While it can be cozy and relaxing to curl up with a mug of tea an increasing number of people are starting to want to serve tea in a more traditional way. This is one reason why the concept of a traditional tea set is becoming more and more popular. If you are thinking about buying one of the beautiful fine English bone china tea sets that are available, here is what you need to know about how to choose one and then how to keep it looking beautiful long after you have brought it home.
There are many different materials used to make tea sets. Some materials such as earthenware, can be heavy and are quite durable. Others, such as porcelain are more delicate and easier to break. Bone china is related to porcelain and fine china but there are a few small differences that determine what the material will be called.
When purchasing a set, you need to find out what the percentage of bone ash is in the china. Higher quality china will have a higher percentage of bone dust mixed in the clay. Look for sets that have between 30 and 45 per cent bone dust mixed in with the clay. It should be translucent- that is, when you hold it up to the light, you can see the light through the china.
Although it is durable, it can be damaged. Handles can break off easily and edges can be chipped. Some sets will develop a network of cracks in the finish. While this may or may not affect how functional the piece is, it can affect the value.
Cleaning your set is something that needs to be done properly. This is a time when it is easier to accidentally damage one of your items. You also need to be careful when putting your items into storage regardless of whether it is just for a short time or if you are packing items away for a longer period of time.
Hand washing may be time consuming but it doesn't need to be. Rinse items so that liquid does not have a chance to dry on or discolor your items. Wash them carefully and only place an item or two into the sink at a time. Avoid the dishwasher as the harsh detergent can fade colors or even soften metal accents.
When storing your piece, how you protect it will depend on how long you are storing it. If you are simply putting it into a china cabinet between uses, you can simply put padding between cups and saucers. Make sure larger pieces are stored with enough space that their handles will not bang into one another. Be careful when stacking tea cups as you do not want the handles to be stressed as this can lead to breakage.
Once you begin using and caring for your set you may be amazed at how often you bring it out. You may find that you look for times to use it other than when you are serving guests. By making sure that you take good care of your set you can be sure to be able to use it for many years and may find that your children or grandchildren want to use it along with all of the wonderful memories that comes with it.
There are many different materials used to make tea sets. Some materials such as earthenware, can be heavy and are quite durable. Others, such as porcelain are more delicate and easier to break. Bone china is related to porcelain and fine china but there are a few small differences that determine what the material will be called.
When purchasing a set, you need to find out what the percentage of bone ash is in the china. Higher quality china will have a higher percentage of bone dust mixed in the clay. Look for sets that have between 30 and 45 per cent bone dust mixed in with the clay. It should be translucent- that is, when you hold it up to the light, you can see the light through the china.
Although it is durable, it can be damaged. Handles can break off easily and edges can be chipped. Some sets will develop a network of cracks in the finish. While this may or may not affect how functional the piece is, it can affect the value.
Cleaning your set is something that needs to be done properly. This is a time when it is easier to accidentally damage one of your items. You also need to be careful when putting your items into storage regardless of whether it is just for a short time or if you are packing items away for a longer period of time.
Hand washing may be time consuming but it doesn't need to be. Rinse items so that liquid does not have a chance to dry on or discolor your items. Wash them carefully and only place an item or two into the sink at a time. Avoid the dishwasher as the harsh detergent can fade colors or even soften metal accents.
When storing your piece, how you protect it will depend on how long you are storing it. If you are simply putting it into a china cabinet between uses, you can simply put padding between cups and saucers. Make sure larger pieces are stored with enough space that their handles will not bang into one another. Be careful when stacking tea cups as you do not want the handles to be stressed as this can lead to breakage.
Once you begin using and caring for your set you may be amazed at how often you bring it out. You may find that you look for times to use it other than when you are serving guests. By making sure that you take good care of your set you can be sure to be able to use it for many years and may find that your children or grandchildren want to use it along with all of the wonderful memories that comes with it.
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