TALES OF THE TEA POT, AND HOW TO CHOOSE YOURS!
The eponymous teapot has become an English institution. For many of us, a teapot means so much more than a mere vessel for brewing and pouring tea. The teapot is a symbol of friendship, of telling stories and confiding in each other.
There it sits between your friends and your teacups, loyally keeping the tea warm, listening in on your conversations and never telling a soul what it’s heard. It also represents treasured moments of solitude. Like an old friend or a childhood toy, indeed like tea itself, your favourite teapot is a source of pure joy, comfort and reassurance.
THE HISTORY
There is no one traditional image of the teapot. Its history is long and sometimes a little muddled: it certainly originated in China over 5000 years ago and oriental style teapots tend to be slightly smaller, individual sizes, compared to their English counterparts. Teapots came into existence in the UK around the 16th century.
Today, teapots come in many styles and sizes Which teapot to choose? Large teapots for gatherings of family and friends, of course. Small teapots for those private moments, curled up with a book or a best friend. Teapots with infusers, or teapots without? Floral, traditional or modern designs? Funky and fun? Or gold plated antiques? Which material to choose? Glass or ceramic, fine bone china or simply clay… wow, what an array!
WHICH TEAPOT IS FOR ME?
Well, there’s no need to worry about a storm in a teacup… One of the great joys of drinking tea is choosing the accessories to go with it. And at Twinings we’ve a huge variety of teapots, teacups and saucers for every occasion and for all tastes. So here are a few ideas to help you choose which teapot to buy.
LOOSE-LEAF TEA LOVERS
Our Twinings Teapot is part of our luxury Twinings teaware set, featuring a design of the Twinings skyline.
TWININGS 216 STRAND BLACK DESIGN TEAPOT
£55.00 each
A beautifully shaped teapot and part of an exclusive series of fine bone china.
TWININGS 216 STRAND GOLD EDGE TEAPOT
£75.00 each
A beautifully shaped teapot and part of an exclusive series of fine bone china with a 24 carat gold edging
ALISON APPLETON FRITZ
Those of you who prefer minimalist, modern designs - check out the marvellous Alison Appleton Fritz collection, porcelain teapots with built-in fine stainless steel infusers.
TEAPOTS SANS STRAINER
However, not all teapots come with a built in strainer and for these you need to use a separate tea strainer, which can lend a sense of ceremony to the art of pouring tea!
BURLEIGH COLLECTION
Traditionalists and lovers of ye olde Englande will adore the aristocratic style teapots in the Burleigh collection.
BURLEIGH PLUM ASIATIC PHEASANTS TEAPOT GIFT SET
£55.00 each
A contemporary twist on a quintessential pattern, Burleigh's Plum Asiatic Pheasants range radiates elegance and luxury.
BURLEIGH BLACK REGAL LARGE PEACOCK TEAPOT
£70.00 each
This teapot is made from English earthenware clay and hand-decorated at Middleport Pottery with a black and white palette bringing an air of refinement to your teatime ritual.
ELEGANT & GLAMOROUS
Combining tradition with modern glamour the Miss Etoile Eyes teapot is the epitome of elegance.
With long-lashed eyes and blushed cheeks either side of the spout, she is both trés chic and fun! One of our favourites, Miss Etoile is the perfect pot for catching up with a girlfriend or two.
"I love my teapot!"
- feefo review
£52.50 each
Beautifully crafted from ceramic and decorated with a distinctive blushing feminine face that's complemented by black and pink pastel lace designs and gold accents.
£60.00 each
The brilliantly white ceramic Miss Etoile Eyes and Dots teapot is beautifully crafted from ceramic and decorated with a distinctive feminine face with blush pink cheeks and enhanced with black dots and gold accents.
So perhaps there’s more to the “little teapot short and stout” than at first you thought.
As loyal and comforting as an old friend, and as trustworthy as a pet, the sturdy protector of your precious tea; the teapot pours forth its tea as much as we pour out our stories over a cup of its piping hot contents. So, if teapots could talk, whose teapot would you like to listen to? Happy tea times!