I like having my morning tea gong fu style. The tray has a built-in catch basin for spilled water (you 'wash' and discard the first steep or two). The cup with lid is a gaiwan, used for brewing tea in multiple, small rounds. The pitcher is a cha hai, for holding tea after brewing so everyone served gets the same experience rather than one person getting stronger or weaker tea than someone else. Aaaaaand, tiny cup!