Many of us think of a teacup as just something to hold the tea for us to drink. Others use teacups to read the signs and see what the future holds. And still others think a teacup is an extension of themselves and their personality. Well, that last one is so true. Time to see what your choice of teacup says about you.

The No-nonsense Teacups

They’re sturdy. They have good-sized handles. They sit firmly on whatever surface you place them on. They can do the job by themselves or with a partner (a saucer). They can go in a dishwasher and a microwave (obviously not at the same time unless you can bend the laws of physics so that the same object can be in two places at the same time). These cups say that to you tea is that take-it-with-you beverage, since you can carry these cups around the house or office and sit them beside whatever you’re working on – craft projects, the computer, putting on a new roof on your house (well, maybe not). Sure, you could use a travel mug instead, but these cups avoid that clunky character many of them have, that “I just got done sweating at the gym” look.

The “Tea Is Really Special to Me” Teacups

They are more delicate in their design but not too delicate. They are bone china or porcelain or a finer quality ceramic. They are best used with their partner saucers. They encourage gentle sipping of the tea. They need to be handled carefully, both when sipping from them, cleaning them, and then carefully putting them away for next time. These cups say that to you tea is an occasion, a reason to stop what you’re doing and really pay attention to that tea, or to enjoy with the book you’re reading, the embroidery project you’re working on, or any other task that is fairly sedentary in nature.

The Pampering Yourself Teacups

They have gold, silver, or even platinum trim. They may have those little feet or a pedestal base. They are the essence of daintiness crafted in bone china that is eggshell thin. The designs on them are often classics evoking a bygone era of palatial sitting rooms or the guest parlor of some country cottage or estate. These cups say that you deserve a bit of luxury at tea time, that you and your guests are worthy of some lavishing, especially at tea time.

So what do your teacups say about you? Mine are having quite a discussion amongst themselves right now, and I’m pretty sure it’s all about me.

See more of A.C. Cargill’s articles here.

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