Saturday 13 July 2013

A Mad Tea Party for the Twelve Dancing Princesses

 
Are you sitting comfortably, my dears? Then I'll begin.
Once upon a time there was a White Queen. She invited her eleven sisters to take tea with her, and eagerly awaited their arrival.






She had heard tell of a wonderful phenomenon: Mad Tea Parties being held across the world, all taking place on one particular day, and led by the artist Vanessa Valencia of A Fanciful Twist, a great lady renowned for her own magnificently mad feasts.







The White Queen was the eldest of twelve dancing princesses.
Using carrier birds, she sent a note to each sister, with a date to gather them all together for the first time in what felt like so very long.






She lovingly prepared each sweet treat  for the tea party herself.
The rarest raspberries, which she used to flavour a creamy layered heart meringue were grown from her own palace garden, infused with the exquisite scent of rose petals.






Cakes had been baked, macarons made and she had even created her own juice, of beetroot and apple and carrot and grape and pretty much every fruit in the garden.
She sat herself down at the banqueting table and tasted her first treat, when who did she spy but a furry little friend.







It was Nico, the cat who had visited her Mad Tea Party last year!
"Welcome, welcome my dancing dear! But where is Emalina, oh puss? asked the White Queen, 'Why has she let you out alone this time?"






"Mistress Emalina sends her apologies, your Highness, sadly she cannot attend due to her many work commitments" purred Nico, "But I have grown, you see, and being no longer a kitten but a real lady cat, Emalina has let me come on my own. I have been waiting for the honour to attend your party all year, if you will have me."






"Why it is a delight to have you, sweet furry face" exclaimed the White Queen, "such a pleasure indeed. We are waiting for my eleven sisters to join us for tea, but there is no reason why we can't start feasting without them. They are dancing their way across the land to reach me via my style blog Kiki & the Gypsy, and may be some time. See those shoes, up on the pergola there? I have kept an old pair for each of us from our heady dancing days."






"Such beautiful shoes, oh Queen," cried Nico, her nose sniffing the air and her whiskers twitching, "But would you mind awfully telling me more about this feast? I so love to know what I'm eating before I eat it, it adds to the pleasure tenfold."
 
 




"Well, dear paws, we have home made rose macarons, and honeyed banana cupcakes, and orange blossom and almond bird cake, plus a heart shaped rose meringue layered with raspberry cream for pudding. Would any of that suit you? I know you're a feline of such discerning taste."



 



"Oooh honeyed banana cupcakes!" exclaimed Nico the cat, her nose twitching more, "I do so enjoy a cupcake! These look delightful. How clever of you, my Queen, to have decorated them with the prettiest butterflies of the realm, I do so love a butterfly too! Extra crunch!"






And with that, Nico swiped a blue cupcake with her paw and proceeded to munch upon it noisily.
The White Queen watched her, smiling, before quietly and secretly cutting herself a slice of the layered creamy meringue heart.






Once they'd both munched and sipped and were resting their bellies, the White Queen took out an unusual looking mirror. She held it to her face, as if to look through it. But all Nico could see was the reflection of the wooden pergola shining back at her.





 
"I am watching my sisters dance across the land to me" murmured the White Queen "for this is a magic mirror. It helped me find the way many times as I led my sisters through golden woods, silver forests and diamond fields in our heady dancing days."




 
 
"May I look?" asked Nico, intruiged.
"I cannot allow you, my dear puss," said the White Queen, "for while you may be an exceptionally pretty and loveable little cat, you have not been taught how to use magic.
What you may do is listen to my sisters' shoes, hear how they start to hum and buzz with excitement as their owners grow near."






It was not just the princesses' shoes that were humming. The plants in the White Queen's garden were teaming with a buzzing sound. What Nico had taken to be the sound of bees pollinating the flowers was actually a deep tone resonating from the flowers themselves.






Even the White Queen's beautiful  floral crown was humming with pleasure, the flowers clearly full of life and optimism. 
"We cannot help it" exclaimed the White Queen, pointing to her crown, " We are all so thrilled to see my sisters again!"





 
"I am delighted for you, your Highness!" purred Nico, "Congratulations on your happy day. Now I'm just wondering, would it be impertinent to ask for a slice of the orange blossom and almond bird cake? And may I ask, does it include real birds? I do so love a bird."





 
"Help yourself, kitty" said the White Queen "although I must warn you these birds are not of the meat variety, but are made from icing. They're still delicious though, as are the rose macarons of various sizes. Do try them too, they were awfully hard to make but so sublime to taste that they were certainly worth the effort."





 
"Macarons are a little too small for my liking, even the big ones Ma'am. But those honeyed banana cupcakes on the other hand, those are just the size for a grown up lady cat like myself, so don't mind if I do...."




 
 
As Nico ate some more - for she was a greedy little kitty - the White Queen fussed over the table, adding the finishing touches to her feast. Fans and wild flowers, rose tea in a teapot and fresh camellias in vases, it could not have looked lovelier for her sisters' return.





 
 
The sun shone brightly as Nico gave herself a clean, unashamed of her gluttony, but pleased that she'd shown restraint enough not to eat it all. There would be plenty of treats left for the dancing princesses.





 
The air grew still and calm but the humming sound grew nearer, and with it a hundred larks appeared in the sky, to circle above the banqueting table. Nico held her breath as she watched them. There'd be no real birds to eat today, these were swooping and ascending with such skill and grace she knew that they could more than outwit her.






"The time has come," proclaimed the White Queen, "the time we've been waiting for my loyal and furry friend. I can see in the mirror my sisters are approaching!"





 
And suddenly there they were, sashaying and twirling and leaping as they danced their way into the White Queen's garden. The Mad Tea Party was complete!
 
 
 

 
 
Oh how the land rejoiced to see all its beloved sisters together at last!
It was a party to beat all parties, one of laughter and warmth and feasting and enormous hugs.
I cannot tell you all that happened, for only little Nico the cat stayed with the White Queen and her sisters until the very end.
 
But I do know this. Once it was over the White Queen's pergola was aburst with colour, as if every flower in the kingdom had also danced and laughed and exploded with happiness.
And all that was left to show of the dancing princesses?
One very worn, but still humming, pair of red sequin shoes. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE END
 
 
Happy Mad Tea Party everyone! Thanks so much for popping by.
Please don't forget to visit the dancing princesses at my style blog Kiki and the Gypsy, where there's more fairytale inspired photography of them dancing their way to the White Queen's tea party.
 
 
All cake and dessert recipes are to come in future posts.


Click here to see my 2012 Mad Tea Party post.
 
 
Now I'm off to visit your mad tea parties!
 
 

62 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness! Thank you for such an amazing party! Those cakes were delicious, your dancing sublime and Nico the cat is just the kind of furry friend I love. My own furry friend had a little visit of my party too!
    Sarah :)

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  2. Wow, look at all those beautiful goodies! What a tasty party!

    This is my party: http://msmisantropia.blogspot.se/2013/07/its-mad-tea-party-giveaway.html

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  3. wow!!!!amazing tea party!!!! you are like a fairy!!!!

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  4. What a wonderful party! The Macaroons were mouthwateringly good! Thank you for inviting me!
    http://idlebakes.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/a-mad-tea-party-for-twelve-dancing.html

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  5. Kiki!! Thank you for visiting my blog! Thank you for your lovely comment! Your blog is delightful! I am now following your lovely and magical blog! Have a lovely weekend!

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  6. Oh, that food looks so great! It gives me the urge to go bake something right away!

    -Pamela

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  7. I had a lovely time at your Party! Absolutely Delightful!! The treats were divine!
    Please Visit me!

    Wende

    http://creativeartseatables.wordpress.com/2013/07/13/tea-party-madness/

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  8. Ohhhh, thank you so much for a lovely time!!!! The Macaroons were delicious!!!!! Thank you for visiting me today!!! I am sure I will be running into you at the other Mad Tea parties!

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  9. Oh my goodness! What a lovely surprise this Mad Tea Party Fete was! Such beautiful food, and sweet kitty. That dancing was sublime, and flowers...oh the flowers! And we can't forget those darling shoes! I'm full of those yummies and blissfully tired from dancing like Mad. Thank you for sharing your Mad Family Reunion with us!

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  10. Ohhhh wow what a nice Tea Party and what a yummy food....hmmmm!!!
    Thanks for being a part of it.
    Have a nice day
    Hugs
    Kerstin from Germany

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  11. Beautiful! How splendid to have such wonderful company for your elegant tea party. The macaroons were delicious and the flowers. OOO the flowers! So vibrant and pretty, I could dance myself! xox

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  12. Fabulous ,Beautiful Tea Party! Food looks very yummy!
    I love your story line too!

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  13. What a delightful tea party! Thank you so much for the lovely post!

    Please do stop by for a visit!

    http://niffy.ca/mad-tea-party-2013/

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  14. Wow - the garden is incredible! And I am drooling over all of your delicious treats!

    Thank you so much for having me!

    ~Shauna
    http://shaunahenryart.blogspot.com/2013/07/a-mad-tea-party.html

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  15. Enjoyed this party with Nico, butterflies and dancing dresses! nice to meet you and your world.

    My fairy party: http://thedesigningfairy.com/2013/07/13/mad-tea-party/

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  16. The post is a feast to the senses!

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  17. What a fun tea party! Your Mad Hatter is fantastic!

    Thanks so much for having me, happy Mad Tea Party!

    xoxo

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  18. What a wonderfully mad tea party! I love your outdoor space. So many delicious treats to choose from, I don't know where to start. Happy Partying! ~Michelle

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  19. What a lovely setting, beautiful table, and delicious looking treats. Everything is so pretty.


    Swing by my party post. I have some party favors for everyone and a chance to win a prize. I think you'll enjoy the music in my little video. Check it out.

    Enjoy visiting all of the parties!
    `*.¸.*´ ¸.•´¸.•*¨`*. ¸.•*¨*.¸¸.•*¨`*•
    (¸¸¸.•*¨`*•.•´*.¸.•´* .•´*¸¸.•*¨`*• ♥♥

    Kathryn - Collage Diva

    http://collagediva.typepad.com/collagediva/2013/07/madteaparty2013.html

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  20. I can't blame Nico for wanting to eat so much - everything looks so good!

    I shall indeed have a rose macaroon. My mouth was watering at the mention of them.

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  21. Emalina, youa re wonderful!!!!

    I want to hug that kitty!!

    And, steal a couple treats too ;)

    So beautiful, all of it.

    Thank you ever so much for being a part of the madness!! ♥

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  22. Nice garden and scruptious goodies. Thank you so much for having me at your party!

    Please pay a visit: www.theplayoflightandshadow.com

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  23. A truly beautiful Tea Party. The dreamy table spread, the delicious cakes and tea,
    and Nico! I have a soft spot for cats. I enjoyed your party immensely.

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  24. This was such a special treat. Not only do I love to watch dancing princesses, but macarons are my absolute favorite desert! I have never had a rose flavored one, though, so that was indeed a delight. Thank you so much for the invitation to such a wonderful party!

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  25. Wow, this is amazing... all the goodies, the ladies dancing, the shoes, and the darling kitty who looks like a combination of two of our cats into one beautiful yours. Thanks for inviting us. We had a delicious time, Bad Alice, Dude and Oma Linda

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  26. Meringue cake is my absolute favorite! And that juice--Wow! I am thrilled to be here. Everything you have done is incredible and the setting is enviable. I am a fan!

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  27. I love your graden and patio....so pretty! I look forward to seeing your recipes, too. Thanks for sharing them!

    Happy Mad Tea Party Day!
    Please visit my party!
    xo,
    Ricki Jill
    http://ricki-treleaven.blogspot.com

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  28. I'm Your newest follower.So glad to meet You at Our mad Tea Parties.It was enchanting.Please drop by any time for Tea and a chat.Denise from Coffeeberry Cottage

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  29. Your dress is beautiful!!! Those are some fancy treats you've got there - heart shaped cake, macarons, and a crazy fruity cake... did you make all that? I need to have you over... thanks for visiting my party! :-)

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  30. What a gorgeous patio and beautiful setting. Your heart cake is stunning as is the other treats! Thank you for sharing. Happy Mad Hatter Day!


    http://butterflyandbungalow.blogspot.com/2013/07/were-late-mad-hatter-party.html

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  31. A fabulous party, thank you so much for inviting me, I especially liked to rose pavlova, yummy :)

    Just hoping over to see the dancing princesses make their way to you.

    I am so pleased you managed to pop by and visit with me earlier !!

    Mad Madam Mel xx

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  32. Beautiful and scrumptious sounding treats. I love meringue and rose makes it even more beautiful.

    Such a lovely tale with the sisters too.

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  33. Thank you for yet ANOTHER amazing Mad Tea Party post. That cake with the raspberries looks soooo very good. And I adore baking cupcakes - love the butterfly adornments very much. Nico is such a pretty kitty - a purrfect "Cheshire Cat," dare I say? Enjoy the party festivities. :)

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  34. what a magical and beautiful tea party!! and such gorgeous and delicious treats!!
    thank you for having me!!
    Lisa
    http://crochetcrowe.blogspot.com/2013/07/mad-tea-party-2013.html

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  35. Oh a lovely party indeed. Delicious sweets and an inviting garden. Thank you so much for having me over for tea.

    http://brooklyn.typepad.com/thehabitofbeing/

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  36. Oh I love your story and the sweets a delight.
    Dancing sisters is pure joy when attending a tea party
    in your beautiful pergola.

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  37. A very beautiful tea party and Nico is such a lovely kitty cat!!

    Thank you so much for visiting me at The Tearoom!

    Wishing you a lovely rest of the Mad Party Weekend!

    Betty

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  38. Oh I must say I was enchanted by all the beautiful attire. Magnificent :)

    http://broomsticksandlace.blogspot.ca/2013/07/a-fanciful-twist-mad-tea-party-2013.html

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  39. What a beautiful table and an enchanting tale! I'll dream of rose macarons and dancing fairy queens tonight!

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  40. Oh how beautiful!!! I enjoyed this party so much. The beautiful baked goods, the lovely clothing and setting and the way you wove the story together. Just enchanting. Thank you for inviting me. I plan to head over to your other blog tomorrow.

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  41. What a lovely visit and such a delight to meet you as well as Nico! And oh my, that cake looks so delish I do believe I'll have a piece. Thank you so much!

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  42. Wow, your story just captured me! The lovely desserts, the darling cat and all your dancing sisters. Thank you so much for inviting us to our magical tea party. I am so glad I came!

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  43. What an enchanting party I just attended, it was a fairy tale adventure. The treats were simply magical to the eye (little teasing to the mouth) but looking so tasty.
    Your story telling needs to be published.

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  44. I wish I could have joined you in your delicious tea party like a butterflies.
    Much love always, my beautiful friend.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  45. What an enchanting party, thank you so much for inviting me!! I truly loved the story and seeing the 12 Dancing Sisters. I also loved seeing your beautiful garden.

    XoXo,
    Kristal
    http://gracegoods.typepad.com/grace_goods/2013/07/welcome-to-our-mad-house-for-mad-tea-2013-.html

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  46. OH MY! What a gorgeous collection of treats! I shall eat one or all of the macarons and your raspberry merengue looks absolutely scrumptious!

    Fantastic party!

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  47. Omg, this was so lovely. What a wonderful table full of goodies. Fabulous story telling.

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  48. Quite delightful! Imaginative and unique. The 12 dancing sisters was so creative. The garden pergola setting was so inviting! Thank you for having me to your mad tea party! ~Tricia

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  49. Bravo my dear! This was just divine, you are so very creative! Oh and I can relate to Nico with all those pretty desserts! ;-)
    SO fun!

    Thank you for inviting me and thank you for stopping by my party earlier and leaving me such wonderful comments.

    xoxo
    Gigi

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  50. Emaline,
    Thanks so much for visiting my Tea Party..I am so glad that you have enjoyed it. I have totally adored your party as well! Stunning Photographs and your Kitty is just the cutest♥
    ~Dena

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  51. What a pretty party! I love how you decorated with shoes this year. And your dresses from last year were so dreamy.

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  52. LOVE this post, the kitty is the cutest, your dress lovely and your baked goodies delectable xxx

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  53. OH!! What magic!! Thank You for dropping by my little blog, too! Your dress is so lovely!! And yummy macarons and all the treats and pretty shoes and kitties, too! Hooray! Thank You bunches for inviting me!! : )

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  54. Such delicious decadence! And well worth the wait on your sisters!

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  55. Oh so pretty is this setting. That pagoda is over the moon pretty. Thank you for inviting us to this delightful visual feast for the eyes! *smiles* Norma

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  56. I love the twisting of the different fairy tails together! thank you for the invite!

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  57. Thanks for sharing..the cakes are so beautiful, they must be delicious..the Tea kiosk is so beautiful...

    Green Tea

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  58. oooooh sweetheart we should made a tea party together one day;) you made my mouth water in with all this delicious sweet treats, you must be a baking goddess;) and you look absolutely beautiful here!!!!
    lots of love and kisses,mary

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  59. Oh! What a scrumptiously beautiful tea party! So glad I stopped by for the party! Thank you for all of the delicious desserts...and I am off to visit your other blog too! Oh! And your dress is fabulous! I love wearing vintage dresses too.
    (I was unable to participate in the Mad Tea Party as my computer crashed and I wasn't online for 2 1/2 weeks! So I am just now catching up on the festivities.)
    hugs,
    Teresa in California
    http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/

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  60. Definitely something I like

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  61. Love, love, love! I'm following now, deffo!
    X

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