Historic Tea Decor

Real authenticity in decor happens when we add elements of beauty using the things we use in our daily lives. I like nothing better than stepping back in time to enjoy 'tea' from perspectives past. In the simple, yet elegant settings of 100 years ago, the routine and daily ceremony of tea service can be observed by stepping into settings restored by those who care. The settings are not there simply because someone thought a teapot pretty or a cup and saucer a nice decoration. Rather, they were part of the decor because they were used and enjoyed by those who shared in their service. Let me share some of my favorite places with you.

The dining room of the old Cochise Hotel in Cochise, Arizona is always ready for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or tea. And if you call ahead, what a spread you can enjoy! The furniture and china are old and authentic, sometimes mismatched, but always lovely. The things in this lovely room were part of cherished pieces given to Elizabeth Husband, proprietress and owner, by her own mother years ago. Her mother enjoyed collecting beautiful china each summer when visiting Europe with the other wives and children of wealthy businessmen. They would sail the Atlantic and visit the continent as they enjoyed their summer holidays together. Dresden pieces were especially loved. Elizabeth lovingly tended to this hotel until well into her 90's. Now gone, her granddaughter has taken the role with care. I especially love the beautiful yellow tea set in this room.

The old Cochise Hotel was built right across the street from a fuel stop for the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1880's. The town is quaint and sprawling, never having more than 3,000 inhabitants since it's inception. Now a town of about 50 people, extended family members still live there as they have for the past 40 years. On one visit to Cochise, cousin's Della, Janet, and I enjoyed a memorable visit with Elizabeth Husband who not only toured us through her hotel but took us to her home where she served us cups of tea and graciously made us an impromptu lunch of sandwiches and sweets. Visiting her home was like stepping into the pages of a history book! It was a precious life moment for me! Elizabeth knew how to share hospitality in thought and action.

Leaving the hotel, we now journey to Faraway Ranch in the majestic Chiricahua mountains of Arizona southeastern Arizona.

A table is set, awaiting hungry guests and travelers. Refreshing on a hot summer day, iced tea and sweets await those who visit here. A cool veranda lets in gentle summer breezes and creates a bit of relief from the hot desert sunshine. In a summer setting, hot tea is replaced with cooling iced teas instead. A clear glass pitcher is the vessel of choice.

As we journey on to Bisbee, Arizona more treasures from the past greet us.

An antique store shop shares a vignette of a child's beloved dolls from a past era and tiny tea sets rest upon a stool-table-top. They seem to call the viewer to a quiet but of calmness in a quaint and lovely historic town.

Our travels take us north to a trading post near the Pacific Ocean and along the mighty Columbia River. Fort Vancouver was the home to the west coasts Hudson's Bay Trading Company military fort and trading post.

You might wonder how we've gone from Arizona to Washington state so quickly. But there is a connection. On the Fort Vancouver grounds is the grand home of Oliver O. Howard,a career United States Army officer and a Union general in the American Civil War. After defeats in Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, he recovered from these setbacks in the Western Theater where he served as a corp and military commander. At some point (probably after his campaign against the Nez Perce tribe) he moved to a command at Fort Vancouver. In our own family history, he is famous for meeting with Cochise and signing a peace treaty with him under an oak tree on what is now Uncle's ranch in Arizona. O.O. Howard is long remembered in those parts.

A lovely porch is graced with comfortable chairs painted a shiny barn red. A roof keeps away the common rains and vines climb up the railing to add some shade. It's a perfect place to drink a spot of tea with a friend (although in all truthfulness, this spot was more likely the meeting place for military men and fur traders to share a conversation together!

Inside a tea table is set with precious antique Spode china. Perfection is achieved by the carefully placement of each item as it sits, awaiting after-dinner tea service.
Shall we peek into the kitchen? Simple yet serviceable, it's where the teakettle was heated for a gentle tea in the grand dining room of the fort headquarters. Nearby a large and beautifully maintained herb garden is available, allowing cooks and hosts access to peppermint, chamomile, sage, thyme, and more. . .all a welcome addition to a simple cup of herbal tea. Large blocks of black tea from China are also visible and available for those who desire a more stimulating cup.

Thank you for journeying with me today as we looked into an era past. Tiny segments of tea service can be seen as a part of the daily lives who lived before, reminding us that even when life gets busy and stressful, there is always time for the respite of tea. Take the time! Enjoy life!

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR LIST OF GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY TEA BLOG-A-THON PARTICIPANTS FOR WEEK THREE.

There are many interesting posts with great pictures and ideas shared!