How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

Learn how to create a vintage tea cart with this easy shopping guide to offer your guests a classy taste of home. 

Nothing quite says home like the warm steam from a hot cup of tea or the familiar aroma of a fresh brewed pot of coffee.  

I use my vintage tea cart regularly because it is where I keep my espresso machine (review of our Nespresso Lattissima Plus here), but when we have company or host a larger party I love that I can extend the wings and set it up with more beverage options. 

This is a shopping guide with tons of ideas on how to create a vintage tea cart that is perfect for offering your guests a warm taste of home.  Grab a cup of coffee (or tea or hot chocolate) and enjoy some creative shopping!

 

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

#1 The Cart

There are many vintage tea cart options that range from industrial to Victorian.  Browse these 6 cart ideas below or explore Ebay for an antique tea cart that you can refinish yourself as I did.  Before and after photo below.

 

If you would like to buy an antique coffee cart and restore it yourself as I did go to www.ebay.com and search “vintage tea cart.”  You can also explore local used furniture stores.

Here is mine before and after.

 

Also explore Pinterest for ideas to refinish a vintage tea cart.  You can do it!

 

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

#2. A Coffee Urn

I love my vintage coffee urn!  It dates to the 1920s. 

I found it on Ebay by searching “vintage coffee urn.” 

This one was already restored when I bought it.  The options are endless, and if you find one that you like but the glass lid is cracked (this is very common) search Ebay for a replacement lid as they are not hard to find since it is such a common issue. 

Make sure the electric cord is not frayed or has been restored.  Or find an oil flame urn!!  I fill mine with decaf coffee for larger evening parties and let people use the Keurig for regular cups. 

As I said I keep my espresso machine on the cart regularly, but I switch it out with my Keurig for larger parties.  This also frees up more of my kitchen counter top where I set up a drink station.

You can also find simple plug-in coffee urns on Amazon.

If you are having a smaller party, instead of a coffee urn you could consider setting out a vintage French Press.  I absolutely LOVE French Press coffee, and they are the perfect addition to a vintage tea cart.

Or if you want an option to serve tea to a large group of people try this gorgeous glass Samovar Tea Maker.

 

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

#3.  Cream and Sugar Set

I actually inherited these from Zach’s grandmother.  A vintage cream and sugar set is not hard to find, and I have another set in copper that I found at a thrift store.  Or you can buy new to look old!

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

#4.  Stirring Spoons

Stirring spoons in a glass dish add a touch of class.  These came in a set of vintage cocktail glasses, but it is not hard to find antique spoons at local thrift stores or even search on Ebay.  I  love the vintage appearing sets below.

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

#5.  Tea Box

This tea box was a bamboo utensil organizer that I wrapped in lace and added the decal to the front.  I wanted something small to be able to leave on the cart.  Utensil organizers are actually the perfect size for teabags. 

However, if you are a huge tea lover I think that vintage-styled tea boxes are rich with old-world charm, and they make me want to get one because they simply make my organizer’s heart happy!

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

#6.  Hot Chocolate Tin

This was initially an herb planter, but it was actually the perfect size for hot chocolate packets.  I placed them forward-facing horizontally but they fit perfectly side to side as well for storing vertically like the tea box.

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

#7.  Miscellaneous Items

I created these syrup bottle covers using scrap fabric.  I folded the edges under with hot glue and glued them onto the bottles.  When these are done I rinse them out and refill them.  Easy and cute.

You probably noticed our espresso machine.  I use this several times a week, and we absolutely love it (Review of our Lattissima Plus automated espresso machine here). 

For a party, I would actually switch this out with our Keurig because it is the all-in-one beverage cart machine!  Dispenses hot water for the hot chocolate and the tea and then I fill the urn with coffee.

Last, but not least, I highly recommend finding a set of antique teacups to serve with your cart!  I line them up on my antique buffet for added effect 😉

A vintage tea cart can be a functional yet beautiful way of adding old-world charm to any gathering.  Be creative and share what you came up with!!  I would love to see your ideas!

How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart Shopping List:

1. Tea cart
2. Coffee urn/French press/Samovar Tea Maker
3. Cream and sugar set
4. Stirring spoons
5. Tea box
6. Hot chocolate tin
7. Misc items – syrup cover fabric, coffee maker, antique tea cups

Pin any of the images below for later!