Creating a hygge-filled afternoon tea
Includes our edit of note-worthy Scandinavian teapots. There is increasing interest into the Danish term ‘Hygge’ a concept that’s been around for centuries and remains important today. Originally a Norwegian term for well being, hygge has been adopted by the Danish as a way of living. Usually translated into “cosiness” it is an important attitude to life – enriching people’s everyday to give joy! Whilst many connect hygge with the winter months – hygge is used throughout the year, encouraging people to take pleasure in their everyday, and we think there is no better excuse to pause and reflect on the day than with a hot mug of tea! If you’re planning an afternoon tea with friends or you just want to have five minutes of calm in your busy life – it’s important to take a moment of joy. As our love affair with a warming pot of tea continues as we select our edit of the best Scandinavian-designed teapots to give your afternoon tea a design-led touch with examples of Danish modern, contemporary Scandinavian design and classic designs to suit your interior styling. Plus read our tips about creating the perfect hygge-filled Scandinavian afternoon tea! Let’s embrace our daily rituals with taking time to brew the perfect (well-designed!) pot and indulge with a sticky treat. Read our edit below or join us at Marylebone Interiors day on Saturday 21st May to taste teas from around the world from Kusmi teas and delicious treats from the Nordic Bakery!THE EDIT: 10 best Scandinavian teapots + tips to create the perfect hygge celebration!
NEW: Essence teapot designed by Finn Juhl, Architectmade, 1952 – first produced 2016 With its organic shapes and details we’re proud to showcase Finn Juhl’s Essence teapot, categorised by Juhl’s design aesthetics. Originally designed in 1952, but due to the design complexity it never went into production. More than 60 years later, has it finally been possible to overcome the difficulties and bring “Essence” to the market. We love: The sharp angle of the handle against the organic and free-following body.
Cylinda-Line teapot designed by Arne Jacobsen, Stelton, 1967 A classic teapot in a minimalist, harmonious design – an icon. A strikingly elegant piece and one of the first products in the wider Cylinda-Line range, it acts both as a teapot or display as a interior object with the stylistically consistent, uncompromising design We love: The 1960s-cool design with angular lines with circular details.
Theo teapot designed by Francis Cayouette, Stelton, 2014 Make time for tea with Theo, designed for an authentic tea ceremony. The teapot comes in a classic Scandinavian stoneware with a cast-iron finish in blackish-brown. However it also invokes a touch of Asian tea culture as the lid and handle are made of bamboo. With simple clean lines the teapot is restful to the eye, making room for reflection and relaxation in your personal tea ritual. We love: The blackish-brown cast-iron finish offset by the light bamboo detailing.
Oiva teapot designed by Sami Ruotsalainen, Marimekko, 2009 The Oiva teapot as part of the In Good Company Range has been a constant presence in the Marimekko dinnerware range since its creation in 2009, often designed with Marimekko’s new season fabric designs on which is perfect to use when creating different moods to your table settings when combining with the wider Marimekko collection. Use in an almost infinite number of ways, to create your perfect hygge ambiance. We love: The Finnish design combined with a Japanese feel with the use of light wood.
Kettle teapot designed by Norm Architects, Menu, 2010 Norm Glass Kettle Teapot infuses a meeting of two traditions - the Asian zen philosophy and modern Scandinavian design. A transparent design grants a visual experience of the tea and stimulates the senses of sight, touch and smell alike. As a final detail the tea egg can be placed at the center of the pot and raised when the tea is ready to be served – adding a touch of theater to the event. We love: The extended body of the teapot and seeing the tea leaves diffuse into the hot water.
Blue Fluted Mega teapot designed by Karen Kjældgård-Larsen, Royal Copenhagen, 2000 Based on Royal Copenhagen’s integral porcelain design Blue Fluted, desgined in 1775, the Blue Fluted Mega elected fragments of the traditional Blue Fluted decoration are enlarged, so that beautifully sweeping lines and portions of the stylised chrysanthemum form an almost graphical whole. "The Blue Fluted pattern is very Danish, of high quality, expensive, nostalgic, romantic, old fashioned etc. so if changed, but still recognized, you can actually make quite a statement" Karen Kjældgaard-Larsen. We love: The classic design reimagined into a contemporary but timeless new design.
Suomi designed teapot by Timo Sarpaneva, Rosenthal, 1976 Modern Elegance. Timelessness is evident in the Rosenthal Suomi Teapot through its simple and smooth design. A sleek stainless steel handle tops off the teapot, adding a modern element to the soft white porcelain teapot. The combination of new and old, a specialty of designer Timo Sarpaneva's, makes the teapot a truly unique piece to add to an existing Rosenthal Suomi collection or to start a new one. We Love: The curved square-like shape of the teapot and steel handle. 
Teema teapot designed by Kaj Franck, Iittala, 1952 Designed by one of Iittala’s most iconic design heroes, Kaj Franck, Teema is probally our most versatile collection of dinnerware, coming in a comnination of colours, shapes and sizes. The Teema teapot captures the essence of Scandinavian design thinking with each piece being derived from three simple forms: circle, square and rectangle. It’s what you use them for that makes them yours - as Kaj Franck put it, “Colour is the only decoration needed”. We love: The ability to mix-and-match colours and the sleek functionality of this hard-wearing piece.
My teapot designed by Anouk Jansen, Jansen+Co, 2012 'My Tea Pot' is a beautiful combination of industrial production and hand finish shine through in this quirky and original teapot. Designed by Jansen+Co, the teapot can be combined with the wider range to add a pop of colour to your table. We love: The quality of the ceramic and the pops of colour.
Warm teapot designed by Brian Keany, Tonfisk, 1998 Designed to be lifted and poured for a more comfortable drinking, Warm stands on its wooden bracelet and inside holds a tea strainer, perfect for tea enthusiasts and tea lovers who wish to brew the perfect cup of tea. Created with the desire of producing visually beautiful objects that were not mere variations of existing market products and built on Louis Sullivan’s functionalist dictum “form follows function doesn’t mean all objects have to look the same”. We love: The wooden bracelet giving this collection a unique look and the lifted pouring.
Create the perfect Scandinavian Hygge afternoon tea!
1. Set the scene: light candles, bring in textiles and add bright colours – make the space an area you want to spend time in. 2. Embrace the moment: invest in a teapot and dinnerware that make every occasion an event, remembering take time to enjoy our daily rituals. 4. Indulge in food: bring in a selection of the best-baked goods and tea you can find - keep it light for spring. 5. Keep it fresh: we Scandinavians are always intent on adding a freshness to their living - add fresh flowers or take it outside for a mid-summer celebration!
6. Make it intimate: we always find the perfect hygge atmosphere is when you’re with a close circle of friends and family. 7. Relax and welcome your guests: Everything should go as planned! Shop our selection of teapots, tableware and vases to create your perfect hygge party setting!
