Skip to main content

Tea Sets

to
412
2,016
170
14
1,125
1,071
1,282
799
1,441
306
2,200
2,112
2,152
Tea Sets For Sale
19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton
19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton

19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton

By Minton

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This charming set comprises seven finely decorated teacups with matching saucers, six of which are signed Minton, one of the most celebrated English porcelain manufacturers of the 19...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Six English Turkey Cups and Saucers, Wild Turkey Flying by Johnson Brothers
Six English Turkey Cups and Saucers, Wild Turkey Flying by Johnson Brothers

Six English Turkey Cups and Saucers, Wild Turkey Flying by Johnson Brothers

Located in Austin, TX

A set of six cups and saucers featuring the Wild Turkey - Flying brown and white transfer-ware pattern by the celebrated English pottery firm, Johnson Brothers. With authentic mid...

Category

20th Century English Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Flo-Blue Collection of 9 Piece Matching "Formosa" Tea Set
Flo-Blue Collection of 9 Piece Matching "Formosa" Tea Set

Flo-Blue Collection of 9 Piece Matching "Formosa" Tea Set

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This fine "FORMOSA" Pattern flo-blue tea set is in very good condition and includes a large tea pot, sugar bowl, two dinner plates, small desert plate and...

Category

Late 19th Century English American Colonial Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Alain Maunier 1960s French Ceramic Coffee Set
Alain Maunier 1960s French Ceramic Coffee Set

Alain Maunier 1960s French Ceramic Coffee Set

By Vallauris

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Incredible ceramic coffee set made by French ceramic maker Alain Maunier in Vallauris, 1960's. Set includes 1x large coffee pot with lid, 1x sugar bowl with lid, 1x creamer pot witho...

Category

1960s French Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" Teacups, Pair
Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" Teacups, Pair

Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" Teacups, Pair

By Royal Copenhagen

Located in Astoria, NY

Pair of Royal Copenhagen "Flora Danica" Porcelain Teacups and Saucers, marked "Ranunculus vivalis L. / Royal Copenhagen / Denmark" and numbered "20/3573" to underside. Overall: 3" H...

Category

20th Century Danish Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set
Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set

Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set

$240Sale Price / set|63% Off

Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set

By Franciscan China 1

Located in New Orleans, LA

A true American Classic, Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware has graced dining tables since 1941, including Air Force One as chosen by Jackie Kennedy and t...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Vintage Japanese Hasami Porcelain Teapot by Korin Kiln
Vintage Japanese Hasami Porcelain Teapot by Korin Kiln

Vintage Japanese Hasami Porcelain Teapot by Korin Kiln

Located in Paris, FR

A Japanese porcelain teapot by the Korin kiln, produced in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture. Hasami is a historic ceramic production area in Japan with over 400 years of history. ・Trad...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Showa Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Ulla Procopé, Arabia, Brown Teapot
Ulla Procopé, Arabia, Brown Teapot

Ulla Procopé, Arabia, Brown Teapot

By Ulla Procope, Arabia

Located in MAASTRICHT, LI

Product Description: The teapot on offer here has been designed by Ulla Procopé for Arabia. Ulla, who died young at an age of 47, is responsable for a whole series of famous designs...

Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set signed RameLPa silver plated
Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set signed RameLPa silver plated

Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set signed RameLPa silver plated

Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP

Coffee/tea set - 1920s This coffee set from the 1920s is in the typical style of the streamline modern. It includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, creamer and a handled tray. Th...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Set of Cup and Tea Bowl Porcelain Eggshell
Antique Japanese Meiji Period Set of Cup and Tea Bowl Porcelain Eggshell

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Set of Cup and Tea Bowl Porcelain Eggshell

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice set. Very nicely decorated. They are marked on the base. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century, 20th century...

Category

19th Century Meiji Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Figgjo Flint - Tor Viking - Tea set
Figgjo Flint - Tor Viking - Tea set

Figgjo Flint - Tor Viking - Tea set

By Figgjo Flint

Located in MAASTRICHT, LI

Product Description: This teaset has been designed by Turi Gramstad Oliver who since 1960 was responsible for quite a few famous designs at the Figgjo factory. Designs from her hand ...

Category

1960s Norwegian Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Stoneware

SUDLOW'S - Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic & Silver Overlay Tea Set - UK - Circa 1920
SUDLOW'S - Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic & Silver Overlay Tea Set - UK - Circa 1920

SUDLOW'S - Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic & Silver Overlay Tea Set - UK - Circa 1920

Located in Chatham, ON

SUDLOW'S - Rare antique cobalt blue glazed ceramic tea set with silver overlay - featuring decoration to all sides, rims and handles on each piece - consisting of a tea pot and stand...

Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Leaf

Vintage Villeroy & Boch Gallo Design Bone China Tea Set, Floral 1970s, 23 Pc
Vintage Villeroy & Boch Gallo Design Bone China Tea Set, Floral 1970s, 23 Pc

Vintage Villeroy & Boch Gallo Design Bone China Tea Set, Floral 1970s, 23 Pc

By Villeroy & Boch

Located in Bastogne, BE

Rare Vintage Gallo Design Villeroy & Boch 23-Piece Tea Set, West Germany, 1970s Elevate your tea time with this amazing vintage tea set from Gallo Design by Villeroy & Boch, a testament to the timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship of West German porcelain...

Category

1970s German Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 2 Japanese Postmodern Stainless Steel Kettle
Set of 2 Japanese Postmodern Stainless Steel Kettle

Set of 2 Japanese Postmodern Stainless Steel Kettle

Located in Hamburg, DE

Japanese Postmodern Stainless Steel Kettle, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 Additional information: Materials: Metal, Pla...

Category

20th Century Japanese Post-Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12
Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12

Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Late 20th century Haviland, Limoges France gilt porcelain tea / coffee service for twelve people. Each piece is great condition. Marks (Tower) Haviland Limoges, France undersigned. Alltogether 27 pieces. Set include 12 tea / coffee cups 4" x 2.3". 12 tea / coffee saucers...

Category

Late 20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

20th Century Czech Demitasse Coffee Set
20th Century Czech Demitasse Coffee Set

20th Century Czech Demitasse Coffee Set

$96Sale Price / set|36% Off

20th Century Czech Demitasse Coffee Set

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Demitasse coffee set, 2nd quarter 20th century, Czechoslovakia. Comprised of the pot, creamer, covered sugar and 2 cups (1 with tiny chip on rim) and ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Czech Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Simple Coffee Container Silver White Stone Artisanal Natalia Criado
Contemporary Simple Coffee Container Silver White Stone Artisanal Natalia Criado

Contemporary Simple Coffee Container Silver White Stone Artisanal Natalia Criado

By Natalia Criado

Located in Milan, IT

Experience the art of pouring with grace and elegance using our Simple Coffee Container, a plated brass jug expertly crafted in Italy using sheet turning techniques. The top features...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Stone, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

28-Piece Wild Bros (JWS) English bone china Tea Set, 1910
28-Piece Wild Bros (JWS) English bone china Tea Set, 1910

28-Piece Wild Bros (JWS) English bone china Tea Set, 1910

By Salisbury Artisans

Located in Worcester Park, GB

This beautiful antique tea set was produced by Wild Bros. (James Shelly Wild and Thomas Clarke Wild) at the Salisbury Crown China Works in Longton, Stoke-o...

Category

Early 1900s English Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany Sterling Silver Classical Style Four Piece Tea / Coffee Service
Tiffany Sterling Silver Classical Style Four Piece Tea / Coffee Service

Tiffany Sterling Silver Classical Style Four Piece Tea / Coffee Service

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Indulge in the timeless elegance of this Exquisite early 20th-century Tiffany Sterling Silver Classical Style Four-Piece Tea/Coffee Service. Each piece is a testament to Tiffany's re...

Category

1910s American Classical Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Richard Ginori Vintage Black Gold Porcelain Coffee or Tea Cup and Saucer
Richard Ginori Vintage Black Gold Porcelain Coffee or Tea Cup and Saucer

Richard Ginori Vintage Black Gold Porcelain Coffee or Tea Cup and Saucer

By Richard Ginori

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful and elegant Italian black and gold porcelain coffee or tea cup and saucer by designer Richard Ginori, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Italy. With maker's mark on bottom of both as shown in last two images. Excellent condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Measurements include: Saucer: 5.38" Diameter. Cup: 2.5" Height x 3.13" Diameter. Other items shown are available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #s: For German turquoise blue and gold plate...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Gemma Medium Carafe 1 Lt

Gemma Medium Carafe 1 Lt

By Rudi

Located in Milan, IT

With a stainless steel structure partially covered in beige Finest Regenerated Leather that is both water-resistant and UV-resistant, the Gemma Medium Carafe is exceptionally elegant...

Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Art Deco Silvered Tea Pot from" Cafe du Grand Hotel" France
Art Deco Silvered Tea Pot from" Cafe du Grand Hotel" France

Art Deco Silvered Tea Pot from" Cafe du Grand Hotel" France

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Antique silver plated on brass collectible French Tea Pot from" Cafe du Grand Hotel" France. Art Deco style made by Boyron Lyon France. Circa 1940.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Hans Achtziger for Hutschenreuther Selb Demitasse Coffee Set
Vintage Hans Achtziger for Hutschenreuther Selb Demitasse Coffee Set

Vintage Hans Achtziger for Hutschenreuther Selb Demitasse Coffee Set

By Hutschenreuther

Located in East Quogue, NY

Decorative white porcelain 'Apart' coffee demitasse set from Hutschenreuther Selb, with 6 cups, 6 saucers, coffee pot, creamer/milk jug, and sugar bowl (15-piece set). German porcela...

Category

1950s German Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 7 Antique Japanese Cups or Tea Bowls Meiji Period Porcelain Eggshell
Set of 7 Antique Japanese Cups or Tea Bowls Meiji Period Porcelain Eggshell

Set of 7 Antique Japanese Cups or Tea Bowls Meiji Period Porcelain Eggshell

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice set of 7 bowls with in total 4 lids. Very nicely decorated. They are marked on the base. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Pe...

Category

20th Century Japanese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s
Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s

Vintage Rosenthal Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set, 1960s

By Rosenthal

Located in Bastogne, BE

Björn Wiinblad for Rosenthal - Studio Linie, Germany coffee or tea set. Large vintage German service of the famous Rosenthal Linie factory from Germany...

Category

1960s German Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups
Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups

By Fornasetti

Located in Milan, IT

This set of hand-decorated porcelain tea cups with gold accents is adorned with exquisite zodiac designs, making this ensemble a true collector's item. Any minor discrepancies betwee...

Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Sugar Bowl & Creamer, "Lilja" "Lilly", Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s, Vintage
Sugar Bowl & Creamer, "Lilja" "Lilly", Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s, Vintage

Sugar Bowl & Creamer, "Lilja" "Lilly", Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s, Vintage

By Bo Fajans

Located in Stockholm, SE

A stunning sugar bowl & Creamer designed at Bo Fajans in Gefle, Sweden and of the model "Lilly" that is super rare to find today. They are about 8 cm (3.2") high. They are in exc...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Camel Form "Karawan" Silver-Plated Teapot by Mariage Freres Paris France
Camel Form "Karawan" Silver-Plated Teapot by Mariage Freres Paris France

Camel Form "Karawan" Silver-Plated Teapot by Mariage Freres Paris France

By Moore Brothers

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

French silver-plated Karawan teapot in a camel form design: A Marvel by Mariage Frères, Paris.(French, founded 1854).it emerges from the storied ateliers of Mariage Frères, a renowned luxury Parisian tea company. Behd a captivating creation, a French silver plated teapot by Mariage Frères, hailing from 20th-century Paris.Fashioned from silver-plated metal, it assumes the form of a seated camel accompanied by an Arabian Prince.This luxury teapot...

Category

Late 20th Century French Islamic Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Japanese Set of 10 Tea Coffee Cups Porcelain Eggshell
Antique Japanese Set of 10 Tea Coffee Cups Porcelain Eggshell

Antique Japanese Set of 10 Tea Coffee Cups Porcelain Eggshell

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A very nice set of 10 cups decorated. They are marked on the base. Garden scene of butterflees and birds. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Jap...

Category

19th Century Japanese Taisho Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

"Bombè" Carlo Alessi 1945 Italian Design Steel Metal Tea and Coffee Set
"Bombè" Carlo Alessi 1945 Italian Design Steel Metal Tea and Coffee Set

"Bombè" Carlo Alessi 1945 Italian Design Steel Metal Tea and Coffee Set

By Alessi, Carlo Alessi

Located in Brescia, IT

Carlo Alessi 1945 design, Made in Italy. Stainless steel handles and knobs in applewood. The set includes coffee pot, 2 tea pots, milk jug, sugar bowl and oval tray. First edition with the old mark "Alfra...

Category

1940s Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Austrian Porcelain Coffee Service, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period
Austrian Porcelain Coffee Service, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Austrian Porcelain Coffee Service, 19th Century, Napoleon III Period

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Austrian porcelain coffee service, 19th century, Napoleon III period. A beige and gold porcelain coffee service with enamelled bird decorations, Napoleon III period, 19th century, c...

Category

19th Century Austrian Napoleon III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Centtury Porcelain Coffee Set, Czechoslovakia, 1954
Mid Centtury Porcelain Coffee Set, Czechoslovakia, 1954

Mid Centtury Porcelain Coffee Set, Czechoslovakia, 1954

Located in Zohor, SK

Beautiful mid-century porcelain set for tea or coffee serving. Original porcelain made in Czechoslovakia in 1954. The set is stamped with original stamp on each piece by Bohemia porc...

Category

1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Villeroy & Boch Blue and White Faience Dinnerware Service, 29 Pieces
Villeroy & Boch Blue and White Faience Dinnerware Service, 29 Pieces

Villeroy & Boch Blue and White Faience Dinnerware Service, 29 Pieces

By Villeroy & Boch

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This mid-20th century dinnerware service by Villeroy & Boch, Germany, showcases the timeless charm of blue floral decoration on a creamy white ground. Executed in fine faience, the s...

Category

20th Century German Tea Sets

Materials

Paint, Ceramic, Faience

Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silverplate Tea Kettle with Boiler
Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silverplate Tea Kettle with Boiler

Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silverplate Tea Kettle with Boiler

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique silverplate tea kettle or coffee pot with boiler In the manner of Tiffany & Co. USA, Late 19th Century Measures: Kettle : 9.25"W x 13"D x 11.75"H. Boiler : 9.75...

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique German Rococo Silver Coffeepot
Antique German Rococo Silver Coffeepot

Antique German Rococo Silver Coffeepot

By Georg Roth, Hanau

Located in New York, NY

German Rococo 800 silver coffeepot, ca 1900. Baluster bowl with scroll-mounted hoof supports. V-form spout, hinged and domed cover, and turned stained-wood handle. Ribboned garlands ...

Category

Early 20th Century German Rococo Revival Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Staffordshire Fine Ceramic Woodland Birds Hand Painted Kingfisher Bird Teapot
Staffordshire Fine Ceramic Woodland Birds Hand Painted Kingfisher Bird Teapot

Staffordshire Fine Ceramic Woodland Birds Hand Painted Kingfisher Bird Teapot

By Staffordshire

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A charming and highly decorative Kingfisher Bird teapot by Staffordshire Fine Ceramics, created as part of the beloved “Woodland Birds” series. Expertly hand-painted, the teapot is modeled in the form of a kingfisher, capturing the bird’s graceful silhouette and vivid plumage with remarkable detail. Rich coloration and careful brushwork bring the piece to life, while the sculptural form transforms a functional object into a delightful work of ceramic art. Originally produced in the early 1990s, this collectible novelty teapot...

Category

20th Century English Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle

Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique George III quality copper kettle having a quality antique George III copper kettle with a shaped handle and spout with a lift off lid. Measures: H 28.5 x W 26 x D 22cm D...

Category

Early 19th Century English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

Set of 5 Mid-Century Cocktail Sipper Straws with Heart-Shaped Spoons, 1950s
Set of 5 Mid-Century Cocktail Sipper Straws with Heart-Shaped Spoons, 1950s

Set of 5 Mid-Century Cocktail Sipper Straws with Heart-Shaped Spoons, 1950s

By PM Italy, Gio Ponti

Located in Brescia, Brescia

This charming set of five vintage cocktail sipper straws is a beautiful example of Italian craftsmanship from the 1950s, made by the renowned PM Italy. Designed in the style of Gio P...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Gianni Versace for Rosenthal, Five Large "Ivy Leaves" Teacups with Saucers
Gianni Versace for Rosenthal, Five Large "Ivy Leaves" Teacups with Saucers

Gianni Versace for Rosenthal, Five Large "Ivy Leaves" Teacups with Saucers

Located in København, Copenhagen

Gianni versace for Rosenthal. Five large "Ivy Leaves" teacups with saucers, late 20th century. In perfect condition. The cup measures: 10.5 x 6 cm. The saucer measures: 16.5 cm. ...

Category

Late 20th Century German Post-Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany & Co. Antique Silverplate Tea Kettle or Coffee Pot, 1902
Tiffany & Co. Antique Silverplate Tea Kettle or Coffee Pot, 1902

Tiffany & Co. Antique Silverplate Tea Kettle or Coffee Pot, 1902

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique silverplate tea kettle or coffee pot By Tiffany & Co. USA, 1902 Measures: 7.5"W x 4"D x 9.75"H. Good original vintage condition.

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Edwardian Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
Edwardian Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service

Edwardian Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service

By Williams Ltd

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver three piece tea service / set; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This fine antique Edwardian sterling silver tea service consists of a teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug Each component has an oval rounded form to a plain oval collet foot. The lower portions of the teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl are embellished with embossed fluted ornamentation. The flared upper rim of the cream jug and sugar bowl, and shoulders of the teapot are ornamented with an impressive applied gadroon decorated border. The large teapot is fitted with a domed hinged hallmarked cover, which features further embossed convex fluted decoration. The cover is surmounted by the original carved oval fluted painted wood and sterling silver finial. The teapot retains the original plain angular carved painted wood handle with a carved scroll style thumbpiece. The cream jug and sugar bowl have plain angular sterling silver handles ornamented with subtle applied decoration. Condition This antique sterling silver tea service...

Category

Early 1900s Great Britain (UK) Edwardian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Deco English Sterling Silver Tea set London 1926-38
Art Deco English Sterling Silver Tea set London 1926-38

Art Deco English Sterling Silver Tea set London 1926-38

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Art Deco English Sterling Silver Tea set London 1926-38. Good heavy quality Batchelor’s set, each piece with plain hemi spherical body, central ribbed band surround and curvilinear h...

Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Murano Glass Tre Fuochi Coffee Service, Cobalt Blue and 24K Gold, circa 1950
Murano Glass Tre Fuochi Coffee Service, Cobalt Blue and 24K Gold, circa 1950

Murano Glass Tre Fuochi Coffee Service, Cobalt Blue and 24K Gold, circa 1950

Located in NICE, FR

Exceptional Murano glass coffee service, executed using the Tre Fuochi technique, entirely hand-blown and hand-decorated, dating from the 1950s. This remarkable set perfectly illustr...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Tea Sets

Materials

Gold Leaf

Antique, New and Vintage Tea Sets

Ready to serve high tea and brunch for your family and friends? Start with the right antique, new or vintage tea set.

Tea is a multicultural, multinational beverage and isn’t confined to any particular lifestyle or age group. It has humble beginnings, and one of its best-known origin stories places the first cups of tea in 2700 B.C. in China, where it was recognized for its medicinal properties. Jump ahead to 17th-century England, when Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. During the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England. Today, more than 150 million people reportedly drink tea daily in the United States.

Early tea drinkers enjoyed their beverage in a bowl, and English potters eventually added a handle to the porcelain bowls so that burning your fingers became less of a teatime hazard. With the rise in the popularity of teatime, tea sets, also referred to as tea service, became a hot commodity.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, teakettles and coffeepots were added to tea services that were quite large — indeed, small baked goods were served with your drink back then, and a tea set could include many teacups and saucers, a milk pot and other accessories.

During the early 1920s, a sterling-silver full tea service and tray designed by Tiffany & Co. might include a hot-water kettle on a stand, a coffeepot, teapot, a creamer with a small lip spout, a waste bowl and a bowl for sugar, which the British were stirring into tea as early as the 18th century.

But you don’t have to limit your tea set to Victorian or Art Deco styles — shake up teatime with an artful contemporary service. If the bold porcelain cups and saucers by Italian brand Seletti are too unconventional for your otherwise subdued tea circle, find antique services on 1stDibs from Japan, France and other locales as well as vintage mid-century modern tea sets and neoclassical designs.