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Tea, Taxes and Transferware

In 1784 the import tax on tea was reduced.  This was wonderful news for the middle class and less wealthy people as it made tea drinking affordable to them.  Unfortunately, the tax on silver was increased at the same time.  The combination of these two factors substantially increased the demand for ceramic tea services.  Transferware had just been invented and was in the very early years of production.  Some of the most beautiful and collectible transferware teapots were made during this period and well into the 20th century.

Today I am joining Lady Katherine Tea Parlor for a tea, Blue Monday hosted by Smiling Sally, Rhoda at Southern Hospitality,  Rondi's Tea Party Tuesday,   Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life and The Gypsy's Corner for Three or more Tuesday.    I'm serving a spiced tea and cinnamon swirl bread with honey butter. 


I served my tea in an English transferware teapot by J & G Meakin in the Gainsborough pattern.  It's a pretty blue transfer with fruits and flowers. 

I chose the Charlotte pattern by Royal Staffordshire to compliment the teapot and teacups.  Charlotte is a lovely pattern depicting a Victorian basket filled flowers.  On the tray below, I've used a Charlotte creamer and open sugar bowl.


I used a vintage white table cloth with white flowers and blue embroidery.

I don't have fresh flowers so I put some pink silk roses in an antique silver, double handled vase.  I love the look of these old silver pieces, even when they obviously could stand to be shined. 


Isn't this a lovely toast rack?  It's also in the Charlotte pattern and holds two slices of toast and has small bowls attached at each side for jam and butter.   These are also great for bill sorting and holding small office supplies like paperclips.

I bought the crystal lamp at a garage sale a few years back for $1.50!  


A Quote for your Thoughts:
Much of the character of every man may be read in his house. ~John Ruskin





Comments

  1. Beautiful table...love the toast holder. What a deal you got on the little crystal light.

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  2. Another beautiful teaset!I love the tray too.

    Carolyn

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  3. I have never seen a toast holder or a tray like that but they are very pretty. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Just beautiful. Great tablecloth. The toast holder is amazing, all of mine are reproductions or just new.

    - The Tablescaper

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  5. Just lovely! I love your tranferware Tea set! The toast rack is so wonderful! The first one I seen that has side for jam and butter! The cloth is so beautiful! Love the lamp and the silver with flowers. Such a lovely setting! I love your table too! Thank you so much for joining me for Tea Time Tuesday. I just love your Tea and your show and tell with all the lovely pieces you have collected.

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  6. My Mr. Linky went away can you come back and link your post to Tea Time Tuesday. So Sorry

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  7. This is a beautiful tea time table. Everything is lovely. Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. Lia

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  8. Thanks for visiting my blog.. and thanks for the invite to come see your blog! Oh my! I think I have bought from you on ebay and yikes! In trouble now you have a Etsy store!?..How can you part with all those lovelies?! Hmm maybe you can help me..Been looking for a transferware plate with rabbits..Will add you to my bloglist! I'll be back!Debra

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  9. Nancy, thats one of the most beautiful tea sets I've ever seen amd oh my goodness a toast holder- wow.. Every little detail makes it the perfect setting. You better be glad I dont live close by or I'd be swiping that table you used:-) Elegant and welcoming, doesnt get better than that.. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

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  10. Beautiful transferware tea set! I love the history lesson with the tea party also!!!

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  11. Thanks for sharing your lovely tea service. The table is beautiful.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  12. Your transferware is beautiful! I have been eyeing your Etsy dishes--they are calling my name.
    XX00

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  13. What an interesting story - I'd never heard that about the tax on silver and tea! Love learning tid-bits like this!

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  14. Beautiful table but I love anything blue and white! What a great place for tea. I love the toast rack (haven't seen one with the jam/butter dishes attached) -- my DH loves to call them toast "coolers" --

    Great tea!

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  15. The tea set and toast rack are wonderful, and I love the silver flower container (I'd have thought the roses were real if you hadn't said they were silk!). The vintage embroidered cloth is perfect ... so beautiful, crisp, and fresh-looking. Nicely done!

    Bill

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  16. Oh this is just so lovely. I love transferware of all kinds and this pattern is just stunning. I also appreciated the history of transferware, I didn't know that. Such a pretty tablescape and the tablecloth is fabulous too. Thanks so much for joining the party. I have so enjoyed your table today. Hugs, Marty

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  17. Nancy darling, I stumbled upon your blog and while here, I enjoyed my visit and taking afternoon tea with you very much. Your blog is loaded with interesting posts and lovely photos. I have joined your followers, and will return often to visit with you.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  18. unbelievable dishes you have. enjoyed the history lesson too

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  19. enjoyed the history lesson along with your unbelievably beautiful transferware.

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  20. Hi Nancy
    I am so glad you joined the tea party! I love your china. I am not familiar with that pattern called Charlotte but since I live in Charlotte I am definitely going to be on the lookout for it. ANd I love the littel toast rack. Now about that hands in your banner phot...I want it!!
    Rhondi

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  21. Nancy,
    Thanks for posting on my blog. Love the transferware. I have some pieces, myself. The house on the front page of my blog is our 1939 Cape Cod home. The original blueprints for the home came from Better Homes and Gardens.
    Robin

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  22. I just love blue and white dishes. Your tea setting is beautiful!

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

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  23. Your table looks so inviting, and what a steal you got with that gorgeous lamp :)

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  24. What a lovely tea set. I also love your beautiful tablecloth. I'd be honored to have tea with you any day!

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  25. Nancy darling thanks so much for visiting my cottage and for joining my followers, much appreciated. I am looking forward to taking tea with you weekly. See you next Tuesday if not sooner.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  26. Nancy,
    Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comment...this allowed me to discover your beautiful blog of which I am now a follower!

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  27. Nancy, this is the most lovely and charming table setting. I love the blue & white, it's just beautiful! And what a sweet little lamp you picked up for a song that goes perfectly with the setting. May I PLEASE come over to your house for tea? :)

    Fondly,
    Pat

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  28. The old silver looks so lovely with the blue and white tea set!

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  29. This is all very, very pretty! I really like Transferware!

    I haven't seen a toast rack like that, neat!

    Katherine

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  30. Nancy,
    Your tea set is lovely. I especially like your toast holder, how neat. Your little wicker table is wonderful too! What a nice tea.

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  31. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!! I have just fallen in love with everything on this pretty little table!
    That lamp is so soft & glowing...what a bargain!
    I have learned a great deal since discovering your pretty blog. Very informative post, as always.
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge & your pretties!

    fondly,
    Rett

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  32. Your tea set is lovely. I love how even the tray matches your tea pot. Blue and white transferware is a favorite of mine. Love the toast rack, too. Your tablecloth is so crisp. I know it's hard to iron linen.

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  33. I just love all of these beautiful pieces but I must say that tablecloth really caught my eye...it's stunning!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

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  34. Nancy, I love your beautiful tea set!!! It is so very, very pretty. You've made a lovely setting for tea. Nice tablecloth too. Your blog is great! Thanks for sharing the link about transferware. I am anxious to read more about it. Have a great Monday!

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  35. What a perfect table setting! Happy blue Monday!

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  36. A beautiful table setting. I adore that vintage tablecloth. It looks so pristine!

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  37. Beautiful pieces you've collected! Thanks for sharing.

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  38. Beautiful setting you have there! Love the transferware! Marla

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  39. Love your collection of transferware. I collect some transferware. The Yeddo pattern. Love the interior design of your home. Stunning!

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  40. Luv your toast holder and vintage tablecloth!

    Blessings,
    Linda

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  41. Hi Nancy, I live in Australia and just recently came across a blue and cream transfer ware Maling oversized cup and saucer (possibly 1920) with an oriental pattern on it. I cannot find anything like it on the web currently and am wondering if you could tell me if these are common or rare and an approximate value? thanks for any assistance with my search, kind regards Jess

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  42. HI Nancy, I requested some information if possible regarding the oversized cup and saucer Maling blue and cream. My return email address is jessica.skuza@yahoo.com.au.
    thanks

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