Gift tea sets are used, as a rule, not for everyday tea drinking, but for large family events. In the old days in each family there was at least one such set of tea supplies, stored behind the glass of the sideboard .
Despite the fact that any service, it would seem, should have a clearly marked number of these or other items, they are all different. Let's consider what is included in the full tea service, and what is its optimal composition.
What items are included in the tea set?
So, from what subjects is the average tea service:
- kettle, sugar bowl;
- milk jug or cream mold;
- oil can;
- tea cups and saucers to them;
- two types of plates: for desserts and sandwiches (pies);
- dish and spatula for cake;
- vase for fruit or sweets.
However, not every service can boast of having absolutely all these elements. Some devices may not be at all. Of course, this does not concern the most important thing - cups, saucers, teapots, sugar bowls. But the capacity for fruit or cake in simple inexpensive services is often not found.
Besides this moment, pay attention also to the number of persons for which the service you have chosen is calculated. A classic option is a set of tea accessories for 6 people (for tea drinking in a narrow family circle) or 12 (for large family feasts, when all the relatives gather). Such services are often purchased as a gift for a wedding, anniversary or other celebration. If you are planning such a purchase for yourself, then know that some stores give their customers the opportunity to buy a service consisting only of the necessary items, and in the right amount. Suppose you need not 6 cups, but 8 or, say, 15. This is very convenient, besides, some service items have the property of breaking, and many buy 2-3 cups and saucers more, "in reserve."
Now that you know what the tea service consists of, you can safely go to the store to buy!