Every woman needs her very own tea set.  It doesn’t have to be expensive, ornate, or exhibiting fine examples of hand painting (although none of that can hurt!)  The only requirement for any proper set is that it hold enough tea for all one’s friends.  While I am more of a coffee drinker and do not know all the in’s and out’s of proper tea, I have come to realize that a tea set is something more than just porcelain.

 Below is my personal tea set and it comes with a story that will always make it dear to my heart …though the colors no longer match my kitchen.

I came across this set ten years ago while I was in my senior year of college.  Like many college students, money was tight, and I happened to be out one day trying to find a few clothing bargains for my senior student-placement.  I wandered through the mall and ended up in Bon Ton, unsuccessful on my search up to this point.  I began ambling my way through the home section and came across a small box containing this tea set.  It had, as one can see, two tea cups, a tea pot, and of course a matching creamer and sugar bowl.  It was greatly reduced in price, but still would take all of the money I had in my meager clothing budget.

As with many purchases, I took sometime to think about it and mulled the decision over in my head.  I needed the clothes.  Yet the tea set suddenly came to represent more than just a few pretty dishes, and the pressing issue of expanding my tiny wardrobe began to melt away.  I started to view these little pieces of china as my future.  As something that showed I was ready for the more “adult” aspects of life.  As an investment in the future me, who, I was convinced, would need a tea set.

The choice became crystal clear.

After I had reached my definite conclusion, I made a bee line to the store, plunked down every last cent I had in my wallet, and carried my purchase back to the college townhouse proud as a peacock.  Ten years later it still has a special place in my kitchen.  Though the bold maroon flowers clash with the soft pinks and turquoise of my current color scheme, the set still reminds me of the investment I made in myself and my future.  So it is true when they say that every tea cup has a story…and this is mine.

Oh and the clothing situation?  

Well, when you live with seven other girls of the same size…the problem sort of takes care of itself! 🙂

So whether it be mismatched, chipped around the rim, or covered in painted flowers, bring out from hiding that most beloved set.  It stands for more than just tea! 🙂