The set is very beautiful and practical not only for travel but also at home. I use it to simply enjoy the colour of the tea through glass as it as well as taking with me to my friends to enjoy the tea with them, when I know they dont have a proper set. It looks very elegant. Note: I don't think the "wood" ring on the pot is made of wood but rather some type of plastic. I guess the wood is only on the lid. Still is looks ok and I guess wood would deform very quickly this is why plastic was used.