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Tea Sets For Sale
Period: Early 20th Century
Period: 18th Century and Earlier
Tea set model 149 by WMF
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Silver-plated bronze tea and coffee set, 5 pieces, model 149. Made by the WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the present). “Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork, from Wurttem...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Bronze

Derby Porcelain Tea Bowl, Artichoke Pattern in Turquoise, Georgian ca 1785
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful tea bowl and saucer made by Derby in about 1785. The set has the distinctive "artichoke" moulding and a bright turquoise ground with the white artichoke surface ...
Category

1780s English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Early 20th Century English Child's Teapot
Located in Sheffield, MA
The early 20th Century English petite child's teapot is decorated around the opening with fluting as is the rim of the lid. Both pieces of the white teapot are marked "Spode Copeland...
Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Tea Sets

Materials

Pottery

Antique Scottish Sterling Silver Teapot
By William Davie
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George II Scottish sterling silver teapot; an addition to our Georgian silver teaware collection This exceptional antique Georgian sterling silver teapot has an globular bullet-shaped onto a cast circular spreading foot. The surface of this silver teapot is embellished with flat engraved foliate and floral decoration to the upper portion. The body of the teapot incorporates the engraved crest of on a mount, a centaur with a bow and arrow, all above the motto 'Ut Quocunque Paratus' - As prepared for whatever may happen*. This antique 18th century silver teapot...
Category

18th Century Scottish Georgian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Set of 4 Antique Chinese Blood & Milk / Tea Bowl Flowers Porcelain Qing Dynasty
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice set of 18th century tea bowls, Qing Period. 4 sets and 1 loose cup. The painting is of very high quality. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Japanese Arita Porcelain Imari Tea Pot and Tea sets, ca 1690 - 1710
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A lovely set of a teapot and 2 teabowls and saucers. Of moulded shape and with floral decoration. The bowls have hidden decoration in the wall of flowers. Additional information: Ma...
Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Small Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Teapot Imari Red Gold Panels
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Small teapot, square, rounded body on flat unglazed base. Curved handle and a short straight spout. Small upright mouthrim, flat lid with round knob. Imari decorated in iron-red and gold on the sides with flowering plants and grasses and two deeply recessed kidney-shaped panels with modelled decorations in high relief. One panel with a cock, chicken and two eggs on the other a bird perched on a branch of a prunus tree. Round the base of the spout an upturned pointed leaves pattern border. On the handle a floret between scrolls. On the cover round the base of the knob a leaves pattern border in low relief. In category 36 'Coloured Imari with no underglaze blue, iron-red and gold only' of his Japanese export porcelain, Impey states that the implication of this singular restriction of palette, without the use of underglaze blue, is that these may be the product of a single enamelling workshop, but may or may not be the product of a single kiln. The restriction is probably one of choice, for it would hardly be cheaper, if at all, to use a wider range of enamels, and no cheaper to use underglaze blue. Bottles, vases, teapots and other objects with similar recessed panels that form a kind of window through to a deeper picture layer were only produced for a short period. This was probably because they were too time-consuming to make and therefore expensive. This type of decoration is only found on Japanese pieces; Chinese imitations are still unknown. Japanese Imari objects decorated in a low relief are rare. In 'Fine & Curious' a bottle cat...
Category

17th Century Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Tea Set Teapot China Chine de Commande Qianlong Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice example of chine de commande porcelain. This pot is of larger size and is finely shaped. With a delicate painting of flowers. Additional information: Material: Tea/Coffe...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Tea Set Teapot Donkey Yongzheng/Early Qianlong Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice example with Donkey and Traveller with attendant. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Emperor: Qianlong (1735-1796) Period: 18t...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany Studios New York Arts & Crafts Copper Tea Kettle, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period copper tea kettle By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) USA, Circa 1910 Measures: 8.5"W x 5.25"D x 7.25"H. Very good original vintage condi...
Category

1910s American Arts and Crafts Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

18th Century Sterling Silver Locking Tea Caddy
By Michael Plummer
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Georgian English sterling silver locking tea caddy; an addition to our silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique George III sterling silver locking tea caddy has a navette, paneled shaped form. The body of this silver tea caddy box is embellished with bands of bright cut engraved volute spiraling leaf ornamentation on a matte background to the upper and lower portions; these bands flank a plain undulating bordered panel. The ornamentation to the surface of the caddy alternates with panels of concave vertical fluted decoration. This antique Georgian tea caddy is retains the original hallmarked flush hinged covers; the flush hinge indicates the fine quality of this piece. The cover is embellished with further bright cut engraved undulating borders accented with bud motifs, in addition to simplified borders paralleling the domed paneled portion; the domed portions reflects the incurved shape of the body. This impressive cover is surmounted with a cast sterling silver urn style finial, in the Classic Adams style. The caddy retains the original fitted fully working lock and functional key. This sterling silver tea caddy is a highly desirable shape and style. Condition: This Georgian silver tea caddy...
Category

1790s English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

14-Piece Japanese Gilt and Painted Tea and Dessert Serving Set with Peacock
Located in Norwood, NJ
14-piece Kutani Japanese gilt and painted tea and dessert serving set with Peacock. Hand painted gilt and painted Peacock tea and serving set. Features floral and peacock design. Lidded tea and coffee pots, lidded creamer, sugar bowl, and five snack sets...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Antique Afternoon Tea Set, English, Bone China, Cup & Saucer, Plate, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique two-person afternoon tea set. An English, bone China cup and saucer, sandwich and cake plate duo, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1900. Pleasingly dec...
Category

Late 18th Century British Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Six Paris Porcelain Angel Wing Cups
Located in New York, NY
Set of six Paris Porcelain angel wing cups. Vintage set of six large cups and saucers of classical baluster form with projecting winged handles; stamped Limoges under saucers perfec...
Category

Early 20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Tea Set Teapot China Chine de Commande Qianlong Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice example of chine de commande porcelain. This pot is of larger size and is finely shaped. With a delicate painting of flowers. Additional information: Material: Porcelain...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 6 Japanese Edo Period Gold Imari Porcelain Butterfly Tea Bowl & Saucer
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nice Edo period tea set with imari floral and butterfly decoration. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: Japan Period: 18th century Age: Pre-1800 ...
Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Teapot Kangxi/Yongzheng Imari Amsterdam Bont Qing
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely decorated Kangxi or Yongzheng Teapot. Rare teapot in the family of Amsterdam Bont. Dating to 1st half of the 18th century Amsterdams Bont A relatively unknown niche o...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Teapot & Warmer Brass-Early 20th Century by F. & R. Fischer, Germany
By Fischer Brothers
Located in Andernach, DE
Wonderful antique brass teapot & warmer - i.e. teapot with stand and in original condition. Completely preserved original from the 1910s to 1920s. Wonderful craftsmanship & design by...
Category

1910s German Art Nouveau Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Brass

Blue And White Flower Pattern Tea Set C 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Era
Located in seoul, KR
They display central floral motifs surrounded by a variety of botanical patterns including branches and blooms, indicative of classic East Asian ceramic artistry. Period : Qing Dyna...
Category

1720s Chinese Qing Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Set of 6 Antique Chinese Porcelain Qianlong Red Rouge de Fer Tea Cup, 18th Cen
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely Chinese Porcelain Tea set in rouge de fer style. 1 of the cups is different. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Re...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany Edwardian Classical Sterling Silver Tea Kettle on Stand
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Classical sterling silver tea kettle on stand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. Kettle: Ovoid body on raised oval foot; lobed and domed side-hinged cover with va...
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Teapot, Exclusive Silver Rococo English Mid-century Coffee Pot
Located in Hampshire, GB
An antique tea set and a silver-plated teapot that is beautifully designed and created are suitable for elegant serving. With lid pressed, cast and chased, gold gilding on the inside...
Category

1920s British Rococo Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

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

Antique Teapot, Exclusive Silver Art Deco English Mid-century Coffee Pot
Located in Hampshire, GB
An antique Art Deco tea set and silver-plated teapot beautifully designed and created suit elegant serving. With lid pressed, cast and chased vaulted lid. Coffee pot, Height 22 cm. S...
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

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

Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set Complete coffee set for 12 people 40 pieces in total Art deco design Origin Franca Circa 1940 The coffee set is composed of: (measurements in ce...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Deco Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Christofle - 4pc. French Antique Louis XVI Silver Plate Tea Set + Tray, MINT !
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, a magnificent 5-piece French antique Louis XVI style silver-plate tea set by France’s premier silversmith “Christofle” – Silversmith to the King. Each piece in th...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Flight & Barr Porcelain Teacup Trio, Brown and Gilt Pattern, Georgian, 1792-1804
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful "true trio" consisting of a teacup, a coffee cup and a saucer, made by Flight & Barr between 1792 and 1804. The items are decorated with a sohpisticated abstract-looking pattern of brown and gilt daisies playfully trailing between brown half circles set in a gilt band. In the late 18th and early 19th century cups and saucers...
Category

1790s English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Blue and White Tea Set c 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Reign
Located in seoul, KR
The saucer set depicts botanical garden, motifs rich in symbolism within east asian culture. Each teabowl depicts scenes, characters and situations are richly depicted inside the sma...
Category

1720s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

German Art Deco Silver Tea & Coffee Set by Handarbeit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco style 800 silver tea and coffee service set consisting of five pieces (tray, pot, coffee pot, sugar jar, creamer jug). The pots include ebonized finials and handles. They ar...
Category

1910s German Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Art Deco Spanish Silver Coffee and Tea Set
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Spanish silver coffee and tea set Spanish, c. 1930 Tray: height 3cm, width 56cm, depth 35cm Milk jug: height 10cm, width 13cm, depth 8cm ...
Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Chinese Pewter Teapot with Carnelian Bead, c. 1910
Located in Chicago, IL
For one short decade, from around 1910 to 1920, pewter was all the rage in China’s bustling commercial centers of Shanghai and Canton. Drawn to pewter’s soft, silvery glow, artists t...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Carnelian, Pewter, Brass

Antique Haviland Limoges France Chocolate Tea Coffee Pot Floral Rose Teapot 10"
Located in Dayton, OH
Early 20th century large Haviland & Co Limoges porcelain chocolate / tea pot. Tall with scalloped base and upper edge, ribbon shaped handle, hand painted with springs of pink roses a...
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Rose Medallion Teapot Set In Basket Weave Case C1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Chinese Porcelain Rose Medallion Travel Tea Set In Original Basket Case with Teapot and Two Cups C1900 Measures- 6.75''H x 9.5''W x 7.5''D
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Reed

Hester Bateman - Rare Neoclassical Saffron Pot - London 1782
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1782 by Hester Bateman, this charming and very rare, George III period, Antique Sterling Silver Saffron Pot, stands on four feet, and features Neoclassical st...
Category

1780s English Neoclassical Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Worcester Coffee Cup, Monochrome Black Print "Tea Party no.3", Georgian ca 1760
Located in London, GB
This is a very charming coffee cup and saucer made by Worcester in their First Period (sometimes called the Dr Wall Period) in about 1760. The items are decorated in a black overglaz...
Category

1760s English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Flight Worcester Teapot Set, Monochrome Print "Ruins" Pattern, Georgian ca 1790
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful set of a teapot, a sucrier with cover, and a plate made by Worcester in its Flight period, around 1790. You can tell from the generous size of the teapot that it ...
Category

1790s English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Christofle (Gallia) - 5pc. French Antique Silver Plate Tea Set, Museum Quality.
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, a magnificent 5 piece silver-plate Collection Gallia, Louis XVI model tea set by France’s premier silversmith “Christofle – Silversmith to the King” and each piece...
Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XVI Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Imari Pavilion Pattern Blue and White Tea Set c 1725, Qing Dynasty, Yongzheng Re
Located in seoul, KR
The "Imari Pavilion pattern" refers to a decoration pattern found on porcelains made during this period, influenced by Japanese Imari ware. Imari porcelain, produced in the Arita reg...
Category

1720s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Set of Six Porcelain Bird Teacup Trios
Located in New York, NY
Set of six porcelain bird teacup trios. Strikingly modern looking antique set of six BFB Worcester trios of six teacups and six coffee cups with six sh...
Category

Late 18th Century English Empire Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Blue and white tea set c 1725, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng reign
Located in seoul, KR
The teabowl and saucer set depicts botanical elements and butterflies, motifs rich in symbolism within Chinese culture. Butterflies often represent transformation and immortality, wh...
Category

1720s Chinese Qing Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Silver Plated Tea Set On Tray, English C.1920
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Very smart silver plated matching 4 piece tea set on a tray Fabulous quality. Makers marks on the underside of each piece No rubbing to the silver plate. The measurement relate...
Category

1920s English Edwardian Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Tetard - 4pc. Original French Art Deco 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set + Tray
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, The Birth Place of Art Deco, a Truly Magnificent Original "Gatsby Era" French Art Deco, 4pc. Sterling Silver Tea Set with Silver Plate Serving Tray by One of Franc...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Soviet Russian Floral Brass Electric Samovar Teapot Antique
Located in New York, NY
This Soviet Russian teapot features a brass exterior with a hand painted floral design in black and blue. The intricate floral patterns add a touch of t...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Tea Sets

Materials

Brass, Steel

Antique Japanese Meiji/Taisho Shuzan Satsuma Porcelain Floral Tea Cup or Chawan
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Satsuma ware porcelain teacup or chawan. By Shuzan. With a cream ground and an entirely gilt exterior covered with extensive floral decoration of various flowers in ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany Engraved Hampton Sterling Silver Art Deco Coffee & Tea Set on Tray
Located in New York, NY
Engraved Hampton sterling silver coffee and tea set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1920. This set comprises 8 pieces: Hot water kettle on stand, coffeepot, teapot, hot milk p...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinese Export Tea Set, Rockefeller Pattern
Located in Dallas, TX
Chinese expChinese export tea set, Rockefeller pattern, covered tea pot, lidded creamer and lidded sugar urn, purchased at Sotherby's auction by previous owner. China. 18th Century....
Category

18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Chelsea-Derby Chocolate Cup Set, Gilt Stripes, Puce Flowers, Rococo 1770-1775
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful chocolate cup set made by Chelsea-Derby between 1770 and 1775, which was the Rococo era. The set consists of a cup, a saucer and a cover, and is decorated in a st...
Category

1770s English Rococo Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Edwardian Quality Wedgwood Jasperware Teapot
Located in Suffolk, GB
Antique Edwardian quality Wedgwood Jasperware teapot having a quality silver plated lid and rim decorated in the traditional Wedgwood blue a...
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Tea Sets

Materials

Other

Spode Indian Tree Cup and Saucer
Located in Asheville, NC
This is an absolutely fabulous antique Copeland Spode Indian tree cup and saucer. It is a spectacular example of Spode porcelain with rust and orange...
Category

18th Century and Earlier English Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Edwardian Design Style Sterling Silver Teapot
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver teapot in the Design style; part of our diverse teaware collection. This exceptional and rare antique E...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set silver plated, 1930s
Located in Saarburg, RP
Coffee/tea set - 1930s This coffee set from the 1930s 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

French porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 10 People
Located in Beuzevillette, FR
Nice coffee or tea service from the first half of the 20th century for 10 people. Beautiful porcelain quality, white with fine gold edging and gold patterns on each piece. High Porce...
Category

Early 20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 19pc Japanese Nippon Moriage Eggshell Porcelain Dragonware Tea Set c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique 19-Piece Japanese Nippon Hand Painted Moriage Eggshell Porcelain Dragonware Tea Set c1920 Measures- Creamer cup: 4''H x 3.5''W x 4.5''D; Sugar Bowl: 5''H x 4''W x 5.5''D; Wa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Antique Teapot, Exclusive Silver Floral English Mid-century Coffee Pot
Located in Hampshire, GB
An antique tea set and a silver-plated teapot that is beautifully designed and created are suitable for elegant serving. With lid pressed, cast and cha...
Category

1920s English Rococo Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver Leaf

Early 20th Century Georg Jensen Art Nouveau Style ''Blossom'' Sterling Tea Set
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite and rare Georg Jensen (1866-1935) tea set is exemplary of the Art Nouveau style gloriously celebrating natural elements, specifically the magnolia blossom. The flower ...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of 6 Antique Chinese Porcelain Tea Chine de Commande Qianlong Period, 18thC
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nice example of chine de commande style with sepia and pink color. 1 bowl (broken one) is different. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Emperor: Qianlong (...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Teapot, Exclusive Silver Art Deco English Mid-century Coffee Pot
Located in Hampshire, GB
An antique Art Deco tea set and silver-plated teapot beautifully designed and created suit elegant serving. With lid pressed, cast and chased vaulted lid. Coffee pot, Height 26 cm. S...
Category

1920s British Hollywood Regency Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

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

Antique English George III Copper Gooseneck Bird Spout Coffee Tea Kettle 12"
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 18th century George III copper tea / water / coffee kettle with right angle gooseneck / bird spout, fixed brass handle with turned ceramic / porcelain grip and mushroom shaped porcelain finial...
Category

Late 18th Century George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

Puiforcat (Hermes) - 6pc. Original French Art Deco 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, A Superb 6pc. 20th Century Original French Art Deco 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set by the World's Premier French Silversmith "Puiforcat" Currently Owned by Hermes, St...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

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.

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