The Tea Chest

A picnic is not complete without a cup of favorite tea or tisane for dessert. Finding ways to transport porcelain and iron tea tools safely can be difficult. I was so pleased when Aunt Cella gave me a wonderful tin 'chest' from Germany. It was made to contain Lebkuchen, and was filled to the brim when she received it from a friend who ships it to her from Germany (a delightful, yearly tradition). Each yearly chest is decorated with a different European castle and the one she gave me is of the Nuremberg Castle. Although this might be better called a 'tea caddy' (a tea chest usually contains only tea), the hinged lid, shape, and size of this container remind me of a chest, so it is my "tea chest". It is large enough to contain teacups and saucers, a teapot, a thermos, and more. Sturdy and practical, it safely carries tea items to picnics and other places for teatime enjoyment. I enjoy it so much, not only for it's practicality, but for the family history it represents. Aunt Cella has visited this castle many times --- and many others too. She is an aunt who LOVES castles and has explored many to her heart's content.