In the West (especially in the UK, France and Germany), the term 'tea set' refers to a set of dishes used for afternoon tea and other formal tea meals / snacks (such as light tea and cream tea).

Tea Set Components

A Western or British tea set usually includes the following items:

• A tea pot
• Tea cups in a number roughly corresponding with the size of the tea pot, almost always with 'ears' (small handle-like attachments which are pinched in order to lift the tea cup)

• Saucers (small, plate-like dishes on which the tea cups can rest)
• A creamer dish (used to hold milk or, in rare instances such as in East Frisian tea sessions, cream)
• A sugar bowl (which may or may not be lidded)

Tea Set Variations

Tea sets may also include extra components, such as:

• A tray on which the tea pot, tea cups, saucers and other accessories can be carried or can sit
• Small plates for holding tea meal foods, such as scones and finger sandwiches
• Small dishes and silverware for holding and serving condiments, such as jellies, jams and clotted cream
• A three-tiered serving tray for serving sweets and savories
• A small pair of metal tongs for sugar cubes
• A tea strainer (usually a bowl-style tea strainer)
• Teaspoons for adding sugar and stirring in milk, lemon juice or sugar
• A serving vessel and serving utensil for honey
• A utensil and / or dish for lifting and holding spent teabags
• A dish for holding sliced lemon / lemon wedges
• A small utensil for picking up pieces of lemon (such as a small fork or pair of tongs)

• A small utensil for squeezing juice from lemon pieces
• A tea caddy
• A tea chest

Other variations in tea sets include the size of the tea set. Miniature tea sets are sometimes made for children and for dolls.

What's Not in a Tea Set

Although the following items may match a tea set or be used along with it, they are not usually considered to be part of the set:

• Tea towels or tea cloths
• Tea cozies
• Other linens, such as napkins and tablecloths
• Vases and flower arrangements
• Tea, food and condiments
• Larger plates, such as dinner plates
• Tea tables

Tea Set Materials & Aesthetics

Most Western and British tea sets are made from chinaware (i.e., fine bone china), porcelain, ceramics and / or metal (usually silver or stainless steel). They are often ornately decorated, and may include motifs such as flowers and leaves or abstract designs.

Over the years, tea sets have undergone many changes in style, and many of them do not meet the usual expectation of something flowery and pink-hued. For example, many Art Deco tea sets are streamlined and minimalist in aesthetic. They often feature bold colors (such as black and red) and are sometimes made with silver or chrome, or gilded with gold.