Teacup Tales

While it is still officially summer, my thoughts are heading toward autumn with one day of cooler weather we experienced this weekend. Back to the 90's later this week. This summer I hosted a cream tea in my garden and invited two tea friends whom are avid teacup collectors.  The featured teacups were all from Royal Albert's "Blossom Time" series which I have been collecting and was one short. I like how they are various colors yet blend together so well. This series was produced between 1966-1970s. The series includes Apple Blossom, Lilac, Orange Blossom, Laburnum, Hawthorne and Wisteria-not featured in the photo. (Oops, while reading over this post before publishing, I noticed I forgot to include Apple Blossom in my photo. It's in the curio chest.) The Cream Tea's Menu : Teas : Paris by Harney and Sons          Celebration by Harney and Sons Scones : Traditional Raisin Additional Sweets : Banana Bread         ...

Hello Tea Friends, It's hard to believe that February is almost over! This month flew by for me and I'm sorry I didn't get to post more. Two weeks ago I met a longtime friend for tea and she gifted me two of her late aunt's Shelley teacups. Her aunt was first generation Italian American and hosted tea parties. None of the other relatives wanted her eclectic set of English bone china teacups, so my friend generously gave me the two Shelleys and she kept the rest of the collection. Both of the teacups have been used which is unusual for Shelleys, and I'm certainly glad. I'm actually going to use this teacup for my weekend tea time.  What a treat to drink from a Shelley!  It will also be a beautiful addition to my tea party cups. I hope this teacup creates more tales in its new home.   Let me introduce you to... Shelley ~ Forget Me Not Pattern #0442 Warwick Cup Shape Similar to the Dainty Shape-but fewer pronounced c urves Person...

Hello Tea Friends, I want to share with you a new tea I discovered at the San Francisco Tea Festival...Honey Black Oolong by Esteemed Tea Collective I'm always eager to try new tea types, as I mainly drink different varieties of black tea. The label describes this Taiwanese tea as,"sweet natural honey aroma coupled with mellow spices that warms and invigorates the body and soul. Perfect for a cold winter morning or as an afternoon pick me-up." The sachets are filled with whole tea leaves. (All packaging is recyclable.) Esteemed Collective is now selling this oolong tea as loose leaf. After I finished my first cup, I really noticed how smooth the tea tasted. There was absolutely no bitterness. Also, I like that it can be re-steeped about three times. I think this a perfect tea for devout black tea lovers to try. Every type of tea has health benefits. Oolong is also known to aid in digestion and stimulate brain activity. Esteemed Tea Collectiv...

Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas season and are eager for what awaits in 2019. I began the new year at one of my favorite places in the world~ Carmel by the Sea. After spending some time on the beach, I went to a wonderful coffee house/bookstore in nearby Pacific Grove. Despite the cold, I enjoyed a pot of chai al fresco. Bookworks, located on Lighthouse Avenue, combines two things I love: tea and books. Whenever I visit, I find unique and wonderful titles at the bookstore which is located behind the coffee shop in the same store. I really try to support independent bookstores as much as I can. Every town needs an independent bookstore in my opinion. Today's featured English teacup and saucer is "The Friendly Village" by Johnson Brothers. This was one of the "holiday" teacups I used for my Christmas Tea. After visiting Carmel and Pacific Grove, I appreciate the calmness and beauty of "villages." T...