How to Create a Vintage Tea Cart

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

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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.

create a vintage coffee cart — Nathan James 45001 Carter Bar and Serving Cart, Black

81UPz1r4aPL._SL1500_ — Acme Furniture 98002 Helmut Serving Cart, Golden Plated/Clear Glass

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 tea bags. 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 tea cups 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!