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Adams Black Basalt Neoclassical Widow Teapot, Circa 1790
Adams Black Basalt Neoclassical Widow Teapot, Circa 1790

Adams Black Basalt Neoclassical Widow Teapot, Circa 1790

By William Adams (Potter)

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A scarce black Basalt engine-turned teapot, attributed to William Adams I (1746-1805) Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England, circa 1790. William Adams I was an accomplished potter whose best known products included stonewares, jasper and basalt of the highest quality. This teapot is beautifully modeled in the Neoclassical style with a parapet lip, and a lid finial representing the Sibyl, a seated female figure often referred to as the widow. The basket like pattern on the body and lid was achieved by the use of an engine-turning lathe, first introduced to the Staffordshire pottery industry by Josiah Wedgwood in 1763. Acanthus leaf detailing to handle and spout. Black basalt pottery...

Category

Late 18th Century English Neoclassical Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Stoneware

Large Antique English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot Hinged Lid, Ornate Hot Water Pot
Large Antique English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot Hinged Lid, Ornate Hot Water Pot

Large Antique English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot Hinged Lid, Ornate Hot Water Pot

Located in Wembley, GB

Antique English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot, Victorian Era, Late 19th Century Tall Cylindrical Form with Hinged Lid and Classical Proportions This exceptional Antique English silver-plated coffee pot, dating to the late 19th century, is a distinguished example of Victorian-era table silver, combining refined craftsmanship with timeless functional elegance. Executed in a tall cylindrical form, the pot features a gracefully articulated pouring spout, a substantial curved handle, and a hinged domed lid fitted with a decorative thumb lift—designed for ease of use while maintaining heat during service. The body is subtly banded and rests on a stepped circular base, lending architectural balance and visual authority. Its clean vertical profile reflects the restrained sophistication of late Victorian design, making it equally suitable as a functional serving vessel or a decorative silver object within curated interiors. Origin & Period Produced in England during the late Victorian period, this coffee pot reflects the high standards of traditional English silversmithing, when silver-plated wares were crafted to serve both domestic households and formal hospitality settings. Such vessels were integral to coffee, tea, and hot water service during formal dining and afternoon tea rituals. The presence of maker’s marks stamped on the upper body confirms its period authenticity and adherence to established English production standards of the era. Design & Decorative Appeal The pot’s design balances practicality and elegance, with a well-proportioned spout for controlled pouring and a hinged lid that opens smoothly while remaining securely attached. The interior of the lid shows concentric turning marks, a characteristic feature of hand-finished silverware from the 19th century. This versatile piece integrates beautifully into: Traditional and period interiors Classic English dining rooms Layered tabletop and sideboard displays Luxury bar or coffee service settings Curated collections of antique silver Its understated form allows it to complement both ornate Victorian silver collections and more minimalist, heritage-inspired interiors. Craftsmanship & Materials Material: Silver-plated metal Technique: Hand-finished Victorian silverwork Construction: Hinged lid, applied handle, stepped base The silver-plated surface displays a soft, even patina, consistent with age and careful use, enhancing the pot’s authenticity and visual depth without diminishing its refined presence. This is not a decorative reproduction, but a genuine antique English silver vessel crafted for long-term use and lasting beauty. Condition Excellent antique condition, with light age-related wear and patina appropriate to its period. The structure remains sound, the hinge operates correctly, and the overall form retains strong definition and balance. Interior Styling & Use This antique coffee pot works beautifully as: A functional coffee or hot water pot A decorative silver accent for dining rooms or bars A statement object in traditional or eclectic interiors A collectible piece within a curated silverware display It pairs effortlessly with linen table settings, crystal glassware, porcelain services, dark wood furniture, and marble or stone surfaces, adding heritage and elegance to any environment. Why This Piece Is Special This Victorian English silver-plated coffee pot represents a timeless fusion of utility, craftsmanship, and understated luxury. Its classic proportions, authentic patina, and refined detailing make it highly appealing to collectors of antique silver, interior designers, and lovers of traditional English decorative arts. More than a serving vessel, it is a decorative object with historical presence, equally suited to daily appreciation or formal display. Antique English silver coffee pot • Victorian silver-plated coffee pot • 19th-century English silverware • Antique lidded coffee pot • Victorian tableware • Collectible antique silver • English...

Category

1920s British Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Metal, Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal, Silver Leaf

Hans Hansen Sterling Silver MCM Coffee Set 539/540, 1966
Hans Hansen Sterling Silver MCM Coffee Set 539/540, 1966

Hans Hansen Sterling Silver MCM Coffee Set 539/540, 1966

By Hans Hansen

Located in Hellerup, DK

A vintage sterling silver mid-century modern coffee set designed by Karl Gustav Hansen for Hans Hansen, created in 1966. This beautifully handcrafted set includes the rare matching c...

Category

20th Century Danish Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of Three 1930s Art Deco Teapots by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni
Set of Three 1930s Art Deco Teapots by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni

Set of Three 1930s Art Deco Teapots by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni

By Gio Ponti

Located in Aci Castello, IT

A set of three alpaca coffee pot designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Fratelli Calderoni in the Fifties, they were used in the hotels and they are marked on the bottom Calderoni...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Alpaca

Emilia Castillo Five Piece Fish Tea or Coffee Set Mexican Modern Silversmithing
Emilia Castillo Five Piece Fish Tea or Coffee Set Mexican Modern Silversmithing

Emilia Castillo Five Piece Fish Tea or Coffee Set Mexican Modern Silversmithing

By Emilia Castillo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Exceptional and highly sculptural Emilia Castillo Taxco Mexican Modern silver plate tea service, a rare and complete 5-piece set showcasing the iconic Emilia Castillo / Taxco / Mexic...

Category

1980s Mexican Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

Vintage English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot by Shuffleb, Art Deco-Style Teapot Home
Vintage English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot by Shuffleb, Art Deco-Style Teapot Home

Vintage English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot by Shuffleb, Art Deco-Style Teapot Home

Located in Wembley, GB

Vintage English Silver-Plated Coffee Pot by Shuffleb, Art Deco-Style Teapot Elegant and timeless, this vintage silver-plated coffee pot by Shuffleb England embodies the refined soph...

Category

Early 1900s British Art Deco Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Other, Silver Leaf

Antique Gorham Medallion Coin Silver 5-Piece Coffee & Tea Set
Antique Gorham Medallion Coin Silver 5-Piece Coffee & Tea Set

Antique Gorham Medallion Coin Silver 5-Piece Coffee & Tea Set

By Gorham Manufacturing Company

Located in New York, NY

Medallion coin silver coffee and tea set. Made by Gorham in Providence, ca 1860. This set comprises 5 pieces: coffeepot, teapot, creamer, sugar, and waste bowl. Globular bowls on ste...

Category

Mid-19th Century American American Classical Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Hotel Silver Creamer
Hotel Silver Creamer

Hotel Silver Creamer

Located in Houston, TX

Enjoy your coffee or tea with this adorable little 19th-century Hotel Silver creamer. Elevate your morning cream or milk with a vintage and classi...

Category

19th Century French Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

A Reed and Barton Sterling 5pc Tea Set Service
A Reed and Barton Sterling 5pc Tea Set Service

A Reed and Barton Sterling 5pc Tea Set Service

By Reed & Barton

Located in Lambertville, NJ

An Elegant pure sterling silver Hampton Court pattern 5 pc tea set by Reed and Barton. The set consists of a coffee pot at 9 inches high, the teapot at 10 inches high, the covered sugar bowl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

19th Century English Mahogany Serving Tray with Gallery
19th Century English Mahogany Serving Tray with Gallery

19th Century English Mahogany Serving Tray with Gallery

Located in High Point, NC

Period Edwardian tray made from a single piece of nicely grained mahogany. The tray has a central medallion with an inlaid shell, made from satinwood and surrounded by a border of b...

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

1950s Copper and Brass Teapot with Painted Details
1950s Copper and Brass Teapot with Painted Details

1950s Copper and Brass Teapot with Painted Details

Located in Tarrytown, NY

1950s Copper and Brass Teapot with Painted Details and applied stylized floral motifs Moroccan details Decorative use only Lid comes off

Category

1950s Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Cups
Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Cups

Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Cups

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Stacking Cups and Ladle. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Bowl: 7.75" H x 12" Diameter. Cups: 2.25" H x 3"...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Anchorage Silver Plated Brass Teapot, by Peter Shire from Memphis Milano
Anchorage Silver Plated Brass Teapot, by Peter Shire from Memphis Milano

Anchorage Silver Plated Brass Teapot, by Peter Shire from Memphis Milano

By Peter Shire, Memphis Milano

Located in La Morra, Cuneo

The anchorage teapot, was originally designed by Peter Shire in 1982. The Teapot is in brass with plated silver, and is also available in solid 925 silver. Prices may vary for the st...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Brass, Silver

Vintage Emilia Castillo Mexican Silversmith Creamer and Sugar Bowl, Hand Signed
Vintage Emilia Castillo Mexican Silversmith Creamer and Sugar Bowl, Hand Signed

Vintage Emilia Castillo Mexican Silversmith Creamer and Sugar Bowl, Hand Signed

By Emilia Castillo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An exceptional and highly desirable vintage creamer and covered sugar bowl set designed and handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico by renowned Mexican silversmith Emilia Castillo, a leading fi...

Category

1980s Mexican Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

Doulton Burslem Blush Ivory 3 Piece Tea Set with Apple Blossom Decoration, 1889
Doulton Burslem Blush Ivory 3 Piece Tea Set with Apple Blossom Decoration, 1889

Doulton Burslem Blush Ivory 3 Piece Tea Set with Apple Blossom Decoration, 1889

By Doulton Burslem

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Doulton Burslem Blush Ivory Three-Piece Tea Set with Apple Blossom Decoration, 1889 England, Dated by Registration to 1889 Teapot: 8" W x 5.5" H x 5" D Creamer: 4.5" W x 4" H Suga...

Category

Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Richard Ginori Late 18th Century Porcelain Tea Pot with Hand Painted Landscapes
Richard Ginori Late 18th Century Porcelain Tea Pot with Hand Painted Landscapes

Richard Ginori Late 18th Century Porcelain Tea Pot with Hand Painted Landscapes

By Richard Ginori

Located in Brescia, IT

Richard Ginori Late 18th century porcelain tea pot with hand painted landscapes This very elegant tea pot was hand painted with views of Italian contrysides landscapes, in fuchsia c...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

18th Century English Pearlware Coffee Pot Hand Painted with Flowers Circa 1790
18th Century English Pearlware Coffee Pot Hand Painted with Flowers Circa 1790

18th Century English Pearlware Coffee Pot Hand Painted with Flowers Circa 1790

By Staffordshire

Located in Katonah, NY

This beautiful English pearlware coffee pot, made circa 1790, is hand-painted with a country-style theme of a colorful basket of flowers surrounded by delicate floral sprigs in cobal...

Category

Late 18th Century English Country Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Pearlware

Gorham Sterling Tea Set
Gorham Sterling Tea Set

Gorham Sterling Tea Set

By Gorham CO.

Located in Bronx, NY

This vintage decorative Victorian sterling silver tea set is beautifully designed & dates from the late 19th century. The three piece tea service features an elaborate repousse’ flor...

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Amsterdam School jan eisenloeffel Spirit Kettle on stand 1905 Holland
Amsterdam School jan eisenloeffel Spirit Kettle on stand 1905 Holland

Amsterdam School jan eisenloeffel Spirit Kettle on stand 1905 Holland

Located in Den Haag, NL

Eisenlöffel designed this teakettle according to industrial era ideals: save time with efficient design. With the kettle placed conveniently on a stand beside the table, hot water co...

Category

Early 1900s Dutch Art Deco Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Brass

English Bone China Hand Painted & Signed Tea Set for Six with Teapot
English Bone China Hand Painted & Signed Tea Set for Six with Teapot

English Bone China Hand Painted & Signed Tea Set for Six with Teapot

Located in Leicester, GB

A beautiful midcentury English tea set by Tuscan Fine Bone China Made in England This tea set has a beautiful handpainted design with organic brushstrokes in deep yellow and a crisp...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Quality Regency Figured Mahogany Tea Caddy
Antique Quality Regency Figured Mahogany Tea Caddy

Antique Quality Regency Figured Mahogany Tea Caddy

Located in Suffolk, GB

Antique quality Regency figured mahogany tea caddy having a figured mahogany lid opening to reveal three fitted compartments, shaped bombe sides and front, original brass lions head ...

Category

19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Other

Minimalist Bing & Grøndahl White Porcelain Teapot Corinth by Martin H. Corinth
Minimalist Bing & Grøndahl White Porcelain Teapot Corinth by Martin H. Corinth

Minimalist Bing & Grøndahl White Porcelain Teapot Corinth by Martin H. Corinth

By Bing & Grøndahl

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Scandinavian Modern teapot called Korinth and designed by Martin Hunt Corinth for Bing & Grøndahl - B&G and later Royal Copenhagen. Its very rare in this all-white configuration. Its made from white glazed porcelain and has a capacity of 1 liter...

Category

1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Limoges Coffee Tea Service Yolande Manin 6 People 20th Century
Limoges Coffee Tea Service Yolande Manin 6 People 20th Century

Limoges Coffee Tea Service Yolande Manin 6 People 20th Century

Located in PARIS, FR

Artist: Yolande Manin Turquoise and Gold Porcelain Tea Set by Yolande Manin: A Harmony of Color and Tradition We are delighted to offer this exceptional tea set by Yolande Manin, fa...

Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 12 Antique Meiji Period Japanese Porcelain Liza Teaset Cup Saucer, 19th C
Set of 12 Antique Meiji Period Japanese Porcelain Liza Teaset Cup Saucer, 19th C

Set of 12 Antique Meiji Period Japanese Porcelain Liza Teaset Cup Saucer, 19th C

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Sharing with you this fantastic and unually large teaset in Blue and white, red and gilt and some also with green, all of moulded shape. Twelve porcelain cups and saucers. All depic...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique 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

Bavarian porcelain Tea Set for 12, "Mitterteich", 1931
Bavarian porcelain Tea Set for 12, "Mitterteich", 1931

Bavarian porcelain Tea Set for 12, "Mitterteich", 1931

By Mitterteich Bavaria Porcelain

Located in Palermo, IT

Bavarian porcelain tea set for 12, "Mitterteich," 1931 Consisting of 12 cups and saucers, a teapot, a milk jug, and a sugar bowl. Intact and in good condition. The teapot measures 16...

Category

1930s German Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Japanese Contemporary Blue Red Green Gold Porcelain Cups
Set of Japanese Contemporary Blue Red Green Gold Porcelain Cups

Set of Japanese Contemporary Blue Red Green Gold Porcelain Cups

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Exquisite set of six contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari (old Imari) porcelain short stem cups in stunning flower motifs, in vivid red, blue and green colors and gold color details that a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese 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

Antique Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Bachelor Three Piece Tea Set 1909
Antique Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Bachelor Three Piece Tea Set 1909

Antique Edwardian Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Bachelor Three Piece Tea Set 1909

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Art Nouveau English sterling silver bachelor three piece tea set; an addition to our Edwardian silverware collection. This exceptional, a...

Category

Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Hukin & Heath Christopher Dresser silver plate Kettle and Teapot C.1884
Hukin & Heath Christopher Dresser silver plate Kettle and Teapot C.1884

Hukin & Heath Christopher Dresser silver plate Kettle and Teapot C.1884

By Hukin & Heath

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Hukin and Heath Christopher Dresser silver plate Kettle and Teapot English C.1884. Simple ovoid design with fold down handle for kettle and hinged loop finials to both. These would h...

Category

1880s English Other Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Japanese Art Deco Tea Set for Four People
Japanese Art Deco Tea Set for Four People

Japanese Art Deco Tea Set for Four People

$1,500Sale Price / set|20% Off

Japanese Art Deco Tea Set for Four People

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Art Deco tea set made of the chary wood .Artisan antique work and hand painted Weight of the set is about 1.5 Lb .( 750 grams ).

Category

1930s Japanese Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Fruitwood

"Il Litro" Ceramic Black Teapot by Nicolaï Carels for The Meccano Company, 1997
"Il Litro" Ceramic Black Teapot by Nicolaï Carels for The Meccano Company, 1997

"Il Litro" Ceramic Black Teapot by Nicolaï Carels for The Meccano Company, 1997

By Meccano

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designed by Dutch designer Nicolaï Carels for The Meccano Company, the "Il Litro" teapot features a sculptural, asymmetrical ceramic body finished in high-gloss black glaze. The form...

Category

Early 2000s Dutch Post-Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Rubber

Contemporary Silver Plated Lapis Lazuli Stone Milk Container by Natalia Criado
Contemporary Silver Plated Lapis Lazuli Stone Milk Container by Natalia Criado

Contemporary Silver Plated Lapis Lazuli Stone Milk Container by Natalia Criado

By Natalia Criado

Located in Milan, IT

Pour your warm milk with grace and elegance using our milk lapis, a plated brass vessel crafted in italy with precision turning techniques. The exquisite stone handle in lapis lazuli...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Stone, Silver Plate

Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service
Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service

Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service - Antique Circa 1920 An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Chinese export silver three piece tea service; an addition to our diverse silver teaware collection This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set...

Category

1920s Chinese Chinese Export Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Chinese porcelain. Two lidded tea cups with strainers, c. 1970s/80s.
Chinese porcelain. Two lidded tea cups with strainers, c. 1970s/80s.

Chinese porcelain. Two lidded tea cups with strainers, c. 1970s/80s.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Chinese porcelain. Two lidded tea cups with strainers, c. 1970s/80s. Cylindrical porcelain cups with handles, each with a lid and removable strainer. One decorated on a yellow grou...

Category

1970s Chinese Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Danish Studio Ceramic Teapot with Cream and Sugar Set by Gutte Eriksen 1980s
Danish Studio Ceramic Teapot with Cream and Sugar Set by Gutte Eriksen 1980s

Danish Studio Ceramic Teapot with Cream and Sugar Set by Gutte Eriksen 1980s

By Bernard Leach, Gutte Eriksen, Gertrud Vasegaard, Lucie Rie, Saxbo

Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg

Set with teapot, creamer and sugar bowl by Danish ceramist Gutte Eriksen (1918-2008). Made ca. 1980s in her own studio. The shapes are simple and the main decorative expression lies...

Category

1980s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

French Silver-Plated Karawan Camel Teapot by Mariage Frères, Paris, 1990s
French Silver-Plated Karawan Camel Teapot by Mariage Frères, Paris, 1990s

French Silver-Plated Karawan Camel Teapot by Mariage Frères, Paris, 1990s

By Moore Brothers

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

An exceptional French silver-plated “Karawan” camel-form teapot by Mariage Frères, Paris, dating to the early 1990s. This imaginative and finely detailed sculptural teapot combines t...

Category

Late 20th Century French Islamic Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

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.