The Frog Prince Is Having a Tea Party

You may recall an earlier Tea with the Prince, in which I introduced you to His Royal Highness.  Well, it seems like he's done it again.  He's hosting yet another tea party!  I'm beginning to find that the Prince is a bit of a troublemaker, and when he and his friends get together, there are some interesting goings on in the court.

This time, not only has he brought his usual entourage . . .

But he's also invited some new guests, including Prince Cornelius, the Chameleon, from the nearby Pond Kingdom of Williams-Sonoma . . .

Prince Cornelius has been a worry from the very beginning.  Out of 8 napkins, only one had his image.  I wonder if he was getting rid of the competition.  And now, I'm not sure I've enough cucumber sandwiches on hand to satisfy his appetite.  He seems to be eyeing the guests suspiciously . . .

Some of the guests seem to have decked themselves out in all their finery . . .

Miss Bee is standing scandalously close to that frog - and with no chaperone in sight!  Fly, Miss Bee!  Do not stay too close to that ne'er-do-well!

Everyone is anxious for a spot of tea, and they are staying very close to my new Botanical Porcelain Duo Teapot and Cup, a gift from my husband on our recent anniversary . . .

They hope I may be serving my preferred Oolong tea, but I'm not sure if caffeine is the thing to have this crowd imbibing.  Perhaps a nice, soothing cup of chamomile would be best.

Uh-oh!  Prince Cornelius is getting ready to pounce!

Here, Your Highness, have some of my Cucumber Sandwiches!  I have plenty, and when you are done, I'll read you a story . . .

Once upon a time . . .

Tea with the Prince

I'm about to sit down for a quiet tea in the Library. There's magic in this room. All my books are kept here, and characters come to life in the afternoons. Today, I'm keeping company with His Highness and his entourage. Won't you come in for a peek?

First, let's select the tea, shall we? My son, David, sent me this box of tea from England when he visited a while ago.

Once the teabags run out, I guess I'll have to go in person to pick up another box. I can't wait to see my husband's reaction when I break the news to him.

How about Afternoon Tea? It seems appropriate.

I try to allow myself a small flower budget to supplement the seasonal offerings from my garden.  Nothing picks up the spirit like fresh flowers.

And, when I can't get fresh flowers, I improvise.  Even pictures of flowers can improve my mood.

His Highness follows me all over the house, especially he likes to be around flowers. There’s a perfect rock set for him in the backyard, at the base of the clematis vine, but the opossum that lives under our deck keeps knocking him off his throne, so, in order to save his crown, literally, I've brought him inside.  I'm rather fond of him, you see, and I dislike bullies.

Once he settled in, the Prince invited other courtiers to follow him, and set up his court.  He brought with him the Chief of Protocol . . .

Madame Pompadour Butterfly . . . His Highness can be quite naughty, and I had to remind him that this was a respectable household.

Miss Bee, the Lady-in-Waiting . . .

And the Court Gossip, Mr. Dragon. He spends the day buzzing about, and knows the latest "on dits."

Perhaps I can get Miss Bee to bring in another cup for you . . .

Or perhaps not.  I'm terribly sorry, but I've been overruled. Miss Bee complained that I didn't give her enough notice, and the Master of Protocol says you are not wearing a hat. No hat, no tea. He’s very strict.

I guess I'll be eating the cookies by myself today, but I'll invite you for tea very soon, once I clear it with the staff.

Tea with the Prince

I'm about to sit down for a quiet tea in the library.  There's magic in this room.  All my books are kept here, and little creatures come to life in the afternoons.  However, I'm not completely alone because His Highness is here with me.

The Prince follows me all over the house.  There's a perfectly wonderful rock set for him outside, at the base of the clematis vine, but the opossum that lives under our deck keeps knocking him off his throne, so I've brought him inside to give him a break from the bully.

Once he realized he was safe, he immediately made himself at home, and invited some of his courtiers to tea.  Imagine that!  Without a by-your-leave, I had a house full of guests!  The Lord Chamberlain felt they should have checked with me, but the Prince brushed aside all his concerns.

Madame Pompadour came, too, hoping for a tryst.  Unfortunately, her plans were doomed to failure . . .

She brought Miss Bee along, her lady-in-waiting and chaperone, and that prickly creature was not about to let any shenanigans take place on her watch!

Besides, the Court Gossip was flitting about.  Mr. Gossip is a useful person, when one likes to know the latest “on-dits,” as long one is not the object of the gossip.  Therefore, all in all, it's best to stay clear of him.

Shall I ask Miss Bee to bring in an extra cup for you?  Oh, dear!  I'm so terribly sorry, but I've been told that it won't be possible.  Miss Bee says she needs more advance notice, and the Lord Chamberlain says you are not wearing a hat.  No hat, no tea!  He's very strict.

I guess I'll be eating the cookies all by myself.  But don't worry, I will invite you back very soon, once I clear it with the staff.