I came across the last night and had to come back today when I had some time. Below is a link to some photos of some of mine that are wicked and others that are drained into a community pot of river rock and others done other ways. I have found things at yard sales, second hand shops, thrift stores, and (hold your breath) other peoples throw aways. Not the trash but they were going to throw them away for what ever reason. Fred, your 3 pages have been great help and this site has too. Several but not all of the photos are of the babies I started from seed last October. I am, without a doubt, HOOKED. Here is a link that might be useful: my AV's

Hi there, Great pieces... Could anyone help? A lovely gold coloured tea set, gold karat? They have lovely floral design and the stamp at the base is simple JAPAN Thank you for any help. Enjoy your day!

Okay, just talking through my hat here ... While the base seems to be original Wiliam IV, I'm not so sure about the top. I wonder if what you have is a married piece, made up of parts from two or three other tables. Here's my reasoning: The base has good, thick veneer and parallel saw marks, and looks very typical of the style. It's pegged, or at least has plugs over the screws. The nice bun feet are true to William IV. But tables of this era didn't have a turned plate for the connection between the top and column -- at least not that I've seen. The joint would usually look quite a bit more structural, kind of like the interior of a house wall, with bracing and brackets, etc., to keep it stable. I wonder if the column and turned plate came from another piece, possible a candle stand. The top has a shape consistent with the base, but the way the skirt is attached doesn't look right. I would not expect to see exposed screws here, but rather a glued joint with blocks behind it. I also think the skirt would be a little deeper. Could this be the top from another table, cut down to mimic the shape of the base, and with a skirt added? Whether this is the case or not, it is certainly a lovely piece. I agree with calliope: Get it to an appraiser. And not just someone who deals in antiques, but someone who knows furniture from this period.

dgmarie, I just came from a committee meeting to plan a mother daughter event. Initially it was going to be a tea (and I gathered lots of info for the event); however the rest of them wanted to change it to a hat party. Anyway, if you email me with your email address at dulcimer03@yahoo.com I'll send you 12 pages of info that I gathered off the internet regarding themes, decor, planning ideas, tea sayings, etc. It's just random things but it might be something you can use. For example..... Alternative Theme Titles: Out Your Spout Tea Party Tea Cups and Lace Woman of Character Let's Have Tea! Tea Please! A Lovely Tea Party A Garden Party Tea An Afternoon Tea Theme Verse Suggestions: "...Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. " I Timothy 4:12 1. Consider the basics. o Your budget. o Where it will be held. o How many are likely to attend. o What type of food you will serve. o Do we want a speaker and who might we choose. o What you already have to work with such as tables, table coverings, florals, placemats, etc. o What you'd like your color scheme to be. Try not to use more than 2 to 3 colors together. o Dishes paper or plastic? o Any "extras" you want such as door prizes. o Table décor gather all the tea pots you can find a hodge podge of tea posts of various sizes, colors and shapes makes a wonderful display (place tent cars in front of each one with the name of the lady who brought it) o For table decorations use tea cups filled with flowers o Fill a teapot with flowers for a main table or display 2. Decide on a menu. Keep it light. You can serve a full course meal, just don't make it something heavy. 3. Make a focal point. Use a child's size table and chairs set up with a children's tea set. Place dolls or stuffed bears in the chairs to sit with a small teapot full of flowers in the middle of the table. 4. Use door prizes. o Basket filled with 2 tea cups and specialty tea packages. o Sprinkle candy inside of the tea cups. Wrap with cellophane tied up with ribbons or raffia. o Individual Teacup filled with candy. Wrap with cellophane tied up with ribbons or raffia. o Serving tray 5. Use favors. o Purchase specialty flavor tea bags. Make sure they are individually wrapped packages. Tie with a hang tag that says "Tea with special friends improves life's aroma." along with your church name and date. o Use tea strainers as favors and use the same hang tag suggestion as above. 6. Have fun. o Assign tables ahead of time for a group of ladies or one designated lady to serve as hostess and allow them to come up with a theme and decorations for their table. Each table will be unique. o Have your ladies wear hats and dress for tea. o Have special music. o Sing the "I'm a Little Teapot" song as a chorus. o Play Victorian Parlor Games such as charades. o have some old time etiquette information of interesting facts. I wish we could sit down together And have a cup of tea But since we cant When you have this one I hope youll think of me. source unknown -------------------------------------- I cannot sit and chat with you, the way I'd like to do. So brew yourself a cup of tea, I'll think of you, you think of me. source unknown --------------------------------------- When youre feeling sad & blue And have no clue what to do Sit down and have a cup of tea And a hug or two or maybe three Feel those troubles melt away And start you on a better day. by Paulette, 1998~~TLC Creations.