A Nice Cuppa

I am not organized when it comes to my daily life. Lists, frequent housecleaning, and rigid schedules don???t guide me. However, there are a few habits I???ve held dear since I can remember. In these, I am incredibly strict and any interference can seem an irreparable loss.

Perhaps the most important custom is how I drink any beverage requiring milk and sugar. My husband thinks it???s ridiculous, but I must have my sugar bowl and creamer ready at all times. Even on a lazy afternoon, I am never too lazy to fill my creamer with fresh milk or to ensure my sugar bowl is full. Creamer? Sugar bowl? You might think they are only necessary when the Queen comes for high tea, but I do assure you that they are quite useful in our daily lives as well. To me, pouring milk into my mug from the carton or sprinkling sugar from a 5 lb. bag is akin to eating dinner while walking home. (Reader, I do have a confession to make. I have been known to buy a dozen ???hot doughnuts now??? from Krispy Kreme and arrive home with only an empty box as proof of my piggery.)

I should say kudos to my Grandmother for introducing me to the habit. Whenever I visit, she always has tea and some sort of goodie waiting to be devoured. We never eat willy-nilly in the living room or standing over the kitchen sink as is my unfortunate wont. No, Grandmommie insists we set the table with her embroidered napkins, initialed silverware and, of course, her sugar bowl complete with sugar tongs and matching creamer. I always felt very special and luxurious during my visits and when I moved to New York, I brought Grandmommie???s tradition with me.

Inspired by this, I found myself in a lovely boutique on the Upper West Side called Roam. It???s very tiny and filled with gorgeous jewelry, stationery and home goods. I immediately noticed a lovely sugar bowl and creamer set made out of hammered silver plated bronze. The bowl is round like a cartoon apple with a delicate twig and leaf handled top. The creamer is squat with a similar leaf handle. But the tongs are what made me gasp. They are simply made of one piece in a U shape with the ends resembling little lily pads. Whether it???s first thing in the morning and you want to banish the grumps or it???s late in the afternoon and you need to unwind, create a special tradition for yourself.

*If you live in New York City, visit Roam, at 488 Amsterdam Avenue. Or call (212-721-0155).

*For those of you who don???t live in New York City, the Botanical sugar and creamer is available online at michaelaram.com.