Since my birthday usually falls so close to Thanksgiving, my friend Susan and her family usually come up to celebrate the two together. For the last two years, this has meant yummy pumpkin pie and the opera on Saturday night, two of my favorite things. I’ve added an additional element this year:

I’m throwing myself a tea party! I’ve been browsing recipes all week for the perfect scones and sandwiches to make (they are so pretty and dainty!). I found blank note cards that, while slightly more modern that what I was looking for, were simple and elegant (aren’t they charming?). I almost went out and bought another 6 serving set of my white dishes so that everything would match, before talking myself out of that! (I have more dinnerware than you can imagine. But I lack a complete set of silverware and just have a collection borrowed from my many roommates over the years.) I did find a three tier plate holder perfect for holding all of the edibles. And I can’t wait to find some fall flowers to decorate with! I only drink herbal teas, but I have 3 different types of rooibos teas and chamomile tea, as well as hot chocolate to serve, and I might go down to the local tea store and find another.

Have any of you held a proper afternoon tea? Any recipe or decorating ideas?