About Formal Tea Parties
Attending formal tea parties are a social event for women of a certain status. Tea parties are still close to the same parties they were hundreds of years ago in which wealthy women dress up and gather to socialize with one another in their homes or in a tea house. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Believed to have begun with the upper class in Britain in the late 1600s, the availability of a formal tea party to the middle and lower classes was limited because tea was so expensive. While men had their tea outside of the home, women came together in their homes. Dressing in their best clothes to display their status, these upper class women definitely assisted the rise of the formal tea party.
Significance
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Formal tea parties are not as widespread as they were before World War I, perhaps because servants are no longer common. A part of debutant rituals for young girls and ceremonies for brides, formal tea parties are now often arranged around a celebration. Afternoon teas may still be common but with an ulterior motive such as a charity event.
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Function
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The modern function of formal tea parties is socializing. Tea parties are an event that usually includes only women. Weathy women attend tea parties for the intimate atmosphere, where they can relax and converse together. The formal atmosphere allows the women to display their wealth through clothing and the expensive table settings.
Features
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Formal tea parties are very different from sitting at the local coffee house. Used during a tea party are silver dishes, such as a silver teapot and other fancy dishware. The dishware may be antique or new and expensive. Many serve sugary treats and small sandwiches with the tea. The guests serve the food themselves, while the tea is typically served by the host's close friends. Expected to dress in formal clothing, guests wear dresses, skirts and tops, or a pant suit.
Considerations
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Check the invitation for the type of formal tea party you will be attending. The dress for a garden party will be more informal than an afternoon tea. The food at either type of tea party will be of the finger food variety so do not expect a full meal. Eat something before you go if you are worried that you may become hungry. Guests are not expected to serve the tea, but you may want to give the server a break if she has been pouring the entire time.
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Resources
- Photo Credit M. Kaye Hash
