Whether its decaf, half-caf, or full test, coffee is a near ubiquitous part of entertaining. Part One in this series on coffee focused on serveware for coffee, particularly carafes and pots. Part Two continues with another essential: the cream and sugar set.

Everyone takes their coffee a slightly different way and I find it helpful to offer guests a variety of choices and allow them to fix their coffee they way that they prefer.

I generally offer half and half, as well as skim milk. This requires two creamers, of course, and for this I look for creamer sets in graduated sizes. I use a smaller one for cream and a larger one for milk. (Williams-Sonoma used to carry a perfect set of creamers in three sizes; the stores carry only one size now but the Williams-Sonoma Outlets may still carry the graduated set.)

Personally, I am not a fan of flavored creams and do not serve those. Nor do I serve powdered cream, but do keep some on hand for guests who may request it.

And then, there is the sugar. An entire post could be dedicated to this but I am not sure we want the series to go on interminably! So here are a few ideas with respect to sugar and sweetener.

For sugar, I like to serve demerara (also called turbinado) sugar. Most grocery stores will sell it but if yours does not, check a gourmet grocer like Dean & Deluca or Balducci’s. I also have regular sugar on hand for guests who don’t like raw sugar, though recently I have only been stocking organic sugar in my cupboard so that will have to do!

Many of my friends are very calorie conscious and often prefer sugar substitute to sugar itself. Because of that, I usually offer Splenda and other sugar substitutes along with the sugar. My husband prefers Splenda so we buy it buy the bagful and regularly fill a sugar container full of it. For other sweeteners, I like to buy the packets in bulk and serve them in a container like what you might see at a restaurant. This one from Container Store has worked well for me.

Glass Sugar Packet Holder from Container Store

What follows is an assortment of cream and sugar sets which represent both modern and more traditional options.

Be sure to stay tuned for additional posts in this coffee series where we’ll focus on coffee accessories, machines, and more!

Cream and Sugar Sets

For informal entertaining the cream and sugar set is a particularly nice way to insert color and personality into your tablescape. This one from NOVICA is made by Thai artists using traditional Thai ceramic processes.

Celadon ceramic sugar bowl and creamer, 'Botanical Heaven' from NOVICA

This artful set from HORNE would add a modern twist to any table.

Milky Major & Sugary Soldier Set by Jorine Oosterhoff, available at HORNE

This embossed cream and sugar set would make a nice addition to a family’s everyday table.

Crate & Barrel Embossed Cream and Sugar Set

For more formal occasions, Waterford and Arte Italica offer lovely options.

Waterford Footed Crystal Cream and Sugar Set

Arte Italica Caffe Cream & Sugar Set with Tray available at Geary's