The ostensible purpose of the traditional saucer is to protect the tablecloth or table from spilled liquids. In actuality such spilled liquid is dribbled on the tablecloth or on the clothing of the user when the cup is lifted to the mouth, thus defeating the purpose of the saucer. This is an ancient problem to which the solution would appear obvious, but apparently no one has thought of it.
In the embodiment to be described the circular area in the center of the saucer in whch the teacup sits, to be called the “central area” is raised above the surrounding area of the saucer, this area to be called the “moat”. The ring, to be called the “caste wall”, which is designed to prevent the saucer from sliding is perforated one or more times. The central area which is directly beneath the cup is slightly domed upward. Thus any liquid spilled into the central area will flow downward into the “moat”, keeping the bottom of the teacup dry.