Demitasse spoons with matching demitasse cups
A demitasse spoon is a diminutive spoon, smaller than a teaspoon. Designed for stirring and serving drinks in demitasse cups, traditionally used to hold strong black coffee such as espresso. It is also used as a baby spoon,. The spoon's bowl is narrower and shallower than a standard teaspoon to fit the cup. They usually measure 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7cm) in length, which is perfect for the demitasse cup.
Demitasse spoons are usually used after dinner, not with it. However in modern formal place settings, demitasse spoons are usually not present. This is because the dessert utensils are placed in sight to let the diner know that there will be a dessert course dn to give them a clue to its size.If the dessert utensil was just a spoon, the diner would assume that the dessert requires a spoon like sorbet or ice cream, whereas if the dessert utensil was just a fork, the diner will assume that the dessert requires one like a pastry or a thin slice of cake. If there was both a spoon and a fork, the diner assumes a bigger dessert and goes easier on their dinner to save space for dessert. The demitasse spoon is not shown from the start because it is not needed to "warn" the diner that there might be coffee at the end. Traditionally, demitasse cups and spoons are only brought out after the diner. The cup set is then offered to diners to sk then whether they would like coffee. Later, a second butler would come and fill each cup with coffee, which each guest is then expected to drink or spoon into their mouths.
References