Victorian Silver Tea Set

During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 – 1901), the inclusion of tea kettles and coffee pots into comprehensive tea services coincided with the prevailing trend of indulging in mid-afternoon tea. This expansion of the tea service was tailored to accommodate the burgeoning popularity of this more elaborate social custom. Unlike the more modest midday tea, afternoon tea embraced a more lavish approach, featuring an assortment of small cakes and emphasizing pleasure. Consequently, the tea service evolved to mirror the opulence inherent in this refined occasion.

Traditional roles within the serving of afternoon tea were meticulously observed. The hostess assumed a prominent position near the table or stood adjacent to it while overseeing the pouring of tea. The responsibility of distributing teacups traditionally fell upon the gentleman of the household or, in his absence, the daughter.

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