Celebrating Christmas time with a holiday cup brings enjoyment to a tea. I have collected Christmas teacups and Christmas teapots for years from many different places. Some gifted, some in vintage and antique shops, and all part of the what we call “the hunt”. That’s certainly part of the fun.
One of my favorite places to find teacups is Legacy Antiques in Albuquerque New Mexico. This little shop is located in the historic Juan Chavez home and never fails to offer a selection of vintage teacups and china. Located on the 4th Street Antique mile, Legacy Antiques has been a delight to visit for years and of course purchase, not only Christmas but all year round. https://legacyantiques.wordpress.com/
As you enter the house, you step up onto the porch and I can imagine the family sitting and looking over their land, which is now a busy street. Once inside, you are warmly greeted by the proprietors and you smell the age of the home and know, you are ready for antiquing.
The two story house has many rooms. There are linens in the back of the house, treasures of collectibles and furniture throughout the house. China is nestled everywhere in the shop, but if we were to go upstairs in the historic 1914 house you would find a special room where teacups and china reside. I have been there often and I take to the stairs knowing where to go. I always seem to find something there. Prices are reasonable, china is in good repair, the owners gracious and helpful…. and always fun to explore and see what might be new.
Shopping for cups with a fellow tea lover 
Treasures for the day 
Cups at Legacy Antiques
Over the years, I have used my Christmas treasures in my holiday teas. No duplicates at this point, each place setting has a unique cup for my guest, encouraging everyone to look and compare. Click on any cup to enjoy these cups along with my guests.
In addition to the teacups are the selection of teapots. I supplement the supply with white teapots I have, but these are my holiday pots. They pour well without dripping, can accommodate a nice infuser, hold plenty of tea (6-8 cups) and retain the heat well. Remove the cozy, lift carefully – the handle may be warm. Click on any teapot to view in more detail.
There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea. Ralph Waldo Emerson
For me, this is true of the stories within an old teacup and teapot. So putting your Christmas teacups and teapots together, whether for a formal tea or just for yourself, is indeed ….fine sentiment.
42 Comments
Barb
I love Legacy. Haven’t been for awhile. But agree, that the “hunt” is so fun and Legacy provides
some beautiful treasures. Your collection of Christmas cups are lovely and so fun, that each guest
gets a different cup. Don’t you wonder who bought the cup first and did they have a tea with
friends or family. It would be fun to know.
Beth
Hi Barb – yes, one of things that I enjoy is the wondering of who held the cup. Thanks!
Robin
Beautiful cups and pots! I didn’t even know they made special Christmas ones! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beth
Hi Robin – Yes I started this a few years back and its been fun to see all the different ones appear. You are quite welcome. Thanks.
Charlene
I LOVE Christmas china! I think I’d be a collector if I had more space!
Beth
Hi Charlene – yup space can be an issue. I generally pack away my season specific cups and then bring them out. But yes, space is certainly a key commodity. Thanks!
Heather
These are adorable. I love the teapots. We have a couple of tea rooms here that sell beautiful teapots. I love looking at them all when we go in.
Beth
Hi Heather – always a treat to go tea room shopping. Thanks!
Holly
I love these teacups! I have an Aunt who gives me a teacup every year and my name is Holly I have a ton of Christmas themed cups!
Beth
Hi Holly – how perfect and what a sweet gesture. Enjoy! Thanks.
Lee Anne
They are all beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Barbara Johnston
I inherited my grandmothers tea cup collection. There aren’t any Christmas tea cups. I may need to add to it.
Beth
Hi Barbara – what a special sweet treasure to have your grandmother’s teacups. I have several of my mother’s and they hold a special place in my heart. Hope that you use them often. Thanks for sharing!
Liza Brackbill
Very very cool! I am a tea fanatic myself. Thank you for sharing!
Beth
Hi Liza – well I certainly don’t claim to be an expert but certainly a lover of all things tea. Thanks and glad that you enjoyed it.
Estie Saunders
I love the xmas ones!
KENDRA
What a fantastic collection! I would love to visit that shop!
Beth
Thanks Kendra – you know its these little shops that just are so precious and hold little treasures. And knowing the history behind the house makes it all the more memorable. I try to find places whenever I travel, little or big towns. All fun.
Lisa
These are so beautiful…I need to keep my eye for a cute Christmas pot. Thank you for this reminder.
Beth
Hi Lisa – so glad you enjoyed. Yes, keep your eyes open – some of these are found in places like Home Goods or Tuesday Morning as well. Many are vintage but others are made purposely to look older – like the candy red one. Thanks and happy hunting.
Maria Gustafsson
What an absolutely lovely cup collection! And the teapots are wonderful.
Beth
Thanks Maria. Glad that you enjoyed them.
Danielle
I have a small collection of tea cups and saucers and love every one of them. I also love visiting tea houses. This is great! Next time I’m in NM, I’ll be sure to visit this one.
Beth
Hi Danielle. Legacy Antiques is a little antique shop. If you are looking for a great tearoom in New Mexico, I would recommend the St. James Tearoom – one of my favorites for sure. Thanks!
Lisa
I have a few Christmas plates but your collection is amazing.
Beth
Hi Lisa – Thanks so much. You know, didn’t start out with this in mind but over the years the enjoyment grew and voila…a bunch!
Tricia Snow
I love this… I inherited my family’s Franciscan Apple Dishes. Nothing better than the hunt to find replacements!
Beth
How special Tricia. Great tradition to have. And yes, always fun to go on the hunt!
Jane
What an extensive collection you have! I love it! It’s been ages since I’ve seen one. Nowadays, the new generation tend to gravitate towards the modern things. Sad but true!
Beth
Hi Jane – Very true. And though not of the new generation anymore, I know I have a fair amount of young friends who still appreciate these things. Its been fun to bring them along the journey!
Eva
I went to Poland a few years ago and got several tea and coffee cups. But none of them were Christmas themed, and now I’m sad I didn’t get one. Guess that gives me an excuse to go find a shop that sells them locally and choose a pretty pattern!
Beth
Thanks Eva. Well I have Christmas but also a lot of other ones that are not seasonal that I enjoy.
Katherine Wolfe
Oh! I love your Christmas teacup collection! Makes me want to start my own!
Beth
Thanks Katherine. Didn’t really start out to collect Christmas cups – it just kind of developed when I started doing Christmas teas but I enjoy them as well.
judean
I would only decorate with teacups – they are similar to beer steins—so beautiful to look at…not sure I want to use them! We have a tea shop we visit during the holidays every year – it is a tradition!
Beth
Hi Judean- enjoyed your comment. I use them all the time. In fact, when I have a friend or family over and we are having tea, while I am preparing the tea I ask them to pick out a cup. Its funny because it always take them time as they pause to go through the cups. I always use them even for myself! Thanks and have a great holiday.
Erika
You have a fabulous collection! I’m lucky to have a few sets but no Christmas themed…YET!
Beth
Hi Erika = glad that you enjoyed the post. Its been fun for sure. Good luck on the hunt!
Susan
I love tea as well… but your collection of cups and pots are absolutely gorgeous. Very nice post. Thank you.
Beth
Thanks Susan. Started small and it just seemed to grow. Appreciate your comment.
Cindy
I’d LOVE hunting through treasures at Legacy, especially in the teacup and teapot room. I have a few Christmas teacups and saucers. No holiday teapots though. I actually use the Christmas cups as part of my holiday decor.
Beth
Hi Cindy – absolutely! They know me enough that I am heading upstairs to the room. Even though my teacups are part of my decorations, I will use them even for myself in the morning. Thanks for your comments. Enjoy the season.