Have you ever wondered why your grandmother had so many cups and saucers?

It was tradition in those days to throw a teacup bridal shower for the bride-to-be. Each guest brought a gift-wrapped teacup and saucer set. Presented with each one, was a word tucked into the teacup and read aloud as the gift was opened. Words like Patience, Cooperation, Humor, etc. were offered — characteristics one should have to achieve a happy marriage.

This explains how your grandmother came to acquire a large collection of cups and saucers. And since they were all mismatched, this allowed guests at tea parties to pick and choose which cup and saucer set they wanted to have their tea served in.

Sadly, a lot of these cups and saucers are no longer wanted or used and get banished away in a box and forgotten in the attic. They are such lovely little things and when the cup is missing or broken, I love transforming the orphaned saucer into a ring holder so it can be useful and beautiful again in its next life time.