Afternoon Tea Victorian
In the early years of the victorian era it was considered acceptable to stay for about half an hour on a tea call while a lady with a strong social life could have up to 9 such calls in one afternoon back to back.
Afternoon tea victorian. Tea history fashion sports culture and social history of the victorian era 1837 1901. It all depends upon the hostess. The goring has recently been honoured with a highly commended certificate at the afternoon tea awards 2016. In future i ll be writing more on afternoon tea specifically formal teas and receptions which often featured music entertainment and as many as 100 guests or more.
An authentic victorian tea times experince for that special occasion. The name is also indicative of the coffee table height of sitting room furniture. By the late victorian era afternoon tea was again mostly a pastime of the idle rich. This freedom continued into the dresses they were wearing which were designed to be worn indoors in the.
Fragile teacups aside i believe that victorian afternoon tea could be considered a radical feminist act. This 4pm tea ritual became known as low tea because it was served in the low point of the afternoon. The goring victoria for over a century four generations of the goring family have run the goring. An informal afternoon tea was a great way for victorian era ladies and gentlemen to gather together for tea sweets and conversation.
Afternoon high tea steeped in british history victoria has been rich with tea culture since the 1840s when the british first introduced the prestigious practice. I hope the above has given you some idea of how a late nineteenth century hostess might have arranged such an affair. Afternoon tea in every respectable english dwelling be it palace or cottage tea is served between four and five o clock every afternoon in the year. Millbank lounge offers a classic afternoon tea menu perfect for any special occasion.
By victoria s reign it was not uncommon for dinner to be served at 7pm or even later on important occasions. She will have some regard to making her guests to her afternoon tea acquainted if they have not already met. In previous centuries dinner had been served early to mid afternoon but towards the end of the georgian era it had slipped back to 5 or 6 o clock. While coffee occupied a more masculine external world in 19th century london the interior realms of tea were a more feminine affair.
Think local honey produced in rooftop apiaries exotic infused teas and asian influenced menus. From 15 95 book now. Family gatherings birthday parties alternative hen parties or ladies day out. In true victorian style this time honoured tradition is alive and well with some modern west coast flair mixed in.
Afternoon tea allowed women to entertain mixed company at home without their husbands and was therefore liberating both socially and practically. The custom of afternoon tea came about as a necessity to fill a hunger gap. It fulfilled the purposes of socializing event planning introductions informal business meetings as well as a perfect platform for gossip which was a major pastime of the day. If she is a wise woman she will limit her guests to the afternoon tea to the number her house can accommodate with ease and have her hours long enough to avoid all coming at the same time.
A hidden gem in arklow co wicklow this experience is a real treat for locals and tourists alike things to do in wicklow leinster.