In the Victorian era, ladies regularly had a Victorian tea party where they served tea from elaborate silver services in the drawing room, what we commonly call the living room. It was customary to have tea in front of the hearth even when the hearth may have been located in the bedroom. The hostess was the one who did the pouring and serving. The tables were dressed and displayed formally.
Most likely the tables would be clad with the whitest, crispest linens that could be found, sometimes accompanied with lace. The dishes were made of delicate china with intricately painted flowers. Lace doilies were placed on the serving tray, and each saucer and plate.
Elaborate, decorated cakes on pedestal stands brought the eye naturally to its quaint surroundings. The teapot was also used as a showpiece, with surrounding teacups and saucers with tiny spoons nestled within. Lemon slices were pliled on a filigree plate. The butters were sweet, sometimes flavored with dill or sage.
You would find attractive woven baskets lined with linens and filled with hot scones and muffins. There was a perfect balance of tiny sandwiches, cream cakes and cookies. But there was never to be the carelessness of having and food that would overwhelm the tea itself.
The Victorian Tea is the one we think of when the custom of tea is mentioned. We think of women gathering with big feathered hats, long, full dresses and slim, gloved hands. We imagined the traditional tea as we played with our stuffed animals and dressed them for the part. This is one of the teas that definitely brings a smile to your face and a warm feeling to your soul.
 | Revive the lost art of afternoon tea parties through the history of the British practice, delicious recipes and teatime manners. |
 | As we know, the act of having a tea became popular during the Victorian days. Most of us, when thinking of teas, think of all the Victorian printed linens and dainty flowered patterns on the china. The table elaborately set with the delicate doilies and the shiny silver servers. |
 | Children love tea parties! Not only do they get to dress up, they get to play tea party games and pretend they're all grown up. |
Has your daughter been hosting elaborate tea parties with her favorite stuffed animals? You can turn her imaginary parties into reality by planning a tea party for her next birthday. By inviting her friends and asking them to bring their stuffed pals, she will be able to have the real-life tea party she's always dreamed of. |
Try these ideas or use them as inspiration to create tea party favors that are elegant, kid-friendly and affordable. |
