tea things
Posted by Jessamyn on September 16, 1997 at 22:58:24:
In response to "Tea things" discussion summary from the P&P board, written by Amy on September 15, 1997 at 12:04:51
] Beate asked what "tea things" refers to, wondering if it's inclusive of the biscuits or cakes in addition to the tea, sugar &tc.
] Caroline said she thinks they actually make tea and coffee in the room where it is served, so all the implements would have to be brought out.
] Patrick thinks it means especially the nice china -- cups, creamer, sugar bowl.
In English novels of the first half of this (20th) century, it seems to mean all the impedimenta of tea-making, from the pot itself to the silver spoons. Some one is always "bringing in the tea things" to an afternoon guest on a tray, and they don't seem to need anything else. No one follows on with hot water or saucers or whatever--it's all there.
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
