Here in the Piedmont of Virginia, Autumn has finally arrived. To combat the chill, the unsung hero of the tea table, the tea cozy, steps in to ensure that the temperature and flavor of your tea remains at its best.
Keep reading to learn about the endearing history of the tea cozy and why your tea table needs one.
Let’s begin with the etymology of the word. The word “cozy” came about in 18th century Scotland where the need for warmth and comfort was of utmost importance. The noun form of cozy (also written as “cosy” in British English) has come to describe a decorative covering used to keep something warm. The tea cozy is a perfect example of a happy marriage between necessity and decorative license.
The tea cozy is a utilitarian utensil. It has a singular purpose and a simple design. Perhaps for this very reason, the exact origin of the tea cozy is hard to pin down. However, it is believed that the first documented use of a tea cozy appeared in England around the 1860s.
The Victorian Era (1837-1901) saw a flurry of popularity in tea cozies. The Victorians, it must be noted, loved to “gild the lily.” Although the design largely stayed the same, under the artistic eye of the Victorians the tea cozy became as much a work of art as the rest of the items on the tea table. Lavish embellishments adorned an insulating center along with complex needlework like crochet, crewel, and needlepoint. Today, two styles of cozy remain.
The Dome (see imagine above) sits snugly over the handle and spout of the teapot. It has a half moon or rainbow shape. It usually features a loop at the top which allows the cozy to be removed so the tea can be poured. Be sure to measure the height and width (tip of the spout to the handle) before purchasing a dome style cozy to ensure a proper fit.
The Bachelor or Wrap-Around cozy is placed on the teapot before it is filled as it has openings for the spout and handle. The cozy fits snuggly around the teapot and usually has a drawstring opening at the top for filling. This style of cozy is not removed when pouring tea. Depending on your teapot, these cozies are usually custom made since they fit like a tailored jacket around the pot, rather than just sitting on top of it.
The Victorian era also saw the rise of the half doll tea cozy. Perhaps you’ve seen one forlornly staring back at you on a dusty shelf in an antiques shop… These tea cozies feature a porcelain doll torso on top of the cozy. The doll’s skirts are formed by voluminous layers of fabric, lace or crochet that insulate the teapot.
Whatever style you choose, here are three reasons why your tea table needs a tea cozy.
1 - Maintain tea flavor. Obviously, even in warmer climates, tea is best served at its ideal temperature. If the tea is served hot, a tea cozy will help slow the cooling process and prolong the preferred flavor notes of the tea. Depending on the style and materials used, a tea cozy can keep a teapot warm for a few hours. Placing your tea pot (with cozy) on a fabric trivet can help insulate the teapot on all sides.
2 - Express your creativity. If you are a crafty person, knitting, crocheting, or sewing a tea cozy is a great way to express your personal style. The beauty of a well stocked tea table is that it reflects the tastes and passions of the host. Patterns abound in old knitting magazines and on sites like Etsy and Craftsy. If you do make your own tea cozy, be sure to select natural fibers such as cotton or wool as they will provide the best insulation. Artificial fibers may warp or melt under the stress of a hot teapot.
3 - Prolong the process. If there is one thing every tea drinking tradition shares it is that tea is meant to be savored. Steeping a pot of tea is not the same as grabbing a to-go cup of black coffee at the drive through. Prolong your enjoyment of tea time by collecting unique and storied pieces that bring you joy. Your tea cozy can be a helpful assistant when it comes to warming the teapot before steeping the tea leaves. Once steeped it will, of course, keep the tea hot so you can enjoy each cup knowing that you don’t have to rush. And once you’re finished, the cozy becomes a unique and beautiful decorative piece to be left out or easily tucked away in a cabinet or drawer.
And remember, the cozy season is the perfect time to book an Afternoon Tea event in your own home. See the Host an Event page to get in touch. Let's have tea!
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