Definition

Noun: A flat, portable surface with a raised edge, designed specifically to hold the items necessary for serving tea. This typically includes a teapot, cups, saucers, spoons, and sometimes a milk jug and sugar bowl.

Usage

A "tea tray" is used to carry a complete tea set from the kitchen to the serving area, such as a living room or garden. It organizes the service and prevents spills during transport. * She carried in the tea tray, carefully setting it down on the coffee table. * The silver tea tray was polished until it shone.

Advanced Usage

• "to bring in/on a tea tray": This phrase emphasizes the act of serving tea formally or politely.
  • Breakfast was brought to her room on a tea tray.

Variants and Related Words

• Tray (n): A more general term for a flat board used for carrying things.
• Tea service (n) / Tea set (n): The collection of matching pots, cups, and other items used for serving tea, which are placed the tea tray.
• Serving tray (n): A general tray used for serving food and drinks.

Synonyms

• Serving tray (when used in the context of tea)
• Salver (a similar tray, often made of metal and used for formal serving)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Everything on a tea tray": An informal expression suggesting something is provided in an easy, convenient, or overly pampered way.
  • He expects the solution to be handed to him on a tea tray.

Noun

1. a tray that accommodates a tea service