Afternoon Tea with Cheese-and-Thyme-Butter Sandwiches

After the gray days of winter, a sunny afternoon is a reason to celebrate.

Now that my appetite has returned (with a vengence), I made thyme butter ...

...for cheese-thyme-butter tea sandwiches.

Thyme Butter

1 tub whipped butter

finely chopped thyme--remove stems, if possible

Let butter soften, add thyme, and blend. Spoon butter into a mold or small bowl. You can even use individual butter bowls (such as egg cups). Refrigerate until ready to serve. This is fragrant and fresh, perfect for warm bread, tea sandwiches, or grilled shrimp.

I found the white tea cups at my favorite antique mall.

Through the windows, you can glimpse the winter-pale backyard...

...but the pond is peaceful year-round.

For a quick change, I removed the daffodil bowls, changed the napkins, and put down Italian pottery (yes, Dr. Gollum, I do, too, need more dishes. And they needed me. Plus, they were majorly marked down at the antique mall).

Here, I layered two different April Cornell napkins:

Mister waits paitently for his tablescaping mistress to reward him with a little cheese.



I'm linking to Marty'sTabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life.

and
Tea Time Tuesday at Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor.

and
Rondi's Tea Party Tuesday.

and Tam at Three or More Tuesday.
If you want to be inspired, visit these lovely ladies and enjoy a spot of tea while you peruse the beautiful photographs and links to tea gorgeous parties.

Tablescaping Notes

white cups/saucers -- Adams Ironstone "Empress"

daffodil bowls/saucers -- Horchow

napkins -- April Cornell

Tablecloth, amber crystal, and white pottery sandwich tray -- vintage

Floral tureen -- Fitz & Floyd