On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young: Tea Leaf Cottage Orange, CA
My husband and I recently visited Southern California for our
anniversary. After 2 1/2 days at Disneyland, we rented a car and ventured
into the historic district of Orange. Easy to access either by freeway or
main roads, this charming little town is considered the "antiques capital of
southern California". It definitely lives up to its reputation.
anniversary. After 2 1/2 days at Disneyland, we rented a car and ventured
into the historic district of Orange. Easy to access either by freeway or
main roads, this charming little town is considered the "antiques capital of
southern California". It definitely lives up to its reputation.
There are many antique malls as well as individually owned and operated
shops. At least two vintage clothing stores line the streets.
However, one shop stood out among all the rest. Tea Leaf Cottage, owned by
Joan Alford, is a delightful mix of antiques and gift items. Specializing
in romantic decor, the booths are filled with vintage purses, jewelry, hats,
dolls, stationery, glassware, china, chandeliers, pillows, shabby chic
items and more. The displays are eye catching and beautiful.
shops. At least two vintage clothing stores line the streets.
However, one shop stood out among all the rest. Tea Leaf Cottage, owned by
Joan Alford, is a delightful mix of antiques and gift items. Specializing
in romantic decor, the booths are filled with vintage purses, jewelry, hats,
dolls, stationery, glassware, china, chandeliers, pillows, shabby chic
items and more. The displays are eye catching and beautiful.
Alford purchased the business 8 years ago. She had been a dealer with
the original owners. The shop now has 6 different dealers who have been
with her the entire time. Diane Sedo, author of Taking Tea with
Alice, has a booth at Tea Leaf Cottage. She has been featured in
Romantic Homes on several occasions. Alford moved the shop
to its current location 4 1/2 years ago. The building itself was
built in the late 1800s and has the original tin ceiling and wood floors.
Soft music playing in the background completes the attention to detail and
beauty one will find here.
the original owners. The shop now has 6 different dealers who have been
with her the entire time. Diane Sedo, author of Taking Tea with
Alice, has a booth at Tea Leaf Cottage. She has been featured in
Romantic Homes on several occasions. Alford moved the shop
to its current location 4 1/2 years ago. The building itself was
built in the late 1800s and has the original tin ceiling and wood floors.
Soft music playing in the background completes the attention to detail and
beauty one will find here.
Gift certificates and layaway are offered.
Address: 141 N. Glassell
Orange, CA 92866
Phone: 714-771-7752
Hours: 10-5 or 11-6 depending on the season,
extended hours during the Christmas season
and special town events.
extended hours during the Christmas season
and special town events.
Elizabeth Young
is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage
goodies at her favorite thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea
markets! A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store
items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian
home. She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy
decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic ! When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each!