Downton Kitsch Cafe: A Tea Parlour For Downton Abbey Fans

Hooked On Downton Abbey...
          So I Want To Open A Tea Parlour

O.K. I'm hooked on "Downton Abbey" on PBS. I'm so preoccupied with the show that it has rejuvenated my not so secret desire to open a tea parlour.

The Brits had it so right...taking tea and nibbling on petite desserts, a lovely way to relax and slow down. We all seem to move so quickly, it is a blessing to be able to take the time and share a cup of tea with someone you you enjoy to have conversation with.

Kitsch n Tea

At times  I have envisioned a whimsical tea cafe decorated in a Mad Hatter style with everything mismatched and very colorful.  The shelves on the wall would be funky, the tables hand painted in playful designs, the serving pieces random and retro.

Kooky And Delightful Tea Time

Kooky and delightful was my imagined fantasy tea house.  I could name the place "Kitsch n Tea". Oooh...I still like the concept despite my present addiction to Downton Abbey

Downton Kitsch Cafe


I seem to  have a bloooming interest however in developing an English style tea cafe which might  resemble the interior of Downtown Abbey, the English castle that the Masterpiece drama takes place in.  Perhaps I might call the place "Downton Kitsch Cafe".

Shopping For Tea Antiques

Of course if I was serious about opening a fancy tea room,  I would need to go out antiquing for proper tea room basics which I really do not own at this time.  And lets not forget the staffing I would need.  I wonder if I could find few available footmen to help me in the tea room while I'm out antiquing?

Fancy Schmancy Tea Collectibles

There is a lot of work ahead of me. I  would really need to accumulate a lot of fancy schmancy collectible tea accesssories to keep up with a busy shop.  While I do have a few teacups in my shop Kitsch n Stuff, as well as a handful of decorative plates hiding behind the RETRO, I imagine a proper equipped tea room will need far more inventory than I have previousy held onto.


Kitsch n Bitch Tea House

Many dealers like myself have moved past the  Romantic cottage phase and  are now in the middle of a Mid Century obsession. Buyers are not looking for teacups they are looking for Eva Zeisel.  Now that's a thought, how does a Mid Century tea cafe sound? I could call it "Kitsch n Bitch Tea House".

Im hoping my readers will let me know which type of tea room appeals to them. Also add your experiences with tea rooms.

Choose your favorite concept and comment please:

Downton Kitsch Cafe
Kitsch n Tea
Kitsch n Bitch Tea House

Images courtesy of Antiques And Teacups http://antiquesandteacups.blogspot.com/

If you love tea collectibles visit http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/mycupofteateaantiquesandcollectibles

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café. To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com Dianne is a member of: The American Society of Journalists and Authors The Society of Professional Journalists

Tea For Two At Past And Future Fine Antiques in Lenox, Massachusetts

Exquisite Tea Collectibles At Past & Future

All I can say is that if you want to see the most exquisite collection of teapots, tea cups, chocolate pots, decorative plates, silver, elegant glassware and more, crank up your car and head to Lenox, Massachusetts. Right on Church Street in the Village is a shop called "Past and Present, owned my Marcy Cohen. This has to be one of the most gorgeous antique shops you will ever visit.

Snapping Lots of Photos Of Gorgeous Hand Painted China On Display At Past & Future Fine Antiques

Of course I was so busy taking photographs for all of you to see, that I didn't actually get a chance to do any shopping. But, truthfully, I would want almost everything in this shop. The Berkshires is loaded with antique shops, but this is one of my favorites.

Lovely Tea Collectibles

Marcy has very lovely vignettes of her spectacular collection. I particularly loved the lilac inspired settings. But everywhere you look in this shop, you will see beautiful serving pieces, luncheon, dining and tea related collectibles.

Dreaming Of Owning A Tea Room

I have always dreamed of owning a Tea Room/ antique shop with tea collectibles. I never could decide if I would go in a whimsical direction and call my Tea Room- shop "The Mad Hatter" or go in a more sophisticated direction and name my shop "Lady Dianne's Tea Room" (my name). If I ever end up fulfilling my fantasy of owning a Tea Room, I would want everything Marcy Cohen has in her shop! (I better start saving up).

Displaying A Breakfast Set Inside A Basket

And I would love it if Marcy would come and arrange my room settings. Take a look at how she has displayed a breaakfast set in a large basket. How sweet is this? This certainly looks better than having plates and tea cups sitting on a shelf. But you do need room to be able to showcase your Breakfast Set inside a basket.

Where To Find A Spot For A Tea Room?

So if any of you know a charming spot for a Tea Room in and around The Farmington Valley of Connecticut, please let me know. I already have the baker picked out. In fact, I know exactly what I'll have on the menu.......but I do welcome suggestions.......perhaps some day, I will have a Tea Room...which do you like better for a name
"The Mad Hatter" or "Lady Dianne's"?

P.S. Please don't spill the bean...oh I mean tea leaves....this is still only a fantasy!

Past And Future Fine Antiques
Marcy Cohen
63 Church Street
Lenox, Massachusetts
413-637-2225

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.