A Seamaiden's Secret Treasures: Mermaid in a Shell Teapot

One of my favorite tea-related quotes comes from Eleanor Roosevelt: "A woman is like a tea bag; only in hot water do you realize how strong she is." Well, when this Seamaiden feels like she has more than proven her strength, there is nothing more enjoyable than detoxing from my overbooked and overextended life over tea with friends. For me, calm conversation over fine bone china and aromatic peaches with flowers tea is the perfect prescription to achieve renewal, revival and plain old relief.

My next tea gathering will include this delightful Richard Parrington teapot, "Mermaid in a Shell," as a decorative centerpiece surrounded by seashells and water lilies. Parrington's teapots are highly collectible. Teapot Island dates this one back to 1981 and values it at $39.29-$111.59 (converted from the British pound). I snagged this one on eBay for a mere $10!