Tuesday, November 9, 2010

A Cosy Cottage

If you make your tea using a teapot, chances are you own a tea cosy.

A tea cosy is a cover for a teapot traditionally made of cloth or wool which is used to insulate the tea, keeping it warm while it brews.

Cloth tea cosies often have padded inserts, which can be removed and washed separately.
They are often available in matching sets with other items such as tablecloths, oven gloves and aprons.
Although the history of the tea cosy may begin when tea was introduced to Britain in the 1660s, the first documented use of a tea cosy in Britain was in 1867.

The quaint little cottage cosy, was given to me by my mum, on one of my visits home.

22 comments:

Deb said...

I wish I could drop by and have a cup or two of tea. That is such an adorable tea-cozy. Gifts from our mothers are always so special. My mother and I always enjoyed sharing time and chatting over a cup of tea. I miss that very much. I don't own a tea-cozy and yet have many tea-pots. Maybe I should ask Santa for one this year. :)

Sharon said...

Cutest tea cozy I have ever seen! Me? I just throw a doubled over towel over it till I am ready for my second cup. I got the idea when I saw one that was basically just that, with the sides sewn up and I thought, ok, that'll work!

Patsy said...

A tea -cozy would be nice, when I was growing up the adults drank coffee and the pot sit on the back of the stove. We kids only had ice tea and when sick hot tea with honey and lemon.

George said...

That is a very impressive tea cozy.

AJ-OAKS said...

Wow, thanks for the lesson on tea cosies. Had no idea they had been around so long! And your is quite cute. :)

Carol said...

That's a cozy? Oh how lovely is that. Can you imagine what the REAL house would look like!!
I have some decorative cozies in my antique linen and lace collection that my great aunts made but I don't drink tea so I just look at them every so often and smile.

John Going Gently said...

we use a 1930 quilted cosy
anyone under 20 have no idea what it is!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

We drink tea --but I don't have a teapot (or cosy). Darn!!!!!! Need to check into that... I'm obviously missing something special...

How is the knee?
Hugs,
Betsy

Betsy Brock said...

we drink tea every night after dinner!

Your thatched roof cottage is absolutely stunning! Love that!

Babs said...

What an adorable tea cozy... a special gift from your mom. I'm sure you will treasure it since you are so far away from her. Thanks for the information about tea cozies. Love your blog and your choice of music. Very soothing.... like a cup of tea.

Christine said...

What a lovely tea cozy! Hope your knee is lots better Jo.

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Nice teapot setup shot..

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Hello Jo,
I LOVE your tea cozy..it reminds me of my Nana (Newcastle Upon Tyne) who never made tea without using hers. I used to have one before I moved to the States in fact I used to sell them in my little gift shop. I don't have one any more but I do have two teapots that could use a cozy. Maybe one day I'll find one that I really like. Yours is extra special because it came from your Mum. Thanks for showing us. Enjoy your Wednesday and your morning cup of tea :) Maura

Country Gal said...

I have a hand made tea cozy that was made by my Nana. It is a little English cottage ! My Nana was British as was and is the rest of my family ! Hope your knee is better. Have a great day !

MadSnapper said...

I can't decide which I like best, the tea pot or the cozy. cute little pumpkin teapot is front and center. i love minature anythings, so the pumpkin wins.

Barbara Anne said...

How completely charming! The cottage tea cosy is unique in my limited experience and how wonderful that it was a gift from your mother.

Hope your knee is getting better.

Hugs!

Susan Freeman said...

What a precious tea cozy! It suits you to a T!!

Lots of love,
Susan and Bentley
xxoo

Anonymous said...

Wow!!every time i come to your blog i must smile and just be happy!!

I think your blog must be blessed..so much wonderful photoes..!!

It is a gift to the eye!!thanx alot for the nice cosy shots!!hugs from cold norway:))

Barbara said...

Nice tea cosy. Only use one if guests come as on our own we use a little pot with just enough for a cup or mug each then the dregs tipped out.

Did not buy bread at Jamie Olivers as we would have had to carry it around.

Dee said...

The tea coy is so you. It is lovely.

Michael said...

you know, I don;t actually have a tea cozy anymore but that might be becasu eI rarely make afull pot of tea. I tend to do by the cup now. Love them though. nice post here.

Oh, btw, thank you for the icon on your sidebar. Can;t wait to see how you prepare for the Xmas bash. Any good tea suggestions for food, etc? :)

Jill of All Trades said...

You know I have a collection of teapots but no tea cozy. I love tea but forget to drink it till it gets cold winter here.