The Mugging of the Cup and Saucer
What has become of the cup and saucer set? Why is it that people seem to use their cups
and saucers less and less? Is life too short? Has modern American life really gotten so
hectic that there is no time for a saucer?
Is life so different now than it was just a few years ago when cups and saucers
were a vital element in the drinking of one's tea or coffee? Has the coffee industry
successfully marketed the consumption of larger and larger quantities? Are cups just too
small now for the popular current appetite? Can the cup and saucer portion only be looked
at now as a relic of a consumer lifestyle of yesteryear?
Today, cups and saucers are more likely to be displayed unused in a china cabinet,
or put into a cup and saucer collection that just sits on a shelf looking beautiful.
For coffee and tea drinking, the mug (not to mention the commuter cup and to-go cup)
has very nearly taken the cup and saucer's place.
The evolution of size, style, color and usage of pieces of china is a natural one. The
mug, relatively recently introduced, is a welcome addition to the china repertoire. The mug
has its place and is a wonderful thing indeed, but it is no replacement for the cup and saucer!
Ironically, there are more reasons and occasions now than ever to use cups and saucers.
To start with, a typical cup in a cup and saucer set holds about 8 ounces, while a
mug generally holds approximately 12 ounces. Health and dietary issues, including caffeine
intake, are a primary concern for many Americans. Switching from mugs back to cups and saucers
is one simple way to trim caffeine intake by 25%!
Although an increasing trend in coffee consumption in recent years has consistently been
toward quality not quantity, there are those who are drinking more coffee than ever. Most of the
wonderful high quality designer/gourmet coffees that are prepared at home are not only fresher and
more flavorful, but stronger and much more expensive. Instead of using a mug, the slightly smaller
cup and saucer size portion is perfectly appropriate to use for such wonderful, rich coffee.
Coffee has traditionally been served in smaller portions after dinner, so a mug is definitely not
an appropriate option. The after dinner, or demitasse size, cups and saucers are the perfect option.
Afterall, as the name indicates, they were designed especially for service at this time.
Since most individuals do not have after dinner size cups and saucers in their patterns,
the regular cup and saucer is the next best choice. Besides, good quality decaffeinated coffee
is now so readily available that guests wishing to limit their late night intake of caffeine could
still enjoy a full size cup.
What about tea? Americans appear to be increasing their tea consumption, although much
of the tea consumption is of the iced variety (which is an entirely different subject).
Traditional afternoon English tea is also gaining wider American popularity. Since so many major
European-style hotels and some restaurants have started to offer traditional English teas, many
individuals have followed suit at home. Regardless of quantity, most would have to agree that it
is only fitting to have one's tea from a cup and saucer, not a mug.
Which brings up another point, the overall propriety of the cup and saucer. Propriety,
just for the sake of propriety, has historically been of little interest to Americans. However,
there are some things that have remained the standard because they really can not be improved upon.
Undoubtedly, the wonderful, enhanced tactile experience gained by using a cup and saucer is one of
those things. Many generations have maintained the tradition, which supports that it must be worth
the tiny bit of extra effort.
 The point is that cups and saucers still have their place, and they always will!
Take them out of the display cabinet or off the shelf and put them to use! A serving
of coffee or tea might even taste better in a cup and saucer. There is no need to wait for a
special occasion to use your cups and saucers. Treat yourself, your family or your friends
to a properly served cup of coffee or tea anytime.
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