Having spent a wonderful day celebrating an early Birthday and Christmas with my family, driving home 4 hours (well Mr. G , drove) waking up the morning of my birthday was very tough!
Complete with a piece of birthday cake (from yesterday's celebrations), The Mr. felt I could use some energizing.
Using the new teacup from Longquan Celadon Kiln, a gift from my brother and his wife...
What a grand handle! Perfect for holding ...
In case I got some energy and chose to linger at the breakfast table a little, Mr. G. set out some of the tea books I was gifted from my Sister and SIL. I can't wait to curl up with these, over the cold winter months that will be coming.
The teacup comes with its own infuser! Removing the lid I discover, steeping for my birthday tea is Harney & Sons ~ Paris blend, of black teas, natural vanilla,fruit and citrus flavours, my sister knows how to select a tea that will send my taste buds in happy land.
This particular design is known as Okura Ume Blossom.
The History of the Ume Blossom on the box reads as follows:
The Ume blossom is the first flower to blossom in winter. When there is snow on the ground, the ume flowers bloom triumphantly, symbolizing HOPE for the return of spring. Ume trees can live for over 100 years, and their old rugged trunks (resembling dragons) contrast with the delicate young blossoms.
The Longquan Celadon Kiln, one of five famous Imperial Kilns of China, introduced this type of porcelain to Europe during the Ming Dynasty (1368 A.D. - 1644 A.D.). The kiln was capable of firing at ahigher temperature (2500 degrees C) to create a finer, more luminescent glaze than previously available.
Just in case ... The chocolate shoe which accompanied the gorgeous Louis Vuitton cake my sister had custom ordered for me (You can read and see photos of cake HERE), was on my must eat for breakfast list... the Mr. kindly added it to the setting!!!
ROYAL ALBERT teacup Give Away - ends December 24th, 2011
Sharing tea with these wonderful Hostesses!!
Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi
