Okay, let me tell you about my little adventure with getting some French tea cups.
It all started a while back. I was scrolling online, you know how it is, and kept seeing these really elegant tea setups. The cups looked different, kinda delicate but sturdy too. Labeled ‘French style’. Got me thinking, my own tea routine felt a bit dull with my usual mugs. Thought it might be nice to get something a bit more special, make my afternoon tea feel a bit fancy.
The Hunt Begins
So, I actually started looking. First, I just typed “French tea cups” into the usual online shopping sites. Man, loads of stuff popped up. Some were super ornate, gold trim, flower patterns, looked like they belonged in a museum. Others were ridiculously expensive. Not really what I had in mind for daily use, you know? I wanted something charming, but usable, something that felt… well, French, but not like I’d break it by looking at it too hard.
I spent a few evenings just browsing. Got a bit frustrated, honestly. Everything was either too fancy, too plain, or cost a fortune. Then I remembered this little antique shop downtown I hadn’t been to in ages. Decided to pop in one Saturday.
Found Them!
Walked into the shop, that familiar smell of old wood and dust. Started poking around the shelves crammed with glassware and dishes. And there they were, tucked away on a bottom shelf! A small set, just four cups and saucers. They weren’t super flashy. Just simple white porcelain, but with a nice shape, a slightly scalloped edge, and a delicate blue flower pattern. Felt sturdy in my hand too. The lady in the shop said they were likely from the 70s, maybe Apilco or something similar, common bistro ware back then. Perfect! Exactly the vibe I was after. And the price was really reasonable.
Bringing Them Home
I bought them right away. The shop owner wrapped them up carefully in newspaper. Felt quite pleased carrying them home. Got them back, unwrapped each piece carefully on the kitchen counter. Gave them a good wash by hand, nice and gentle, just with warm soapy water. Didn’t want to risk the dishwasher, even if they looked tough.
First Cup of Tea
The next afternoon, I decided it was time. Brewed myself a pot of Earl Grey. Picked out one of the new cups and saucers. Poured the tea. Honestly, it just felt different. Holding the cup, the warmth coming through the porcelain, the look of it. It sounds silly maybe, but it really did make my simple cup of tea feel a bit more special, more intentional. Felt quite civilized sitting there, sipping my tea from this pretty French cup.
- Washed them by hand first.
- Brewed my favorite tea.
- Used the cup and saucer.
- Definitely felt nicer than my usual mug.
Keeping Them Nice
Now, I use them quite often, not every single day, but definitely a few times a week. I’m still careful with them. Always hand wash, never microwave. They’re holding up great. It’s just a small thing, these cups, but they bring me a bit of joy. Makes the routine of having tea feel like a small treat. Totally worth the hunt.
