Elevate the occasion !

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash

Shortly after I became engaged, my mother insisted I have a traditional bridal tea cup shower. But I’d come of age during the ‘70’s. During that decade, it was all about pottery, rock and roll, macrame with everything being free form and natural. There was no way I was going to ever need a prissy Royal Albert tea cup. Nor could I imagine any of my friends drinking from one. It was so uncool.

I was adamant. But so was she.

“Drinking tea out of a proper cup elevates the occasion”.

“Absolutely not. None of my friends have any. I don’t need them to impress my friends”, I said.

Mom looked hurt. (Not my proudest daughter moment..)

So to compromise, she arranged a “mug shower”.

Almost 50 years later, I own a small collection of lovely tea cups, inherited from an aunt.

So, Mom, I hate to admit it but you were right. I can imagine you smiling down from heaven right about now.

YES! Tea does taste better in these cups. My guess it’s because one cannot mindlessly brew a pot of tea and pour it into a china cup. It requires focussed attention. I usually toss a bag into a mug, pour boiling water over it, stir, then squeeze the bag against the side of the mug, usually while playing Scrabble on-line or reading a book.

YES! Some of my friends set out their lovely cups and saucers to elevate the occasion and I know they’re doing it to bless, not impress.

YES! Sipping from a teacup makes me feel like a queen.

February is a cold and often lonely month in Canada. Would you consider inviting someone over for a proper cup of tea? If you don’t have any cups, all thrift stores have LOTS to choose from. You would make them feel like royalty!

By the way…

Fun fact- Did you know that a rare tea sipping cup fetched US $36 Million dollars at Sotheby's auction in 2014? Hailing from the Ming dynasty during the Chenghua emperor reign, this cup was created in the 15th century as an act of devotion for his empress mother.

I’ve also learned that looking away from your teacup while sipping is considered rude in traditional tea etiquette because it signifies a lack of focus on the experience and can be interpreted as disinterest in the tea itself. Looking into the cup demonstrates proper focus on the act of drinking tea.

When adding milk or sugar, never stir your cup in circles. Instead, place your spoon at 12 o’clock and move it gently back and forth to 6 o’clock then place the spoon on the saucer and never pick up your saucer!

Lastly, contrary to popular belief, keep your pinkie down. Raising it is a sign of pretentiousness.

But the most important thing is to do whatever it takes to make your guests feel welcome.

Even if it means slurping from the saucer!