My Cup Of Tea…
Posted By Miss Jocelyn Tzahala on January 5, 2009 | Category: Feelin' Feminine, Good Eatin', Health & Fitness, History, Homekeeping
When you think of life in the 1800’s what do you think of? Well, there are a few different types of settings I think of…. Pioneers, Easterners, and Victorian England (and of course Pride & Prejudice). Though all of these people live a different way and in different places, they all have one thing in common.. tea.
Back in the Victorian era, tea parties were an event to simply get together with your friends, with whom you shared common interest with, to have an enjoyable afternoon. Today in our century we don’t host “tea parties”, but we do plan events to get together with people and families of whom we enjoy their company. I have always thought very fondly of hosting a tea party, all dressed up, as the Bennett sisters would have been, or even as Anne and Dianna did in Anne of Green Gables (though theirs ended in disaster).
If you were to host your own tea party, you would most likely host Afternoon Tea, which is traditionally at four o’clock. Of course you can set the time for whatever will suit you and your guests the best. Today in Britain, families do not have time for afternoon tea at home, but in the past it was a tradition. It became popular about one hundred and fifty years ago, when wealthy ladies invited their friends to their estates for an afternoon cup of tea. They started offering their visitors sandwiches and cakes also. Soon everyone was enjoying Afternoon tea.
Mother Dear usually refers to me as “Miss Manners”. I do tend to do a lot of research on manners and etiquette because I have a love for history and the arts of old. Hosting a tea party was always done with rules of etiquette, which you I know you’ll enjoy.
Afternoon Tea Invitation:
The first thing you need to do, in order to host a tea party, would be to set a date and time you would like to have it held at. If you would like to host it somewhere else besides your home, you will need to look into that before you start making any other arrangements. Once all that is settled, you may move onto making a list of guests you’d like to invite and begin to make the invitations.
In the Victorian era, of course, they didn’t have printers or computers therefore, each invitation was handwritten and sent 10-14 days ahead of the set date. The invitees were to RSVP 5 days before the event that way the host could get a head count and enough food, drink, settings, etc.
I wrote up my own invitation, which you may use, or write your own.
Dear Miss________
You are cordially invited to attend afternoon tea at the __________________ (location of party), hosted by __________________ (the host). The said event will take place on __________________ (date) and you are expected to arrive at _________ (time).
Please send a reply to __________________ (the host) whether you are able to attend or not by the __________________ (RSVP date). You may reach __________________ (the host) at this address __________________ (address of host) or call __________________ (phone number).
We hope you will grace us with your presence.
Sincerely,
__________________ (the host)
You will want to write or print this off on an off-white stationary paper, and it should be thicker than just regular paper. It doesn’t need to be a whole sheet of paper either, probably just 1/3. To fold it you’ll take your paper and folded in thirds, then turned in to be folded again in thirds the other way – having the ends meet in the middle.
Setting Up:
When you’re getting ready for the tea party, you will want to pick a place in your home that is roomy, homey, and has plenty of light. Perhaps if you have a parlour or, if the weather is nice, you may want to sit out on the porch. You will need a nice table to sit at and, depending on the guests, enough chairs. The picture that comes to mind when thinking of hosting my own tea party would be of a wrap-around porch with white, wicker table and chairs. A pretty flower arrangement in the center of the table with nice fancy dishes and cups. All the ladies sitting at the table in their lovely gowns and sunhats, sipping tea. ‘Tis a pretty sight of lovely femininity.
Depending on where you have your tea table set up will depend on your decorations. Your decorations should be elegant and pretty. No balloons or streamers please. If you’re doing your party inside and you have any old fashioned, antique or Victorian era type items they will work nicely as decorations. Old photographs as well as old books, jewelry, and handkerchiefs make wonderful, old fashioned decorations. Perhaps you could see if you have a relative or a friend who might have some of things you for you to borrow.
Along with the list of guests who are to attend, make a list of supplies you will need for the event and buy them at least five days ahead of time. Make sure you have plenty.
Setting The Table:
An off-white or white lacey table-cloth would be a lovely addition for the table as well as fresh flowers setting on the table and around your party area. Some suggest using yellow roses as they signify friendship, but any type of flowers will work.
Depending on what kind of theme and feel you want your tea party to have will determine the type of tea set you use. There are many different types of tea sets with many different designs. Here are a few: Ceramic, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Chantal, Glass, and Bodum.
As for the dishes, you will want to use some of your nice china and silverware. If you have some that matches the tea set, use those. You may also ask your guests to bring their own tea cup and saucer. You will need a tea cup and saucer for each guest as well as a spoon and fork, small plate, and cloth napkin.
The Tea:
Now that you’ve gotten everything ready for the actual party, you need to prepare the tea. Here is some interesting information on tea and how it’s served.
The pastime of tea drinking has been recognized as an English tradition, but tea drinking has existed for centuries in Asia. A lot of people still drink tea today. Some for health reasons, and others just because they like it. You can buy tea in many flavours, but there are four types of true tea: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and white tea.
The English drink their tea with milk – People from around the world often wonder why the English always drink milk with their tea. The answer is that in the 17th and 18th centuries the china cups tea was served in were so delicate they would crack from the heat of the tea. Milk was added to cool the liquid and stop the cups from cracking. This is why, even today, many English people add milk to their cups BEFORE adding the tea!
Lemon was introduced to British tea drinkers by Queen Victoria after a visit to the Prussian King. Lemon can complement the flavor of scented teas and brighten the flavor of some black teas. If both sugar and lemon are used, the sugar should be added first since the citric acid in the lemon may prevent the sugar from dissolving completely.
Sugar or honey accents the flavor of most darker teas. Fruit-flavored teas are excellent served with sugar or honey since the added sweetness brings out the flavor of the fruit.
So, choose the type of tea and flavour you want. You may want to find out from your intended guests what type or flavour of tea they prefer. Put the water onto boil just before you guests are to arrive and when they arrive add the tea bags to the water. By the time you have welcomed and greeted your guests and sat down the tea should be ready to serve.
Finger-Foods:
As I mentioned above, the ladies of the Victorian era would invite their friends over for tea and, later on, they started serving sandwiches and cakes. You can do whatever snacks you’d like, but some I would suggest are small cakes, tarts, cookies, scones and muffins. Though it’s probably not very good with tea, you can do a vegetable or fruit tray. Whatever is desired.
Attire:
Unless you own a 1800s gown already or you/your guests have set it up to wear attire from the appropriate era, a nice dress or nice skirt and shirt will do for the tea party.
Hosting a tea-party doesn’t have to be for any special occasion, but if you were looking for something creative to do for a birthday or a mother-daughter events it certainly would fit. Of course, hosting an event where gentlemen are invited would be fine, but usually, in the Victorian era, it was only the ladies who attended.
Preferences
I enjoy drinking hot and cold tea. Cold whenever, but only hot in cold seasons.
For my ice tea I prefer to add evaporated cane-juice and honey with cream in my hot tea.
I absolutely love peach tea but I cannot stand mint tea. For hot tea I like just plain that way I can add both my honey and cream without having any flavours clashing.
How do you like your tea?
Comments
36 Responses to “My Cup Of Tea…”
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Thank you for visiting my site! I hope that it has encouraged and challenged you in someway. Please be aware that my blog is not intended for any debatable purposes (honestly!!), though that's not to say admonishment (via the Scriptures in context) is not welcome. This is simply just a place for me to share what YHVH-God is convicting me of and showing me in my walk with Him. Please read "You're Judgmental" before commenting if the thought strikes you.
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Shalom, welcome to A Pondering Heart. I hope you will be challenged by what you read here and it will cause you to search deeper and deeper into the Word of YAH. My name is Jocelyn Tzahala - I am a 19yo young woman, living in Latin America, seeking to be 'set apart as YHVH is set-apart". I want my faith to resemble that Avraham because in him YHVH found a man who would trust in him with everything and act upon his Word. My hope is that my life may be a sweet fragrance unto YHVH the MOST HIGH! HalleluYAH!
I absolutely love to host tea parties. You’ve got a wonderful list of the specifics that sometimes slip on by and get forgotten! I think I will write out your main points and keep them handy for my next tea! The tidbits about clothing, RSVPs, table settings, and foods were very interesting. I actually just gave my mom a tea party for her birthday. I served 3 courses: 3 savories, 2 scones, and 2 desserts. She loves tea, so it was a lot fo fun pooling her favorite recipes and trying to make it special.
As to what I like: cold tea is always preferable, but there is just something about sipping hot tea out of a china cup with Momma that is just so special. plain black tea isn’t a favorite. I like fruity black teas (definitely a tea that I can put cream in) and perfume teas. I have tried a couple green teas, specifically jasmine, that I really enjoy too.
What are some of your favorite recipes or types of sandwiches/finger foods? I always have a long list of sweets and find it hard to have a great line up of savory foods.
caitygirls last blog post..Sunday, July 20, 2008
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Thanks for the little history lesson on tea, I never knew that’s why the English put milk in their tea. :-) Very interesting.
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That was a cute post, just thinking about tea makes you feel girly. I have never been to an actual ‘tea’, but I’ve played with my friends when I was younger. Just a few months ago I bought a purple tea cup I love it.
Thank you for the new years wishes love hearing from you!
GB~
Sharla~
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That would be so nice for everyone to get back to some of the old ways :)
Thanks for sharing this Miss Jocelyn
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Tea time is such a dear time. When I was younger, I would gather up all of my dolls and their china and we would have a little tea party. :) When I became old enough to cook, I baked miniature cookies for our little gathering.
Hosting a tea party for young ladies sounds so wonderful! Especially in such Victorian finery. I often wish I was born in earlier times. :)
Blessings,
Mara
Maras last blog post..PLLM
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I host The Tea Cozy on THL so I especially loved your post. I would like to refer my group members to your blog to see this post but also just because I love your blog. You are very smart for such a young lady. I wanted to ask your permission before I did this though. You can email me at bbcmoma@yahoo.com or PM me on THL as we are lounge sisters.
God bless,
Pat
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What a cool idea jocelyn! Such a cool post :)
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I LOVE tea! :-)
By the way a great site to order wonderful loose tea is called Tea & Traditions. I know the owner in real life, and she is a wonderful, sweet Christian homeschooling mama.
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I love the idea of having a tea party. Your invitation is fabulous. Thanks so much for this post!
Babas last blog post..Cool Giveaways
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I used to live in a country where tea-time was still an established tradition. Sitting down for tea taught me so many things. I learned to listen to others, develop deep friendships, and slow down enough to enjoy life. It’s a tradition worth reviving!
Vanessas last blog post..The Shadow of the Cross
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mmm, very interesting… Someday we will have to have a tea party together. ;-)
Joys last blog post..PTGW Part Four: Learning To Cook (Healthfully)
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Being English I always love the excuse for tea! I have to say tea without milk does not taste right!
Jennys last blog post..Encouragement!
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Lovely post. My 10yr. dd loves having tea parties. She is complete girly, girl. I enjoyed reading a bit of the history.
Me, I *can* be girly girl when I need to be.
1800s life.. I think about prospecting. I’m more of a Molly Brown. =)
I love making my own fresh teas. My favorite ones are made when camping/hiking/gold prospecting.
Rose Hip tea, Juniper tea and sometimes mint if I find any.
My ideal of the perfect tea party (for me) is on a mountain top or next to a stream with gold pan in my other hand.
Diannas last blog post..Lacking Groove?
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Tea parties are so wonderful. 8) Last year my mom, sister Michaela and I became very interested in tea parties and all the prep and tradition behind it. We like Emily Barns tea books… they are so elegant and filled with informative, fun tea tips/history :D
Miss Annabees last blog post..A new year has dawned
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Oh how I love tea party’s! I used to have them all the time when I was little for my birthdays! After reading your post I really want one! Hey, you and Amanda should come up here in April for my birthday and we could have one then….we could wear regency dresses and ask each other “how many lumps”:P I know that’s not going to happen but I can always dream, right?
Love and hugs!
Ellie
Miss Ellies last blog post..Hanniness
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What a great post, Jocelyn! I thought the acid from juices helped sugar dissolve, but apparently not so with lemon juice, so thank you for clearing that up! My Grandpa always drank his tea with milk and whenever I have black tea I must have milk and sugar in it, and it reminds me of him. Otherwise, I prefer most any flavored tea with a bit of honey, or iced tea made with raw sugar.
Thanks and blessings,
Danielle
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I’m an official ‘tea hater’. Lol! Really, I can’t stand the taste of tea, cold or hot, for some odd reason. Unless it’s infiltrated with sugar, and then I feel bad drinking it! I like tea parties though! I can drink tea if it’s a question of attending the party or not. ;-)
~Grace
GraceElizabeths last blog post..Winter Bundle!
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As ladylike as this sounds, I’m afraid that “a spot of tea” is all too true for me–it always ends up on my shirt! So I say bag the formalities, especially if they require panty hose, and lets go out for pizza–in jeans!
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Thanks for the helpful post Miss Jocelyn! Holding a tea party is in my to-do list for the future. I’ll remember this post and use this as my guide when the time to hold a tea party draws near.
Christin A.s last blog post..A List of "Hard Things" for 2009
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Great post Sweetie.I love having tea parties with my grand kids. Even the boys enjoyed it when they were little.
When I think of the 1800’s I imagine myself in several different settings. All of which coincide with what life my various ancestors were living at the time.
Roses last blog post..Spiced Tea
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Miss Joci,
Just stopping by to say hi and I plan on emailing you or calling you soon to let you know whats going on with me, now that I can talk about it. I will try to do that soon. Any way just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you.
Love
Julia
Julias last blog post..Shooting/ Scrapbooking/ (and just for the S theme) Sign Language
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Thanks for the inspiration! Tea is one of those endangered species along with quilting, sewing, etc. Glad you are promoting it! It’s not even the food as much as the fun it is and the fellowship that comes with the event.
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What a dainty post, I love it! I used to be an avid reader of Anne of Green Gables (I still have the books!) so it brought a smile to my face when you mentioned her disastrous tea party LOL.
I am fretting about my toddler’s birthday party coming up and I’m half-tempted to turn his into a tea party. I’ll use your post and I’m good to go, LOL!
P.S. Thank you for your recent comment, sadly, I am legally obese. Is legally even a right word? Hmm… Anyhoo,I’ve always pictured the obese as 500 pounders but nope I’m right there already LOL. Thats okay, it’s merely temporary :)
P.S.S. You mentioned meeting up on Yahoo, did you mean through e-mail? Remember, I’m not hip like you :P
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psst.. psst.. you won an award! Go check it out on my blog! (mwah)!
Charlenes last blog post..Premios Dardos Award
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Great ideas!!! Our family lives in a 1890’s carriage house (or a servents house) for the larger house next door which was originally the “masters house”. Our previous neighbors who lived in that house would host tea parties. Everyone would wear dresses and hats and try to play the part of an 1900 women. It was alot of fun…
Blessings and Love,
Naomi
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I have liked just about every tea I have ever tried. True, I did not like Green Tea when I was younger but our Pastor’s wife made some more recently and I found I really do like it now. I like Stevia or Honey in my tea as sweetener. I do not think I have ever tried milk or cream. I do like lemon in some though.
My mother, sisters and I have hosted a few tea parties. They are really fun! We had an long time friend as our guest. We dressed up and everything. We even had a vegetable tray with our cookies and sandwiches! Vegetables do not go badly with tea at all.
Your idea of the setting for a tea party sounds beautiful! Just make sure and invite me when you have a tea party there! ;)
To the KING be all the glory!
Love,
Rebekah
Rebekahs last blog post..Protected: Mr. Blue Eyes
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I really enjoy tea as well! In the morning I generally I make a cup of Rooibos [Roy-BOSS] with a little honey, and let it steep for two to three minutes. Thanks for the great entry!
Jessicas last blog post..A Pondering Heart’s Winter Bundle 2008-2009
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You want to know something funny? When I read the title of your post “Cup of tea” the first thing that I thought about was a lady that I know who used to give me riding lessons when I lived in Oregon. She’s British and one of her favourite phrases is “Not your cup of tea” (meaning that it’s not your preference or favourite). I miss her so much. It’s hard not to pick up on little phrases, sayings and accents when you are around them all the time. My parents would always laugh at me whenever they heard me attempting to imitate her!
I make you a deal. When I come and visit you we’ll host a tea party and I will wear the shirt that I am going to make out of that pattern I won and a skirt from the same era. Deal?! :D
Blessings!!
Miss Sarah Jeans last blog post..My Birthday in Mexico– the complete story
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Once again, you demonstrate JUST ONE of the MANY REASONS why I love you and your family SO much! You think of some of the best, most fun things to do!
By the way…we’re starting our Great Expectations Classic Book Club back up the 3rd Friday of this month and we’ll be reading – ta daaaaa! – Pride & Prejudice!! Woohoo!!! I think this will be about the 5th time for me…but…do I mind. No way! ;-)
Blessings from Ohio…
P.S. Tell Mom “hi” for me!
Kim Wolfs last blog post..The Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ #16 ~ !/5/09
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Hello My Friend,
Get the teapot ready, I’m on my way. :-) I could just see us girls all sitting around in our “Wives & Daughters” attire, sipping cups of tea. Wow, what a daydream. It was nice while it lasted. :-)
Wonderful entry.
Love to you and your family,
Mrs. Lirette
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Excellent post Jocelyn, it is so nice to sit down in the afternoon with a cup of tea (or coffee), most English teas are drunk with milk and not cream at all. Earl Grey tea which is also very popular is served black with a slice of lemon in. Years ago, I served a guy whom I was working for, Earl Grey tea with milk in and a slice of lemon – hence he just looked at me as if I had gone mad. That was my first encounter with Earl Grey and is my favourite. Whenever we go to my sister’s home, the bone china teapot and (china mugs not teacups and saucers), milk jug and sugar bowl complete with sugar spoon comes out. She puts a cute white patterned doily (an ornamental lace or paper mat) onto a tray and then serves the tea with home-made cakes and biscuits. We normally go and sit in her small conservatory just off the kitchen – this room is very bright and airy, full of plants and flowers and you can look out onto her garden which is beautiful.
We went back to Bath recently and came a cross a tea shop which was literally full of various sized bone-china teapots, tea strainers in different sizes. The amount of different teas is just awesome. the tea is loose and weighed and put into paper bags according to the amount you require. There were at least 150 – 200 different teas of varying kinds. They also have an online shop which I will be visiting soon.
Blessings
Page
Pages last blog post..Bizkit Update
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Thanks for the very complete instrutions! I have tea almost every day with my sister. We aren’t extremely formal, but this will help us.
Savannahs last blog post..Happy Birthday Lily
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I like tea almost every way, but my favorite is with cane sugar and milk.
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Cannot stand mint tea? Cannot stand MINT tea?! For Pete’s Sake. Mint tea is the best tea for you! I mix peppermint and spearmint together and make an absolutely irresistible flavor. Cold or hot, it is wonderful, not to mention healthy.
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Nope, it makes ME sick! I tried it… had dad get some just for me and eww I had to force myself. You can have it! : P
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How cool! I want to do a tea party now!!
Miss Monica Junes last blog post..All About Me!
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