Our Favorite Teapots and China for Mother's Day

Not every day is a fine china occasion, but we'd be remiss to let Mother's Day go by without dressing the table in Mom's honor. Whether you're serving breakfast in bed or gathering the family for afternoon tea, a special-occasion tea set takes even the simplest spread to the next level. We've rounded up our favorite teapots, teacups, and other china to help you throw a sweet fête in Mom's honor. Whether you prefer sleek, simple designs or punchy colors and prints, you'll find something special here to help you make Mother's Day feel as charming as she is.

Why tea? Because the setup is special. Even if you come from a family of coffee lovers, there's something about a pot of tea that feels more elevated than your everyday cup of joe (even if you're using teabags!). If you need some inspiration and ideas on what to serve during your tea party, we have a selection of classic afternoon tea recipes that are perfect for an elegant gathering.

Once you have the menu down, it's time to make sure you have the right tools. In this case, that's a teapot and teacups. There's beauty in restraint, and any fan of Scandinavian design will love the modern Danish Coffee and Tea Set (from $34, food52.com) pictured here, which is inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony and imagined by Danish designer Theresa Rand. Choose from white, light gray, or dark gray—in any shade, it's a minimalist's dream come true. With a large teapot, a sugar and creamer set, and teacups sold by the pair, you'll find everything you need to make the kitchen table feel like a five-star afternoon tea at the Ritz. Even better, the whole set is microwave- and dishwasher-friendly, letting you spend quality time with mom instead of washing dishes at the sink.

With its delicate floral print and arched gold handle, this hand-painted stoneware teapot is just the thing to welcome spring.

Shop Now: Anthropologie "Botanica" Teapot, $68, anthropologie.com.

A transparent teapot is perfect to highlight gorgeous loose-leaf teas like jasmine, rose, or hibiscus.

Shop Now: Bodum Assam Glass Teapot with Stainless Steel Filter, $34.99, amazon.com.

The streaky blush pink watercolor glaze on this elegant stoneware mug elevates the enjoyment of any tea be it black, green, or herbal.

Shop Now: Crate & Barrel "Amina" Mug, $9.95, crateandbarrel.com.

Available in a rainbow of bright colors, from cherry red to Marseille blue to oyster gray, this sturdy stoneware teapot will cheer up any tea table. 

Shop Now: Le Creuset Traditional Teapot, $45.95, amazon.com.

Fine porcelain and splatters of gold make this coupe-shaped cup and saucer set just right for Mom. Wrap them with a new tea for her to try.

Shop Now: Jonathan Adler 1948 Teacup and Saucer, $46, jonathanadler.com.

For the mom who adores mid-20th century design, this retro-inspired electric tea kettle is playful perfection in eight different colors.

Shop Now: Smeg Tea Kettle, $159.95, williams-sonoma.com.

Handmade in the U.S., this limited edition teapot is perfectly designed for the tea lover. The shape of the handle and spout make for smooth and even pouring; the thickness of the vessel's walls mean it retains heat. It holds just over two cups of tea and is paired with two half-dipped cups and saucers. The set is dishwasher safe.

Shop Now: Jono Pandolfi "Sapphire Tea Set," $180, jonopandolfi.com.

For when you don't have enough hands to bring mom her breakfast in bed and her morning paper, this stackable set helps make the impossible possible.

Shop Now:  Tea2 "Bazaar Beauty' Pink Tea For One, $28, t2tea.com.

A striking charcoal teapot with bamboo detailing makes another great pick for the minimalist mama.

Shop Now: Stelton Theo Teapot, $120, food52.com.

Vibrant spring colors grace this vibrant trio of earthenware teapot, creamer, and lidded sugar bowl. Each piece is sold separately but as you can see, they were made to be together.

Shop Now: "Leighton" Teapot, $38, Creamer $14, Sugar Pot $16, anthropolgie.com.

A cheerful enameled steel kettle to quickly boil water on the stovetop. It whistles to let you know the water is ready for making tea.

Shop Now: Chantal Vintage Tea Kettle, $49.95, williams-sonoma.com.

These borosilicate glass mugs have a comforting rounded shape that feels good in the hand.

Shop Now: Hay Borosilicate Glass Mugs, $50 for two, hay.com.

Keep it simple with this super classic white porcelain tea pot from English designer Sophie Conran for Portmeiron. It suits every style

Shop Now: Sophie Conran White Teapot, $29.99, wayfair.com.

Decorated with the iconic poppy design from Marimekko, this stoneware teapot combines Finnish and Japanese design elements. It has a wooden handle and a removable strainer, and is hand wash only.

Shop Now: Marimekko "Unikko" Teapot, $115, nordstrom.com.