Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Casual Tea, or Elegant?

The Cup of Tea by Mary Cassatt

Mary Cassatt's tea paintings put me in a world apart. I tend to have tea sitting on the couch with my feet up (and usually bare) and a book close at hand. Even when I have guests, I'm never anything as elegant as the ladies in Cassatt's paintings. Sometimes I think that's rather sad, but honestly I'd rather be comfortable than elegant any day.

5 O'Clock Tea by Mary Cassatt

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to do tea "right" and put on some shoes and sit up straight. I could get out proper cups and saucers and serve nicely. I don't ever think of it, though. Maybe it's because my focus is on having some tea with my book or with the movie instead of my focus being on the tea itself. Hmmm... Maybe I need to give the tea its due for a change.

You can share your tea pictures over at Bleubeard and Elizabeth's weekly tea linky, where she's taking us to Antarctica. Brrrrr!

22 comments:

  1. I agree with you about being comfortable, although it is fun to occasionally "get elegant". We dressed up one time for high tea while on a cruise--but I wouldn't want to do it everyday!

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    1. high tea on a cruise! now that does sound elegant :)

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  2. Mary Cassatt was a wonderful artist. Our (the United States) one true Impressionist. I wasn't familiar with either of these works, so truly enjoyed the art. Of course, I also enjoyed your take on doing tea, whether casual or elegant. Feel free to keep your shoes off, because tea should feel right, not stuffy.

    Thanks for sharing these beautiful Cassatt paintings with us during T this Tuesday.

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    1. i'm glad you liked them. i've always enjoyed cassatt's work.

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  3. There are so many ways to enjoy a cuppa...
    barefoot and comfy sounds like a grand way to me :)
    Just this month here at the National Gallery of Art they opened an exhibit with works showing the artistic connection between Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt. I would really enjoy visiting it.
    Thank you for sharing these really charming Cassatt paintings...she is a favorite artist of mine.
    Happy T Day to you
    oxo

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    1. i'm so glad you liked it. a cassatt/degas exhibit would be a real treat!

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  4. I am another one who likes Cassatt so thanks for sharing the pictures. Tea is not a ritual when I'm alone but going out to a Tea is occasionally great fun.

    Darla

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    1. i'm glad you liked the pictures. i need to locate a formal tea room and go sometime. i can see how it would be great fun.

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  5. The only time I "dress" for tea is when GDs are here and we have a tea party........LOL
    Happy T-day

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  6. I've never went and had a "proper" tea time. I have a friend who says she wants to have a bunch of us get together...all fancy-like" and have tea sometime. We really should...just for kicks. :)

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    1. it does sound like fun. there's a downtown hotel here that does tea. i'll have to look into it.

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  7. You sound just like me haha!! Have a fab week, Chris xx

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  8. Great paintings by Mary Cassatt. About having a cup of tea I think one's own comfort is very important.Happy Tuesday
    Susan

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  9. It's no wonder those ladies had to go have a lie-down in the afternoons wearing all those clothes and corsets and such. I agree with you--comfort!! ;) Happy T-Day!

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    1. i hadn't thought of that, but there's no way a corset could be kept on all day. you'd have to schedule a time to breathe a few deep breaths

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  10. The paintings are lovely and do take you back to another time, but like you, I just enjoy tea any way I can have it :)

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    1. i'm glad we're a bit more informal these days!

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  11. Thanks for sharing these Tea-riffic paintings. I know, I know...bad pun. I just couldn't help myself. Happy T Day!

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    1. i think all puns should be "bad" puns, or it's not a real pun lol

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