Teacups, Saucers and Tea Sets

Tea set for the table or cups for a crowd

A porcelain tea set is a table item: cups, saucers, a teapot and sometimes a stand, listed by the number of settings it serves, such as a 22 piece set for six. Porcelain is thin but hard, takes hot tea well and keeps its finish with gentle hand washing, especially when it has gold trim, which should never go in a microwave. Disposable cups suit parties: dessert cups in 8 ounce sizes come with lids and spoons, and ripple-wall cups insulate hot drinks without a sleeve.

Capacity, lids and pack counts

A teacup holds about 6 to 8 ounces and a mug more, while disposable cups are labeled in fluid ounces, so pick 8 ounce for dessert or tea samples and 12 ounce for coffee or soup. Check the pack count: a bag of dozens of disposable cups is party supply, not a set for the cupboard. Lids and spoons or sporks are sometimes included, and ripple-wall cups need matching lids. Silicone cup covers keep dust and insects out of drinks on outdoor tables and can be reused.

Questions about Teacups, Saucers and Tea Sets

Can I put a gold-trimmed tea set in the microwave or dishwasher?

No. Metallic trim can spark in a microwave and wear away in a dishwasher. Wash gold-edged porcelain by hand in warm water with a soft cloth and dry it promptly to keep the decoration intact.

How many pieces does a tea set for six have?

Counts vary, because lids, plates and stands may be counted as pieces. A set for six has six cups and saucers plus serving pieces, and a 22 piece set adds extras. Read the item list rather than the headline count.

Are disposable insulated cups good for hot tea?

Ripple-wall and double-wall cups have an air layer that keeps the outside cooler and the drink warmer than single-wall paper. Use the matching lid, and avoid plastic dessert cups for hot liquids unless they are labeled heat resistant.