TEA TRAYS

Today we live in a fast track, highly stressful world with an overload of information that has reached torture level for a lot of people with very little time to relax. Most of our modern health problems are stress-related, in fact the world of medicine is finding out more and more about stress and how it affects our physical health. Time-out is more important now then it ever has been but finding one minute to live in ‘the now’ almost impossible.

I find that setting a tea tray with the same thought and attention to detail associated with Chanoyu or Japanese tea ceremony is a good way to relax. Like preparing a room for a tea ceremony, the objects I put on my tea tray are very carefully considered. I begin by thinking about why I am setting the tea tray, as I am acting out a ritual and everything I place on the tray will have a profound effect on the energy I create.

Is my tray for the purpose of meditation or for a tealeaf reading? Is it to symbolise a celebration or for a healing bedside tonic? Is it a tray for me or to share with somebody?

I prefer to use wooden trays and the type of wood will set the mood along with the china, the linen and the flowers. Wood has its own special energy and I have collected several beautiful old wooden trays over the years and still look out for them for friends.

Oak is a symbol of strength and its energy is very sympathetic to the vibrations given off during a tealeaf reading.

Ash is associated with magic powers and healing; the druids used the tender spring ash leaves to make a cleansing tisane for general health. They believed ash wood absorbed sickness and made their decorated, healing wands of this wood. Ash wood seems to draw electrical energy towards itself, as it is known to attract lightning.

Beech is a wood for sad occasions. Beech trees are known to be good listeners. Country folk say that if you have a problem, sit under a beech tree with your back up against its trunk and share you problem with the tree and you will feel its support and wise council.

Honey-coloured fruit woods are perfect for a celebration tray and it is the perfect tray to set on a wet afternoon in front of the fire with a loved one.

I like to buy old wooden trays rather then new ones, even if they may need a little TLC to bring them back to their best. I am very aware that wood is very precious commodity and we need to use as little new wood as possible.

After I have decided on the tray I think about the flowers.

Cabana are the flowers chosen and arranged by the tea master to decorate the room for the tea ceremony. Each flower is chosen to help set the mood for the unique experience that each Chanoyu creates. The Victorians developed a whole language of flowers based on a rich folk lore of symbolism and omens. Country folk still say that it is unlucky to bring black thorn blossom into the house.






Roses have always been associated with love and, depending on their colour, different types of love. Red is for passion, pink for unconditional love and a yellow rose portrays the love of friendship.

Lilly of the Valley symbolises a return to happiness. The French call it Muguet and it is still given on the 1st of May as a symbol of love and happiness.

Natural oils contain the life force of the plant and their scents give off a vibration which perfumiers describe as notes that range from base notes to top notes. Three or more essences mixed together create a chord.





Colour is important as colour affects our mood. For example, yellow is uplifting, blue is cooling and lavender is calming.



When I choose the flowers for my tea tray I take into consideration the season, the symbolism, the scent and the colour. Whenever possible, I try and find flowers and herbs that are growing in my garden.

I have a collection of hand-made antique tray clothes. They were made at a time when life wasn’t quite so hectic, I’m sure each stitch was made with love to create such beautiful work. There was plenty of time for the embroiderer to calmly consider her life and the lives of those around her. I often use a white work tray cloth as it goes with any china I choose.



I have different china for the many different reasons I am laying my tea tray.






All of the handles of the cups, jugs and teapot should face the same way to create an aesthetic balance. I am very careful that the vase I choose for my flowers complements the china. I have a silver posy vase that was gift long ago from a very dear friend and I find I use this the most as it goes with almost everything.

Once my tray is set, the last but not the least important thing to do is to choose the tea I am going to brew. Within this ritual and preparation I have created a place of seclusion from the outside world that is in harmony with the universe, a place to be alone in or to enjoy with other company. FAIRY TEATIME TALES is published by http://www.bookguild.co.uk/