on Connemara marble coasters with a shamrock pattern in them (QVC). The copper clad flatware is Campanile by Gibson (Herberger's, now out of business). I used simple ivory cotton napkins at each place setting (Bed, Bath and Beyond). The fabric used for the napkins is very nice, but quality control must have had a day off, because many of the set of twelve is cut very poorly, making it impossible for those napkins to get a decent fold! Sorry they look "off".
I used alternating Fiesta P86 Yellow and Evergreen round bulb shakers on either side of the table. The centerpiece consists of a very special Belleek Sheaf of Wheat vase. It was specially crafted for Belleek's 150th anniversary and is among my most prized possessions. I adore wheat patterns, and my great-grandparents were homesteaders north of Havre and of course grew wheat. Joining the beloved vase is a bronze sculpture of a foal by local artist and good friend Jim Pasma. The Irish love horses and are well-known for their excellent horse stock.
FYI: If I don't mention it, tea is served at dinner time if there is a cup, or in this case mug, is present. It is my strictest rule that during Lent, no alcohol is consumed by me, or present at my table during meal times. The tea is almost always Irish Breakfast, as it was in this case.
On the menu:
Grandma O'Donnell's Cabbage Rolls
"Montana" Fried Potatoes featuring Alpine Touch spice blend
