Gather together your tea party supplies and plan a fun afternoon tea in true Victorian style!
In the midst of demanding schedules and busy lifestyles we find a longing to return to a time of simple pleasures, uncomplicated communication, and the pure beauty of spending time with cherished friends. We dream of revisiting an era reminiscent of elegance and grace where email is replaced by formal calling cards, text messaging is overruled by face-to-face greetings, and social networking is defined by the sharing of one's heart and life experiences between sips of expertly brewed tea.
In the midst of demanding schedules and busy lifestyles we find a longing to return to a time of simple pleasures, uncomplicated communication, and the pure beauty of spending time with cherished friends. We dream of revisiting an era reminiscent of elegance and grace where email is replaced by formal calling cards, text messaging is overruled by face-to-face greetings, and social networking is defined by the sharing of one's heart and life experiences between sips of expertly brewed tea.
Like Alice's rabbit hole, hosting a Victorian tea will allow you to
escape this hectic world and travel to a wonderland of exquisite
fashion, charming décor, and flawless etiquette. You can rediscover a
place where polish and poise reign and the bonds of friendship and
respect are built in lavish afternoon gatherings.
In preparing for your journey to by-gone days, there are a few essential tea party supplies that must be included to capture the true refinement and grace of an authentic Victorian tea.
1. Invitations. Every genuine Victorian tea party begins with formal invitations. Use simple materials such a flowered stationary, note cards, tea stained paper, or doilies. Although your invitations may be computer generated, they would appear more authentic if hand written and addressed. You could even create a calling card, indicative of the Victorian era, requesting your guests' presence at an afternoon soiree. Remember to use polite wording, and send your invitations at least 10-14 days in advance.
2. Tea Service. One of the main focal points of a tea party is, of course, the tea pots, often serving as the centerpiece to any table setting. If possible, use porcelain or china pots with flower motifs. Antique looking tea services can often be purchased at thrift shops, and since it is not necessary that every pot match, you can set an authentic Victorian table for very little cost. A creamer and sugar bowl are also essential items. Remember that sugar cubes were used during Victorian times and were served with small, silver tongs.
3. Linens. For the Victorian hostess, an afternoon tea was the ideal time to bring out the best linens and lace. To create a perfect atmosphere, use lacy or embroidered table coverings, cloth or linen napkins, and accent with a variety of delicate items such as tatted doilies or silver napkin rings.
4. Cups, Saucers, and Serving Dishes. A true Victorian tea was defined by class, etiquette, and refined conversation, punctuated by the gentle tinkling of dainty cups and saucers. Adding to this era were lavish, overstated motifs and an unprecedented mixture of patterns. In other words, your dishes do not have to match. In fact, using multiple patterns and styles will actually add to the charm and allure of your party. You will need to make sure that each guest has a cup, saucer, dessert plate, and silverware. You may also want to include a bowl of lemon wedges and a variety of small demi tea spoons. Serving trays can be pedestaled, tiered, crystal, china, or silver. Remember, flowered patterns are always the best.
5. Flowers. Victorian ladies loved flowers! Fill vases with popular flower choices of the time including roses, pansies, hollyhocks, daisies, and even Queen Anne's lace. The Victorian hostess did not have the luxury of visiting a local home décor store, so she had to decorate with items that were readily available including fresh cut flowers, pine cones, evergreen boughs, ribbons, and handmade lace.
6. Candles. For a true Victorian tea, use lots and lots of candles. Whether tapers, votives, or even lanterns, candles will enhance your décor, create a relaxing ambiance, and provide just the perfect amount of light.
7. Music. Music should be quiet and act as a background that contributes to the atmosphere but doesn't compete with conversation. Although any style of instrumental would be appropriate, piano or classical choices would be the most true to the times choice.
8. Tea. Of course, you cannot have a tea party without the tea. A variety of teas should be offered, including the most popular Victorian choices such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Orange Pekoe. Pre-bagged tea is completely acceptable, but if you are looking to provide a true, bona fide Victorian experience, then purchase loose teas and use strainers or tea balls.
9. Food. Afternoon tea is meant to provide a light snack, not a full course meal. Serve a variety of finger foods including cookies, muffins, scones, delicate pastries, and dainty tea sandwiches.
10. Favors. Although favors are not necessary, they are a nice way to thank your guests for spending the afternoon at your home. In making your choice, remember to think like a Victorian hostess, who would often send guests off laden with items from her own pantry or garden. A jar of honey or preserves, a scented candle, flowers, or even homemade truffles would make an ideal thank you and provide a perfect ending to a true Victorian tea.
In preparing for your journey to by-gone days, there are a few essential tea party supplies that must be included to capture the true refinement and grace of an authentic Victorian tea.
1. Invitations. Every genuine Victorian tea party begins with formal invitations. Use simple materials such a flowered stationary, note cards, tea stained paper, or doilies. Although your invitations may be computer generated, they would appear more authentic if hand written and addressed. You could even create a calling card, indicative of the Victorian era, requesting your guests' presence at an afternoon soiree. Remember to use polite wording, and send your invitations at least 10-14 days in advance.
2. Tea Service. One of the main focal points of a tea party is, of course, the tea pots, often serving as the centerpiece to any table setting. If possible, use porcelain or china pots with flower motifs. Antique looking tea services can often be purchased at thrift shops, and since it is not necessary that every pot match, you can set an authentic Victorian table for very little cost. A creamer and sugar bowl are also essential items. Remember that sugar cubes were used during Victorian times and were served with small, silver tongs.
3. Linens. For the Victorian hostess, an afternoon tea was the ideal time to bring out the best linens and lace. To create a perfect atmosphere, use lacy or embroidered table coverings, cloth or linen napkins, and accent with a variety of delicate items such as tatted doilies or silver napkin rings.
4. Cups, Saucers, and Serving Dishes. A true Victorian tea was defined by class, etiquette, and refined conversation, punctuated by the gentle tinkling of dainty cups and saucers. Adding to this era were lavish, overstated motifs and an unprecedented mixture of patterns. In other words, your dishes do not have to match. In fact, using multiple patterns and styles will actually add to the charm and allure of your party. You will need to make sure that each guest has a cup, saucer, dessert plate, and silverware. You may also want to include a bowl of lemon wedges and a variety of small demi tea spoons. Serving trays can be pedestaled, tiered, crystal, china, or silver. Remember, flowered patterns are always the best.
5. Flowers. Victorian ladies loved flowers! Fill vases with popular flower choices of the time including roses, pansies, hollyhocks, daisies, and even Queen Anne's lace. The Victorian hostess did not have the luxury of visiting a local home décor store, so she had to decorate with items that were readily available including fresh cut flowers, pine cones, evergreen boughs, ribbons, and handmade lace.
6. Candles. For a true Victorian tea, use lots and lots of candles. Whether tapers, votives, or even lanterns, candles will enhance your décor, create a relaxing ambiance, and provide just the perfect amount of light.
7. Music. Music should be quiet and act as a background that contributes to the atmosphere but doesn't compete with conversation. Although any style of instrumental would be appropriate, piano or classical choices would be the most true to the times choice.
8. Tea. Of course, you cannot have a tea party without the tea. A variety of teas should be offered, including the most popular Victorian choices such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Orange Pekoe. Pre-bagged tea is completely acceptable, but if you are looking to provide a true, bona fide Victorian experience, then purchase loose teas and use strainers or tea balls.
9. Food. Afternoon tea is meant to provide a light snack, not a full course meal. Serve a variety of finger foods including cookies, muffins, scones, delicate pastries, and dainty tea sandwiches.
10. Favors. Although favors are not necessary, they are a nice way to thank your guests for spending the afternoon at your home. In making your choice, remember to think like a Victorian hostess, who would often send guests off laden with items from her own pantry or garden. A jar of honey or preserves, a scented candle, flowers, or even homemade truffles would make an ideal thank you and provide a perfect ending to a true Victorian tea.
