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From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

A silver tea service is an expensive tea set. It is usually the household’s best and is used following formal dinners, or at a tea party.

A silver tea service generally comprises:

• teapot
• teacup and saucer
• sugar bowl
• milk pitcher also known as a creamer or jug
• coffee pot
• hot water pot
• slop bowl
• tray

A silver tea service is always presented on a tray. While a set of teaspoons is a necessity, as is a tea strainer and sugar spoon or sugar tongs, cutlery is not included as part of the tea 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 all the silver.