One lump or two?

Growing up in England meant morning elevenses and afternoon tea was something of a familiar treat. Little old ladies and their pristine Bone China tea sets still hold a special affection for me and transport me back home to Manchester. I think of Ida, my friend’s grandmother who became a dear friend as I grew into an adult. She told us stories of her tantalizing youth during wartime whilst she read our tea leaves and told our fortunes whilst we nibbled on ginger snaps and Madera cake.

There is a magical feeling when the China comes out. The giant red melamine teapot that sits on the stove, steeping the rusty brown liquid. Tiny silver teaspoons. Lumps of crystalline white sugar. The clinking of the teaspoon like the sound of a delicate bell. The red striped milk jug. Not to mention the cakes and biscuits! Custard creams. Bourbons. Jammie Dodgers. Sometimes a jam & cream scone, if you’re lucky!

And so it is no surprise that tucked gently away in my basement is my own eclectic collection of old-fashioned teacups and mismatched saucers I asked for for my wedding shower. My red melamine teapot and red striped milk jug. And when a friend comes over, it’s nice to polish up my silver tea tray and set out a little feast of endless tea and sugary treats. 

This pattern is an ode to the tea drinker.