Decor-a-TEA

It is the season for remodeling projects at our home, so trying to decide what to post this week has been difficult for me. Most of our household decor is packed up so that it can be out of my husband's way as he saws and nails, wires and installs, and works hard to update and make our present home more 'user friendly' for the family. I finally decided to go through my photo file to see if I could find some examples of decorating with 'tea; themes. It was not difficult to find examples, as "tea" is represented daily in our home.

This little vignette is in a corner in a bedroom. Set among the room decor, a chintz teacup and a few cookies are set out for a tea-for-one. This is quite a traditional setting in a romantic sort of way.

An autumn centerpiece takes on a more rustic and cozy appearance. Using items found around the house, the centerpiece is made from a Homer Laughlin platter, hot pads and a crocheted dishcloth, a Yixing teapot, a candle, tea bags, and a few sugar cubes. Simple and inexpensive, it promotes a warm and friendly feeling for those who sit around the dining room table.

An old oak china closet of my mother's is now at home in our living room. It has been designated as the 'lavender china closet' and contains teacups, saucers, plates, and teapots that are purple and lavender. If you look closely, you'll find lots of teacups with themes of lavender, pansies, and violets.

The everyday dishes are Pfaltzgraff's Folk Art. Brown and blue, they are very definitely vintage 1970's and reflect the choices of a new bride --- me! Sturdy, simple, and comfortable; it's the perfect set for daily use and frequently is set upon an oak table between the arm chairs that my husband and I sit upon for tea each day. It's to relaxing to sip and chat as we share the events of the day.

A tea-for-one in violets was a gift from a lovely friend. Thank you, friend! It's nestled amongst a variety of cups and saucers in an oak hutch.

A bouquet of Spanish lavender (with some Grosso tucked into the vase as well) adds fresh appeal to a blue-lavender tea setting which serves as the centerpiece for the dining room table on a late spring day. I wish I could share the fragrance of this lovely lavender candle with you!

A small table in the family room is graced with fresh spring flowers, a small candle, linens, and tea china. The Homer Laughlin teapot is of a pattern and style that mixes well with a variety of teacups and saucers. Here is it paired with teacups in a 'sweet pea' theme for a morning cuppa. The suns rays shining through the window give everything a dreamy feel.

Sometimes my love of tea decor is more subtle and refined. This traditional setting is displayed on a living room table. A traditional (early marriage) lamp is paired with a bouquet of rhododendrons and a paperweight in teapot shape.

A quirky lavender themed teapot and teacup make me smile as they grace an old dresser in the bedroom. Filmy bags of lavender buds fill the teacup to add a sweet fragrance to the room. Did you know that lavender buds improve with age? If they seem to lose their fragrance, simply squish the lavender between your fingers to release the oils inside. Lavender is also wonderful when added to a cup of tea. Next time you make a cup of your favorite black tea, add a pinch of organic lavender to your cup and enjoy!

Thank you for letting me share some of my favorite things with you. Of course, something cuddly and friendly (like a puppy) is always a welcome addition and helps establish a warm ambiance for tea-time! If you look closely, you'll see my Schnauzer pal, Coco, sitting beside the tea table in the post above. She's always ready for a tea party!