The Aesthete's Alphabet - T is for Teacups

 

 I have been away for a couple of days visiting my mom and dad, both in their mid eighties, and it struck me, that even in her advanced years, my mom remains such a gracious lady. Her home is beautiful and immaculate and she still goes to such trouble with all the little touches, like making sure there are flowers in the guest room and always serving tea in pretty fine bone china cups on a tray with all the trimmings. 

It seemed fitting then to do this post on T is for Teacups...inspired by my mother, who loves pretty china, pink flowers and a refined way of life.

Aside from being used for tea, there are a myriad of other ways you can use your pretty china teacups.

Here they are filled with delicate little flowers and used as decoration for a spring lunch.

They are the perfect container for a single bloom....

....or to grow a herb or small plant.

They work very well as receptacles for those bits and pieces that clutter up your dressing table....

...and they make the prettiest containers for candles.

They work beautifully for serving a special desert.....

.....or a beautiful cupcake.

Why not start your own collection of mismatched teacups? They make great gifts too.

Well, I am slowly winding down to the end of the alphabet. The next post will be U for "uncertain ????", -stay tuned.

Till next time

Sharon x

Images: 1. Tumblr, 2. Pinterest, 3. Decorare, 4. Coffee House Discussions, 5. Tumblr, 6&7. Roses and Rust, 8. Pinterest, 9. Roses and Rust, 10. The Inspired Room, 11. Pinterest, 12. Matters of Style, 13. Unknown, 14. Pinterest, 15. Love and Lavender, 16. Wedding Cupcakes.org, 17-20 Tumblr, 21 Vogue via Zsa Zsa Bellagio 22. Not on the High Street

Spring Supper

I have had my collection of  bone china teacups for about 15 years. They are all different, but all have a flower pattern of some sort. I used to have a lot of tea parties when my children were younger. Every birthday party or festive occasion involved a plethora of moms staying for tea and I always used my "harlequin" tea set. I don't use them as often these days, but decided to use them in a different way when we had some friends for supper on Saturday evening.

I filled each cup with some pretty pink sprigs of geraldton wax.

Water jug and glasses laid out on a side table.

Cotton napkins that I have had forever match the spring theme.

Petal shaped tea light holders are placed amidst the cups.

Delicate embroidery on white linen runners.

On the menu, melanzane  parmigiana followed by seared tuna with wasabi mash and a green salad. For dessert, crepes with caramelised and slightly boozy pears and gooseberries. (I never remember to actually photograph the food!)

Silverware and more flowers

 

And now a few days later, a table filled with pretty flowers in teacups remind me of a lovely evening spent with good friends.

My boys start their school holidays tomorrow so I am going to take a little break from blogging to do some boystuff. See you soon.

Till next time

Sharon x