The Regency era-themed series, Bridgerton, is back with a third season on Netflix (the first part released on 17 May, and the second part will drop on 13 June). And with that, it’s time to revisit the elegance and charm of the show’s afternoon tea experience and the exquisite tea sets used by its characters.
In Bridgerton season 2, Kate Sharma (played by Simone Ashley) takes playful swipes at English tea, once with Lady Danbury in the first episode and then again in the second episode with Lord Dorset. She mentions her longing for Indian tea and how she misses India, particularly during teatime. Later, she enjoys a cup of tea by herself, especially adding Indian spices (cinnamon, clove and cardamom). In the third episode, we witness the mothers and Lady Danbury sipping tea while the younger Bridgertons and Sharmas play a game of pall mall. In the first season, Daphne Bridgerton is surrounded by a stylish teacup set while waiting for suitors in her sitting room.
Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, the couple in focus in the new season, are captured in two different scenes with classic tea cup and saucer sets while surrounded by their siblings. Even Queen Charlotte gets in on the act, urging her subjects to both “sip” and “spill the tea.”
The series certainly makes the case for exquisite English-style cup and saucer sets as well as delicate accessories. And, since drinking tea has been an integral part of Asian culture for centuries, this is the perfect time to elevate this everyday experience.
If you are inspired enough by the series to indulge in a sophisticated English tea ritual at home, we have a list of cup and saucer sets, teapots and accessories for you to splurge on.
Tea sets you must have in your home
Cup and saucer sets
A matching tea cup and saucer set brings a touch of delightful orderliness to any tea ceremony. With beautiful teacups and saucers, you can set up a feast for any occasion. These come in a set of even numbers and are crafted in diverse materials like bone china, ceramic and porcelain.
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Teapot sets
A cup and saucer set is only complete when it is accompanied by a creamer, sugar jar and a lovely teapot. Sometimes paired with a strainer and tray, these sets are for connoisseurs and come in many designs featuring various kinds of sprouts, bodies and even ornamentation and gold plating. They add an elegant and classic touch to any tea table.
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Teapots
For a delightful teatime session, even if you don’t have matching cups and saucers, a teapot in porcelain, ceramic or bone china can help to make the occasion special. Regency-era teapots were known for their elegance and ornamentation. The curves, bulbous bodies and intricate designs in resplendent colours and floral motifs were a mark of high tea parties and similar events. While choosing teapots, make sure to opt for a wider base, a tight-fitted lid for heat retention, comfortable handles and clean pour spouts.
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Tea accessories
The entire teatime experience transcends into a visual feast with the addition of a set of accessories. Elegant, tiered stands are perfect for serving scones, sandwiches or tea cakes. Sugar and creamer jars are ideal for those who like their tea creamy and sweet. For a truly decadent experience, complete your arrangement with a set of teaspoons, a strainer and a serving tray.
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Types of materials used for a teacup set
Teacups are available in numerous materials. It is best to choose based on your occasion, purpose and preference.
Bone china and porcelain
Both bone china and porcelain are types of ceramics well known for their remarkable heat retention, thin walls and delicate beauty. Ceramic teacups are porous and are made from clay pottery that has been baked in kilns. Handleless cups adorned with beautiful patterns are quite common in Asian countries.
Bone ash is added to the raw materials of bone china, which is also made of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz, making it the strongest and most resilient of all ceramics. It is most frequently used to make British tea sets, with elaborate patterns and floral motifs. Porcelain is created in a similar manner, except it is fired at a much higher temperature. It is a non-porous material with a vitrified glaze making it non-reactive with the liquid.
Fine china
Fine china sets have superb designs and a translucent quality, much like porcelain. A kind of ceramic distinguished by its thinness and delicate appearance, they are ideal for formal events and special occasions. These teacup sets are usually the priciest but best option, as they allow the tea to hit the tongue faster and taste better.
Stoneware
Stoneware is a type of ceramic crafted from coarse clay. This option is perfect for daily use and comes in a variety of colours, glazes and patterns. Compared to porcelain or bone china, stoneware is typically less expensive and retains heat well. It is created at a significantly higher firing temperature than that of other ceramics, making such pieces long-lasting.
Glass
Glass sets are a great option if you’d like to appreciate the hue of the tea. They also have a sleek, contemporary appearance and are simple to clean. Glass teacups are more fragile and have a lower heat retention than ceramic options, despite similar production techniques. If you want to retain heat better, it is best to consider double-walled glass cups.
Taking care of your tea sets
Always handwash delicate tea wares, unless specifically labelled safe for dishwashers. It is advisable to use lukewarm water and a mild soap to clean stains. Additionally, make sure to avoid abrasive scrubs as they may damage the intricate designs. Pouring boiling hot water to clean teapots and teacups can also lead to cracks. To avoid hard stains and tea marks, clean the teacup set quickly after each use. After washing, let them air dry and wipe the tea wares with a soft cloth before storing.
Make sure to check for microwave-safe labels for all tea wares. Glass and ceramic dishware are usually safe for heating in the microwave for 30 seconds, as long as it doesn’t feature metallic paint or inlays. Avoid subjecting the teaware to a naked flame as it can cause cracks. Moreover, thin-walled glass and chinaware might crack when subjected to high heat, so it’s best to avoid microwaving or pre-heating altogether. Gradually changing the temperature of the cup can avoid shocks. When preheating, start with warm water and then increase the temperature. Never pour boiling water into a cold cup.
(Prices of the products mentioned in the story are subject to change.)
(Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy Netflix)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which teacup is the best?
The best choice of teacup is dependent on personal preferences and the type of tea one likes to drink. Someone who likes green or black tea over English breakfast tea would prefer transparent glass cups so that they can appreciate the light brew. If you are considering a teacup set for a special occasion, it’s best to buy one in porcelain, bone china or ceramic, all of which come in intricate designs, with sleek handles and ornamental rims.
– Which material is ideal for teacups?
Delicate, porcelain, bone china and ceramics provide elegance and excellent heat retention while enhancing the flavour of the tea. Stoneware is versatile for everyday use and stronger than porcelain. While glass is easier to clean and allows you to see the colour of the tea, it may not hold heat as well as stoneware but it is easy to clean, microwaveable and adaptable for daily use.
– How does one wash tea mugs properly?
For most teacups, rinsing with soap water and scrubbing with a soft sponge is sufficient. For stubborn stains, it’s best to wash the cup with baking soda or vinegar solution. Buy dishwasher-safe cups and never put hot cups directly under cold water to avoid cracks.
– Which colour of mug is best for tea?
There’s no direct correlation between the colour of a cup and the taste of the tea. However, lighter colours can help you to see the true colour of the tea. Teacups in white with gold or silver ornamentation and detailing were extremely common during the Regency era. In the series Bridgerton, you’ll find brightly-coloured cups in blue, green, grey, red and gold.
– Is tea better in glass or ceramic cups?
Although both materials are equally good, ceramic cups have a few significant advantages. As compared to glass, ceramic is a more forgiving material and is therefore less likely to chip or shatter if dropped accidentally. Ceramic mugs are also excellent at holding heat because of their thicker walls. In contrast, glass has a tendency to transfer heat more quickly.
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Written by
Susmita, a post-graduate in English from Delhi University, has a knack for writing on anything under the sun. However, it's the world of lifestyle, travel, books and food that truly tickles her muse. When she's not weaving words, Susmita can be found lost in the pages of a novel with a cup of lightly brewed Darjeeling tea, binge-watching K-dramas, or unleashing her spirit onto canvases by painting . She loves strolling through gourmet grocery stores and discovering the finest Pan-Asian eateries. Her favourite retreat? Beside a babbling stream, where she and nature engage in delightful conversations.
