queen's birthday jubilee

Well, after almost a year out of the blogisphere, I'm back! I've been pouring a lot of creative energy into my new job and just haven't had much left over for blogging. I've really missed it, so here I am again...


It's been a long weekend in New Zealand, celebrating the Queen's birthday alongside the jubilee celebrations in England. I do have a soft spot for the Queen and royal-themed souvenirs. Here are some of my royal treasures...

 Catherine David "Queen's Head" blackboard 

(from Holly who now lives in London and attended the jubilee celebrations in person!)

 Vintage coronation tin

(from Beth who found it on Great Barrier Island. Who knew such treasures were hidden there?)

 Crafty Union Jack cushion 

(from my sister Meredith who bought it in England for me) 

It's been so much fun to embrace the Queen's birthday and jubilee this weekend. No royal celebrations are complete without freshly baked scones...

Pimms

Union Jacks

tea

and the most amazing "Queenie" jelly made by Beth. Two litres of boysenberry jelly no less. The mould was a gift from my friend Helen who lives in England (and is also aware of my fondness for Queenly jubilee souvenirs).

Here she is before the unmoulding

 Nervous lifting

 Phew! She is set and looking lovely (if not slightly disturbing when she wobbles)

 Delicious! The destruction has begun...

Kiwi royalists

"Happy birthday and jubilee celebrations, Ma'am!"

(Flags and crowns courtesy of Holly)

kitchen tea

Beth and I hosted a kitchen tea for my niece Esther. It has involved months of planning and preparation. We developed everything round a vintage, floral theme. We made a paper pompom chandelier.

We also made linen napkins, appliqued and then embroidered them with blanket stitch. They were our special hostess gift. Everyone had one to use, then take home with them.

We got out our combined stash of Crown Lynn crockery, vintage crystal glasses, linen and doilies. We also used a variety of cake plates and tiered cake stands to display the food. We styled the rooms with vintage books, accessories....

..... and beautiful flowers in glass jars and bottles.

We also cooked up a baking frenzy in the kitchen to produce some delicious home baked goodies, tasty sandwiches and treats. We owe a big thanks to Holly for baking her extremely moreish chocolate chip cookies. One is never enough!!

Everything came together really well. It was everything we hoped for.... elegant, visually beautiful and special for Esther and her family and friends. It was a lovely afternoon. We shared recipes and advice with Esther. Funny and heartfelt! There's something nice that happens when women get together to support and encourage each other. 

Here's the bride-to-be herself and yes, they are discussing her gorgeous engagement ring!!

Photos by Beth Peters (with a couple by me!)