Tea Cups - to match or not to match?

When gathering tea cups for your teatime parties, you might ask yourself this question - If I do not have a formal service, do all my teacups need to match?

Pretty little tea cups

 

Well, nine times out of ten, the answer is no. Only in the most formal of affairs, or if you have a beautiful set to show off, do you want a matched set. Most times, you do not need or want your cups and saucers to match.

 

There are just too many unique and pretty teacups to limit them to a few sets. Having variety at your party by using a different cup for each person makes it so much more interesting!

 

 

 

History bite: Teacups first were made without handles and were tiny, holding only about three tablespoons of liquid brew. Later, the teacup became bigger and was referred to as a dish or bowl. Still later, the English added the handle as well as the saucer.


The gaiwan (or guywan) is a Chinese covered teacup consisting of a bowl, saucer and lid. Loose leaves are placed in the bottom of the bowl, water added and the lid is titled slightly to hold back the leaves while sipping. (This is the condensed explanation, as different steps are used for different leaf types).



Tea spoons
have changed back and forth over time in both size and style. At one time, teaspoons were highly ornate. Today, teaspoons are more simple and usually are available in sets of six. A mote spoon had slots and was used before strainers came in to existence

 

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