Traditions in a Cup: Try the art of tea ceremonies in China and Japan

This is a collaborative post

The rich cultural heritage of East Asia is beautifully encapsulated in the art of tea ceremonies. Both China and Japan have long histories of tea preparation and consumption, each with its own distinct traditions and practices. Exploring these traditions offers an immersive experience that connects you with the past, the art of tea-making, and the values that these cultures hold dear. Whether you are embarking on tours to Japan or travelling between cities in China, the tea ceremony is an experience not to be missed.

Photo credit Sergey N via Unsplash

The Essence of Chinese Tea Culture

China is often considered the birthplace of tea, and its tea culture is as diverse as its geography. From the bustling tea houses of Beijing to the serene landscapes of the tea-growing regions in Yunnan and Fujian, the country offers a wealth of opportunities to explore this ancient tradition. In China, tea ceremonies are often less formal than their Japanese counterparts, with an emphasis on sharing and community.

During a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, the focus is on the interaction between the host and guests. The process involves multiple steps, including the selection of the tea leaves, the warming of the teapot, and the careful pouring of the tea. Each type of tea has its own specific brewing requirements, and learning these intricacies can be a delightful experience.

One of the best ways to engage with this aspect of Chinese culture is by participating in a tea ceremony workshop. Many cities, including Guangzhou, offer classes where you can learn about different teas, their origins, and the health benefits they provide. If you find yourself travelling on a train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, consider stopping at a local tea house for a taste of their finest brews.

Embracing the Japanese Tea Ceremony

In Japan, the tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu” or “sado,” is a highly ritualised practice that embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. Unlike the more informal Chinese tea ceremonies, the Japanese version is steeped in tradition and aesthetics, reflecting centuries of refinement. The ceremony typically involves matcha, a finely ground green tea, and is conducted in a tranquil setting that encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the moment.

The tea ceremony consists of several stages, including the preparation of the tea, the serving to guests, and the enjoyment of the drink. The host carefully follows a series of precise movements, each laden with meaning, from cleaning the utensils to whisking the matcha. Guests are encouraged to savour the experience, contemplating the flavour and aroma of the tea while admiring the beauty of the tea utensils.

Photo credit Oriento via Unsplash

The Influence of Regional Variations

Both China and Japan boast regional variations in their tea ceremonies, reflecting local customs and preferences. In China, for instance, the Gongfu tea ceremony is popular in the south, particularly in Fujian and Guangdong provinces. This style focuses on using small teapots and cups, allowing for multiple infusions of the same tea leaves, which enhances the flavour experience.

In contrast, Japan has regional teas, such as the earthy Hojicha from Kyoto or the vibrant Shincha from Shizuoka, each influencing how the tea ceremony is conducted. Understanding these regional differences provides deeper insights into the cultural tapestry of each country.

Tea Ceremonies as a Window into Culture

The rituals of tea ceremonies in both China and Japan serve as a window into the broader cultural values of each society. In China, the act of sharing tea fosters community and connection among friends and family. It is a time for conversation, laughter, and the sharing of stories, making it an integral part of social life.

In Japan, the tea ceremony is more introspective, emphasising mindfulness and appreciation for simplicity and beauty. The ceremony encourages participants to reflect on the present moment, a practice rooted in Zen Buddhism. This philosophical underpinning enriches the experience, making it not just about the tea, but about the connection to nature and the self.

Photo credit Julia Igosheva via Unsplash

Discovering Tea Beyond the Ceremony

While tea ceremonies are a highlight of the cultural experience, there is much more to discover about tea in both countries. Tea houses and tea shops offer a variety of teas for purchase, along with the necessary utensils for preparing your own tea at home. Many places also provide tastings and educational sessions, where you can learn about different types of tea, their health benefits, and ideal brewing methods.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding, there are also tea festivals held throughout the year in both China and Japan. These events celebrate the diverse tea cultures, featuring tastings, workshops, and exhibitions showcasing the art of tea-making.

A Journey of Discovery

Participating in a tea ceremony in China or Japan is a unique and enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the heart of each culture. From the welcoming atmosphere of a Chinese tea house to the serene elegance of a Japanese tea garden, these moments allow you to connect with history and tradition in a profound way.

Whether you are sipping a fragrant oolong in a bustling Guangzhou tea house or whisking matcha in a tranquil Kyoto garden, the experience is bound to be memorable. So, as you embark on your travels in these enchanting countries, make sure to include a tea ceremony in your itinerary. It’s a beautiful opportunity to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the art of tea in all its forms.

In conclusion, the traditions in a cup—whether in the lively tea houses of China or the serene tea gardens of Japan—offer a journey that transcends the beverage itself. It's about community, culture, and the timeless ritual that connects generations. So, steep yourself in the experience and embrace the magic of tea ceremonies on your next adventure!

Review preview - CuteBee Book Nook Kit with a Christmas theme

I received this kit in exchange for a review

Readers of this blog will know that I love crafting and I love reading, so what could be better than a craft which makes a lovely addition to a bookshelf! I have just made a start on this Book Nook craft kit from CuteBee, and so I'm sharing my first impressions before I begin to work on the kit and can share the finished product.

The Book Nook kit is a 3D wooden puzzle with lots of tiny pieces which are slotted together to form a Book Nook - a miniature world which can be displayed on your bookshelf. This kit is called the Christmas Wish Store and features all sorts of sweet little Christmas themed items, including a tree, a train and all sorts of toys and decorations.

The kit is very well packaged with everything fitted neatly inside. Most of the kit is wooden sheets with coloured shapes to press out, there are also some small plastic decorations along with the equipment to add lighting and music. It was very easy to check through the instructions and make sure that everything was included, and all the parts are clearly labelled.

You need a firm hand to push out the wooden pieces, but they are sturdy and I wasn't worried about breaking them. There are some spares for the very fiddly parts, for example the top of the train roof which needs to be curved slightly. It's important to only press out the pieces as you need them as you would very quickly get muddled!

Unused pieces can be stored in the original box, but I found it helpful to have a separate tray to keep the components that are assembled so that they don't get lost or damaged. So far I've built a storage box and a tiny train, and I found putting the pieces together to be really fun and absorbing. 

The kit is mainly assembled without glue, and the parts that need glue (not included) are clearly marked. You can also add a bit of glue if you are concerned that the pieces are too loose, but I found that wasn't usually necessary.

I'm really looking forward to working on this kit, I can see it being something that I work on from time to time when I have a few minutes to craft, as it can easily be picked up and put down and it doesn't need too much space to work on.

I will share the Book Nook when it's complete, and you can see what the final product will look like here - CuteBee DIY Book Nook Kit Christmas Wish Store.

Reasons to start a journal in the New Year

With a fresh new year around the corner, it's the perfect time to start a regular journalling habit! I've written many times on this blog about how I love writing in my journals - I use a bullet style journal to plan my week and a blank journal which I fill with my thoughts, ephemera and simple sketches. I find that journalling is a great way to keep those superfluous thoughts from running around inside my head, and it's also a way of bringing a dose of creativity to my daily life.

Why start a journal in the New Year?

It's a great time to start a journal. When a new year begins it's natural to want to reflect on the year just gone and to plan the year ahead. Everyone else is doing the same thing so there is plenty of motivation, and after the excess of Christmas you are in the mood to clear some space both physically and mentally. 

What do you need to get started?

Recently I wrote an article on how to journal when you don't know where to start and it contains plenty of advice to help you get over any block you might have to starting. All you need is something to write on and something to write with, and you don't need any expensive supplies. You probably already have a blank notebook around that has been waiting for a purpose! 

When it comes to physically putting pen to paper, I always start a new journal a few pages in. Then I can come back and fill the first couple of pages at a later date, or else I fill them with stickers and ephemera as time goes on. 

Photo credit Daria Shevtsova via Unsplash

What are the benefits of a regular journalling habit?

I find writing in my journal an enormous help to my wellbeing. When I have too many things running through my head, writing them down helps to clear my mind and organise my thoughts. It helps my anxiety to get things down on paper, and it's also really relaxing. 

Journalling helps me to work through and solve problems, for example a tricky decision that needs to be made. Often writing out a pros and cons list can help to find the answer that I'm looking for.  

In the new year I like to think about the things that I want to work on and achieve. For example changes that I want to make to my lifestyle, or things that I want to do. A journal can help to keep a record and track progress, or be a list of places to visit, recipes to make, activities to try. 

Recently on social media I've been seeing examples of dopamine menus. I don't like the name but I do like the concept - it's basically just a list of things that you enjoy doing. I had a similar list in my first bullet journal and I'm definitely going to create a new one for my next journal. 

Writing regularly can create a lovely record of things that you've done, especially when going through a life event that you will want to look back on. For example I've been journalling about the building of our house extension, both a factual account of what has been happening and also how I've been feeling about it at the time. 

Keeping a journal and pen handy is a great way to reduce screen time. You can fill a few minutes by jotting down some thoughts, or else settle down for a longer session away from the screen with a hot drink and a good view. 

Journalling is also a great way to improve creativity. I like to try out different layouts and styles, accessorise pages with stickers and washi tape, or try some simple sketches and start an illustrated journal. 

Finally...

One important thing that I want to mention is a reminder that your journal is personal to you. Don't feel the pressure to share it on social media - when you see beautiful journal pages online they have been created for that purpose and are designed to gather views and interaction. They can be great for inspiration, but can also make you feel inadequate and feel like stopping when you've barely begun.

Start with some cheap supplies so that you aren't intimidated by a beautiful journal that you don't want to ruin, and just take it from there!

Ultimate bedroom tips that your kids will surely love

This is a collaborative post

Your child’s bedroom should be a reflection of who they are—a space where they feel at ease and inspired to explore their interests. Balancing practicality with creativity can turn their room into a multi-functional space for rest, play, and learning. 

Thoughtful choices in furniture, decor, and storage can create an environment that’s not only visually appealing but also supports their development. These tips will guide you in crafting a bedroom that blends style with purpose and leaves your kids beaming with excitement.

1. Maximise Space for Play and Exploration

Kids love having enough room to play and explore, and a clutter-free space allows for better creativity and movement. A well-organised room encourages them to engage in their favourite activities and makes the room feel more open and welcoming.

Start by choosing furniture that saves space, such as beds with built-in storage or compact desks. Use vertical storage solutions like shelving and wall hooks to keep the floor clear for activities. 

Creating defined zones for play, rest, and learning helps children feel that every part of the room has a purpose. For instance, a colourful rug can mark the play area, while a comfortable beanbag chair can set the stage for reading or relaxing.

2. Focus on Colours and Themes Kids Can Relate To

A kid-friendly bedroom should reflect their interests and make them feel at home. Choosing the right colours and themes can make a big difference in how much they enjoy their space.

Opt for bright, cheerful colours or muted tones with pops of their favourite hues. Themes like animals, outer space, or their favourite book characters can make the room feel exciting and personal. If your child loves change, go for interchangeable decor such as wall decals, bedding, or themed cushions so the room can evolve as their tastes grow.

Photo credit Kenny Eliason via Unsplash

3. Inspire Creativity with a Loft Bed with a Desk

A loft bed with a desk is an ideal way to combine functionality and creativity in your child’s room. This multi-functional furniture piece maximises space by elevating the sleeping area, leaving room below for a dedicated workspace. Whether it’s for homework, art projects, or imaginative play, this setup provides your child with a sense of ownership and an environment that encourages productivity and inspiration.

• Maximises Floor Space: The elevated design frees up valuable room for a desk underneath, creating a practical area for studying or crafting without compromising the overall space in the bedroom.

• Encourages Focus and Independence: A dedicated workspace below the loft bed helps your child concentrate on tasks like homework or hobbies while teaching them responsibility for their personal area.

• Sparks Creativity and Play: The playful design of a loft bed naturally excites children, making the room feel dynamic and engaging. Themed options, like castle or treehouse designs, add an imaginative element that children adore.

• Customisable and Practical: Add task lighting, a comfortable chair, and storage bins to make the desk area more functional and tailored to your child’s preferences. You can personalise the space further with decor that reflects their interests and personality.

A loft bed with a desk is especially beneficial for smaller rooms, as it consolidates sleeping, working, and playing zones into a compact footprint. By choosing a design that complements your child’s interests and needs, you create a space that is both practical and inspiring, making their room a true haven for creativity and growth.

4. Add Cosy Elements for Comfort and Relaxation

Transform your child’s bedroom into a comforting retreat by adding soft textures, warm lighting, and thoughtful details. Start with their bed—layer it with plush throws, colorful pillows, and soft sheets to make it irresistibly inviting. A bed that feels cozy not only helps your child relax but also becomes a space they look forward to spending time in.

Create a designated corner for unwinding by adding a small armchair, beanbag, or floor cushions. This spot can double as a reading nook or a quiet retreat where your child can relax with a book or listen to their favourite music. 

Lighting plays a key role in setting the mood, so opt for warm-toned lamps, fairy lights, or a soothing nightlight. These touches make the room feel safe and calming, helping your child wind down at the end of the day.

5. Make Storage Fun and Accessible

Make tidying up a part of the fun by designing storage solutions that are both functional and engaging for your child. Start by choosing bins, baskets, or storage boxes in playful colors or patterns that match the room’s theme. These visually appealing options motivate your child to use them, making organisation feel like an enjoyable activity.

Install low-level cubby shelves or open cabinets where toys, books, and games can be displayed and easily accessed. Incorporating hooks at their height for hanging coats, backpacks, or costumes empowers your child to organise their belongings independently. Label bins or baskets with pictures or icons to make clean-up even more straightforward for younger children.

6. Encourage Active Play with Creative Features

Turn your child’s bedroom into a space where they can release their energy and engage their imagination by incorporating elements for active play. A slide attached to a bunk bed or a small climbing wall can instantly elevate the room’s fun factor. These features encourage movement and provide an outlet for your child’s natural energy right in their own room.

For a simpler addition, try including a pop-up play tent, an indoor swing, or soft floor mats for tumbling or yoga. These additions are easy to integrate into the room and offer hours of engagement. By introducing features that blend play and movement, you create a space that’s not just for rest but also a hub for activity and exploration.

7. Personalise with Sentimental Touches

Make your child’s bedroom uniquely theirs by adding personal touches that reflect their achievements, interests, and memories. Start by creating a gallery wall where you can frame their artwork, certificates, or favorite family photos. Seeing these meaningful pieces on display will give your child a sense of pride and ownership over their space.

Add a memory box or shelf where they can store keepsakes, from birthday cards to small mementos of family trips. Displaying their sports trophies, musical instruments, or favourite collectibles reinforces their individuality and creates a space they feel deeply connected to.

Your child’s bedroom is more than just a space—it’s a canvas for their growth and self-expression. By choosing adaptable furniture, encouraging active play, and adding personal touches, you can design a room that grows with them. These tips help you create a flexible and engaging environment that supports your child’s changing needs while remaining a favourite place in your home.

An update on my Nutcracker Christmas cross stitch project

Around this time last year I wrote about my currently incomplete cross stitch projects. There were quite a few! I've made progress on several of them, but the one that I'm most proud of is The Christmas Nutcracker from Bothy Threads. Here's how it was looking last Christmas, with just the shoulders of the Nutcracker stitched.

I worked on it quite a lot in the early part of the year, then I put it aside for a few months. When I fancied doing some cross stitch over the summer I picked up another neglected cross stitch project, as it felt strange to be working on a Christmas project when it was warm and light outside!

But as the cold and dark have returned I've found myself called back to the Nutcracker, and I'm really pleased with how it's getting on. The pattern is in two parts, the first sheet is a layer of cross stitch and then the second sheet is a layer of more intricate embroidery stitches. I don't want to confuse myself, so I'm going to complete all of the cross stitch first before I move on to the second layer.

I would say that I'm definitely halfway through the first layer, so a quarter of the way through the project!

It's quite simple to stitch, there are some mirrored areas and it is mainly worked in blocks of colour with no shading. The pattern is easy to follow, and by working on a colour at a time you can make a lot of progress quite quickly. 

I'm going to be making this my main project over the Christmas period and I'm hoping to get lots done, maybe by the New Year I'll even be able to complete the cross stitch layer!

Some simple felt crafts for Christmas

I love crafting with felt at Christmas. Felt is so versatile - it comes in a huge range of colours, you can cut it easily into all sorts of simple shapes without needing to worry about hemming it, you can sew it or even just glue it easily, and the soft texture feels really cosy.

I've shared lots of festive felt crafts on my blog over the last few years - here are some of my favourites.

My Embroidered felt Christmas bunting is once again hanging up over our mantlepiece like it does every year. It's just large triangles of felt with a simple border using the sewing machine. Then I alternated embroidered stars and snowflakes. This was a lot easier to do than it looks - I used an outline drawn on tissue paper which I sewed through and then removed, it worked really well! 

This year I made a really simple felt Christmas garland using some leftover felt pieces. All you need to do is to cut out some simple shapes from the felt and then sew them together using a sewing machine. It's a bit fiddly at first but sews up quickly and the garland is perfect for hanging on the Christmas tree or around the house.

My Felt star Christmas ornaments were made to use up some scraps of felt in different colours that I had leftover in my felt box. I tried to pick colours that went well together, even if they weren't all traditional Christmas colours. The colours remind me of the Three Kings and their gifts! They are finished with a contrasting button. I display them in a bowl on the sideboard, but they can also be made into hanging decorations with some simple coloured thread.

This Cross stitch snowflake felt bunting is a way of displaying the tiny snowflake cross stitch patterns that I designed - you can find them here free simple snowflake cross stitch patterns. You can use odd scraps of Aida fabric to sew the snowflakes, then turn them into bunting with some felt circle frames and ribbon. They would also make lovely hanging ornaments. 

Another stash busting project is this Felt Christmas tree and bauble bunting. Not just to use up scraps of felt but also ric rac, ribbon, beads and sequins. They have a small amount of padding and are double sided so they can be hung across a window.

Finally, my favourite Christmas felt craft is these Felt Christmas stocking decorations. They are nostalgic for me for two reasons - firstly because I remember my Mum making them when I was little and secondly because they were the very first Christmas decoration that I made when I was decorating my own home. It was so long ago that I didn't even had a craft stash - I had to go out and buy the felt and beads specially for the project!

They are designed to hold a small bar of funsize chocolate and to be hung on the tree as an alternative to the chocolate foil ornaments that you can buy. When my children were little they used them as mini stockings for their favourite teddies!

I hope that you have fun crafting this Christmas!

Hama bead Christmas kit inspiration for adults

This post contains Amazon affiliate links

I love a festive craft project, even better if it's something that I can display in my home as I celebrate the Christmas season. At this busy time of year sometimes you just want a simple project that you can work on when you have some quiet time, and Hama beads are the perfect craft that's both relaxing and satisfying. Working from a kit means that you have everything you need in one place without having to spend time gathering materials from around the house, and I've hunted down some gorgeous Hama bead Christmas crafting kits which would be fun to work on during those long dark evenings.

You'll notice that they are all official Hama bead branded items. While they can be a little more expensive than the cheaper options, I've learned the hard way that the imitation beads are just not as good!

First up is something that you can get a start on ready for next year! The Hama bead Advent Calendar (affiliate link) is a really fun Advent craft, and then when it's finished it can be re-used year after year. The kit contains 24 festive designs and shaped pegboards which can be kept for future Christmas projects.

If you want to make something simple which you can use to decorate your home then the simple Hama bead ornaments (affiliate link) or simple Hama bead decorations (affiliate link) are perfect. The designs are quick and easy to make, and can also be worked on together with small children for some family crafting fun.

I love these Hama bead Christmas trees (affiliate link) because once you have the included small Christmas tree pegboard you can really get creative with different designs. You could even make the trees in different colours to match your festive decor, for example in red/white or purple/silver. Then the completed trees can be used as Christmas tree decorations or turned into bunting.

Finally this Hama bead Santa Claus pegboard (affiliate link) is really fun, and again could be customised to suit your own decor. You could mount him on a stick to prop up in a flower pot, hang him inside a wreath, or prop him up on the mantlepiece.

Alternatively, you could just treat yourself to a big bucket of coloured Hama beads (affiliate link) or a selection of mini Hama beads (affiliate link) and browse my Hama bead Christmas crafts and projects which is packed with ideas for both simple and more complex Hama bead crafts which are perfect for this time of year!

Hama bead fairy light bunting