What is.....a Tea Cozy?

Simply stated, a tea cozy is designed to cover a tea pot and retain the heat of the tea. Tea cozies may be plain or fancy; whimsical or elegant. The best heat retainers are cozies made of fabric with a layer of insulating material inside. The Tea Lady prefers a cozy that wraps around her tea pot leaving the handle, spout and lid exposed.

Another version is a cozy that covers the entire tea pot. Again, ones with insulation are much better for retaining heat. The problem arises with a cozy covering the entire tea pot causing the handle to become extremely hot. Many a cherished tea pot has been dropped and broken when the pourer is not aware of the heat of the handle. Use these cozies with caution.

If one is crafty there are numerous books available for yarn enthusiasts to make their own tea cozies. Here is where creativity comes into play and whimsy begins. A search of tea cozies will bring up a host of images.

Billy Connolly said "Never trust a man who when left alone in a room with a tea cozy doesn't try it on." Apparently the gentleman below may be trusted. While this is not the best way to keep your tea warm, it is certainly an attention getter.

The most important fact to remember is that the tea leaves or bags should always be removed before "cozying" your tea pot. Tea leaves or bags should always be removed or they will continue to steep which results in bitter tea.