Embrace your tea self, Autumn is coming! Tea Time Magazine celebrates the season with sunflower tablescapes (and more!)

The September/October issue of TeaTime Magazine celebrates Autumn and we embrace that

This week, Autumn arrived and here in my home state, in true Michigan fashion, the first day of fall arrived with high temps twenty degrees lower than the day before. But, no complaints from our tea table - we love this time of year when the leaves change to a fiery blend of reds, yellows and oranges and the onset of brisk, crisp air that has us seeking out hot, spiced tea, fresh harvest fare and tablescapes that reflect "all of the above".  Enter TeaTime Magazine to provide inspiration on Autumn menus, tea pairings and a bounty of pretty table settings. 

Sunflower tea table with some elements taken from last year's similar themed events

In the latter category, we were delighted to see "Sunflower Galore" and it motivated us to set a tea table, borrowing from that theme. We're partial to sunflowers - it's one of my daughter's favorite blooms and it featured prominently in her bridal shower and wedding reception last fall. 

Sunflower Gala in Tea Time inspired our fall tablescape

For my special tea table, I brought out the napkins, favors and seat covers created for our sunflower couple. I am fortunate to have two very creative sisters-in-law who added their personal touch.  Cara embroidered napkins with individual sunflowers on each and Sandy carried out her vision for the burgundy chair covers with silk sunflowers ties. I was already three-quarters complete for my seasonal tablescape.

Napkins, favors and harvest bouquet come together with our whimsical teapot

I added a bouquet of fall flowers which, along with a whimsical beehive teapot and matching sugar and creamer  (inherited from my grandmother), set center stage of our harvest table. China plates, in the rose gold pattern (Royal Pottery, Ohio - also from grandmother) rested atop faux woodgrain gold tone chargers.  And, finally, Limoge teacups and saucers with yellow and rose-colored buds  (sourced by Antiques Depot in Lewiston, MI) completed the tablescape accompanied by gold and silver demitasse spoons from Sweden (thank you again, Grandma E.!) that carry out the theme with their flowered handles

Even our tiny teaspoons carry the sunflower theme

The only thing missing here, of course, is the scrumptious harvest-themed sweets and savories and a choice tea blend. Here, I leave you to the experts at TeaTime. Their "Harvest Tea" offers up some enticing recipes for maple-cinnamon scones and pumpkin cream puffs and other goodies, some of which are served up on another favorite of ours, Herend china. 

Autumn is here and we're ready.  We've got the sunflowers and the settings and lots of incredible inspiration from another great issue of TeaTime Magazine.