Giving Thanks

The Summer fairy is busily checking the garden for signs of Autumn and there are plenty to be found.

Although today has been delightfully sunny with a warm and gentle breeze, the mood in the garden has changed. I feel that there is something different, a final flourish of flowers and lots of berries and fruit on the trees. The sun's light is more subdued, setting earlier now and darkness falling sooner but how I love these late summer days.

My little damson tree has flourished and is laden down with beautiful fruit, the colour overlaid with a pale bloom.

I draped the branches with pretty things in thanks for such a harvest.

Why restrict our tree decorating to the Winter Solstice or Christmas and unlike a chopped-down fir, this tree will live to see many more seasons.

I want to make some damson gin and imagine the colour will look like the most precious of jewels when it is ready to enjoy.

Nature is so generous with her gifts.

My beautiful boy sits beneath the branches, the dappled sunshine lighting up his face. He loves to be in the garden with me and is never far from my side.

Until next time,

Sandi x

*Playtime*

A gathering I stumbled upon in the garden.
Oh my goodness what a variety of guests all sitting down together just enjoying themselves.
The secret to a contented, happy life.
Family, friends, convivial company enjoying good food and drink.
Each equally important.
Precious.
Loved.
Every one unique.
Talented.
Beautiful.
Wonderful.
It's so good to just 'be' and it's even more fun to play.
Until next time,
I'm off to put the kettle on,
Bye for now,
Sandi :))

The Enchanted Garden (Tea Party)

At the Enchanted Garden tea parties are a favourite pastime ~
A chance for the toys to gather together, dress up, play and generally catch up with the gossip.
The weather has been very kind here recently with the sun beaming down from cloud free skies:)
Oooo the toys really enjoy themselves; tucking into fresh, sweet alpine strawberries.
Drinking tea and lemonade.........
If it all gets a bit too much they can always have a lie down just like big cat has done!
The mice usually end up climbing onto the tea cups for a better view of the proceedings...
These two look truly wonderful in their exotic outfits.
Oh the fun they are having.
Everyone's mingling which is always a good sign of a successful party.
Do you like the baby's outfit - I made it especially for the occasion?
Miss Fleur looks divine in her tiara and pearls.
So many tiny dishes and cups.....
Yum - I think I must go and pick some raspberries now.....
A cup of pearls makes a refreshing change from a cup of tea don't you think?
Tiny bunny stands politely gazing at the dainty dishes set before her.
I placed some jewels on the table for the guests to play with too.
Ahhhhh I think all in all it's been a lovely party.
Until next time
Bye for now from Nostalgia Fairy Cottage and The Enchanted Garden.
Sandi:))

Bohemia meets Marie Antoinette

As I was decorating these fairy cakes for tea the pink frilly buttercream reminded me of ball gowns........ but the setting in The Enchanted Garden is distinctly bohemian.So Marie Antoinette style fairy cakes meet Bohemia.....

These cakes are delicious. The buttercream icing is delicately scented with rose water.

Mmmmm......would you like one - please help yourself.

Don't mind Mr Dante - wherever I go you will find him somewhere around.

Slightly larger than a pug dog but such a gentle boy.

It's a peaceful place to be. The birds are singing and the bees just adore the flowers, dipping in and out enjoying themselves hugely.

The tiny alpine strawberries taste divine...have you ever tried them?
We have them everywhere in the enchanted garden.

Of course fairy cakes need to be served on the prettiest vintage china.

The candelabra has been fashioned from a branch of vintage blackberries and the tiny candles are from a birthday cake.

Lashings of glitter adds magical sparkle.

Now please just enjoy yourself. We all deserve a little treat now and then and if you sit very still who knows ~ you may even spot a fairy.

They love the strawberries so I make sure to leave plenty for them to pick.

Oh and the table cloth is a vintage sari - isn't it lovely!

I love long, lazy summer evenings.

I really must go now and pop the kettle on for a refreshing cup of tea .... Assam of course.

Until next time,

Sandi x