Wow – isn’t this a beautiful teacup?! I would’ve never guessed where it came from! Can you?
The Beautiful Teacup From Arizona
Ok, technically, it came from Arizona. From the collection of one of my dear blogging buddies, Mary of Life at Bella Terra. In fact, Mary hosted our little Traveling Teacup a while back!
She and I and three of our other blogging buddies met up – very safely-distancing and masking – at her historic home in Phoenix a couple weeks ago.
We took photos galore at her lovey property, and I have so many to show you! And so many stories to tell. So, I thought we’d start here with this beautiful teacup.
Raiding Our Host’s Beautiful Teacup Collection
We raided Mary’s lovely china and decor collections for our photos, and I couldn’t resist this teacup.
I just loved the delicate flowers and gold trim – so pretty and friendly. They reminded me of the pink and white bedroom I used to have! So, I felt very warmly toward it before I even got started!
Group Tablescape
We’d done a tablescape earlier, and it was still set up out in the orchard. I thought the combination of linens and flowers would be perfect for this beautiful teacup. (I’ll show you the stunning group tablescape in another post very soon!)
But Really, Where Did It Come From?
If you’ve been around Mantel and Table for any length of time – say 5 minutes or so – you’ll know that I’m crazy about teacups and their history.
So, as I was walking out to the orchard with my lovely photo prop, I turned it over to read the backstamp.
Are you ready? It came from FTD – the floral delivery people!
Isn’t that so fun?! Can you imagine getting a lovely flower arrangement in a beautiful teacup delivered right to you?
Flower Arrangement in a Teacup
When I realized where it came from, I ran to my computer to see if you could still get one. The FTD website didn’t have any, but turns out you can still send a flower arrangement in a teacup via Telefloral!
I was so excited! I can’t wait to order some up for my teacup friends this holiday!
And the cup itself is still available out there too. I found several on Etsy.
Manufacturer’s Info
I only had time for a little research on this one. But it looks like whoever produced this particular pattern for FTD made it for at least 20 years. I saw some listed as being made in the 50s, 60s, and 70s!
I’m dying to see if I can track down the actual manufacturer in Japan. If I find out, I’ll report back.
It’s a little heavier than some other Japanese porcelain – probably because they designed it so it could hold a flower arrangement! Its relative heft is one of the things that’s so cozy about it.
The Golden Hour
I have to tell you, I was so happy about the light in the orchard when I went to take these pictures. Look at that golden glow!
It was really magical! The sun was just starting to set, and the air was still warm and lovely. I could have sat out there forever. In fact, I did sit out there for a while, drinking my tea and soaking in the beauty.
Behind the Scenes With The Beautiful Teacup
As I mentioned, I used the tablescape location and parts of the centerpiece we had put together earlier. I snagged some of the potted snapdragons, and I grabbed some of the darker maroon flowers for some contrast.
Those snapdragons were quite tall, so I set them on a box on a chair and let them stick up above the table. I always get a kick out of how many books, boxes, or whathaveyou, it takes to get flowers to the right height! This one was pretty straightforward.
(Plus, look at that gorgeous tablecloth! And those chairs!)
Thanks So Much For Being Here!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful teacup with me! Besides it being so fun, it has a special place in my heart because it belongs to such a dear friend!
Shop the Beautiful Teacup Post
If you love teacups as much as I do and want to start or add to your collection, Click HERE for the Shopping Page. Then scroll down and click on the picture of the teacup.
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Pin the Beautiful Teacup for Later
Have a Lovely Teacup Tuesday!
What a fun discovery Barbara! I would have never guessed. It is such a pretty pattern. Thank you for sharing.
Isn’t that great? So many treasures hiding in cupboards all over the world! 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely day and Yaay to the Weekend!
Lovely teacup. It’s not just FTD but it’s from Japan, not China. I collect some of the heavy FTD flower vases.
Hi Myrna! I bet your vases are lovely! It’s so fun to get something beautiful delivered to you! 🙂 I’m so grateful to have you as a lovely reader and commenter – thanks so much for being here! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
One of my favorite teacups so far, I love the sweet pattern of the flowers and pink of course! How fun that you were able to meet up with blogging friends, thanks for sharing the fun story Barbara
Hi – I think each new one is a favorite – teacups are just so much fun aren’t they?! 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend! I can’t wait till we can meet up some day!
I was so very lucky to be there in person with you my friend. What a lovely tea cup and even more special to be with you and watch your amazing work live. Cheers my friend.
Chas you’re so sweet – it was SO mutual! It was such a great adventure to choose from Mary’s beautiful collections! 🙂 Happy Wednesday my friend!
What a lovely discovery. I love a simple chintz, and that one is no exception.
And what a delight to visit Mary. I adore Phoenix. What a nice get-away for you all.
Hugs.
Hi Michele! It WAS a great discovery – I’ve never seen a promotional cup like that before and it’s truly lovely! I love Phoenix too – such a nice switch from PNW weather! 🙂 Take care my friend and Happy Thanksgiving!
This is a great story and such a beautiful teacup! As always, thanks for adding some beauty and fun to my day!
Any time! 🙂 It would be so nice to get together this season, but John and I will toast our wonderful friends and family from our 2-person Thanksgiving table! Love you all!
Beautiful and great story. I lay have to begin a series for my tea cup collection.
I have many beauties.
Have to give this thought.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cindy
YES!!! That would be a fabulous idea Cindy – I’d love to see your collection! Thanks so much for stopping by, and Happy Thanksgiving in the meantime!
Barbara, the delicate pattern of the teacup is so lovely. I would have never guessed where it came from. Your styling is always beautiful my friend. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Pam you are so kind and thoughtful! Thanks so much for being here! I’m totally busy these days and I don’t get to read many blogs. I miss your beautiful posts. Maybe this holiday weekend I can catch up and be inspired as always! Happy Thanksgiving to you too my friend!