I know my MIL had many, many parties over the years and used this tea set quite a bit. When your husband is a pastor and then dean of a seminary, I guess you host a lot of parties.
I have seen this tea set used many times myself when my MIL used to have Christmas parties. Then when I was first married, I borrowed it every time I had a party, until I bought my own silver tea set, that is.
I’m keeping this one to pass along to my daughter when she gets married. Besides, is it possible to have too many tea sets? As I was going through and organizing the hundreds of old MIL photos, I ran across this one, that I had never seen before.
Don’t they look cute? (He really was crazy about her.) I knew the church where my FIL was pastor gave them the tea set ages ago, but I didn’t know that we had a photo of the event. My FIL was studying at Yale Divinity School at the time. You might be able to see some of the inscription in the tray.
I know that silver is completely out of vogue these days, except here in Bloggyland, so it concerns me that my daughter may not value these things when she gets older. I hope so, because there is an elegance and beauty in old silver that seems to be missing today.
I know, I know, it’s a tired old phrase, “They don’t make it like they used to.” but it is so true, especially in today’s world of disposal “everything.” Why put any effort into making anything when it will be tossed in the trash next year? I am sorry, but if I have to drink my tea from a Styrofoam cup, I just don’t want it. Tea is not a drink, it’s a celebration. (And if you are reading this blog, I suspect you might feel the same way.)
I only have a few years left until my little baby goes off to college. I guess we better have lots of tea now, so she can see how delightful it is to have tea served in a silver teapot. But here’s the good part; if you use your silver often enough, you don’t need to polish it.
In fact, I’m going to put the tea kettle on right now.
How cool! I love it!!! I don’t have a silver tea set, though I wish I did, especially one that belonged to a relative from times past. I blogged about a bowl of my deceased grandmother’s a week or two ago called “I Found It!” I hope your daughter comes to treasure her grandparent’s tea set for the sentimental value. I always enjoy your posts!
What a beautiful tea set Anita, very sentimental! That picture of your in-laws is so sweet! Martina
That’s amazing! I love the old picture! My mom has a huge silver collection, that I have spent many hours polishing.
such a pretty set and what a darling photo of them… i have inherited 3 sets and love them, i am from and english family, it always brings back so many memories. my grandmother used to tell my mother she was not fit for silver since she didn’t polish it daily, oy should we be horrifed at mine!
Beautiful…and I love the history! Mine was pieced together from Goodwill! lol Hope you are having a great week!…hugs…Debbie
Lovely!!! What a treasure a true family heirloom. I’m sure your daughter will treasure it! She IS ‘your’ daughter!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings
That is a very pretty set.
These are gorgeous! Have a beautiful weekend ahead, Kellie xx
I am so jealous! You not only have TWO sets, one is a family heirloom! Not fair! I want a family heirloom silver tea set! I have been looking for one for so long. I’ma gonna git me one of those thar sets though! Yours are just gorgeous. Love the pic of your IL’s getting theirs. Makes it even more special!
Hi Anita and what a precious post! The tea service is so pretty and I love the sweet story behind it and hearing all of your memories. I’m sure your daughter will treasure it.
Thanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
This is just beautiful, Anita, and I love the story behind it! I know what you mean by they just don’t make them like they used to. I have 3 tea sets {no, I’m not collecting them…just fell in love with each one!} My husband asked if I would prefer a new set and I really had no interest. Well, maybe you could twist my arm! lol!
Have a wonderful weekend, I just found your blog!
XO,
Jane
Hi lovely lady.
Your tea set is Gorgeous Anita. I also love the story behind your Treasures.
I have one tea set all Blue Willow from Ebay.
I hope you have a great weekend.
XXOO Diane
It took me a bit to figure out who MIL and FIL were. Lovely photographs. Special legacy for your daughter
Thank you. I do not know why but it’s very hard for me to get followers.
The silver is wonderful and right now it is very modern with silver stuff here in Sweden.
Hugs
Elna
what a wonderful post! The tea set is gorgeous, and how wonderful that you treasure it. I have my Grandmothers and I think of all the times she used it and how proud she was of it, just like your MIL.
that is one more gorgeous tea set and I know you were thrilled to be the receipent. Yes, I agree, I hate all this throw away stuff they produce these days and our kids will think that is ‘normal’. No. So, it’s up to us to teach our children and grandchildren the value of something we should cherish forever. great post.
what a lovely post. I have tea in my veins ( we British all do, giggle) I don’t have a silver tea set. But I remember my Mothers sitting on a buffet with lovely linen cloth underneath. Yours is beautiful xo
What a lovely story! I love the family traditions! I have my mom’s silver tea service and I love it. I am so happy you are passing this onto your daughter, when she marries. Your story is so wonderful!
I share your sentiments Anita, a tea set such as yours is a precious treasure. I too cherish the past.
Lots of love,
Debbie
Very prety set. Love the history too.
Drinking from a silver teaset is always special .. but even more special when its steeped with memories… Thank You for sharing your lovely in-law pictures and memorabilia.. Thanks for the silver polishing tip ..I’ve just inherited my mothers set… Enjoy your day ..Hugs
Oh this is priceless! I thought it was a lovely set and then when I read the history of it — it’s even more beautiful! Thank you for sharing this and the pictures and story with us!