Sugar bowls

Sugar bowls – a must-have for your five o'clock tea

What are Sugar Bowls?

Sugar bowls are small bowls that are used to keep and serve sugar. They often come in a range of forms and styles to go with various dinnerware designs and are constructed of stoneware, porcelain, glass, or brass.

Sugar bowls generally feature a lid to protect the sugar from moisture, dust, and other impurities. The lid may have a little hole in it which makes it possible to insert a teaspoon or sugar tongs into the sugar bowl.

In addition to providing sugar with tea and coffee, sugar bowls can also be used to serve other sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup. They can serve as a pleasant finishing touch for a breakfast nook, or kitchen counter or a beautiful compliment to a formal dining table.

The history of a sugar bowl

The history of the sugar bowl dates back to the 18th century when sugar became more widely available in Europe. Sugar was initially a luxury item and was kept in small containers that were carefully guarded and displayed as a symbol of wealth.

As sugar became more common, it became more affordable, and people began to keep larger quantities of it in their homes. The sugar bowl was developed as a practical and convenient way to store and serve sugar.

Early sugar bowls were often made of ceramic or porcelain and were decorated with intricate patterns and designs. They were small, round or oval-shaped vessels with a lid, a handle, and a spout for pouring. The lids were often decorated with a knob or handle, and the handles were usually made of metal, such as silver or brass.

As the sugar bowl became more popular, it has begun to be produced in a wide range of styles and materials, including glass, silver, and other metals.

Today, sugar bowls continue to be a popular item in many homes, and they can be found in a variety of styles and designs. They are often made of ceramic, porcelain, or glass, and they can be plain or highly decorative, depending on personal preference and the occasion for which they are being used. They often come in a set that included a creamer and a teapot.

What other accessories do I need to serve a cup of tea?

A few necessary components are required to serve a cup of tea such as:

• Kettle: Used to bring water to a boil, kettles are available in stovetop and electric versions and are made of various materials like steel, plastic or glass
• Teapot: An essential element of the tea-brewing ritual, indispensable if you like loose-leaf tea and want to brew and serve more than just a cup of tea.
• Teacups or mugs: They are usually made of glass, porcelain, or ceramic and are used to serve tea or coffee.
• In addition, a milk jug for keeping and pouring milk and a set of teaspoons can be used to serve tea. You can quickly prepare and serve a cup of tea to yourself or your guests if you have these supplies on hand.

If you want to know more about accessories and tea-making rituals, read our tea-making shopping guide.