About Victorian Tea Parties

Victorian tea parties are social gatherings where people enjoy tea, snacks and conversation in a charming and fanciful atmosphere. Victorian tea parties are named for the era in which they were popularized, during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 until 1901. In recent years, Victorian tea parties have recently regained popularity among adults, as they offer a lighthearted, whimsical venue for socializing. Though historically a pastime of the upper classes, Victorian tea parties are inexpensive to organize and simple to plan.

Materials

The materials mentioned in the following sections (with the exception of the food) can all be purchased at thrift stores, consignment shops and estate sales. But if you want to go the extravagant route, there are plenty of places that sell higher-end tea sets, tablecloths and silverware.

Invitations

Traditionally, invitations to Victorian tea parties were handwritten on expensive paper. Your invitations can be printed out by computer on decorative paper. Select either floral-patterned paper or use a doily-like lace pattern for the invitation's edges to give them that Victorian feel.

Decorations

The primary elements of Victorian decoration are flowers and lace. Cover tables with lacy linen or another cloth material with a floral design. Place fresh flowers in lidless teapot vases or decorative glass vases. Carefully place candles to add a romantic touch to an already delicate atmosphere. Music is a must for any party, and Victorian tea parties are no exception. Play some of your favorite classical music or order Victorian tea party music albums.

Table Settings

Victorian tea parties have two table components: the seating area where you and your guests will enjoy the party, and the serving table where the tea and food will be.
The seating area should include the following for each guest:
silverware
tea cup and saucer
place mat
linen or elegant paper napkins

These materials should be available at the serving table:
tea service (and optional coffee service)
water pitcher
crystal or china bowls for sugar and other condiments
large serving platters
plates or additional saucers
serving utensils

Food and Beverages

Food at a Victorian tea party can be as lavish or lean as you'd like. Serve cookies and scones. You can also add cakes and other pastries. At a Victorian tea party, the focus is on the tea, and there is an endless variety of teas you can serve.
A staple of all Victorian tea parties is the tea sandwich. Tea sandwiches are small, crust-less sandwiches usually made with cream cheese and some type of vegetable. Cucumber sandwiches are another type of tea sandwich, where the cream cheese is topped with thin slices of cucumber.
Other toppings for tea sandwiches include chicken or tuna salad, jelly, pates, salmon, watercress, various cheeses, tomatoes and turkey or other deli meats. A modern touch to the Victorian tea party menu would be hummus or different types of flavored cream cheese spreads.

Resources

• Host Your Own Tea Party
• The History of Victorian Tea Parties