Finding homes for the lonely teacups

We know them all too well, those lonely pieces of china that are survivors of full tea or dinner sets once proudly trotted out for the celebratory family meals, writes Brian Byrne.

Now there are barely enough left of a set to service an afternoon tea for two. Beyond that, if it is to be china rather than those strange Croation mugs which seemed such a good idea during the Celtic Tiger hols, it may have to be a mismatched mix of the remnants of the good stuff.

But these days, that's the new home cool. Mismatched vintage china is all the rage, and even at formal events it can be a feature of meals settings.

Kilcullen-based Karen Rooney has picked up on this trend, and her new business, The Lonely Teacup, has evolved from her own keen interest in old things.

From her online boutique, operated from her home in Kilcullen, she is offering vintage china home accessories and event styling pieces.

"I began collecting vintage and antique china to create unique teacup candles and mismatched cake stands," she says. "But that has expanded to include hand knit tea cosies and other home accessories."

Now Karen has such a large collection, picked up by trawling through markets and antique shops throughout the country that she offers china hire for events such as weddings, fashion shoots, and charity tea parties.
 
“At present The Lonely Teacup vintage china is available to buy on the online store and at craft fairs around the country," she says. "We are also hoping to develop a number of stockists nation-wide."
 
Karen calls it 'up-cycling'—recycling of materials to create something pretty. "It is a passion of mine. Why buy a mass produced product when you can have a unique piece made to your specifications, full of original charm and character?"
 
The Lonely Teacup launches at the Kilcullen River Festival tomorrow. Watch out for Karen and her stand.

More information on The Lonely Teacup
Or facebook. Phone 045 484903 Mobile 086 0593851.