My daily routine includes something that always makes my day better. I have my breakfast tea in the morning, but that’s not the important part. I like to set it up like I’m in a 5 star hotel. I set out a linen napkin, a beautiful teacup, and a silver spoon. No I don’t have room service to bring it to me, but I enjoy it as much as the tea they do bring with room service. (Actually it’s better than room service tea, because it’s still hot!) I know people say that china and silver are too much work to use every day, but here’s the deal. If you are talking about a service for 6, then I agree that’s a lot of work to do every day. If we are talking about a teacup and silver spoon for one person, it’s really not a big deal to clean up. I think this is a habit that makes my day so much better. Every day feel special when it starts off this way.
I was just at the Houston Design Center’s Deck the Halls opening last night. Steve Schreve, President, USA Baccarat, spoke about how he uses Baccarat every day. He said we shouldn’t save the good stuff for only holidays. I agree! If you have nice dishes, silver, or crystal, enjoy it, use it!
I love silver-plate napkin rings for my linen napkin. I don’t use these for every meal, but I’m thinking about it. Why not? The napkin rings don’t need to be washed.
I think paper napkins are practical and fabulous for many purposes, but they’re not elegant. Sometimes I just want something that feels very special, and linen is the way to go! When everyone used linen napkins for every meal a hundred years ago, they used the same napkin for several days. So they can be used more than once if need be.
I also enjoy a spot of tea in the afternoon with a tea cookie. They are a simple butter cookie made to go with tea. They taste best when served on a pretty china plate.
Enjoy your morning!!!
Love this post and so timely. I spent this cold rainy SoCal day sorting, ironing & grading my vintage linen.
I collect for my personal use and sell.
On a daily basis, we only have cloth napkins. And the drawer is organized by color, holiday and rotated for optimum use.
I have bins full of everyday linens and vintage linens. They should be used and enjoyed, not just for the love of the hunt!!
I take a tea break almost every afternoon. I grab one of my many vintage teacups. Once I bought one from an older lady at a garage sale who collected them. She said of course she never used them and I thought that was sorta sad. Life is too short!
Love the Nina tea tin in cover picture. Where are these available?
We will have them available later, we don’t have them in the shop just yet. They are delicious!!!
Great article. I really enjoy your article. Actually, I love to drink tea and takes tea every day 3 times. Love this article.
I always liked tea especially in the winter, it seem like it’s the only thing that comforts your cold body.
This year my daughter gave me a frother for Christmas.
My go to drink is Portland breakfast blend tea with oat milk and a touch of sugar. It soothes my soul.
I put the oat milk in the frother, it heats the milk and makes it so creamy & frothy.
I use a glass tea cup. It’s the best.
I will post where I purchased everything if you are interested.
Have a great day.
Rose
Love the idea to always use what you collect…I try to do this so I can enjoy them. Our children may not want what we cherish so enjoy it while you can.
Shirley
I have never been a hot tea drinker but a few weeks ago I read that Chamomile tea helps relax and lets you sleep more restful, so I started having a cup at night. I love using antique China cups from my Mom’s collection and thinking about her while I enjoy the tea. Up until a couple of years ago I used Mom’s Strasbourg silver as my everyday silver. I stopped when I kept tarnishing the forks with eggs! Hope you can soon enjoy sitting in your lovely garden and sip your tea! Spring is near!
I too agree with you to use our best even for every day. I am now approaching age 80 and have such wonderful memories of serving tea in fancy cups with sweet scones or cookies enjoying my time with my daughter as she was growing up. Later, my two granddaughters too enjoyed this special ritual when they were with Nana, starting at age 2 with their own little tea cups. I have always preferred cloth napkins as well and have many so don’t have to iron them until the last one has been laundered. Even when alone now I pamper myself by using my pretty tea cups and silver spoons, a bit of honey or a couple of sugar cubes with lemon. I especially enjoy it when my British friends visit to join me. They prefer cream in their tea and I know to serve them Earl Grey. Thank you for sharing your lovely settings!
I love these cookies from Mont Sainte Michel and the Quimper tin! My favorite place on earth!
Absolutely! And only way to go!thanks !