!8: Bodum Tea Pots Sale Off

Monday, January 2, 2012

Tea parties aren't just for little girls anymore. Increasingly more brides-to-be are requesting their bridal showers be tea or coffee themed. Although coffee is still a strong trend, tea has grown in popularity along with flavor infusion technology. Those who are planning the bridal shower can take the tea party theme down the Asian path or the old English path. Both are very different, but just as pleasing.

Asian

An Asian themed tea party does not necessarily have to compliment the overall wedding theme; it can be a fun way to remember the occasion all on its own. Start with choosing elegantly styled invitations perhaps bearing Japanese Kanji signifying love, commitment or luck. Perhaps request your guests to dress in Asian styled clothing such as long tunics with baggy trousers or high necked Chinese dresses. Holding the shower at a Japanese restaurant is an option, but there may be very little flexibility for activities. A better option would be the home of a member of the wedding party or renting a hotel room. Decorating the space with Japanese origami garlands and paper lanterns will begin creating the right atmosphere. Have incense burning subtly in the background (too much will overpower the taste of food and drink). Red is traditionally a color of celebration in Asian cultures. Chinese brides wear red dresses and the color is often associated with honor, success, fortune, fertility, happiness and passion. So, if possible have a lot of red accents in the decor. Have your guests wrap their gifts in red paper, and do the same with any favors being handed out. Food for an Asian themed tea party should be simple and authentic. Sushi is a good choice, and there are several kinds reserved for wedding celebrations so do a little research before setting the menu. Serving Japanese tea is a must, and if available, having someone perform the Japanese tea ceremony would be a wonderful addition to the theme. In order to liven things up, hiring an Asian fortune teller may be a fun thing to do as well. When choosing favors for the guests to take home with them, consider Japanese tea sets, exotic tea concoctions in ornate tea sachets, miniature tea leaf scoops, or even large raw sugar stir sticks. The choices of tea-themed bridal shower favors are endless, and always well received.

English

The best environment for an English themed tea party is an old character house or a traditional English country garden. If those two options are not available, then perhaps a room in a vintage hotel or bed and breakfast would be a good location. The more Victorian the decor, the better suited to enhance the theme of the shower. When it comes time to decorate, use lots of pastels, antique china and old fashioned roses, Choose invitations that are simple, in the same colors those chosen for the wedding. If you are having them custom printed, try using old fashioned English instead of modern English. Just for fun, perhaps request your guests to dress in long flowing dresses, chiffon scarves, pearls or layers of beaded necklaces, white gloves, and large brimmed hats. Choose a menu with a lot of delicate cucumber or egg sandwiches, scones, homemade jam and clotted cream. Elegantly decorated petite fours and fairy cakes (cupcakes) are a must. Proper English tea cups are necessary, and the use of traditional teapots, creamers and sugar bowls is ideal. The English usually drink black tea, however a selection can be offered. For entertainment, English ladies would often chat over their cups or play games such as cribbage and whist. Charades was also a favorite past time among the 20-something ladies. Favors for an English tea party bridal shower are as easy as those for an Asian themed one. Tea filled sachets work well; Jordan almonds are a traditional gift, as are hand embroidered handkerchiefs.

Tea parties can be as modern as a Bodum tea press, or as traditional as a Royal Doulton teapot. Either way, the bride will remember her shower as being unique and incorporating her love of tea with her wedding.

A Bridal Tea Party

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Monday, December 26, 2011

China Tea Sets

!±8± China Tea Sets

Fine China is a perfect medium in which to serve a proper tea. Tea sets made of china were very popular in the Victorian Era for their beauty and strength, and they remain so today. Many beautiful sets grace china cupboards and sideboards all over the world. Tea sets made of china were first produced in the 1600's and were quite different from the original Chinese tea sets consisting of a pot, handleless cups and a bamboo whisk. China tea sets were both elaborate and simple, and an elegant reminder of the past.

China tea sets come in varying sizes. Some might just be a pot and two cups while a large set can include many cups, dishes, sugar bowls, creamer and a tray. While a little difficult to lift larger sets, this configuration made beverages for the whole family instead of one person. These sets might be highly ornamented and gilded with gold or just plain white with a scalloped design. They even come in miniature sizes for children to give tea parties for their dolls and stuffed animals. They are very convenient because everything is there except the tea, and ready for nearly any occasion.

Western tea sets, also called tea services, first appeared in metals like pewter or silver. Once porcelain was developed it was only natural that the new product became a tea set to satisfy the demands of those that could not afford silver. Bone china was a perfect candidate for a tea set. Most pottery sets were heavy and cumbersome. Bone china allowed the services to be dainty and light.

Bone china sets consisted of a teapot, cups and saucers, serving plates, creamer, sugar bowl, waste bowl and platters for food that came alongside the tea. The same china pattern comprised the entire set. The waste bowl is no longer included in modern day tea sets. This is where the leaves used in making fine tea were placed in order for them to be discarded. Most of these sets are equipped to serve four people, but getting extra components to expand the set is very easy.

A tea service was a status symbol during the Victorian Era and many households became collectors. It was common to display sets even if there was only one to show off. A perfect place to display a bone china set was in front of a window so the light illustrated the translucent qualities of the cups and teapot. China cupboards are another perfect place to display collectible items. Most china cupboards have clear glass and even the sides of some are curved glass for optimum viewing. The best thing about a china cupboard is that the set will not get dusty because it is totally enclosed. These sets left in the open tend to collect dust. A china cupboard also gives added protection to the tea set as it cannot fall to the ground and break easily, particularly in homes with pets or children.

Today tea sets come in all shapes and sizes. There are sets that look like miniature cities or animals. They are brightly colored or subdued with delicate roses painted on them. They are made of porcelain and bone china. Some sets are purposely mismatched for a Bohemian flair. No matter what they look like they enhance the tea drinking experience with beauty, whimsy and elegance.