Tea towel is a kitchen towel used primarily for drying dishes - the British/Commonwealth term for what Americans call a dish towel.
Origin
The name comes from the tradition of using these cloths during tea service - drying fine china and covering food.
Characteristics
Traditional tea towels: - Flat woven (not terry) - Linen or cotton - Lint-free - Absorbent but thin - Often decorative
Size: Typically 45x70cm (18x28 inches)
Tea Towel vs Dish Towel
Same thing, different terminology: - Tea towel: British, Australian, New Zealand - Dish towel: American - Kitchen towel: Either, or paper towels in US
Materials
Linen: Traditional, lint-free (ideal for glassware)
Cotton: Common, absorbent
Blends: Cotton-linen combinations
Uses
- Drying dishes and glassware
- Covering bread/pastries
- Handling hot items
- Kitchen tasks
- Decorative display
Decorative Tea Towels
Often feature: - Printed designs - Seasonal patterns - Souvenir graphics - Collectible artwork
Related Terms
- Dish towel - American term
- Kitchen towels - Category
- Linen - Traditional material