Cabaret service

A typical cabaret service includes (in addition to cups and saucers[1]) a teapot or a coffeepot (with a lid and occasionally a stand[2]), a sugar bowl, a creamer, sometimes a tray[3][4] and cutlery.

[6] The tea- and coffeepots are small (one pint in a service for two, so called tête-à-tête, half a pint in a solitaire service for one),[3] the cups and saucers are frequently also smaller than the ones in the regular sets.

The cabaret services originated in France, where the tea drinking was not ritualized, and thus small-scale arrangements for one or two were appropriate.

[7] The cabaret services characteristically utilized unusual designs and extensive decorations,[4] this "jewel-like" appearance hints at marketing oriented towards ladies.

[7] In the 18th century silver (gilded) cabaret services with fitting cases were made for travel.