Modern Teapots, Infusers And More For Teatime
Kettles, infusers, mugs and more for teatime
If we were across the pond, this would be a more solemn affair, complete with fancy china and tiers of delicate pastries.
Though we have no qualms with going traditional (and are pretty sure the only people still having such tea services are limited to those in the Buckingham circles), we skew a little more modern in regard to our tea gear.
And by a little, we mean infusers shaped like deep-sea divers, to-go tumblers (the horror!), Neoprene-covered teapots and sugar bowls that would make the Jetsons proud.
Kinto Couture Double Wall Knit Cup
Kikkerland Jacques the Diver Tea Infuser
Who said teatime had to be serious? Lighten things up with a deep-sea diver-turned-infuser.
amazon.com, $15
Photo: Courtesy of Kikkerland
Karmi Tea Canister
Keep leaves fresh in this traditional Japanese container with a lid that doubles as a measuring cup. Before you roll your eyes at the price, know this: Each one is handmade on a wood-turning lathe, lacquered five to 10 times and takes about a year to complete.
rikumo.com, $192
Photo: Courtesy of Rikumo
Normann Copenhagen Tea Strainer
It may look simple, but this silicone-and-metal contraption is a mini design marvel. The silicone top holds in heat, has a handle so you don't burn your fingers when removing and flips up to act as a saucer for the metal infuser. Even better, it can be used for single cups or entire pots.
normann-copenhagen.com, $26.50
Photo: Courtesy of Normann Copenhagen
I-Wares I-Teapot and I-Tea Set
Go pinkies up for a traditional china set made cheeky by a bright pop of color. And don't forget the cucumber sandwiches.
teapot, yliving.com, $57.50; tea set, yliving.com, $44 each
Photos: Courtesy of Y Living
Tom Dixon Form Sugar Bowl & Spoon
Had the Jetsons lived in London and partook in tea service, you can bet this snazzy gold-washed set would be on the tray.
hivemodern.com, $100
Photo: Courtesy of Hive Modern
Eva Solo Tea Maker with Neoprene Cover
Bring your tea game into the 21st century with a carafe-style vessel with a removable steeper (no one likes a bitter brew); a tip-up lid for drip-free pouring; and a snazzy scuba-style, zip-up Neoprene cover to keep the tea toasty.
kitchen-universe.com, $90
Photo: Courtesy of Eva Solo
Metal Tea Bag Tea Infuser
Your palate may have moved past tea dust-filled bags, but there's something nostalgically sweet about the little guys. Harken back with a metal version of the classic shape that you can fill with your own blend.
momastore.com, $30
Photo: Courtesy of MoMA Store
Clear Double Wall Glass Tea Tumbler
Rushing around is no excuse for subpar tea. Bring your blend on the road with a mug that not only has a built-in infuser but also double insulation to keep it hot.
stashtea.com, $16
Photo: Courtesy of Stash Tea
Palais des Thés Small Paper Filters with Stick
Take a 10-minute T.O. wherever you may find yourself and brew a cup with lightweight, biodegradable filters.
palaisdesthes.com, $6 for 100
Photo: Courtesy of Palais des Thés
Tea Time for Two
Tea parties aren't just for 8-year-old girls. Have a quaint party for two with delicate, royal blue cups.
food52.com, $39
Photo: James Ransom/Courtesy of Food52
More & Co. Essential Glass Cannisters
Those dried blooms and fruit deserve to be seen. Show them off while keeping them fresh in understated jars that seal with a rubber rim.
alittlemorelikethis.com, $25-$28
Photo: Courtesy of More & Co.
Piao I Multiple Infusions Teapot
If you're going to splurge on top-quality leaves, make sure you get every last sip out of 'em with a teapot designed for brewing several times.
mightyleaf.com, $30
Photo: Courtesy of Mighty Leaf Tea
CB2 Tea Stick
Japanese Enamel Kettle
Nothing wrong with an old-school kettle, especially when it's a crisply white, minimalist version with beechwood accents.
poketo.com, $155
Photo: Courtesy of Poketo
Ferm Living Triangle Tea Cozy
Keep your kettle toasty with a modern, graphic-printed warmer.
burkedecor.com, $35
Photo: Courtesy of Burke Decor
Leaf Tea Nest Strainer
Rest this handsome wooden strainer atop your cup for a traditional method of brewing a single serving.
teachaite.com, $15
Photo: Courtesy of Tea Chai Té
Era Glass Mugs with Porcelain Handles
Porcelain mugs? Glass ones? Meet in the middle and go for both.
burkedecor.com, $44 for six
Photo: Courtesy of Burke Decor
Garde Shop Creamer and Sugar Set
You may prefer your cuppa straight up, but it's good manners to set out some milk and sugar for company. (Gram would be proud.)
gardeshop.com, $360 for the set
Photo: Courtesy of Garde Shop
Perfectea Rock Sugar
Avoid a cloyingly sweet brew with this subtle sweetener. Plus, it's a lot more interesting to put out than standard white crystals.
teavana.com, $8.50
Photo: Courtesy of Teavana