A tea set can be crafted from porcelain, ceramic, glass or metal. It is the centrepiece of any tea-drinking collection. Modern or vintage, it typically includes a teapot, cups and saucers, tea spoons and optional accessories. A matching tray and a milk jug can complete the picture, adding a touch of elegance to your table. The price of a tea set depends on its quality, the number of pieces and the design, but one thing is certain: it brings a little magic to every tea time.
The English tea set: porcelain or ceramic, star of the tea time
For our friends across the Channel, tea time is beyond price. In fine porcelain or ceramic, the English tea set is the essential tableware for appreciating tea in the truest sense of the art. The British have elevated tea to a way of life, so much so that they invented the aviator teapot, allowing pilots to keep up their tea time even in flight.
An English tea set often carries a sense of vintage luxury: fine porcelain, and the indispensable milk jug for that famous "cloud of milk". From "tea for two" to a full tea party, tea is inseparable from British culture and brings out the best in leaves from all corners of the world. A tea set also serves as a beautifully refined decorative piece.
The Moroccan tea set: glass vessels for celebrating mint tea
Savouring traditional mint tea takes on a special quality with a Moroccan tea set. Featuring a richly decorated tray, sometimes a low table with wooden legs and a metal teapot, this set is steeped in tradition. In Morocco, a glass replaces the cup, and tea is poured from a great height. This theatrical gesture aerates the tea, aiding digestion.
The tray, the teapot and the accessories, sometimes true works of art filled with intricate detail, have a decorative role in every home. Offering tea is a Moroccan tradition that has endured into the modern age. Whether with family, friends or colleagues, there is never a wrong moment to share a wonderful mint tea.
The Chinese tea set: from metal to ceramic through the centuries
The materials favoured for the Chinese tea set have changed greatly over time. Today, ceramic is considered the gold standard, though porcelain remains the most popular choice. While metal was highly prized 2,000 years ago, enamel and glass have also had their moment. Wood is appreciated too, as an affordable and accessible material.
A ceramic teapot has the ability to absorb and preserve the aromas of tea through its natural porosity, developing what is known as a patina over time. If you enjoy different varieties, it is best to keep a separate teapot for each. Chinese tea lovers tend to favour a cup with a white interior, the better to appreciate the colour of the tea.
Tea set, cup or mug: the choice is yours
Enjoyed for over 2,200 years, tea is the most widely consumed drink in the world after water. There are as many teas as there are cultures. Welcome your guests by introducing them to a new tea each time, served in a quality tasting set. Whether you are drawn to vintage charm or a clean modern aesthetic, white or richly coloured, there is a tea set waiting to grace your table.
Everyone enjoys tea in their own way. You can choose between:
