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Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Coffee, Tea, or Me?

What's It Wednesday #6


There is nothing like curling up with a warm drink to get us through the winter. Legend has it that in the 8th century an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi noticed that his goats would get friskier after consuming coffee cherries. Around the 11th century, the Arabians were roasting and boiling coffee beans. The tea plant originated from East and South Asia and was commonly used in 200 BC (The Qin Dynasty).

Coffee and tea are an essential part of hubby and my daily routine. We start our day with a great cup of coffee and immediately after work we reflect on our day over a robust cup of tea. You ever have a that special cup or mug that just makes coffee or tea taste even better? That's what these very cups do for me. On the weekend, this is the set I bring out for hubby and I to enjoy our coffee.

In the mid 20th century this beautiful post-war Japanese tea set was purchased by my grandmother. It is my absolutely favorite set because it has so much meaning. 

This silver tilting teapot with wooden handle is covered with ornate, decorative engravings was one of the very first antiques I began to collect. Below the teapot is the burner which would keep the tea warm. Care to join me for a cup of chai?

I have to say that I am not really a chintz kinda girl. However, I am obsessed with this 1930s DuBarry by James Kent, of Staffordshire, England. I started this collection with this demitasse cup and saucer. I fell in love with this pattern after visiting Cindy at My Romantic Home

Then I found that I have just fallen in love with many of James Kent's designs. I love roses so therefore I could not let this "Old Foley" tea set slip out of my hands. This  company that produced this gorgeous china was established in England in 1897.


When I came across this beautiful stacking teapot, also made by James Kent in the "Chinese Rose" pattern, I totally fell in love. There is a beautiful bluebird sitting on the teapot which is at the bottom. The little teapot has a built in strainer inside the base of the spout. The creamer sits at the top with the lid and the middle section is the actual tea cup. 

In 1950s England, the Midwinter pottery company was well known for their innovative tableware. One of the noted designers was Sir Hugh Casson whom I always loved as an architect,  writer, and illustrator. The teapot on the left and the creamer on the right is from the "Riviera" collection and sandwich plate is from the "Cannes" collection. 

So what happens if you don't like coffee or tea? Well there is always hot chocolate. Hot chocolate taste even better served from a beautiful hand painted porcelain chocolate pitcher. I tend to be partial to the Japanese and French ones. 

Happy New Year everyone and may you continue to be blessed in 2012!!!

xoxoxo
Paula

Come share what projects are keeping you warm this fabulous winter.

Thank you all for participating in our 
"What's It Wednesday" linky party!
Don't forget to grab a feature button.

Ivy and Elephants


Elegant Economies shows us that brown transferware is truly en vogue.
Betsy over at My Salvaged Treasures totally rules with this great transformation
It is tea time at 155 Dream Lane
Fabby saw this beautiful table cloth in a window and...well you will just have to go over to Fabby's Living to see for yourself.
Great tips on getting our New Year's Resolution in order over at Burlap Luxe
Sissie's Shabby Cottage after Christmas living room is welcoming and fresh


66 comments:

Anthony Hopper said...

Great post. As an aside, one of your html links isn't working. I think it's supposed to be a picture of "ivy and elephants;" however, the photo doesn't show up (only the HTML). Either way, great post!

Anthony Hopper said...

Addendum: since the "ivy and elephants" matches your blog title--it might be a blog header? Anyway, probably just a missed "a" or "href".

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Warm greetings Paula,
I hope your new year is off to a great start... Thank you so much for your visit, sorry it has taken me awhile to get here... This was a beautiful post!
fondly,
Penny

lisa Moran, Bilancia Designs said...

Happy New Year!
I love your tilting, silver teapot. I've never seen one quite like it--beautiful! I have two, lovely "stacking" teapots and I use them often because of their simple beauty. This year the vintage china and cut glass (we take out for company only), the beautiful linens ("only for company")...well, you get the idea. It's ALL coming out for "special every day". Time to enjoy all our beautiful "treasures" and not behind glass doors anymore. Watching my children's faces as they sat down to dinner using the finest china and crystal goblets and it was just us~PRICELESS.
This New Year every day will be a "special" day.
Cheers!
Lisa xo

Tretswelt said...

Hallo ihr beide frohes neues Jahr!Habt ihr alles gut überstanden?
Deinen Geschirr ist ein Traum...oh diesen Tassen,ich liebe es...
Ich habe viel Projekte diese Jahr ,aber ich möchte auch ein bisschen Ruhe haben und mehr mit Gott reden,das ist mir wichtig in 2012.
Schöne Woche.Bussi,Luciene.

Tretswelt said...

Oh vergessen...ich trinke viel Kaffee und Abends Tee in passende schönen Tassen...tschüüüss!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh just take this Ozark Farm Chick's breath away girl!!! This is a most beautiful blog.

I've just been so stinkin' busy and have been neglectin' to get over here and thank you for visitin' and hoppin' on my blog. I sure hope ya'll enjoy the ride!!!

I only post every seven to ten days, ya see our Ozark Ponderosa is a busy place!

God bless ya sweetie and in the word of that wild and crazy Granny Clampett, "ya'll come back now...ya hear."

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL YEAR THROUGH!!!

Thuis Thuis said...

Hoi ik geef maar even een reaktie in het Nederlands, hopelijk kunnen jullie het vertalen.
Laat ik zeggen, dit soort servies is 'not my cup of tea" .
Maar als ik het dan ergens zie , maakt het mij wel vrolijk.
Nog een mooi jaar voor jullie met veel inspiratie.
Love Annette

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Hi....oh my goodness, you have some gorgeous pieces there. I haven't ever seen the tilting teapot. Very unique!

Gail said...

I'm a coffee drinker too and I have my favorite cups as well! Great features this week and thanks for hosting and inviting me over..I've linked up.

Susan Freeman said...

I love your blog and am so happy to be joining you today. Thanks for hosting!!

Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Barb said...

Hi Paula, love all your wonderful coffee and tea things. The patterns are so pretty and so full of 'life.'

I have a chocolate pot that I adore for drinking hot chocolate...it is hand painted and makes the simple event of drinking hot chocolate so special.

Happy New Year to you both. Many, many blessings.

Barb

Antiques And Teacups said...

You certainly hit a lot of my favorite pottery makers! Lovely post!
Ruth

Tablescapes By Diane said...

Hi lovely lady.
I love all your Treasures this was a Beautiful post. Thanks so much for hosting your linky party.
I hope you have a wonderful 2012 New Year.
XXOO Diane

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hi Gals, hope you're off to a great start of the New Year! just linked up, xoxo

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

I love coffee, tea, AND hot chocolate. I've often thought that it would have been such a pleasant thing to have lived during an era when those beverages were ROUTINELY served from such gorgeous china. By the way, I used to have several pieces just like the ones that belonged to your grandmother.

Happy New Year to you and your families! I look forward to seeing you at Time Travel Thursday this year. ;)

Blessings,
Liz @ The Brambleberry Cottage

Blessed Serendipity said...

Great post today. I have always loved collecting vintage china and teacups. Thank you for hosting the party.

Danielle

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Paula,
Oh, this post made my heart go "pitter patter!" I so love tea and beautiful teacups! I adore the the DuBarry Chintz by James Kent! You have so many pretty ones. Thanks for sharing and hosting another party!
Hugs, Cindy @ Art,Books,Tea

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

LOVE your tea sets! I'm a big Kent fan and have several cup and saucer sets I love. That silver teapot that tilts is amazing -- never saw anything like it before! I have become an avid tea drinker -- still love my coffee but there is nothing more soothing than a cup of tea served in a lovely cup and saucer! Thanks for sharing your beautiful sets with us!

The Charm of Home said...

Beautiful coffee and tea sets. Thanks for hosting.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

I have always thought chocolate pots were so pretty and unique. I have never been a coffee or tea drinker but this past year I got hooked on flavored iced coffee. Have one every afternoon.:) I need to get a sweet vessel to drink it from. Thank you for allowing me to join your party. xo

Cottage and Broome said...

I'm a tea person and my hubby mainlines coffee. I love the James Kent set too but the one that was your grandmother is really special. Thanks for hosting again this week, Laura

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Paula,

Tea is our big hot beverage of choice and every night, we have our ritual! It never fails. We always have every thing ready before retiring, and what a great way to top of a stressful day.

Everything is as lovely as ever!!! Happy day, Anita

Revi said...

Hi Ladies,
I swear, you never cease to amaze me with your awesomely diverse collections! Obviously, you inherited the collector's eye along with some of your treasures! Thanks for hosting this linky!
-Revi

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Thanks so much for hosting such a fun party. Hugs, Marty

Cindy Adkins said...

I LOVE your fabulous party!!! Happy New Year!!!
XO
Cindy

Elegant Economies said...

Thank you so much for liking my post! You are so kind. Love your coffee and tea sets. Beautiful post.
Blessings, Audrey

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Thanks so much for the sweet invite...I'm here with my little shelf:)

Blessings,
Linda

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Happy New Year, Ladies! What a great post! What gorgeous tea cups and pots! So pretty! Thanks so much for hosting this great party each week! Glad to link up!

Dreamgoddess said...

Happy New Year! What a lovely post and I'm totally drooling over that tilting teapot. I had never seen one before, but will be sure to keep my eye open for one now.

Unknown said...

Wonderful post. Your tea sets are absolutely beautiful! I would enjoy drinking my favourite,cocoa,out of those wonderful cups! Have a good 2012!

Curtains in My Tree said...

I drink a lot of hot tea and love all your tea sets.
I like the tea put on the cradle very victorian

All your sets makes me want to get mine all out but first I am still putting away decorations from Christmas, next year I am not doing all this LOL

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hi Paula,
what a beautiful ceramic set you show on the first photo. It looks cheerfull and romantic and also modern. And for sure, your tilting teapot is a hit. Thank ypu for sharing all this fabulous photos and for hosting this event.
Best greetings, Johanna

rachel@Acts of Life said...

Hi,
I just found your blog over at Treasure Hunt Thursdays..so glad I did. Now a new follower and linked up to your party!

All the best,
Rachel

Eclectically Vintage said...

Fabulous collections - I especially love the silver tea pot!
Kelly

Reba and Eldarose, sisters, friends and co-bloggers said...

Hi,

I found your site and the link party. My sister and I are new bloggers so I thought we'd join the fun.

Thanks for hosting. We are following your blog now. :D

Sincerely,
Eldarose

Claire Justine said...

Thanks for joining us on Creative Mondays,lovely post I would love to drink out of these :)

Rattus Scribus said...

Love this. I just commented on another tea-lover's blog something of what tea means to me. It's a sentiment I have posted on the side bar of my humorous (hopefully) blog Rattus Scribus.

"Without tea, I might get to sleep, but I would not dream."
Ruben Rivera

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love coffee, tea AND hot cocoa! Love the china you have with the boats! So pretty! ♥

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Thanks for hosting this very fun party. I love the inspirations.
Love the teapots...I have always wanted to start a collection, I guess it's never too late.

Cindy said...

Oh, it's all so beautiful! Especially the chintz! I see that pattern and think of my mom! She gave me hers and that is what started my collection!!!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What an inspiring post. Your cups are gorgeous and I love that chocolate pitcher. I have a favorite cup too and everything tastes so much better.
Thank you so much for featuring my yardstick and hook boards.
Happy new year to you.

Susan said...

You definitely have some beautiful tea sets!

Marilyn said...

I absolutely ADORE this..Great post as always..THANKS SO MUCH for linking via Pin'Inspirational Thursday today.. Wishing you an amazing evening.. xoxo.. Marilyn...

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh sweet ladies, I'm sorry I took a while answering and thanking you for hosting as I've been putting away my C'mas decor and yesterday I spent the day with my sick mom, who has an awful cold! Oh, goodness, I feel so honored to be featured at your great and fun party, I am very thankful and so appreciative, I humbly thank you so very much! I did grab your feature button! Your tea pots are stunning, specially the last one for the hot chocolate, wish I had a cup with you two lovely ladies. Wishing you both and your families a super New Year and Happy Kings Day tomorrow! Lots of hugs,
FABBY

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh, forgot...so excited! Your tilting teapot is very unique and beautiful, you have such gorgeous pices all of them. Lots of hugs,
happy Kings Day!
FABBY

Katherines Corner said...

sending happy new year wishes your way. Hoping 2012 is filled with happy. xo P.S. tea runs through my veins giggle

Cottage and Broome said...

Paula, stopped back to let you know we posted a thank you to you and Patti for featuring us on your blog this year, Laura

Susie Buetow said...

Such an awesome post. I loved it!
Stop over and link it up in my Happy Friday Drink link up!!! I'd love to have you! http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-friday-link-up-drink.html

Susie

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Thank you so much for hosting lovely ladies and what a gorgeous post with the stunning tea things! I just linked with a table for today, Three Kings Day. Thank you again for featring me. I just noticed that I placed the featured buttom, but it didn't say: I was featured...I tried it twice.
Happy Kings Day!
FABBY

Palomasea said...

Beautiful collection, dear friends!
There is something so soul-soothing about a hot drink in a beautiful cup or mug. Hopefully shared with someone you love!
I've been collecting Lomonosov porcelain for the past few years, but I'm moving into other styles these days. Open to change! ;)
xoxo,
- Irina

Just Stuff From a Boomer said...

Loved - loved your tea pots and cups. I gave all three of my daughters teapots and cups with loose leaf tea this Christmas. There is such a tranquility that comes with making tea. Such beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Mary Neumann said...

Hi Paula, Thanks so much for the invite! I just linked up to the party. I love your post and blog! The photography is so beautiful.

I'm following, looking forward to visiting...can't wait to see what's next!

Thanks for the warm welcome to Blogland!

Best wishes ~ Mary (sweetlittlebluebird.com)

Unknown said...

Wonderful post! I love to collect tea pots too. My collection was started with my husband giving me a pretty set on our first Christmas! I love the tipping tea pot you've got here!

Thanks so much for linking up with my party! Have a great weekend!

Sarah

Pat M said...

I am a new follower. I love your teapots, cups and serving sets. I would feel like Royalty using them.
I hope you will stop by & follow me, too. Growing Old With Grace http://growing-old-with-grace.blogspot.com/.
Hugs, GraceinAZ

romance-of-roses said...

Hi girls, I just joined your party with old city clock photos that my hubby has taken mostly from his wheel chair since he had a stroke. Hope you all enjoy them. Happy New Year girls.
Hugs...Lu

Susie Buetow said...

Hi! Thanks for stopping in at my Happy Friday Drink link up! I'm sorry you weren't able to link up! Every time I check the linky is there. Sometimes when traffic gets high it does slow down the linky. I find that on blogs all the time when I go to link up. I see that you are linked up now so all is good! (it actually showed up twice so I deleted one.)

THanks for stopping in! I really appreciate it and I can't wait to see what all you post on your blog. The main reason I do link ups is to meet new bloggers!
Thanks, susie

Katherines Corner said...

So happy you linked this post. I love the tea mugs in the first photo... I love all of the photos! Thank you for joining us at the Thursday Favorites Hop. Wishing you a happy weekend! xo P.S. Have you entered the Pink Poodle giveaway yet?

Cathy said...

all of these sets are so lovely! and it is good to know that you get good use out of them. i think i'm partial to the 1950s Sir Hugh Casson design. oh, and i just learned that the last photo is a hot chocolate pitcher, i saw a beautiful set at a garage sale, and thought it was a tea set. thank you for sharing : )

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Paula, You have some beautiful pieces. Love the tilting tea pot! Thanks for linking to the Open House party this week.

Anonymous said...

I love the stacking tea set!... oh, and the name of your blog!

Unknown said...

Love this! I'm your newest follower from no minimalist here! Happy New Year- Stop by for a visit!!

Diann said...

Wow, there are so many gorgeous things in this post! I have one antique chocolate pot and I love it. Yours is stunning! Thank you for joining this month's Thrifty Tablescape party! I hope you have a wonderful week!

Lynn at Cottage and Creek said...

Hi there - I'm your newest follower and I tried to put your "What's It Wednesday" button on my blog but all the links are the same and not specific to WIW. It looks like the code is all the same. Looking forward to partying with you this week.
Lynn

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Gratitude is the Memory of the Heart ~ French Proverb ~ We are so grateful that you stopped by ~ Please visit again soon! ~ Much Love, Patricia and Paula