tea-table
Low serving surface
A tea-table is a small table designed for serving tea, typically low and elegant, associated with formal afternoon tea service.
The term often evokes a particular social setting—genteel conversation, polite company: The ladies gathered around the tea-table.
Tea-table talk or tea-table gossip suggests light, sometimes trivial conversation of the sort exchanged over tea.
Small quick breads
- clotted creamThick scalded milk fat
- cucumber sandwichesLight tea-party fare
- finger sandwichesBite-sized party fare
- petit foursTiny ornate French confections
macarons · biscuits · pastries · lemon curd · jam · marmalade · teacups · napkins
Translucent fired clay
- bone chinaCalcium-ash ceramic ware
- silverwareMetal eating utensils
- silver serviceFormal tableside food presentation
- crystalOrdered-atom solid
lace · linen · refinement · sophistication · delicacy · polish · grace · taste
Informal talk spreading rumors
- chatInformal verbal exchange
- small-talkLight, casual conversation
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- tête-à-têteIntimate two-person discussion
natter · chatter · discussion · confidences · intimacy · secrets · scandal · matchmaking
scones
Small quick breads
- clotted creamThick scalded milk fat
- cucumber sandwichesLight tea-party fare
- finger sandwichesBite-sized party fare
petit fours · macarons · biscuits · pastries · lemon curd · jam · marmalade · teacups · napkins · linen
porcelain
Translucent fired clay
- bone chinaCalcium-ash ceramic ware
- silverwareMetal eating utensils
- silver serviceFormal tableside food presentation
crystal · lace · linen · refinement · sophistication · delicacy · polish · grace · taste · luxury
gossip
Informal talk spreading rumors
- chatInformal verbal exchange
- small-talkLight, casual conversation
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
tête-à-tête · natter · chatter · discussion · confidences · intimacy · secrets · scandal · matchmaking · courtship
wooden
Made from timber
tripod · folding · lacquered · inlaid · marquetry · gallery · casters · oval · round · occasional
tea-tabledining table
Furniture for seated meals
banquet table · dinner table · refectory table · kitchen table · trestle table
tea-tableworkbench
Craftsman's heavy-duty surface
factory floor · pub table · saloon bar · bar counter · trestle table
table, tea, tablet, teacup, teapot, teaspoon, tablecloth, teatime, tableware