Tea Sets and Accessories Baltimore MD

Caring for Your Sterling Silver Tea Service

A sterling silver tea service is elegant and functional - and always a treasured item. With a little care and attention, its beauty will endure through generations.

If you display your sterling silver tea service on a table or in a glass cabinet, the exposure to air naturally causes tarnish, which can be easily removed.

On a regular basis, use a specially designed silver cloth or soft, pile-free rag to rub and polish your silver pieces and tray. This will help retard the onset of tarnish and keep your set brilliant with shine.

When you begin to see a build-up of tarnish, simply purchase a non-abrasive sliver polish, available in liquid or paste form.

You can find a variety of brands at grocery stores, hardware retailers, department stores, specialty gift shops and even drug stores.

To remove tarnish

Five Styles of Tea Sets

Tea sets originated in China and reached a state of high-art perfection around the 10th century A.D. Over time, as different countries embraced tea drinking, many different styles of sets have developed and evolved.

Following are some of the notable styles by country from throughout history and up to the present. For a more in-depth view of each type and country, please visit afternoonteaset.com .
Chinese

The Chinese still lead the industry in fine porcelain teapots and cups with styles the feature exquisite, exotic detail and gorgeous coloring. In contrast to European styles, Chinese sets are generally smaller, lighter, and more highly detailed.

Dutch

In Europe, the Dutch were the first to make tea into both a large market and a social activity. As a result, Dutch sets are known for their simple usability.

They are generally lightly colored, a bit larger than Chinese sets, and round-bottomed so that the tea stays warm longer. And since the Dutch have traditionally liked to have their tea outside, their teapots and cups tend to be a little more rustic and less delicate.

Russian

For many centuries, the Russians' love of tea was second only to that of the English. Russian sets are known for their sweeping, cross-hatched patterns and sleek, rounded curves. They're often large, relatively thick, and robust.

Meanwhile, the Russians were also among the first to make sets out of silver and gold, which were the favorites among the Russian royals for entertaining guests.

English

Although the Dutch were the first Europeans to experience a major tea craze, the English were the first to make tea drinking not only a leisure activity but a way of life. The English traditionally drink tea multiple times per day, which means that their teapots and cups are typically built to last.

English sets are best known for their fluted shapes, flowery designs, and flat, rounded bottoms that make the vessels difficult to tip over.
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Wooden Tea Tray

A wooden tea tray has been a customary accessory for storing tea cups and serving tea for hundreds of years. It serves as the focal point for tea ceremonies and helps to set the tone when entertaining.

Trays can range from simple and functional to ornate and artistic. Some feature intricate carvings, colorful paintings, lacquer finishes and special bandings.

You can find trays in variety of sizes -- though most are rectangular, oval or round in shape.

In addition, multiple layered varieties are available. Some have removable lids that creates a storage area for cups.

Others feature a top layer filled with holes that serve to drain any tea that may spill over cups when serving. The bottom layer then detaches for easy cleaning and drying.

Over time, these wooden trays have been used for a multitude of purposes and are still the most commonly used kitchenware accessories.

Depending on size, they can be used for stylishly serving snacks, meals and other beverages.

In addition, antique and special decorative trays are often used for display purpose, are hung on walls as art, or given as treasured gifts.

For the best selection, visit high end department stores and retailers who carry tea equipage.

Trays are sold separately or can be purchased along with a complete tea set.

Antique shops and dealers also carry unique and beautiful serving trays from around the world.