Cabaret service
The cabaret service is a small tea or coffee service. A typical cabaret service includes a teapot or a coffeepot, a sugar bowl, a creamer, sometimes a tray and cutlery. In the 18th century a spoon boat was frequently a part of the set. The tea- and coffeepots are small, the cups and saucers are frequently also smaller than the ones in the regular sets. Tête-à-tête services were popular as wedding gifts.
The cabaret services originated in France, where the tea drinking was not ritualized, and thus small-scale arrangements for one or two were appropriate. The cabaret services characteristically utilized unusual designs and extensive decorations, this "jewel-like" appearance hints at marketing oriented towards ladies.
In the 18th century silver cabaret services with fitting cases were made for travel.