There are many artisan tea shops in Japan, with some frighteningly expensive tea varieties, but I did not feel intimidated walking in. Customer service is everything to the japanese and every customer entering into this little shop was welcomed with a hearty “Irasshaimase!” (welcome) as one of the numerous staff ran over with little taster cup of tea. I happened to be in Japan during cherry blossom season and this particular tea was green tea infused with cherry blossom petals – a subtle delicate perfumed taste. I ended up purchasing several packets of the tea which reminded me of springtime in Japan back in the dreary UK for many months.

After buying my tea I quickly realised that I wanted an authentic Japanese tea set to go with it. It as clear to me that drinking this beautiful tea from the chunky mugs I was used to back home would just not taste the same! As well as flavour, the japanese place a lot of emphasis on presentation and most families will own several tea sets which are appropriate for the season. It would be unthinkable to serve a cup of tea in the spring in a teacup with an autumn theme!

I headed off to the Kappabashi-Dori district of Tokyo which is famous for supplying restaurants with their tableware as well as the freakishly realistic plastic food that you will see displayed outside of every restaurant in japan. This is a great place to stock up on tableware if you are visiting japan and is also unbelievably cheap. You can spend a whole morning just looking through the shops and marvelling at the range available. The plastic display food is actually quite expensive but many shops offer smaller cheaper versions as souvenirs for tourists – I picked up a couple of plastic sushi keychains as gifts to give my family back home.

The tea set I eventually chose was a simple neutral design. Many tea sets include designs that reflect the season such as cherry blossom flowers or autumnal leaves but I decided to choose a plain colour. Japanese tea pots are round and squat with a stick handle off out to the side, rather than the curved and centred handle we are used to in the west. The tea cups do not have handles which I found difficult to get used to at first but actually ensures that your tea is at the perfect drinking temperature before you pick it up. After all, blowing on your tea would surely spoil the beauty of the tea drinking ritual!

Several years later and I still use my japanese tea set regularly, taking pleasure in steeping the loose tea in its little pot and pouring it into the handleless cups. It really does transport me back to japan and makes the tea taste all that better, whether it is authentic Japanese cherry blossom tea or a cheap blend from the supermarket.

Of course not everyone is lucky enough to be able to travel to japan in person to buy a tea set. Luckily the internet makes worldwide shopping simple and it is easy to buy a tea pot and tea cups in japan and have them shipped straight to your door, wherever you happen to live in the world. If you’d like to invite that little bit of japanese zen into your daily life, I would advise you to make tea drinking a daily habit, just like the japanese do!

1. Joice Chen Stoneware Tea Set

This Asian inspired tea set in matte black is a classic design that would look great in any kitchen. This tea set would be perfect for serving green tea to friends. The stoneware cups feel lovely to touch and drink from and this set is very reasonably priced.

2. Silver Contemporary Tea Set by Koolekoo

If you want to impress your guests, you can’t go wrong with a silver tea set and this modern design provides a nice twist on a classic design. Most people do not have the spare cash for a solid silver tea service but this silver plated version is a good compromise and looks beautiful on any table. The set consists of a teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl

3. Yedi Houseware Coffee and Tea Tower Tea Set

For a really unusual tea set that can act as a focal point in your kitchen or dining room, consider this tower tea set by Yedi Houseware. The innovative design consists of a teapot, tea cup, sugar bowl and saucer which all stack on top of each other to form a tower.

4. Jasper Conran China Kilim Tea Set

This striking modern tea set is inspired by the geometric symbols of Kilim carpets, resulting in a bold and modern design. The set consists of a teapot, milk jug and covered sugar bowl.

5. Teavana White Orchid Tea Set

If you would like a classic white porcelain tea set with a modern touch, try this beautiful 9-piece Orchid tea set from Teavana. Each piece includes delicated moulded orchid flowers that are hand-applied, one petal at a time. For an extra modern touch, the teapot features a stainless steel handle which offsets the white porcelain perfectly.

6. Glass Tea Set with Bamboo Tray

Glass Tea sets can look amazing in pretty much any home and are perfect for showing off good quality tea, particularly flowering or blooming tea. This set includes 2 double-walled cups for easier handling with hot tea and the bamboo tray provides the perfect display opportunity as well as making serving your tea easier.

7. Rainbow Porcelain Tea Set with Stand

If you’re looking for a bright and cheerful tea set to brighten up your kitchen, this cute little tea set is the perfect choice. Consisting of a tea pot and 6 cups with saucers in different colors, the whole set stacks away neatly on the included metal stand. Perfect for serving tea to a group of friends on a rainy day.

8. Sontu Glassware Tea Set by Tea forte

Another beautiful glass tea set with a striking modern design. This tea set is hand-blown and includes elegant leaf and stem detailing in the center of the tea pot.

9. Wild Leaf Tea Company Black Mod Tea Gift Set

An art deco inspired design in black stoneware, this bold tea set will definitely not fit into your granny’s kitchen. An eye-catching modern 3-piece tea set consisting of tea pot, creamer pitcher and sugar dish, it is perfect for entertaining.

10. Shogun Cast Iron Lime Yellow Tea Set

A Traditional Japanese style cast iron tea set in a bright, modern color. Tea is said to taste better when brewed in a cast iron teapot and the bright color of this tea set is sure to cheer you up on even the dreariest days. Set includes one 18 oz teapot and 2 tea cups.

Glass is a great material for modern tea sets – glass looks good in any style of decoration and can’t fail to look up to date and modern in your kitchen. A glass tea pot is wonderful for watching your tea brew and is really the only way to brew blooming or flowering teas when you really want to impress your guests. Glass tea sets come in a range of shapes from rounded curving lines to elegant cylindrical tea infusers for the ultimate in modern design.

Another style that goes well with any type of interior decoration is classic white porcelain. There are many porcelain tea sets available now in a more modern design and you can often buy table ware and other kitchen items to match. A classic white tea set makes a beautiful addition to any kitchen and is perfect for serving guests, however formal or casual the occasion.

You may also want to consider stainless steel for a look that is both modern and timeless. Stainless steel is durable and always looks great, with no need for polishing. You can also wash all the items of a stainless steel tea set in your dishwasher without worrying about damage. There are also some beautiful tea sets available combining glass and stainless steel, which are sure to be a talking point if you use them to serve to guests.

For something a little more fun or if you want to introduce a splash of color into your kitchen, there are lots of hand painted tea sets available in bright colors and fun designs. Maybe bright polka dots would look great in your kitchen or you could choose a rainbow of tea cups, all in different colors.

There really is no shortage of choice when it comes to modern tea sets so there’s no need to think of them as an item from the past. Tea sets are just as much of an essential item in the home as they were 100 years ago so there’s no reason not to enjoy your tea in style!

Tea for one sets will usually include a tea pot just big enough for one or two cups of tea, an individual tea cup and a matching saucer. The clever thing about these sets is that the tea pot is designed to sit on top of the tea cup while your tea is brewing. The hot tea will warm the tea cup while it’s waiting to be poured and the whole set stacks away neatly for easy storage. There are also simple versions which consist of a tea cup or mug which includes a lid with a built in infuser.

Tea for one sets photo by moonlightbulb on flickr

Enjoying a well made cup of tea in a relaxing setting is a great way to wind down at the end of the day or start your morning in a calm way. Take ten minutes just for yourself, maybe while enjoying reading a newspaper or book and savor the taste of the tea. Tea sets for one also make cleaning up easy so you don’t have to worry about doing the washing up while you’re trying to relax!

A tea for one set makes a great gift for mother’s day or as a birthday present or gift for any occasion for any tea drinker and lover. They often come in beautiful gift boxes which add to their value as a gift.

Tea for one sets come in a great collection of colors and designs to suit any personality. You can choose from traditional floral designs in porcelain, cute designs on a theme like cupcakes or animals or even choose an ultra modern glass tea cup with a built in infuser cap.

You can buy tea for one sets from most large department stores and also from specialist tea stores and tea pot stores both on the high street and online. They take up very little space and are easily stored, making them great to keep at the office or at home.

If you enjoy drinking tea and the ritual of preparing it with tea sets but don’t want the additional mess and fuss when you’re on your own, a tea for one set is the perfect solution for you.

Tea sets for children come in a range of materials and designs for children of all ages. Younger children are probably better off with a miniature tea set in plastic, printed with a fun design or in girly pink. Little girls will love feeding tea to their dolls and teddy bears and you don’t need to worry about anything being broken when it’s thrown into the toy box at the end of the day.

For older and more careful children, a porcelain tea set will make a treasured gift and help teach your children to look after their possessions carefully. Childrens tea sets in porcelain are usually made a little thicker and sturdier than their full size equivalents so the risk of breakages is not so great and they are usually dishwasher safe. Children will love pouring tea from a real tea pot

childrens tea set picture by aunto on flickr

Miniature tea sets come in all sorts of designs to appeal to children. Bright colors are always popular and appealing to boys or girls. There are however more girly versions than unisex with an abundance of pink flowers, butterflies, fairies and other prints that typically appeal to little girls. They make a great gift for a child and tea gift sets are available complete with picnic baskets, plates and trays and perhaps a little blanket to sit on in the garden. Children can be entertained for hours playing with a pretend tea party and you can make the experience even more special for them by providing real drinks, sandwiches and cakes.

A tea party is a great theme for a little girl’s birthday party and a childrens tea set can form the basis for this. You can even buy an Alice in Wonderland tea set, so why not go the whole hog with a mad hatter’s tea party complete with matching decorations and party food.

Vintage childrens tea sets are also great collector’s items and are highly prized if you can find one with all the pieces intact. These tea sets can reach high prices at auction and if you’re really lucky you might even find one in the attic or lurking in the back of your local charity shop.

Don’t just keep tea to yourself! Enjoy teaching your children social skills with childrens tea sets!

Whether your aesthetic is traditional or modern, you’re sure to find the perfect tea set for you and any occasion. You can even choose tea for one sets for enjoying tea on your own.

If your tastes tend towards the traditional and you love collecting antiques, or collecting vintage kitchen ware, traditional china tea sets are probably a good match for you. Bone china tea sets usually come in classic shapes, often featuring floral designs which conjure up images of English country cottages and afternoon teas complete with scones and clotted cream.

porcelain tea set picture by turtlemom_nancy on flickr

For a less ornate design you can also choose a lovely white porcelain tea set. These items go with any style of kitchen or home decoration and are great for showing off a display of fancy biscuits or cakes. White really helps to show the quality of the tea too and helps you to enjoy each cup that little bit more.

Vintage tea sets in china or porcelain are highly collectible and if you are lucky enough to find one in good condition with no pieces missing, it could be worth a lot of money. Try raiding your parents or grandparents cupboards for a tea set that they may no longer use any more and promise that you will put it to good use! Vintage tea sets and tea pots should be washed in a gentle detergent and not put in the washing machine in order to preserve their designs.

If you’re not so bothered about traditional English afternoon tea and you’re more interested in the tea rituals of the far east, an authentic Japanese tea set could be more your thing. These beautiful tea sets are simple and stylish and look great on display. Green tea tastes better out of a proper Japanese tea cup! Japanese tea sets are often themed to match the season so you could find a tea set decorated with cherry blossoms for use in the spring or maple leaves in the autumn.

For a more modern look, try one of the new styles of stainless steel tea sets. These contemporary designs look great in a modern kitchen and do not require polishing to maintain their shiny exterior.

To really impress your guests, the ultimate in serving tea is with a traditional silver tea set. These items are usually kept on display and used only for the most special occasions. Silver tea sets make for a beautiful wedding gift and are passed down through families as a treasured item.

Finally, maybe you’re not looking for a tea set for yourself, but more for your child? A child tea set will provide many hours of imaginative play and helps your children learn how to socialize. Childrens tea sets are usually made in non breakable materials, although you can find antique versions in porcelain. A kids tea set is a great gift for any little girl who enjoys playing with dolls. Why should grownups have all the fun?

Tea pots do not have to be old fashioned however, and there are many modern and stylish versions available for the contemporary home. Tea tastes better when it is brewed in a tea pot and they make it much easier to brew loose leaf tea which has a much superior taste to bagged varieties.

There are a range of options when you’re choosing between tea pots for your modern home. A classic white porcelain tea pot looks good in any kitchen and goes equally well with a minimalistic contemporary design as it does with chintzy cushions and frilly doilies. Stainless steel is also a popular choice and there are various models of stainless steel teapots being produced by well regarded kitchen ware designers.

The glass tea pot is really the ultimate in modern design as it utilizes a modern material in a way that just wasn’t possible even decades ago. Glass tea pots use special glass that is resistant to heat and breakages and are always beautifully designed as the see through nature of glass means you can look inside the tea pot while your tea is being brewed so they need to look stylish on the inside as well as the outside.

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of modern tea pot design, the Sorapot teapot will provide a great talking point and looks beautiful displayed in your kitchen and while brewing tea. Designed by Joey Roth, it is made from a combination of pyrex glass, stainless steel and silicone. The simple architectural lines make it a pleasure to use and a focal point in your kitchen.

Modern appliances are designed to make our life easier and why not use this concept when it comes to choosing tea pots? Electric tea pots heat the water as well as brewing the tea so there’s no need for a separate kettle and tea pot.

Whatever your style, there are modern tea pots and tea sets available to suit your lifestyle and design ideas.

The first tea pot probably originated in China during the Song Dynasty of 960-1279 A.D. Clay tea pots were fired in kilns without a glaze and used for oolong teas. As the clay was porous, the tea pot would gradually take on the flavor of the tea as it was used and enhance the flavor of tea brewed inside it. At around this time the first ceramic tea pots were also produced and these made their way from China to Europe in the 17^th century. The traditional design of these blue and white ceramic tea pots is still a popular style in tea sets today.

Chinese tea pot picture by faungg on flickr

As porcelain could not be made in Europe at first, these imported China tea pots were highly sought after and used by rich upper class families. When porcelain started to be produced in the UK, porcelain tea sets became more widely available and used the inspiration of the Chinese designs.

The Japanese also imported tea pots from China, which were first used in the famous tea ceremonies. They then developed their own versions of the original Chinese tea pots and the Japanese tea pot soon developed a distinct style of its own. Traditional Japanese tea pots have a unique shape – they are less round than Chinese inspired versions (as if they have been flattened from the top) and have a cone shaped handle on the side of the tea pot, at 90 degrees to the spout rather than the more usual 180 degrees.

As well as clay tea pots, the Japanese also started to produce cast iron tea pots known as Tetsubin. These tea pots were at first simple vessels that were used as everyday household items to heat water in the kitchen. In the 19^th century, the style of these tea pots started to become more elaborate and became a sort of status symbol as only rich Japanese could afford to own an elaborately designed tea pot. The Tetsubin tea pot is still popular today with a beautiful shape that conjures up images of traditional Japan. Many fans claim that tea tastes better when brewed in cast iron.

There are many other styles of tea pot available from different time periods and countries around the world.  The silver tea pot was popularized in England where it was used to impress guest when serving afternoon tea. Modern equivalents include glass tea pots which allow you to watch the tea brewing and monitor the level of the tea and electric tea pots which heat up the water for your tea and keep it warm. There are tea pots to suit every style and taste from traditional designs to the ultra modern.