Well, look at this, a “London Tea Set,” huh? Sounds fancy, don’t it? I ain’t never had no fancy tea set myself, used to just drink my tea outta whatever cup was clean, ya know? But these city folks, they like their things all matchy-matchy, I reckon.

What is this London Tea Set anyway?

I guess a tea set is just a bunch of cups and saucers, maybe a teapot too, all lookin’ the same. Kinda like how them rich folks in the movies always got the same silverware and plates. They say way back when, in China I think, that’s where it all started. Them Chinese folks used fancy porcelain, white stuff and light blue stuff, for drinkin’ their tea. Guess that’s where the idea come from.

Matchy-Matchy or Mixy-Matchy?

Now, some folks say the cups and saucers gotta all match, like the ones in them gift packs they sell. You know, the ones with the fancy boxes and all that? They got ‘em in London, them Harrods folks and the London Tea Exchange, they sell all kinds of tea gifts. And they got them afternoon teas for two, all set up proper. But me? I don’t see no problem with mixin’ and matchin’. If the cup holds the tea and the saucer catches the drips, what’s the difference, right? Actually, they say sometimes it’s even better that way, makes it more… what’s the word… charming? Yeah, charming. Like each cup has its own story to tell.

• Matching Sets: Good for folks who like things neat and tidy.
• Mix and Match: More fun, I reckon. And cheaper too, probably. You can use whatever cups you got, don’t need to go buyin’ no special sets.

How Old is Too Old? (And How Much is it Worth?)

Now, if you got some old tea cups, like really old ones, they might be worth somethin’. The older they are, the more them collectors wanna pay. If it’s somethin’ they still makin’ today, it ain’t worth much. But if it’s been around for a couple hundred years, well, then you might be sittin’ on a gold mine, or a tea cup mine, anyway.

Washing Them Fancy Things

Gotta be careful washin’ them fancy cups, though. Can’t just throw ‘em in the sink with the pots and pans. You gotta use warm water, a little bit of that dish soap, and wash ‘em one at a time. Don’t wanna break ‘em, specially if they’re old and worth somethin’. I just use a rag, myself, but some folks got them special brushes and all. Too much fuss if you ask me.

Tea Sets as Gifts

I guess these tea sets make good gifts, too. Them city folks are always lookin’ for somethin’ fancy to give each other. They got gift packs, tea boxes with all different kinds of tea, and even hampers with the cups and saucers and all. You know, for them tea… con-no-sewers? Yeah, them folks that know all about tea. Me? I just like a good strong cuppa in the mornin’. Don’t need no fancy stuff.

Where to Find These Tea Sets

If you want one of these London tea sets, you can go to them fancy stores, like Harrods. Or them tea shops, like the London Tea Exchange. They got all kinds of tea and tea stuff. Even got books about tea, can you believe it? Personally, I’d just go to a yard sale, find some cheap cups, and call it a day. But that’s just me.

So, to wrap it all up…

A London tea set can be fancy or simple, matchy-matchy or mixy-matchy, old or new. It’s all just about how you like your tea, I reckon. And whether you got the money to spend on fancy cups. Me? I’ll stick to my plain old mug, thank you very much. But if you got the cash and the inclination, go ahead and get yourself a fancy tea set. Just remember to wash it careful, and maybe don’t let me near it with my clumsy hands!

What kind of tea to put in it?

Now, that’s a whole ‘nother story. You got your black tea, your green tea, your fancy teas with flowers and fruits in ‘em. Me? I like a good strong cuppa black tea, maybe with a little bit of sugar. But you can put whatever you want in your tea set. That’s the beauty of it, ain’t it? It’s your tea, your cup, your way.

Afternoon tea in London?

I hear tell them folks in London, they like their afternoon tea. Little sandwiches, cakes, and of course, tea. Served all fancy on a nice tea set. Sounds alright, I guess. But I’d probably spill tea all over myself and look like a fool. Still, it might be nice to try it once. Maybe. If someone else is payin’ and doin’ the dishes.

And that’s about all I got to say about London tea sets. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta go put the kettle on.

Tags：[Tea Sets, London, Tea Gifts, Afternoon Tea, Harrods, Tea Cups, China Tea Sets, Tea Connoisseurs, London Tea Exchange, Vintage Tea Cups]