Here, Hayley Baddiley from Denby Pottery shares her top five tips on how to make the most of a quiet moment with a cup of your favourite tea or coffee.
Its likely that you will have spent quite a lot of time rediscovering the small joys in life over the last few months. And, one thing that most of us will have a lot of appreciation for is the time to sit down and relax with a cup of tea or coffee.
If you've been missing trips to your local café, you might have been looking for ways that you can make the experience just a little bit more special at home. So, here, I'm going to give you my top five tips.
Drink from a high-quality cup and saucer
Its amazing how much more luxurious your usual cup of tea or coffee can seem when you pick out your favourite mug or teacup and add a saucer. There's something very special about putting that bit more effort into making your drink.
By opting for a quality, sturdy cup that's a joy to hold, and placing it on a saucer, just like the baristas at your favourite coffee shop do, you can make the experience of sitting down with a hot drink feel like a special occasion. It might be a little thing, but it'll help to elevate those small moments. It’s important to make time for yourself and using your favourite ceramics for your daily cup of tea or coffee is a great way to do that.
Source the best coffee and tea
It’s easy to fall into the habit of buying the same brands and varieties of tea and coffee every time you shop. Why not try expanding your horizons by seeking out some new and exciting varieties and flavours?
If you’re usually a breakfast tea drinker, why not try an Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or even a fancy herbal infusion? Or, you could consider buying some fresh coffees from a local roastery or café — lots of good coffee shops will offer bags of whole and ground beans to take away. Not only will you be supporting a local business, but you'll really be able to taste the difference.
Experiment with new brewing methods
The flavour of your brew is about more than just the type of tea or coffee you use — how you're preparing it is just as important. So, to really elevate your hot drinks, you could experiment with a new way of brewing them. For instance, using the pour over method to make coffee can completely change the intensity and flavour. Or, you could try using a stove top moka pot to create a rich espresso. If you're more of a tea drinker, then swapping tea bags for loose leaf blends can make a big difference to the strength and flavour of your tea.
These methods might be a little more work than just sticking the kettle on and popping a tea bag or spoon of coffee in your cup. But, if you take the time to do it properly, it can be a calming and enjoyable ritual.
Add a beautiful biscuit (or two)
The best cups of tea or coffee are those that are served with a baked treat, so why not indulge? You deserve to really treat yourself, and make somewhat of a daily ritual out of it.
Of course, Bluebell Biscuiterie has some beautiful seasonal biscuits that will really help you to make an occasion of your relaxed moments with a hot drink. There are a variety of wonderful designs to choose from, and they arrive beautifully presented, which means you'll feel like you're receiving a special present when they arrive at your door!
Really switch off
Most of us will be guilty of pouring ourselves a quick cup of tea, which we then sip as we scroll through our phones or check our emails. To make the most of these quiet moments, make the effort to switch off and take some time out. If you're feeling busy and overworked, try to take this time to just be with your thoughts and this will help you to feel well-rested when you get back to the tasks on your to-do list. Or, if you struggle to find the time to read, swap your laptop or phone for that book you've been meaning to pick up for ages.
Many of us feel like we need to be switched on and productive all of the time, but your daily tea or coffee ritual should help to give you a break from all of that. So, really give yourself space to relax.