Black tea arrived in the UK in the 1650s. The first ever tea shop was opened by Thomas Twining in London in 1706. And by the mid-18th century, Brits across the country were sipping the beverage, with it fast becoming an intrinsic part of our cultural fabric. Celebrate this icon of our society with a gorgeous tea set…
Tea Set In Panama
This is a travel tea set (a collab with the Rare Tea Company) crafted in cross-grain calf leather – as seen in the brand’s Panama diary, designed by Frank Smythson in 1908. Easy to grab and go, the set includes a stainless steel pot, two fine bone china tea cups and saucers, two stainless steel teaspoons, a packet of masala chai, three glass bottle containers, a leather personalisation tag and the Panama Tea Book.
Mariage Frères Christmas Party Tea
This velvety black tea, by Mariage Frères, captures the joyous spirit of the holiday season with its pleasantly aromatic notes of almond, candied fruit, chocolate, and hazelnut. Sipping it is like taking a trip down memory lane, evoking childhood nostalgia of special moments shared with family and friends. The cheerful canister, with its white polka dot pattern, is reminiscent of a magical flurry of snowflakes.
Modern Matcha Gift Set
Containing 30g of certified Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha, this healthful blend is packed with antioxidants. From one garden and one cultivator, the tea is picked and stone-milled in Kirishima, on the south of Japan’s Kyushu island. The pack comes with a Matcha Shaker and a bamboo Chashaku.
Claridge’s Afternoon Tea Set for Two
Featuring the iconic five-star hotel’s jade and white chevrons, this set by Bernardaud will usher a little of the romantic ambience of The Foyer & Reading Room, into your home. Impress your guests by serving from the classic teapot, with cups, saucers and a milk jug also included.
Golden Fine Bone China Teapot
Handmade in Stoke-on-Trent (the home of English pottery) by The Caverswall English China Company, this stylish teapot will create a wow factor on your table. The upscale department store has woven its monogram into the gilt, which has been hand-painted onto the spout, lid and handle. Presented in a sleek box, the teapot makes for a fashionable gift.
Faunacrystopolis Harcourt Tea Set
Those who prefer to take their tea the Middle Eastern and North African way, will like this simple teapot with strainer and pair of glasses. Ideal for herbal infusions, the set comes in a lavishly finished gift box.
Fortnum’s Famous Tea Selection, 120 Tea Bags
Fortnum’s reputation for high-quality teas is widely revered and here you can purchase a selection box. Containing Royal Blend, Breakfast Blend, Earl Grey Classic, Afternoon Blend, Queen Anne Blend, Jubilee, Irish Breakfast, Wedding Breakfast and Smoky Earl Grey, it will encourage the recipient to sample a variety of teas.
Gucci Set Of Two Herbarium Porcelain Cups And Saucers
The Italian fashion house also designs a range of homewares, such as these porcelain cups by Richard Ginori. The herbarium pattern features a vibrant golden yellow, offset by a more austere black stripe at the rim.
Wedgwood Anthemion Blue Fine Bone-China Teapot
Fine bone china specialist Wedgewood has chosen a striking a cobalt pattern with gold accents for this teapot. And while it may be detailed and delicate, it’s dishwasher safe, so perfect for those who would never dream of spending time handwashing.
Fornasetti Teapot Tema E Variazioni N.21
A real statement piece, this is an art piece as much as a teapot. Emblazoned with Italian opera singer Lina Cavalieri’s eyes, the collector’s item is bound to provoke conversations with your guests. Matching cups (with a winking eye) and a sugar bowl capturing the soprano’s mouth are also available.
Complete One Litre Tea-iere Set
Enjoy the golden hues of your cuppa and patterns of the leaves within the pot when you buy the Tea-iere “teacanter”. It comes with handleless double-walled glass mugs, a bamboo tray and a glass timer to ensure the optimum brew time is observed. It’ll help you create your own tea ceremonies at home.
