Hollowware Piece Types

Tea pots are “short and stout.” Many tea pots are acquiring “collectible” status. Generally, the pattern on a tea pot is matched to that of a coffee pot, sugar bowl, creamer, and serving tray to create a set. However, it has become very common to mix and match a variety of styles and patterns. Replacements, Ltd. sells both tea sets and individual hollowware pieces. You can browse a great group of these by clicking here.

Kettles are used to heat and serve water for tea. Kettles are often featured as an integral part of a tea service and typically include a kettle and separate burner stand.

Sugar bowls are used to serve granulated sugar as well as sugar cubes. Generally, these pieces match the coffee pot, tea pot, creamer, and serving tray.

Creamers are similar in size to the sugar bowl, for a given pattern. These pieces feature a decorative handle and spout and are used to serve cream.

Waiter trays are the largest and heaviest piece of the tea set. Replacements, Ltd. carries a variety of these trays, from highly ornate to very simple. In addition to their use in tea and coffee services, the silver waiter tray can be used to serve desserts, hors d’oeuvres and a variety of finger foods and beverages in very impressive style.

Waste bowls are used for spent tea bags and tea leaves. The bowl often features ornate decorations and a simple body. The waste bowl does not usually feature a lid or handles.

Pitchers are used to serve a variety of beverages including water, iced tea, and soda.

Gravy boats are used for serving gravies and sauces. Gravy boats may include an attached, or detached, underplate. You can find these versatile pieces in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Loving cups are large drinking vessels that have two or more handles. Traditionally, the piece was passed from person to person at large banquets. Today, these pieces are often awarded as prizes or trophies, and are very collectable. We feature a beautiful example of one of these cups in our online museum.

Candelabras are decorative silver pieces that have sockets for candles. These pieces add a wonderful accent to any table.

Water goblets are generally larger than wine goblets and are placed to the right of the dinner plate. Click here for a helpful place setting reference guide.

Wine goblets are most commonly used with water goblets. Like the water goblet, the wine goblet is placed on the table to the upper right of the dinner plate, and is generally placed closer to the guest than the water goblet. The wine goblet can be used to serve a variety of red, white, and spritzer wines.

Champagne/tall sherbets feature short stems and shallow bowls. These pieces are often called saucer champagnes. The sherbet/champagne reached the height of its popularity during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. It was later discovered that the taller and more slender bowls of champagne flutes were better at helping champagne retain its bubbles.

Mint juleps are cups are used to serve drinks which contain aromatic herbs and spices. The recipe for a mint julep generally includes bourbon, crushed ice, sugar, and fresh mint!

Compotes are used to serve steamed or baked fruit desserts. Compotes can also be used for decorative purposes or to serve candies.