Tea Bag Holders

Today I’ll show you my small collection of tea bag holders.  Somehow I always forget to look for them at tearooms, thrift stores, antique dealers, etc.  This first one is the largest in my collection and could probably double as a spoon rest.  It is Portmeirion in the Botanic Garden pattern.

You can find more information on Portmeirion china  here.

 

This one is also Portmeirion, but the size and shape is different.

To me, the shape and detail is prettier on the first one.

This is a set of six porcelain holders.  On the box it says “Shape up your entertaining with our mini serve ware.  The perfect size for condiments, dipping oils, nuts, olives and other tasty morsels.”

I like the little cup and saucer for the handle on this teapot shaped holder by Mudpie.  The tag says “simpliciTea – n. the appreciation of life’s little moments while drinking tea”.  

The last two are made in Italy and easy to find in many different designs at gift stores, etc.  I have Red Hat and Christmas Poinsettia holders.

I wonder how many of you also collect tea bag holders.

Teacup Tuesday Royal Grafton

This bone china teacup was made by Royal Grafton in England.

The pale green is such a pretty color to set off the pink flowers and gold trim.

I like the way the color and pattern is divided into sections.

 This teacup has a very pretty shape.

To see lots more beautiful teacups you can visit Terri and Martha.

Weekend Treasure Hunting

It’s not often that I spend my Saturday morning looking for treasures at yard sales, thrift stores, etc., but I always enjoy these mornings when I do.  It’s fun to find pieces to add to my glassware collection.  There were three juice glasses in this pattern for .50 each.

Then I found a matching tray at another yard sale.  It was a shock when the owner said that she only wanted a dollar for it.  This is a large piece, just over 12 inches in diameter and in perfect condition.  It will be great for passing around tea sandwiches or assorted pastries.

This blue willow jug was made in England by Soho Pottery c1930.  This piece cost me a dollar and a half. 

It fits right in with some of my other blue and white china.

The bunny figurine is quite heavy and the owner said it was $4, but it had a $2 sticker, so I bought it for the lower price.  It will probably find a home in my sunroom.

My daughter-in-love collects dolphins and I found her this pretty Wyland limited edition figurine called "King of the Sea” for under $2.

The waves are so pretty with lots of detail and icy cool color. 

Seems like I never come home from these sales without at least a couple of books.   This time it was Pillsbury Annual Recipes 2010 and The Eat-Clean Diet (expanded edition 2007).  

This is cheap entertainment at it’s best.  The “best” being that after the fun is done, you have something great to show for it.  I just might have to fit in a few more weekends of treasure hunting during July and August.

Tea Parties and CrafTea Ideas

Isn’t it interesting what you can find on You Tube?  This video has some lovely ideas for hosting a bridal tea, or any type of afternoon tea party. 

The tiered server put together with matching plates, bowls and teacup is beautiful.  I really like that the teacup is used to hold flowers.  Using Knorr ready to serve spring pea soup in teacups is a real timesaver.  The individual trifles look so yummy and what a great selection of finger sandwiches and savories.   The website for 2 Magazine is here. 

And now for the crafTea part of this post -  I’d never heard of Bronwyn Hayes embroidery patterns, until I saw an add in Australian Country Threads magazine.  Check out this great magazine here. 

My favorite is the roses and ribbons teapot, but all these designs are very pretty.   Wouldn’t they be lovely embroidered on a tea table cloth, tote bag or apron?  The Australian patterns may be hard to find, but Red Brolly blog might be the place to start.

Cross-stitch Teacups

These teacups grace a wall instead of the tea table, but they are favorites just the same.

My hubby stitched this piece for me a couple of years ago.  It is from a pattern by Sandy Lynam Clough.  The teacups are so pretty – some of them have gold trim.  I also like the roses and ribbon bows on this large piece (15 x 15). You can see images of some of the many items featuring the work of this artist here.   

Ms. Clough has a new book out this month called “You Can Do Tea”.  It features some of her new paintings and lots of great tea party info.  It is now on my ever expanding wish list.

Teacup Tuesday Colclough

Teacups with roses are a favorite.  This one has pretty sprays of roses with intricate gold trim.

 It is bone china and made in England.

So far I haven’t been able to find this pattern online.

This mark was used after 1962 by one of Ridgway’s associate potteries. 

To see lots more beautiful teacups you can visit Terri and Martha and see a list of all the participants in Teacup Tuesday.

Afternoon Tea Tray

Nothing beats an afternoon spent in pleasant conversation with a friend, a good cup of tea and a delightful tea tray.  This one was enjoyed several years ago at The Crab Apple Tea Room in Alpharetta, GA.  It offered some unusual tea foods, including the taco rolls and mini red velvet layer cakes.  Sadly, this tea room is now closed, like many others in my area that have gone out of business.

 The tea tray at Shakespeare's Tea Room was perfect for my taste.  The scones and sandwiches are my favorites - I can do without the sweets.

 Some of the best tea room scones I’ve eaten were at Tea At Seven Springs in Powder Springs, GA.

They were so delicious, we purchased a half dozen to take home with us.  I’m really looking forward to another visit to this tea room in July.

I would enjoy a tea tray like these every day of the week, but then I’d have to spend way too much time at the gym.