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!