Thursday, May 8, 2008

The Shabby Chic Teapot


For years I have wanted a pink teapot. I have several with pink roses and some chintz ones with pink and other assorted flowers, but I've not had what I truly think of as a pink teapot. I saw one I probably should have bought at an antique mall a couple of years ago, but it was a bit pricey and I was convinced I could find something cheaper. When I didn't, I went back for that pink teapot and it was, naturally, gone. As Doris Day would say, "Que sera, sera," so I figured it was simply not to be. I'll bet a lot of you have stories about "the one that got away." That pink teapot was one of mine.



Then last week, a girlfriend and I were at Bradley's Antiques in LaGrange when I found my dream teapot, a vintage English Sadler piece. While it wasn't entirely pink, it was certainly pink enough for me to consider it my pink teapot, and it may very well be the prettiest one I've ever owned. I love it for several reasons: 1) The prominent band of pink. 2) The profusion of roses. 3) The pretty, flared top, rather like a lady wearing a wide-brimmed hat. 4) The crazing. As long as it's not chipping or flaking, I actually prefer pieces with a little age on them. 5) It's footed! I went ahead and bought this in anticipation of the cash birthday gift my parents usually give me, and I'm happy to say that plan worked out just fine. (My "tablecloth," by the way, is a 60-cent scarf my mom found at a Goodwill store that she thought I'd like. She was right, so don't overlook pretty scarves if you're like me and enjoy decorating with a few non-traditional things.)

To me, this is the perfect teapot for those of us who love romantic decorating and the Shabby Chic style. Yesterday, I celebrated this new gift with a pot of green rooibos tea (Pear Cream) and watched the new Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic DVD I got from Amazon.com. Over the past 10 years, the style-setter who has had the most influence on my life and my taste is no doubt Rachel. If you really want to see some gorgeous teawares, check out her book "The Shabby Chic Home." A girlfriend used to videotape Rachel's shows on the Style Network for me (we talk about "Rachel" like she's family), and when I read the shows were out on three DVD's, I knew I wanted to start collecting them. The one I got is called "Flowers, Petals & Gardens," and it was a good choice. Although I'd seen a few of the segments, I had not seen Rachel interview Christie Repasy, the amazing artist whose magnificent rose paintings have been featured in Romantic Homes and other magazines. What a nice surprise, and what a great way to celebrate the new pink teapot!

10 comments:

  1. That is the prettiest teapot I have ever seen. I am so glad you bought it. I hate going to antique shops and seeing such beautiful things not loved in someone's house and used to have tea party's and enjoyed. Kelli

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  2. I Love Love Love that teapot! It is so pretty, the feet really set it off. Great find!

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  3. Your new pink teapot is beautiful!

    And now I'm off to my Amazon.com Wish List to add the Rachel Ashwell DVD! Thanks for the heads-up.

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  4. What a gorgeous teapot. Nice find. :o)

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  5. Beautiful teapot! Very nice job on the photography, too!

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  6. Your new pink teapot is beautiful. I have a couple that I am very fond of. One belonged to my mother. It is an Arthur Wood teapot - white and gold with a wide pink band around the top. My other favorite is a Hall solid pink teapot with gold trim. It has the most unusual shape.

    The shabby chic style is nice. I have enjoyed my copy of Shabby Chic Treasure Hunting & Decorating Guide. Thanks for the info on the Rachel Ashwell DVD.

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  7. Oh, How Pretty! I LOVE your teapot! That was definetly worth waiting for.

    I'm also so happy to have found your blog ~ it's absolutely delightful! Thank you for taking the time to share.

    Have a lovely weekend!

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  8. Oh, I love that teapot!!! :)
    AutumnRose @ http://bloomingathome.wordpress.com/

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  9. Ooh lovely lovely site!

    May I be so rude as to tell you about me starting selling on Etsy?

    The description should say it all:

    Pryde & Wilson specialise in the exquisite ritual of afternoon tea. Our collection of beautiful vintage china will make any tea lover deliriously happy!

    We love nothing more than to take our time over making the perfect cup of tea which we feel deserves a delightful china cup and saucer to make the experience even more enjoyable.

    Now put the kettle on, make yourself a brew, and enjoy browsing!

    Hope I'm not intruding on your blog, just wanted to let a fellow afternoon tea lover know about it!

    All the best

    Keep on writing

    Saffy
    ps - my seller id is saffyem

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  10. The prettiest and most unusual teapot I have ever seen is on www.youngqueenvictoria.com. It is a beautiful 6 cupper and the head comes off to put the water and teabg in. On the back is a cute little Pomeranian dog that looks like it is hiding under her skirt! What a neat gift for your favorite tea granny!

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