A cup and saucer and cookies, part of afternoon tea time.
The pairing of the cup and saucer might recall the gold-tipped, dusty bits of crockery in your grandmother`s cabinet that were only for show. There is a strong interest in collectibles and antiques when it comes to cups and saucers, but there are also many tea sets that are both modern and functional. Saucers are also used for coffee and espresso cups. Does this Spark an idea?
History of the Saucer
A modern and functional teacup complete with saucer and snack.
Although we more typically associate cups and saucers with the conventional British tea service, there are also cup and saucer sets for other beverages and snacks. When the European nobility first started drinking tea, they would use the saucer for sipping the tea at first, to allow it to cool down. When handles were later added to teacups, this process came to an end, and the hot beverages were sipped directly from the cups. (see Reference 1)
Saucers Worldwide
A simple Asian clay tea set that does not include saucers.
What your cup and saucer is made of might depend on the what kind of tea or where you are drinking it. Asian tea sets are often made of thick clay, and saucers are used with teapots, but not with cups. Italian espresso is served in a small cup with an equally diminutive saucer. In England, tea time is elevated to an art, with fine china cups and matching saucers. It is these types of cups that are often elaborately decorated with pastoral scenes or gold filigree. (see References 1 and 2)
Colors, Designs and Decor
A table set for tea in a variety of colors and designs.
There is a protocol to be followed if you are setting a table or preparing for a party that includes cups and saucers. Of course colors should match or follow a theme or be part of a set where the cups and saucers are concerned, but also keep in mind other details like the colors and designs of your furniture and other linens. For example, if the cups and saucers have a floral design then try to avoid overdoing this with a floral tablecloth. (see Reference 2)
Collectibles
Silver teacups are difficult to find and are valuable antiques.
Porcelain is the material of choice for most, especially for tea drinkers, and it is the fine-bone china depicted in Victorian paintings that is usually featured in antique stories and museum displays. However, before porcelain, many cups and saucers were made of silver. These are extremely hard for even the most dedicated collector to find, as silver can be melted down and used for something else. (see Reference 2)
Tags: cups saucers, colors designs, modern functional, there also