How a brass tea set can add antique touch?

With each passing day, we keep getting more and more dominated by technology. We are slowly moving towards modernism and the value of traditional and age-old practices are slowly getting forgotten. A very important metal called Brass has one such story. Brass, which has immense health benefits, is losing its shine and gleam due to modern cooking equipment like stainless steel, non-stick, and many other alternatives available in the market.

With a decline in the use of these time-proven metals, we are not just losing on the health benefits, but also our culture, traditions and craftsmen who have been making these cooking equipment. People who have ever used brass can tell you how the modern alternatives are no match when it comes to resilience and taste that brass offers.

Here are some benefits of using brass in your kitchen

As per Ayurveda, the use of metals like silver, copper, and brass promotes well-being and good health. The ancient Ayurveda science also gives importance to the health benefits of cooking in metals. Utensils and kitchen equipment made of brass offer therapeutic benefits whether you use them to serve or cook.
Using non-stick pans may sure make cooking easy, but they could be detrimental to your skin. The chemicals used to create the coating can cause many skin problems like skin cancer, chronic acne, etc.
Storing and cooking beverages in brass vessels help increase immunity and strength in your body. It helps in increasing haemoglobin, general skin condition, mental health, and pitta. This is why many people have started using brass tea sets at home.
As per our forefathers, stainless steel should only be used to boil milk or water. But if you want your tea and coffee to taste better, then you must use brass tea sets. it offers a lingering taste in your mouth and enhances the taste at the same time, giving your tea drinking experience an antique touch.
Brass helps in regulating blood flow, maintain a healthy heart weight loss, and give a lustrous skin.
People who have a chronic cough, acidity, and piles can incorporate brass in their daily kitchen to help with these issues
Cleaning your brass utensils

Cleaning and caring for your brass utensils is easier than you thought. While you can use soapy water and a soft sponge to clean the utensil on a regular basis, occasionally, brass needs polishing to maintain the lustre and shine.

Soak your brass product in vinegar or lemon juice.
Allow being soaked for at least two hours.
Use a soft brush to scrub and reach edges and insides.
Rinse with water.
Wash with a mild soap.
That’s it, isn’t that simple? Just remember not to use any other metal or abrasive scrubbers to clean your brass as it has a risk of putting scratches.

While it is not possible to completely eliminate non-stick cookware and steal from your kitchen, you can still find ways to incorporate brass in your kitchen. One of the simple ways is to use a engraved brass tea set. Besides offering immense health benefits, it also lets you experience tea with an antique touch.

If you want to start using brass in your tea drinking experience, why not start with this Masai brass milk and sugar pot set gold from Ellementry? This one will surely offer a royal touch to your breakfast table. This milk and sugar pot set made of brass can be easily incorporated in your kitchen. All our products are sustainable, handcrafted and stylish. This one is also easy to care for. Simply rinse in warm water and mild soap and dry with a soft cloth.

A good tea needs a good tea set

Imagine this – you make the very same tea every day with the same amount, same temperature and brewing time and same equipment. But it is not quite as good as the last time. Less aroma, a little flat or maybe something is missing. This is something that all of us have experienced at some point. If you are using the same teapot, same tea and infuser, why the disappointment and difference? Ever wondered? Maybe it’s not the tea, it’s the equipment you use.

Whiskey glasses & Cognac glasses

We think you ought to have a range of whiskey glasses and brandy glasses to choose from. Whether you’re looking for glasses for your own drinks cabinet or to give to an enthusiast.

Whiskey glass from Normann Copenhagen, designed by Rikke Hagen. Two nice and classic glasses that make whiskey's aromas blossom. The glass has a function and a simple Nordic design that will be nice when it comes to painting. If you do not like whiskey, it's great to use them as water glass or for juice. Comes in 2-pack.

Enjoy the good drink from this stylish glass from Nachtmann. The Noblesse series consists of beautiful and luxurious products with a classic and elegant pattern. These glasses are incredibly stable in your hand, allowing you to elegantly enjoy your favorite drink, such as whiskey. The glass holds 29.5 cl and measures 9.8 cm in height and 8.2 cm in diameter. The glass can withstand the machine.

2-pack with Brandy Glasses from Rosendahl. These glasses belongs to the classic Grand Cru series, designed by Erik Bagger. The tulip-shaped glass develops and concentrates the aroma of the beverage that is served, and fits both for brandy or brandy designer glass. The design is simple and timeless, which makes the glasses great for all types of table settings.

Set with Noblesse carafe and two glasses from Nachtmann. This set is part of the Noblesse series, and consists of glass that has a classic cut diamond pattern that gives a luxurious feel to the home. The glass has a good weight that is stable in the hand, and the carafe becomes a beautiful feature in the bar. A must for the whiskey enthusiast! Is made of crystal.

If you're still drinking cognac out of a classic, balloon-shaped glass you're doing it wrong, according to a Hennessy expert

Cognac experts now say the best way to drink it is from a "tulip" glass. Katie Warren/Business Insider
The best way to drink Cognac is no longer from the traditional "balloon" glass.
According to a Cognac expert and tour guide at the Hennessy distillery in France, the best glass is actually a "tulip" glass because it allows the aroma to get to your nose.
Experts used to suggest balloon-shaped glasses because it was thought that the warmth from the drinker's hand enhanced the taste of Cognac, but now they say it can dull the complex aromas of the spirit.
If you're drinking Cognac on the rocks, however, you should use a tumbler glass.

The best way to drink Cognac is no longer from the traditional balloon-shaped glass, but rather a tulip-shaped glass, according to a Cognac expert I talked to at the Hennessy distillery in France.

On a recent trip to France, I made a 24-hour stop in Cognac, a small town about a five-hour drive from Paris that's famous for being the birthplace of the spirit. Hennessy, one of the major Cognac houses, was founded in 1765 and offers guided tours and tastings at its headquarters on the banks of the Charente River. It was on one of these tours that I met Gwendoline Poirier, a best handmade crystal glass brass casted cognac glasses expert and tour guide at Hennessy, who walked us through how Cognac is made and the best way to drink it.

With a tulip glass, "you can really enjoy the color thanks to the shape and for the aroma to get to your nose," Poirier told me as we tasted different types of Cognac.

Cognac, which is made from grapes, is one of the oldest spirits in the world. The only thing that differentiates it from Brandy is that Cognac must be made in the Cognac region of France, as Business Insider's Alison Millington previously reported.

hennessy cognac
Gwendoline Poirier, a Cognac expert and tour guide at the Hennessy distillery in France. Katie Warren/Business Insider
With the traditional balloon glass, "the goal was to heat your Cognac," Poirier said. "Today, it's not something we are advising anymore because generally when you're heating your Cognac, you will feel the alcohol more and the aromas less."

Read more: This is the difference between Cognac and brandy, and 6 other things you didn't know about the grape-based drink

cognac balloon glass
Cognac was traditionally served in a balloon-shaped glass. Sergei Malgavko\TASS via Getty Images
But you shouldn't feel limited to only drinking Cognac neat.

"You can taste it neat, on the rocks, in long drinks, and cocktails," Poirier said.

In fact, Cognac producers such as Hennessy are encouraging people to drink the spirit in cocktails to make it seem more trendy and accessible, she said. Poirier noted that if you're drinking Cognac with ice, the best glass to use is a tumbler.

Shot glasses

Let’s end with a bang! The shot glass is associated with the Wild West saloons.

Cowboys reportedly traded bullets for a snifter of alcohol. This little gem of glassware delivers your fave liquor at an accelerated rate, like a seductive slap to the face. It wakes you up but leaves you wanting more.

Lismore Essence Champagne Glass, Set of 4 from Waterford

So that’s the wrap. To all the yogis out there, I say this: although I envy for your ability to wake clear-headed in the wee hours – even before your daily vipassana meditation – my natural inclination is towards the Frank Sinatras of the world. As that wise sage once said,

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day”.

Variety is the spice of life and a celebration of your palate. Let’s indulge.

So, what’s your favourite adult beverage? Cocktail? Snifter? Pint? best art casted shot glasses

Best Branded Mugs for Cold Drinks

Having the right mug can make all the difference for your cold drinks. The Australian summer can melt ice and warm beverages before you know it. Luckily for you, we have a range of insulated cups that maintain your cold drinks cooler for longer. Check out our top three picks for the best branded mugs for cold drinks this summer. Imperial porcelain bone china cup

Custom Stainless-Steel Mugs

These Custom Stainless-Steel Mugs are simple yet elegant. They offer luxury and hassle-free travel to ensure that your drinks are maintained at the temperature that you like. Insulated through double-wall stainless-steel, these heavy-duty mugs are perfect for summer. With a 475ml capacity, these items also make the perfect gift for clients, employees, friends or family. Accompanied by your unique logo, everyone will be pleased this summer!

Portable Ceramic Reusable Cups

Looking for an excellently crafted reusable cup? Look no further! These beautiful 290ml ceramic cups are the answer to all your quick summer drinks. Fitted with a resistant food-grade silicone spill-proof lid, this mug ensures the temperature remains the same for longer. Perfect for travel and on-the-go movement, this mug is also ideal for branding. The crisp colours will pair nicely with your unique brand and serve for a memorable promotional item.

Kotara Metal Tumbler with Straw

Carrying a drink with you is essential these days. Now you never have to worry about the temperature of your fresh juice, smoothies or shakes with our Kotara Metal Tumbler with Straw. Double-walled, BPA-free and insulated through a vacuum seal, this tumbler goes above and beyond your standard mugs. Its greatest feature is its inbuilt straw for ease of access and prevention of spills. Completed with a matte finish, decorating this mug with your brand is guaranteed to have your name memorised.

HERE IS A PROCEDURE YOU CAN USE TO DATE ANTIQUE TEAPOTS

STEP 1 - CHECK THE SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR

Before you even try to date back an antique, you should confirm the teapot in question is vintage. If it is ceramic or porcelain, does it have cracks on the surface? If it is made of silver, does it have worn spots?

On its inside, you should see discoloration because of steeping tea for many years. Also, the handle should show signs of wear due to many years of handling. A teapot in tip-top condition is unlikely to be vintage.

STEP 2 - CHECK FOR MARKINGS

Check the base of the pot. Are there any markings? Markings can help you in determining the manufacturer of a teapot and the possible year it was made. You may need to use reference books and magazines to know what the markings stand for.

Look for books that list pottery marks or silver marks. You may not be able to memorize most of them; so focus on the marks on your teapot.

STEP 3 - LOOK AT THE SHAPE OF THE TEAPOT

As we mentioned earlier, you can estimate the age of a teapot based on its shape. In the 18^th century, teapots went through significant changes.

The round shape of the teapots we see today was popular between 1730 and 1760. The pear shape was popular from 1750 to 1755. From 1790-1810, most of the teapots had straight sides. From 1810-1835, the teapots grew rounder and the sides widened. Teapots made from the 19^th century to date have assumed a rounder shape.

However, this is not to mean that just because a teapot has straight sides, it is antique. Teapots come in a variety of shapes. However, the more unusual and interesting the shape of the teapot is, the more antique it might be.

STEP 4 - ANALYZE THE FEATURES OF THE TEAPOT

One of the major features of antique teapots is the uneven nature of the holes leading to the spout. If a teapot features three or four holes, this could indicate it dates back to the 18^th century. The holes should be uneven. If they have perfect, rounded holes, the teapot is most likely to be made in the 20^th century.

Also, analyze the lid. How well does it fit into the teapot? Has it worn out because of many years of usage? If the glaze on the front part of the lid of a ceramic or porcelain pot is still perfect, the pot is unlikely to be old.

NOTE- the more antique a teapot is, the higher its value and thus the higher the cost. Therefore, know that teapots made a few decades ago might not cost as much as those made one century ago. However, the value is based on the condition and authenticity of a teapot.

Let’s talk about the numbers, letters, and symbols you may find on the bottom part of most antique teapots in greater depth.

Readmore engraved cast brass porcelain tableware

HOW TO DATE ANTIQUE TEAPOTS? STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE

The first basic teapot design was first created by porters during the Yuan Dynasty. History indicates that it was probably derived from wine pots and ceramic kettles that were made of metals such as bronze. However, the basic design of the teapot has scarcely evolved in close to a half millennium. Even in this 21^st century when tea preparation has shifted from using loose leaf tea to using teabags, the teapot has remained largely unchanged and ubiquitous. If you have an interest in collecting or assembling antique teapots, possibly, you are looking for information on how to know a date/period when various pots were made.

If you want to know how to date antique teapots, here is a simple answer- it is difficult to know the exact date when an antique teapot was made, but you can estimate the period it was made based on their shapes and the numbers/symbols on them. For example, teapots made until the 1700s had a rounded shape. After the 1700s, teapots began to take the pear shape. By the 1800s, teapots took straight sides. After that, they went back to the round shape, but this time they were fatter than those made before the 1700s. Another way of dating teapots is to look at features. Antique teapots made in early 1700 didn't feature glazing under the lid and the inside of the teapot rim.

Other things that might help you know the period a teapot was designed;

• Check to see if there are any trademarks, names, or other numbers on the bottom of a teapot. These marks/symbols could lead you to the manufacturer, which will give you an idea when the manufacturer existed or made teapots of similar designs to the one you have.
• Also, you can compare the teapot to pictures of teapots in collectibles and antiques books and magazines. Also, there are online sites that sell antiques. You may find documentation and information on such sites regarding what year it was made. The design and type of spout can also help you date antique teapot.
• The size of the teapot, although not straightforward, may give you a clue on when a teapot was made as well. For instance, teapots made in the 18^th century had a smaller shape because tea was expensive at that time. Therefore, only small amounts were brewed, which explains why the teapots had smaller sizes.

To date an antique teapot, you must assess its condition. And although most of the antique teapots should show signs of wear and tear, the condition of the teapot should show its quality. Of course, you will not find teapots that were used in the 17^th century, since it is highly unlikely that any of these are lying in anyone’s basement, but you can find teapots that were used several decades or one century ago. cast brass tea cup and teapot set with tray

Keep in mind that you may not be able to estimate the exact time when an antique teapot was made, but at least several things can give you a clue.