Sunday, February 22, 2009

A cup of tea and everything lovely...

I LOVE tea. I love having tea at The Empress, at home, or in the park. Tea is one of those habits that stuck from England, and I can't get enough of it. Combine tea with history, and you have a recipe for my dream date (no men required!). Yesterday's period tea was a perfect example. Quarters 2 was bustling with preparation of tarts when we arrived for our elegant event.

The girls graciously hostessing, set the tables for our guests and went over proper serving etiquette. (Always approach a guest and serve from the left, appropriate addresses of stations, etc.)


On the menu were lemon custard tarts...


... and raspberry tarts, as well as pound cakes and gingerbreads.
The younger girls waited for their chance to serve the cakes...

...while the older girls staffed the exhibit room. This year's theme was "The Work of Her Hands."
Exhibits included original perforated bookmarks...

...and beadwork bags,

...reproduction silk sewing aprons, a china doll complete with period underpinnings and wardrobe

...and a reproduction riding habit completed by an original paisley shawl.

The ladies chatted, waiting for the guests to arrive...

...while tablemate, Mrs. Edward Huggins, and I searched for our placecards in the dining room.

The tea began. Abigail Casey provided entertainment with classical violin, Bessie Casey sang, and several other ladies gave short readings or recitations.
After tea, the young ladies took a moment on the stairs to bid our guests farewell.

We ended the day with a short stroll in the charming Spring-like weather. A lovely time was had by all. Many thanks to the kindness of Mrs. Colonel Silas Casey for hosting this magnificent social event!

8 comments:

Sarah said...

Okay, I am just GREEN with envy over here in IL where we have nothing even remotely so lovely!! It looks like a wonderful time. The beadwork bag is amazing. . .everyone looks beautiful and the tarts have set my mouth watering. Lovely, lovely!!

Lauren said...

I second Sarah's comment, I'm very jealous. Looks like you had a wonderful time and you all look gorgeous.

Mrs. G said...

Well, I'm going to 3rd the above comments. We don't have anything even remotely as nice as you do! I'm always envious (in a good way) when you post about the Fort, everybody looked great. I'm glad you had a nice time and thanks for posting pictures!

Paris

Robin's Egg Bleu said...

It is such a treat to see an event where every participant put the level of thought and care into the entire experience that you ladies did! Where I live, the living history events leave a LOT to be desired. I am jealous but shall live history vicariously through you ladies! And now I am experiencing a killer craving for lemon tarts.

Sarah said...

It was so much fun! I felt this year was much more lovely than the years past. I think the little tarts helped with that! :) I heard something about not having it again next year. I certainly hope that is not true!

Anonymous said...

I'm 4th Sarah's comment. I guess we are in the same location kinda. So I guess what that means we need to start something. :D

Anonymous said...

Absolutely lovely!! You look wonderful and have found something you are doing so beautifully!! You ARE the one on the left in the last picture, right?
Love you always!!
Mom

lissawi said...

Thanks ladies! It was a wonderful day. I'm sad that it appears to be the last tea for some time due to new budget and time constraints. We will find a way to do some new fundraisers though. I enjoyed sharing it with you all!