Chari-tea: top ten afternoon tea accessories for a good cause

There’s nothing nicer than a ‘proper’ afternoon tea, complete with a real teapot, cups and saucers and a cake stand. It does take a bit of putting together, though, so why not make into a real occasion?

Charity SPANA, who work for the welfare of animals in developing countries, are encouraging supporters to host a ‘world tea party‘ with an international or traditional theme. So dig out your scone recipe, iron the tablecloth and invite your friends for tea in a good cause. To continue the theme, we’ve also picked out some lovely tea accessories, which will not only help the party go with a swing, but also support the work of various charities across the country.

1. Puffin parade teapot and cup, RSPB

This petite teapot and matching cup and saucer fit snugly together. The perfect combination for brewing and serving tea for one, in case one of your guests decide they want a different type of tea to everyone else! £26.99, available from the RSPB.

2. All day tea blend, the National Trust

Made especially for the National Trust, this all day tea blend is fairtrade and has a bold, refreshing taste. Presented in a keepsake tin (which could be useful afterwards for sugar lumps), it costs £5 from the National Trust online gift shop.

3. Swan placemat, Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Famous as the charity who took on many of the horses involved in the Amersham case, Redwings looks after the welfare and re-homing of equines. We’ve picked out these swan design placemats, £5, which are perfect for jazzing up the tea table.

4. Bee sugar spoon, RSPCA

This pretty, textured pewter spoon would grace the most elegant of tea parties. The design features a bee resting on a twig handle, and the spoon is made from solid polished lead-free pewter which is non-tarnishing and completely food friendly. £17.99, available from the RSPCA online shop.

5. English country garden napkins, RHS

Sold on behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society, these pretty paper napkins feature botanical artwork from the RHS Lindley Library. Each is made of triple-ply tissue and printed in Germany with non-toxic, water-soluble dyes and food-safe ink. £4 for a pack of 20, available from the RHS online shop.

6. Dapper dog mug, Guide Dogs for the Blind

This pretty, bone china mug would set off any tea party in style. Featuring cartoon-style illustrations of a Westie and a Saluki, the brightly coloured pawprints add a finishing touch. £7.99, sold on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

7. My Garden tray, V&A museum

Take all your bits and pieces to the table on this V&A patterned tray made from Scandinavian birch wood. Featuring My Garden, a textile design by C.F.A. Voysey (1857–1941), England, 1929, it costs £25 from the V&A shop.

8. Watersmeet wildflower trail teapot

Designed exclusively for the National Trust, the Watersmeet Wildflower Trail teapot is part of the Valleys to Headlands range. With a design inspired by wildflowers including red campion, primroses, celandine and bluebells, discovered on the wildflower trail walk in the Watersmeet Valley, Lynmouth, Devon, the teapot is made of fine bone china and costs £32 from the National Trust online gift shop.

9. Ella Doran pop marble mug, The Tate

This colourful mug has an original paintbrush design by the award winning British designer Ella Doran.  Made from bone china, it costs £10 from the Tate online shop.

10. Blue and white iwagiku bowl, The British Museum

Perfect for sugar is this blue and white ceramic bowl, made in Japan and decorated with a blue and white motif traditional in Japanese culture. £6.99, available from The British Museum online shop. 

Now, let’s get the kettle on!

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