As longtime readers of this blog know, I love-love-love Valentine's Day, and I like to turn it into a celebration that lasts much longer than a single day. In fact, I'll kick off my annual week of Valentine's giveaways this Friday, so I decided it was time to begin celebrating by getting rid of the winter whites on the tea trolley and outfitting her (surely it's a "her") for February!
The focal point of my February decor this year had to be this teapot, which of course has a story behind it. This was a gift from my mother last year at Valentine's, so of course it's very meaningful to me this year. I had seen on my friend Bernideen's blog that there were cups and saucers to match the teapot, but I couldn't find any when I searched online. One day recently I found a matching cup and saucer on eBay, but it was $25 plus shipping and I decided that was too much. (I doubt my mother paid more than $2 for the teapot at a yard sale!) Well, the teacup didn't sell and the eBay seller listed it again, at a much lower price. Can you believe I FORGOT TO BID and someone else won it? I was soooo disappointed. Oh, well. It just wasn't meant to be, I told myself.
The very next week I was in Ross in Carrollton and I almost started turning cartwheels when I found six of these Gracie China teacups for $4.99 each! Can you believe that? They're a little lighter in color than my teapot, but I don't care, and I bought 'em all.
So I feel very happy about my teacup finds, and underneath them I am using a pink pineapple table topper that was crocheted by my Grandmother Doris, who was my mother's mother. This is the grandmother who taught me to crochet, so I always enjoy remembering that when I use this piece she crocheted.
I have to tuck a few tea-themed vintage Valentines into the scene, of course.
These little paper ones are so sweet, and yes, I'll be sharing a few "new" ones this year!
So that's my start on the February decorating, and I can't wait to start celebrating Valentine's Week with you all!
Your tea trolley looks adorable! What a wonderful find those teacups and saucers were, to go with the teapot that has extra special memories this year. And those vintage Valentines are the perfect touch.
ReplyDeleteA lovely valentine tea trolley! You are one of the luckiest people when it comes to finding tea treasures. Guess you have me going back to Ross for teacups! How do you do it?
ReplyDeleteOh Angela:
ReplyDeleteSo glad for you! The company that made these is Coastline - they use the name Gracie on their things. (this is often the way it works) These were discontinued several years back so it is wonderful that they apparently sell their discontinued to Ross. I love your tea cart! I just pulled mine up from the basement last night but haven't posted as yet! I am reading Susan Branch's book "A Fine Romance" and enjoying!
Love your Valentine tea things and the tea cart! The teapot is darling. I have one teacup which I shared today and would love to find more. Such a sweet vignette!
ReplyDeleteYour Valentine tea trolley looks great. How wonderful to find six teacups to go with your special teapot.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela! Your Valentine's tea trolley is very inspirational, and you're right, the holiday merits extended celebrations. So happy you found the teacups to match the teapot from your mother. I know she's smiling down on your tea trolley display, and probably when you found the teacups too! Alas, there are no Ross stores in my area. Hugs, Phyllis
ReplyDeleteLove the vintage valentines.
ReplyDeleteYour tea trolley really is welcoming Valentine's Day. Glad you found the Gracie cup and saucers to go with your teapot. The vintage looking Valentine's are perfect.
ReplyDeleteThe tea cart is looking very festive for the upcoming Valentine's Day celebration.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen anyone so lucky with the deals you find Angela - you know the eBay teacup was not meant to be, as the others were sitting there waiting for you to find them.
Now you can have a VD tea party and everyone will have a matching teacup.
I too love PINK and Valentine's day! I too have spotted the Gracie heart teacups on ebay -- again I will try Ross! I especially love the vintage TEA Valentine cards on your cart! So special to have nice memories!
ReplyDeleteOMG! I am in love with it all. The pink crocheted piece is so special and to know it is from your grandmother makes it even more so. I am so glad your mother enjoyed giving you tea items and love the tea pot. You have a beautiful tea trolly and so many special items and memories. Happy Month of February!
ReplyDeleteLove it all! You do inspire me to begin the month of Love celebration. Now where are my valentines? Love the teapot and the story behind it and then finding the cups.
ReplyDeleteYour tea trolley is festive and sets the mood for the month of February. It is a trolley of love and memories.
ReplyDeleteSimply perfect in every way!
ReplyDeleteI heart your Valentine vignette. Your bargain finds never cease to amaze me. I covet the Emma Bridgewater pink hearts teaware but I just can't thoil it!
ReplyDeleteHello Angela, what a beautiful tea time display!*
ReplyDelete*It's window-worthy and would look lovely in a tea shop window! You have so many talents. The vintage cards add such a nice touch and the teapot from your mom is so sweet. What great memories you can treasure, that's for sure.
Here's wishing you and Alex a great Valentine's Celebration.
Joanie
lindo
ReplyDeleteTea time finds and a Valentines Day tea trolley - the perfect combination, Angela!
ReplyDeleteSo Pretty in Pink!
Enjoy your Valentine celebrations and have a happy day.
Mary Jane