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.
If the set you are looking for does not have at least 30% bone dust, it cannot be considered to be fine English bone china. Some sets actually have up to 45% bone dust contained in the clay. Unlike other types of clay pieces, these look warm and are actually thin and translucent enough that you can see light through them. Many have delicate handles or accents that can be fragile if not properly handled.
Most damage comes from repeated stress on areas where handles are joined to the body of pieces. If it is dropped on a hard surface, a china piece can, and usually will, break into multiple pieces. While a handle can be reattached, it can be impossible in some cases to reconstruct the body of a piece. Some items will also develop a network of cracks in the surface.
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.
When cleaning a set, it can be tempting to use the dishwasher but this may not be the best idea. Remember that the water is very hot and the detergent used in a dishwasher is very strong. If your items have metal accents, the heat from the water can soften the metal and cause it to wear off much more quickly than it would otherwise do.
Storage doesn't need to be complicated depending on how long the pieces will be tucked away for. Obviously if they are being put into storage or are being moved from one location to another they will need to be wrapped more carefully but if you are just setting them into a china cabinet the process can be much less complex. For example, make sure that cups are not stacked. This prevents strain on the handle.
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.
If the set you are looking for does not have at least 30% bone dust, it cannot be considered to be fine English bone china. Some sets actually have up to 45% bone dust contained in the clay. Unlike other types of clay pieces, these look warm and are actually thin and translucent enough that you can see light through them. Many have delicate handles or accents that can be fragile if not properly handled.
Most damage comes from repeated stress on areas where handles are joined to the body of pieces. If it is dropped on a hard surface, a china piece can, and usually will, break into multiple pieces. While a handle can be reattached, it can be impossible in some cases to reconstruct the body of a piece. Some items will also develop a network of cracks in the surface.
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.
When cleaning a set, it can be tempting to use the dishwasher but this may not be the best idea. Remember that the water is very hot and the detergent used in a dishwasher is very strong. If your items have metal accents, the heat from the water can soften the metal and cause it to wear off much more quickly than it would otherwise do.
Storage doesn't need to be complicated depending on how long the pieces will be tucked away for. Obviously if they are being put into storage or are being moved from one location to another they will need to be wrapped more carefully but if you are just setting them into a china cabinet the process can be much less complex. For example, make sure that cups are not stacked. This prevents strain on the handle.
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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