Standing tall, proud of its plumpness, this tea pot pops from the shelf. The gold peak and curved handle bring a bit of elegance, while the lime green grounds it in whimsy. The dangling vines connect the pot to its purpose, the tea leaf. While I've never steeped tea in this pretty piece, I have served a sip or two.
Do tell if you fancy a particular pot on your shelf...
May breezed on by and June is jumping to take its place. In honor of bright summer days, this week's from the shelf features a pretty in pink pair. The delicate duo sits quietly next to standard cups and saucers, waiting for their moment to shine under summer sun.
The fleur-de-lys glass beauties are perfect for icy sips. I'm dreaming of hibiscus lemontea or maybe a jasmine green lavender blend. With just enough room for a 6oz iced steep, you might feel inspired to leisurely sip away the summer afternoons. Treat yourself to a whole set of the fleur-de-tea glasses, and gather your closest companions for a ladylike iced tea soiree. Break out the wide-brimmed hats and linen table cloths. Summer here we come.
Adding a new cup to my shelf, I was inspired to write my second post for the teaspoons & petals series, from the shelf, which will take a closer look at the stories behind my collection of teaware.
As a child I didn’t have any girlish desires to let my imagination run wild in my very own dollhouse. Although, I did adore the delicate pieces that adorned the miniature rooms. After discovering a quaint shop across the street from my elementary school that simply sold dollhouses and their accessories, I convinced my mother that I couldn’t live without the elaborate gingerbread house (that was only slightly larger than my thumb). Caught up in the holiday spirit, I thought it would make my days merry and bright.
When seasonal snow gave room to spring showers, I found myself back in the shop. Wandering the aisles, I felt like a giant child in a mini world. From across the store a tiny tea set caught my eye. The precious set fit in my petite palm. Painted pink rosebuds and gold trim on the tray, pot, cups, saucers and sugar bowl, brought a bit of elegance to my youth. Placing it on a glass table near my bedroom window, I often imagined ladylike tea parties whenever I would peek in its direction.
Many years later, the tiny tea set still has a place in my heart and on my shelf. Little did I know, tea would eventually become a passion so very near and dear to me. Maybe it was this very tiny tea set that set me on my path to tea? Either way, it’s a tiny treasure that will always bring a smile to my face when I catch a glimpse of it from the shelf.
What's your most treasured piece of teaware?
As I embrace fresh perspectives of the new year, I can't help but notice my shelves bursting with tea cups and pots collected over the past few year. Each piece evokes many memories and inspired me to create this new reoccurring post series. from the shelf will take a closer look at the stories behind my collection of teaware.
Long before I fell in love with tea, dainty tea sets always caught my eye. I can still remember my grandmother's miniature tea cups that rested in her dining room corner curio. The delicate rose and hints of gold would always catch the sunlight. And then there are my mother's favorite mugs that she fills with english breakfast and milk every morning.
Although I've had a history with cups, it wasn't until a few years ago that I was inspired to create a collection of my own. While wandering through Anthropolgie in Philadelphia, I was struck by the simple beauty of this bright yellow cup dotted with bits of gold. It seemed ever so sunny. But I'll admit, it was the pair of birds that sent my heart swooning. It reminded me of morning. Bright sun and the sweet sound of chirping. I wondered what they might be singing to one another?
Within moments, I was watching the woman behind the counter wrap the plate and cup in tissue paper. I knew that this was the start of something special. As I took the first step towards a collection, I felt an even deeper connection to everything tea. Since that special day, this single sunny treasure has grown into a collection through gifts, vintage finds and family heirlooms. From a simple spot on the mantle to now an entire bookshelf, the collection and the stories behind each cup continue to blossom.
What's your most treasured piece of teaware?
