Frequently Asked Questions

Do all the China/glass items match?

All of our cups will match their saucers.  The rest will be provided as a miss-matched collection to give an eclectic look.  In most circumstances your cup and saucer will be matched with a similar style of sandwich plate. Due to the age and delicacy of the items, some are showing signs of wear or tiny cracks in the glaze.

What happens if there are breakages or missing items?

Obviously accidents do happen. At the time of booking you will be asked to pay a damages/missing items deposit. Assuming nothing has been damaged or missing, we will return the deposit in full within 14 days of collection or return to our storage facility.  Otherwise if you inform us at collection stage or we notice when the items are being unpacked at our storage facility, we will inform you. We will then return the damages/missing items deposit to you minus the relevant damage/missing item charge.  Damages/missing items will be charged at four times the hire rate.

Deposits & Cancellations

At the time of booking we ask for a small “save the date” deposit. This deposit is non refundable. However if due to unforeseen circumstances the event does need to be cancelled (up to 14 days ahead of the event), the deposit can be used towards another tea party, china and accessories hire or cake order within 12 months of the original event date. For cancellations within 14 days of the event, the deposit will be withheld.

Where are you?

Our main storage facility is based in Herne Bay, Kent. We can deliver throughout Kent.

How small or large can a party be?

See our Packages page for various options. For deliveries we can cater for as few as twelve. Smaller groups of items are available for you to collect. We currently have over 200 sets (tea cup, saucer, sandwich/cake plate). But we are acquiring more sets to develop our collections.

Can you deliver?

We can deliver the china to your event with a minimum order value of £50 within a 10 mile radius of Herne Bay.  Orders under £50 can be delivered at a charge of 50p per mile plus any road tolls or congestion charges if applicable. We have a minimum booking value of £150 for all orders to be delivered over 30 minutes’ drive (approx, 25 miles) from our storage facility in Herne Bay. Please enquire if you have a lower value order.

Can we collect?

You can chose to collect from our main storage facility in Herne Bay at a mutually convenient time. Extensions can be arranged at further costs.

Can you set up / style our event?

This really depends on your requirements and is subject to an additional charge. This can include dressing the tables according to your style, laying out the China/glass wear at £2 per guest.

Event styling is charged separately and can include setting out candlesticks with pearls or beaded necklaces, adding silk flowers, bunting, paper Poms Poms, glass jars filled with fairy lights, paper butterflies etc.  We can also supply old-fashioned sweets in Bon Bon dishes, dress the tables with items you have supplied such as personalised place settings, photos to go in our frames, fresh flowers, garlands, ribbons etc.

If there’s something in particular which you would like but can’t see it on our hire list or in the gallery, please give us a call or email to discuss your requirements.

Can you provide waiters / waitresses?

For smaller parties and to give you a rest, we can stay and serve.  Please see our hire list for extras.

Do you supply the milk, tea & sugar?

We bring a selection of teas with us along with coffee, milk, sugar, squash, jam etc.  Other varieties can be requested at time of booking.

Who does the washing up?

We do all the washing up.  None of our items are dishwasher or microwave proof. Due to the items being delicate we prefer to wash them up ourselves.  This is to ensure that they are sparkly clean and well wrapped for our next hirer to enjoy.  All we ask is that you wipe all plates and empty all vessels before packing (an instruction sheet will be provided with the china).

 

If you have any other questions, please email or give us a call.