Heavenly Haviland

As I mentioned before, Haviland teacups are my favorite - so I took a few extra photos of my personal collection. I bought the pink ones at two different flea markets in Illinois, and the blue one was a recent purchase at an antiques shop in Indiana.

Virtual Tea Party

I had so much fun photographing my teacups last week. I set them up in nice little rows, and felt like I was posing my models for a photo shoot. They were so patient and cooperative! I'm actually impressed with myself for not breaking or chipping a single one of 'em. I wish I could remember how many I counted, but I really have no idea. Some of them are in several photos, and some of them didn't quite make the cut - but each one has its own story. Many were passed on from Grandmas, while others were flea market finds or antique shop bargains, and a few were gifts from friends...but they're all very special to me. I almost have enough cups to invite all of you for tea! Do you take sugar, honey or milk?

I Smell Haviland

There is more to Indiana than cars, corn, and the Colts (although I know my friend Anne would beg to differ when it comes to her football team). For instance, there are some incredible antiques shops around here! It could take an entire month to hit all the antique malls and shops within fifteen minutes of my home. If you're up for a good girls' weekend, and some quality antiquing, I would be happy to map out the shopping!

Have I ever mentioned my teacup collection? My Grandma has already passed some down from her own collection, and I get one from my husband's Grandma for every birthday. I don't think I'll ever get sick of adding to my collection. I suppose it's because they're beautiful, have sentimental value or history, and they have a purpose! I do drink tea, and I love to serve it to friends in a pretty lil' cup. Over the weekend, I added the two in the photo to my collection. Both are bone china, and the one on the left was a steal (for $4)! The one on the right happens to be a Haviland, which I can sniff from a mile away. (I often gravitate to designs by that particular company.) Do you have a collection? Give me the details!

Delightful Little Weekend

I hope you find some time to relax this weekend!

Image: Alexandra Grablewski

Teacup Catastrophe

I love this image from Dreamhouse. Notice the teacups? I saw those at Anthropologie - at an Anthropologie price...and then at Christmastime, Wal-mart had the same set for ten bucks! I am really kicking myself for not making the purchase.

Registry Snoop

I have watched enough episodes of House Hunters on HGTV to know that home builders have pretty much done away with a formal dining room. I am wondering if people are still registering for china. I sure hope so! What do you think? If you have a set, would you care to share the name and pattern? I love to see what people choose on their gift registries. I also love to see the couples' bedding selection. I guess I just admitted to being a little snoop! What is your favorite item on a gift registry?

Image: Paul Costello

My Teacup

I love when I see a photo in a magazine or online, and I actually own something displayed in the picture. It makes me feel special, because my piece is magazine-worthy, ya know?! It's almost like seeing your little tiny head in a crowd of people on the news...It's a little piece of you - and it's famous! Well, you know what I mean. So I just have to brag, and say that I own this teacup...and the set of dishes that coordinate. I would love this photo with - or without my teacup!

Image: Sarah Kaye - Polly Wreford

China for the 20th

March just happens to be the month of my wedding anniversary. Well, I should say "our", since I couldn't have an anniversary without my husband! When I was rummaging through my magazines the other week, I found this list of years in gifts from the April 2002 issue of Victoria. Shhhh...don't tell my mom that "china" is supposed to be the 20th Anniversary (wink, wink). She has been giving us the final pieces of our set the last few years.

1 Paper 2 Cotton 3 Leather 4 Linen 5 Wood

6 Iron 7 Wool 8 Bronze 9 Pottery 10 Tin

11 Steel 12 Silk 13 Lace 14 Ivory 15 Crystal

20 China 25 Silver 30 Pearl 35 Coral 40 Ruby

45 Sapphire 50 Gold 55 Emerald 60 Diamond

Image: Victoria - April 2002

Frui-tea Cups

The idea of serving fruit salad in teacups is just brilliant! I personally LOVE a variety of china, and started a teacup collection of my own a few years back. I enjoy embracing my femininity -and frankly, eating or drinking out of china makes me feel like a woman! Can anyone relate?!

Image: Tracy Porter