I've bought white and blue teacups and saucers to serve our evening tea. There are only two, chipped a bit, but they do look lovely with a strong, black tea inside, and it is so satisfying to hear the clatter of porcelain.

I've reintroduced an evening tea to our daily ritual and my husband is determined that it should continue. I enjoy setting the table, putting out coffee, tea, and vodka with whatever foods we have avaliable; he loves eating directly after work, reviving a bit, and playing cards. We both relish the pause it places in our day - who can be distressed drinking hot tea and eating red grapes?