How to Use Different Teacups & Saucers for Guests

English bone china often is decorated with floral designs.

China teacups and saucers often are relegated to corner cupboards or displayed in hutches behind glass doors, and only brought out for special occasions. Collections of matching teacups and saucers are passed down through families, and collectors scour flea markets and garage sales for just the right pieces to complete their sets. It may be time to think outside the box. Give your table personality with mismatched teacups and saucers. Mix patterns and hues to add interest in an otherwise sedate place setting.

Things You'll Need

• White tablecloth
• Lace tablecloth
• Floral tablecloth
• Centerpieces
• Candles

Instructions

1. Highlight a white tablecloth with teacups and saucers in a colorful pattern. Pair them with white china plates. Choose napkins in a color that coordinates with the cups and saucers. You also may set the table with a floral cloth coupled with white teacups and saucers.

2. Coordinate the floral patterns in traditional English china teacups and saucers with a floral centerpiece. If the china features roses, include them in the centerpiece. Use cups and saucers with different patterns featuring the same flowers.

3. Match teacups and saucers with each other but feature different colors and patterns as part of the table setting. For a large group, use two matching sets in different patterns. Group them together or intermingle the patterns.

4. Request that guests bring their own teacups and saucers. Begin a conversation by asking them to tell the story of how they acquired the particular pieces they brought.

5. Float candles in teacups to add sparkle to a place setting. Use them as place holders or as part of the centerpiece.

6. Arrange teacups and saucers of different patterns but similar hues on a sideboard covered in a lace tablecloth or runner. Place two or three different types of tea bags in each cup to give your guests a choice.

7. Place mismatched teacups and saucers on plates with a different but coordinating pattern and color for a shabby chic or English cottage look.

8. Set a holiday table with white china plates. Highlight it with teacups and saucers sporting gold or silver rims mixed with patterns of red and green. Coordinate them with a centerpiece featuring gold and silver Christmas ornaments mixed with a variety of evergreens, berries and candles.

Tips & Warnings

• Use mild detergent, sponges or soft cloths to wash china teacups and saucers to avoid scratching them.

References

• The Tea Chest: Cups, Saucers and Basic Table Decor
• Old Fashioned Living: Abigail's Tea Party Ideas

Resources

• Lenox: Caring for Fine China