To many, a pineapple symbolizes hospitality. To me, it’s a tea kettle.
Last weekend, whilst dress shopping, my mom and I stopped in to visit her cousin, as she lives in the area. We came unannounced and despite the surprise, the water in her tea kettle was practically boiling before we had a chance to sit down, and biscuits were spread on the table beside a little creamer.
When we’d go to my grandparents’ house when I was younger, the first thing that my papa did was offer everyone a cup of tea. Remnants of tea actually filled their house. The smell of a fresh cup swelled into the foyer and pulled you into the kitchen, there were always little tea cups holding tea bags, and a kettle on the stove that more often than not, was whistling with hot steam pouring out of the spout.
When I lived in Ireland I was comforted to experience that this tradition stemmed from something larger, that it was more than just a choice of beverage, that it was part of a culture. I found myself having a cup of tea after dinner every night, and when welcomed into someone’s home, I was greeted with a cup of tea. I was also comforted to find that next to the sugar, there was always a creamer – it was assumed that you would want to pour milk or cream into your tea. Learning from my mom, the only way I know how to drink tea is with milk, but in the U.S., it isn’t always assumed.
I am not moving or buying a house any time soon, but my recent news has me thinking about the way I want to build my new home when I am a part of a family of my own. One thing I know is that I want it to be hospitable, always equipped with a whistling tea kettle on my stove.
I was raised the same way. It’s partially because my mom cannot start the day without a cup of tea. But, the second I walk into my parent’s or grandparent’s or great aunt’s house, I am always offered some. And I always say yes. It’s just a show of love.
And I drink my tea with just some sugar. I hope that won’t make me odd when I go to Ireland!
that is awesome and i agree! i miss being asked and asking people the minute they come in if they want tea. it makes the world better
and how is dress shopping going??
We have a bright red tea kettle on our stove. It definitely lives there.
That’s amazing! I wish I had grown up drinking tea the way you did. Unfortunately, I cannot stomach tea, but I love the look of tea kettles. What a wonderful tradition to have alive!
How is dress shopping going?
wow, bryce is going to be really upset when she finds out tea is your ‘thing.’
I just have a boring black tea kettle but I’m waiting for a cool one ot pop out at me next time I’m at Home Goods
aw this is so sweet and offering tea really is the ultimate, yet simplest form of hospitality.
It’s okay Lisa, tea people understand the importance of sharing. What I am upset about is that silver needle tea did not once get a mention. Maybe you just want to keep the secret hidden…