The art of taking tea is very much back in vogue. The round curves of the London Pottery Company’s Globe teapot offers warmth and comfort no matter what the weather. The archetypal pot pours like a dream and comes in primary colors and three sizes: a mini that serves two cups, €13.50; a midi that serves six cups, €21 and a maxi-size that serves industrial quantities of brew, up to a whopping 10 cups of tea, €34.50. You’ll need two hands to lift it but it’s ideal for family get-togethers. Available at Stock (01-6794317) at 33-34 South King Street, Dublin 2.
This Ape design by Alessi isn’t a formal sugar bowl, but it’s far too fancy for its original use which is mixed nuts. Made of thermoplastic resin, it comes set on a stand and with a dainty stainless steel spoon. Fill with sugar cubes for a real sense of high tea. Designed by Giulio Lacchetti, it is priced €39 at Brown Thomas, (01-6056666
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Drink your tea from fine bone china. The new Simplicity range from Linea at House of Fraser (01-2991417 – Hof.co.uk) offers a teacup and saucer for €10. They come in cool pastel sage and rose, and also white. The range also includes dinner plates €10 each, side plates €8.50, soup plates €10 and large salad bowls €18. Tel: 01-2991417 or 087-1175470
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