4 October 2018

Gran's Tea Set




Traditionally a ‘bottom drawer’ was a collection of linen and other household goods that a young woman collected in preparation for married life.  When I was a young girl such a tradition was a bit old hat but that didn’t stop my Gran from putting a drawer together for me. 

Every week she would save something from her old age pension and buy a piece of Royal Vale bone china until she had a complete tea set for me, six plates, six cups and saucers, a milk jug and a sugar bowl.  This was presented to me along with some other kitchen ware when I got married. 

I treasured this tea set but it spent most of the time hidden away in a cupboard and after a few house moves the tea set got packed into a box and lived in the attic.

When we packed up our things and moved from France I had to leave many treasured things behind - the crystal decanters, my old sewing machine, my books.  Every inch of the car and trailer was packed and I had to make the difficult decision to leave Gran’s tea set behind.  I had to be realistic, the tea set was not a useful or valuable item.  I tried not to be sad as I saw it sitting in its dusty old cardboard box in the barn.

Just as we approached Paris, Paul said “I’ve got a confession to make.”

“What did you break?” I asked.

“I managed to find space for Gran’s tea set.”


24 comments:

  1. That was a sweet thing for Paul to do. Gran must be smiling down.

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  2. What a wonderful person and husband he is.

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  3. Well. That's my day well and truly made!

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  4. A tale well told! He sounds like a lovely man.

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  5. What a lovely thing to do. Well done, Paul!

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  6. I'm so glad he found room. My Grandmother started a Hope Chest for me when I got engaged.

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  7. I agree word for word Yorkshire Pudding response!!!!

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  8. Paul is a darling and you can tell him so from me.

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  9. That is lovely - will you use it now or, at least, have it on display?

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    1. It's out of the box and in the kitchen cupboard. I might use a tea cup and saucer for my afternoon cuppa.

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  10. Replies
    1. You will be able to use it at Christmas.

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  11. A happy ending! You will have to use it now!

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    1. I guess I will have to have a tea party.

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  12. I wish you'd brought the old sewing machine over here. Our handle is broken, and whenever Lady wishes to sew something I have to stand by the side with a broom handle turning the wheel. It's not ideal.

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    Replies
    1. Wish I'd known! It's no fun sewing with a broom handle.

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  13. What a gift to save something really precious to you.

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    Replies
    1. Gestures like that really mean a lot to me.

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  14. That was a truly sweet thing for Paul to do. He's a keeper, isn't he? :)

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