Monday, November 22, 2021

What's in the China Cupboard: Monday

For much of this week, I'll be featuring a special piece or two from my china cupboard. I was inspired when I reached in to see what might need to be washed so I could use it for Thanksgiving. It occurred to me that there were several stories contained in these pieces, and now might be a good time to share some of them. 


The first thing I noticed was my mother-in-law Sylvia's teapot. This has been on the shelves of her china cupboard ever since I first met her in 1974 (and probably long before). She used it often, usually for mint tea. We were invited to share stories of Sylvia at her memorial service, and the first one I shared was about this teapot.

More than 45 years ago, Sylvia offered to make mint tea for a family friend and me, so she went out to pick the mint, put the kettle on to boil, got out the teapot, and we all waited for the tea to steep. After several minutes, she poured the tea into dark mugs, and the friend and I took sips of the mint tea we had looked forward to. We looked at each other questioningly and took a few more sips. Neither one of us was quite sure what to say, but I finally had to blurt out, "I don't think this mint tea has any mint in it!" Sylvia looked a bit surprised but started to laugh when she saw the mint she had picked was still on the kitchen counter. That was the day my future mother-in-law served me hot water, but it was prepared in her lovely teapot. She continued to laugh about it for many years afterward.


It's not a fancy or expensive piece, but she was always careful with it. Some of the gold has worn off in places, and I especially like the place on the top of the handle where her thumb rested while pouring. Nobody in the family remembers when she got the teapot, but I'm grateful to have it in my care now. I think about my mother-in-law every time I make tea in it.

18 comments:

  1. That is a beautiful tea pot and what a funny story to go along with it!

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  2. I am imagining Sylvia's excitement at making tea for two such incredible girls that she simply forgot those mint leaves. This is just a great story and I hope that as you all gather for Thanksgiving you will share more Sylvia Stories!

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  3. Well, at least it was just water -- have you ever seen the movie Saving Grace? There's a very memorable scene where a couple of her friends pick what they think is mint and make tea with it. (If you haven't seen the movie, it's worth watching for that scene alone!) The teapot is really beautiful and I'm sure you get a chuckle every time you get it out.

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  4. It doesn't matter whether or not it is an expensive piece, it is a priceless piece for the memories it contains. I have a few pieces like that, probably would be thought of as junk by anyone else, but it reminds me of lovely family members long gone. This is a great idea for the week of Thanksgiving, Bonny!

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  5. What a beautiful teapot, Bonny. I just love the "thumb spot!" (It kind of gives me the shivers, y'know?) And the story of the not-mint tea is just wonderful. It's the type of story that will live on in family lore for a good long time! I'm looking forward to seeing what else you pull out of your china cupboard this week. XO

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  6. I "inherited" that same teapot with matching sugar and creamer from my MIL. I don't know it's story, but I suspect that it came from her MIL (dh's grandmother) Mine does not appear to be used much.

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    1. Interesting! I would like to see the sugar and creamer. It's up to you to use yours and wear a spot in the gold!

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    2. I'll email you a photo later today at the contact address you have under your profile.

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  7. That is a perfect story to share about family lore and love. The teapot is just gorgeous. It's unique (at least to my eye) and all the better when it is passed to you from a dear one.

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  8. That's a lovely teapot and your story about the mint-less mint tea is terrific!

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  9. what a lovely story and a beautiful teapot, you are lucky to have it and your memories!!

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  10. What a lovely teapot and such a sweet story to go with it!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie! I made a pot of tea with it last night and enjoyed both the tea and thinking about my Mil!

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  11. What a beautiful teapot. I have a soft spot in my heart for teapots. (For other things too, a bit of a collector of things beautiful) What I like about them is how you can 'cradle' them in two hands. It feels just right. And this weekend I bought one and a cup that are meant to be yard art. They have PVC pipe connections on their bottoms to slip into longer PVC pipes that are meant to be put into the ground or flower pots.
    Mint-less tea is a new one for me. I have made mint tea and included the leaves, but it was pretty 'light' in flavor so I didn't see where your story was going at first. I look forward to your stories.

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    1. Thanks, Helen! It does feel good to hold a cup or teapot in your hands and let it warm you. And teapots and cups as yard art are even better! I wish I could see them.

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  12. What a lovely teapot, and even better that it's full of stories.

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  13. What a sweet teapot. I wondered if your mother-in-law steeped some other herb in place of mint. I also love that she laughed about the story for many years. I wonder what other stories are in your china cupboard. I know there are a few in mine.

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  14. Oh, that's my favorite type of story!! Funny & sweet.

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