A teapot with roses on it presents such a pretty picture!

Rose teapots are particularly striking: the combination of a favorite flower with china or chintz makes for a winning combo, as seen in the teapot to the right.

Many attractive and affordable rose teapots/rose tea sets are available.

With careful shopping and price comparison, you can bring home a special teapot or tea set patterned with delicate roses that becomes a treasured keepsake.

• Note the scalloped bottom edge.
  

Collecting rose-patterned teapots can be an interesting and addictive hobby. You can find beautiful teapots with roses on them, as pictured here, through online auctions.

Auctions offer treasures that may not be obtainable locally. You can save your searches and even receive e-mail notifications when more of the same types of items become available.

Pretty rose teapots make an eye-catching addition to any home and are sure to garner compliments.

Some rose teapots are available as "all-in-one's." The teapot rests on a cup underneath. These are both pretty and practical because the rose teapot and matching cup stack easily.

Stacking teapots and cups are convenient for those who are short on space. All-in-one's are less bulky because of the compact design.

Then . . . there are magical-looking teapots with roses that go one better! They are sculptured to look like actual roses, with rose petals part of the overall design. The photo at the right shows how this is done to create a unique-looking teapot.

• Notice the rosebud-shaped spout and the stem handle.
  

Next up is the Victorian white rose teapot pictured to the left. If you can find one of these beauties you are fortunate indeed. How truly lovely!

Victorian rose teapots can be purchased in full size or in miniature sets with matching rose-patterned tray.

In the capsule below, you'll see a variety of lovely rose-patterned teapots.

• It pays to check which patterns are available. 
• Compare prices to get a feel for what's a good deal
  
• If you ware buying trough an auction, set a ceiling amount you are willing to pay and do not exceed it.

You just may find a rose teapot that you can't live without!

Once you have a pretty rose teapot, why not make some rose tea? Most roses are edible and the addition of rose petals or rose infusion to black or green tea adds a wonderful delicate flavor. I discuss making rose water in my article: How to Cook with Roses and Make Rose Water.

• Rose tea is absolutely delicious. The petals taste every bit as good as they smell, so they make a delicate flavoring for beverages.

If you want to try some rose tea, you can order packets to sample or try this recipe for homemade rose tea.

Collect the petals from roses. Try Hanza or Rugosa--the fragrant varieties work well. Make sure the plants have never been sprayed with pesticides and haven't grown near a roadway. Rinse well.

Add two green or one black tea bag to your teapot, sprinkle in a handful or two of fresh rose petals, and fill tea pot half to 3/4 full. Allow the mixture to steep and get set for some wonderful tasting tea! The rose flavor will infuse and permeate your tea.

• Roses taste just as they smell, delicate and floral.
• Don't use what's known as Christmas Rose, these are supposed to be poisonous.

Do you have a hobby? Why not share your ideas with the rest of the world. You can create a page like this and earn ongoing royalties.