Saucers

A saucer is often a component of many melamine dinnerware sets, along with plates, serving dishes, bowls and mugs.

A saucer is a type of dishware that is small. It is shaped like a plate, but is usually intended for use to support a coffee cup or a teacup. Saucers are used in many homes and restaurants all over the world.

They help to keep the cup up off of the table, and are also a traditional piece to any table setup. Saucers are usually sold in sets with the cups that fit on them. These sets may have matching graphics, and might also come with matching plates and bowls as well.

The saucer is also useful for protecting the drinker from drips or spills from the cup. Basically, you lift the saucer with the cup, and hold it underneath as you take a sip. If you accidentally drip, it will fall onto the saucer instead of onto your lap.

In some cultures, it is actually customary to drink your tea out of a saucer so that it will cool faster, though in most cases, it simply provides a stable platform for the teacup. You can buy saucers at just about any retail store where dinnerware is sold.

You can either buy them independently, or in a set with other dinnerware. With saucers, it is usually recommended that you buy them in a set, mostly because this will ensure that the cups you buy will fit perfectly into the saucer.

Saucers can be made from all kinds of different materials. Some are made from glass, while others are made of ceramic, stoneware, melamine, or even plastic or metal.

In the past, saucers have been made from all kinds of different metals and materials. They have even been made out of wood before, though this is pretty uncommon nowadays.

More information on saucers can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saucer.