orphan teacups

one of my very favorite things to collect are teacups, particularly teacups that have been orphaned over the years, left alone without their saucers... the patterns and colors and shapes are so pleasing.

some of the teacups are plain on the outside, but hold delightful surprises inside.

some are in patterns that i would probably never choose for an entire set of dishes, but which are pleasing as a single piece.

many of my collection have been given to me as gifts over the years, but most have been bought at thrift stores or yards sales. i never pay more than a few dollars.

i have found some wonderful pieces in chintz...

or in expensive patterns such as this shelley 'dainty blue' that i would not be able to afford if it had its saucer.

there are english china patterns with birds...

and plenty of pink roses...

and there are mis-matched saucers, too, stacks and stacks of them.

i like to pair up teacups with saucers that look great together even though they are of different patterns.

and upon occasion, i find a saucer in the same pattern as a teacup that i already own, sometimes years later. that is always a happy occurance, and a fun way to add to my collection of teacup and saucer sets.
i used to have several of the cups hanging in an arched doorway in my little 1932 vintage dream cottage.

i have also seen them hanging from ribbons outside, in trees, for a tea or ladies luncheon.

it is fun to have something small and affordable to hunt for when we are out at the flea markets or yard sales, and i am always happy to bring another orphan back with me to give it a home.

~karla