Silver tea service

A silver tea service generally comprises:

• teapot
• kettle set upon a stand, heated from below by a spirit light
• sugar bowl
• milk pitcher also known as a creamer or jug
• slop bowl
• tea strainer
• serving tray

A silver tea service is always presented on a tray. While a set of teaspoons is a necessity, as is a sugar spoon or sugar tongs, cutlery is not included as part of the tea service. In larger silver services, a silver coffeepot is sometimes included to form what is termed a tea and coffee service.

In a very formal household, the tea service is cared for by the footman, under the supervision of the butler, who is responsible for the household silver.