Monday, October 22, 2012

In search of Christmas teapots

Let's start with the good news: I found a 6-cup Spode Christmas Tree teapot at my local Ross store last week for just $14.99. I was delighted with the price, and very happy to have a new teapot in time for Christmas.

I already had cups, saucers and dessert plates in this pattern, but I did not have the teapot.

Isn't that acorn on the lid an elegant touch? For a *new* teapot, I couldn't be more pleased. But of course I am always wishing to find nice *vintage* things, and I have to tell you, I have been searching for a vintage Christmas teapot for months but came up empty-handed! I actually had a very good reason to be looking for one so early: I wanted it to include in the Christmas issue of the magazine I edit, which features "A Christmas Tea" this year. (We just sent it off to the printer, and I'll post a photo of the magazine cover when it comes out in early November.) I ended up using my not-so-vintage 1992 "Cup of Christmas Tea" teapot, which I think worked out quite well, but I have to say I was absolutely floored at the scarcity of vintage Christmas teapots. I have checked probably a dozen antique malls, eBay, Etsy, Ruby Lane, TIAS (The Internet Antique Store), and I came up with nothing suitable. I found several Japanese ones in chunky styles, but those just aren't what I had in mind. At the last minute I *finally* found a vintage, made-in-England Christmas teapot I liked, but the seller was in Canada and the piece wouldn't arrive in time for the photo shoot, so that tempered my enthusiasm for this teapot. I say all that to say this: Do you have any vintage English Christmas teapots? If so, be very, very grateful. And if not, well, start looking about two years ago!

16 comments:

  1. This teapot is so pretty! I am sure the teapot you chose for the magazine will be as elegant as a vintage one! I can't seem to find any kind of vintage teapot anywhere.

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  2. Your "new" teapot is really lovely! I like that Spode Christmas Tree pattern.

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  3. try searching for them at thrift shops .

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  4. What a beautiful Spode teapot at a wonderful price. Everytime you mention something you've found at a Ross store I lament that we don't have any of their stores in my area! I have several Christmas teapots, but none are vintage.

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  5. Awesome!
    I love Christmas china... and your new teapot is very cute!
    Congratulations... :D

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  6. Your Spode teapot is a good find, especially since you have matching pieces. Will be keeping my eyes open for vintage Christmas teapots now. I do have one Christmas teapot, it's a Precious Moments one that I've probably had for 20 - 25 years but it isn't vintage. I do enjoy displaying it every Christmas. Looking forward to seeing the picture of the Christmas Tea for the magazine.

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  7. You are so lucky to find such a bargain! I would have snatched that teapot up without hesitation! No, I don't have any vintage holiday teapots. I have a few novelty pots (snowman and a santa), but that is not the same.

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  8. That was indeed a real bargain! The nicely made ones are very difficult to find! I think so many of the better companies have ceased production, and the ones available are very expensive...if you can find one. Well done!!!
    Ruth

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  9. Boy, was that ever a good price for the Spode teapot.
    I don't use a special teapot for Christmas anymore - I used to have one with snowflakes to match my winter dishes but it developed a crack and leaked. Now I just use a white one with silver trim from Royal Doulton that can mix and match with the dishes quite well.
    Judith

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  10. Wish we had a Ross where I live! I don't own any Christmas teapots, hmmm! Maybe I need to go on the hunt for one! Yours is beautiful and a great price!
    Nancy

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  11. Wow! Wish we had a Ross here. No, I don't have any vintage English Christmas teapots.

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  12. Hi Angela,
    Do you know Victorian Trading Company? They have a Christmas teapot that I have had my eye on for a long time. I went back and looked at it today after reading your post and found it had been reduced to $19.99!!!!
    Now, I prefer old china but this one is a charmer and would be perfect for you.
    Here's the link: http://www.victoriantradingco.com/store/catalogimages/1a/i13681.html
    Ruthie from Lady B's

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  13. Beautiful Christmas Tea Pot :) I have two - A Christmas cat one (that has been broke TWICE) and a One Set with gingerbread and ivy

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  14. I do not have any Christmas teapots, only a solid red that I use during the holidays.

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  15. Hello Angela, what a nice tea pot you found. The acorn on the top is a pretty touch. A few years ago, I found a red-plaid tea set (probably intended for a children's tea) that was encased in a red-plaid (fabric covered) carrier box. (I was impressed at the great shape it was in - I found it at the Antique Mall in Fairburn, GA)

    When I was in Missouri, I was at an auction that had quite a few teapots, (many were Fitz and Floyd Christmas designs) that I ended up getting - very different designs that I have not seen since. I do love Christmas tea wares, they are very pretty. Can't wait to see your Christmas issue! Joanie

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  16. I have never searched for a Christmas teapot, but recently a friend gave me one she had in her attic for many years. It has never been used and still in it's Lenox box. I can't wait for Christmas to come so I can use it. I am so excited. Your teapot is very pretty and a very nice price too. Also, so special!

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