Among all the tea accessories available, a wide range are designed specifically for drinking and enjoying tea. The tea cup remains the traditional choice for savoring a matcha or an herbal infusion. Tea mugs, used with a tea infuser or tea bag, have also become a firm favorite. And the full tea set continues to hold its place among lovers of the traditional tea ritual. Here is what you need to know about the different tea drinking accessories.
The tea cup: the traditional way to enjoy tea
The tea cup is the time-honored vessel for drinking tea across many cultures. In China, England and Japan alike, tea is served in cups. Designed specifically for hot beverages (teas, coffees, herbal infusions), tea cups are crafted from a wide range of materials: ceramic, glass, porcelain, metal and more.
Why choose a tea cup for your infusion?
The tea cup is shaped to keep your tea or herbal infusion at the right temperature, and its handle means you can hold it comfortably without burning your fingers. Tea cups can also be beautiful objects in their own right. Choose one that turns your tasting into a small ritual at the table. A tea cup is essential for a tea ceremony or a proper tea time.
What style of tea cup should you choose?
If you love classic, traditional tea accessories, a timeless design will never let you down. Depending on your favorite teas and cultural references, you might lean toward an English or a Japanese tea cup. Consider matching the color of your cups to your teapot and tea caddy. Of course, a more contemporary design is equally at home if that suits your taste.
How to choose the right material for your tea cup?
The material of a tea cup matters more than you might think. It affects how well heat is retained and how faithfully the flavors of your tea come through. A porcelain tea cup has no flavor memory, making it suitable for any type of tea (matcha, black, white and more).
Ceramic and earthenware cups are best reserved for a single type of tea, as they can absorb aromas over time. A glass cup is a popular choice if you enjoy watching the color of your teas and herbal infusions as they steep.
The tea mug: a popular everyday choice
The tea mug is a much-loved way to enjoy tea or coffee at home. Though it has been around for a long time, its rise as a tea-drinking staple is relatively recent.
What is a tea mug?
A tea mug is designed for tea, coffee, herbal infusions and other hot drinks. Mugs are larger than standard cups and are used without saucers, though they do have a handle. Their shape is similar to a beaker or tankard. Like tea cups, they come in a range of materials: ceramic, glass, porcelain and enamel-coated steel.
Why are tea mugs so popular?
Tea mugs stand in contrast to the formal tea ceremony. They are rarely used with a teapot, and are easy to find at accessible prices. Their design is also highly personal and customizable.
Most people use a tea bag or tea infuser to brew directly in the mug. Unlike a full tea set, a mug is an intimate, individual choice. It suits the rhythm of modern life perfectly: enjoy your tea at the table, at your desk, or curled up on the sofa.
How to choose your tea mug?
Several factors come into play when choosing a tea mug. The material (ceramic, metal, glass, porcelain) will largely determine the quality and price. Since mugs are used every day, choose a design and color that feel right for you. Also think about capacity, depending on how much tea you typically drink.
The tea set: the perfect tableware for sharing tea with guests
Investing in a quality tea set is a wonderful idea if you love sharing tea or herbal infusions at the table.
What is a tea set?
A tea set is a coordinated collection of tableware for brewing and serving tea. It typically includes:
- tea cups;
- saucers;
- tea spoons;
- a matching teapot;
- and other accessories.
Every piece in a tea set shares the same color and design. Sets can be handcrafted or industrially made, and come in a variety of materials: metal, glass, ceramic or porcelain.
Why buy a tea set?
A tea set suits a range of occasions. If you enjoy a traditional tea ceremony or an afternoon tea time, coordinated tableware makes all the difference. More broadly, a tea set is a great investment if you regularly serve tea or an infusion to guests.
Buying a complete tea set can also offer good value for money, especially if you are looking for a teapot and cups at the same time.
What types of tea sets are there?
Most tea sets are rooted in a particular tradition. The way tea is stored, prepared and served has shaped the tea sets of different countries over centuries. For a classic English tea time, look for a fine porcelain or ceramic set.
You might also consider a Chinese tea set in metal, ceramic, glass or porcelain. Moroccan sets have their own distinctive style, typically featuring a metal teapot and small glass tea cups.
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