Re: Anyone for Tea ?
 

While I enjoy tea from a proper tea cup (thanks, Pendy!), I also freely admit to enjoying it from a mug as well. I also quaff iced tea on numerous occasions, but only if it is fresh-brewed. Can't stand iced tea made from powders or syrups!

I do wonder, however, about the utility of having a lovely tea service that one never uses. I suppose one could have it on display, for show only, but isn't it nice to brew up a pot and use the best china once in a while? Make a special occasion truly special!

Re: Anyone for Tea ?
 

[quote=Billcat
I do wonder, however, about the utility of having a lovely tea service that one never uses. I suppose one could have it on display, for show only, but isn't it nice to brew up a pot and use the best china once in a while? Make a special occasion truly special![/quote]

Thing is though if you did get the tea service out and it was your grannys or your mum's and what happens if you drop a cup or saucer or god forbid the teapot itself. Thats what id be scared of. I know if its old country roses or something similar you can buy them separate but what if the tea service is 50 year old and out of service? You cant buy another to replace it. I know because i did do that when i was a kid and when i was older i tried to replace it but couldnt find one anywhere. By the way that was the service my mum got for a wedding present - back in 1949. I have one sideplate, 3 cups and 2 saucers left from it. Not bad for 57 years is it?

Re: Anyone for Tea ?
 

i much prefer chilled beverages, as a child my parents used to say "it is'nt good for you" although to this day I can't think why:confused: at the time we did'nt hear about caffiene ect so they were'nt saying it thinking we'd be up all night so my dad must have seen the future :D anyway old traditions die hard and I still drink corporation pop are cordial (I always have this for grandchildren) but I myself 95% of the time drink water. I do however have a sentimental tea set and surprisingly make a lovely brew to accompany my baked biscuits and cakes (parkin is my speciality). There's an old myth though, those who make the best cuppa, don't drink them themselves:D My brews would say this saying is indeed correct :) my mother always used to get me to make tea for all the aunties and uncles weekly visits.

Re: Anyone for Tea ?
 

Completely understand, and I know folks who display their vintage tea set or even a collection of tea cups. Personally, I'd probably still trot it out for use on special occasions.

Fortunately, it's gotten a lot easier to replace broken or missing items since the advent of the internet. It's always been possible, but it took time, luck, and often was really expensive. The internet has made it much easier to locate the right piece and, as the "market" is now a lot more competitive, I find that I can often get a better price as well. For most of these items, the demand is pretty limited. Some of them even show up on eBay, and the prices there often are reasonable.