SILVER TEA SERVICE

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

★ 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.