Trapasso recommended clubs keep an extra supply of teapots and make popular models available for club members to purchase. Harney pointed out that it's best to always buy pots that come with an extra lid. If you opt for tea bags, find a supplier that offers foil-wrapped tea bags. Tea is like wine, in that once it has contact with air, it starts to lose its flavor. Keep loose tea fresh by storing it in a cool, dry place in absolutely airtight containers.
Tea easily picks up other flavors such as coffee, spices and cleaning detergents.
To add a touch of glamour to tea bag service, Trapasso also recommended investing in a wood tea presentation chest. It makes a nice presentation, and if you're serving tea to a group, using a chest can often result in additional sales. An alternative to the presentation chest is a tea list, which is presented in much the same way as a wine list. Stash has developed a list than includes ten different teas suitable for meals or for afternoon tea service. The waiter presents the list, the guest makes the selection, and the little ceremony is completed when the guest is presented with an individual pot of tea, tea bag already brewing.