Back in the 1960s, one of my Aunties (who reminds me strongly of Hyacinth in 'Keeping Up Appearances!') had a neat gadget for teapots - they were 'trendy' at the time and I recently saw one as the 'Mystery Object' on the ABC TV show "Collectors".

It was a loop of elastic black string with a little metal loop to draw it tight, that went over the lid to hold it in place when poured, a metal hook that held on to the handle, and a small sponge that went under the spout to catch the drips.