Tea Party Time, Downton Abbey Style!

We cannot contain our excitement! Naturally, we’re celebrating the upcoming new Downton Abbey: A New Era with a week full of afternoon tea goodness! And what better way to being than Downton Abbey style with a traditional tea party?

Set tea times began in the early 1800’s in Great Britain as a matter of necessity. This ritual served the purpose that lunch now serves today: sating hunger pains. Tea, light sandwiches, and dessert became the fare of midday.

Soon after tea time began, the custom of inviting of friends to enjoy tea and a light meal became standard. Some fifty-odd years later the tradition of the “tea party” was made permanent by Queen Victoria.

What are the fundamentals?

Throwing a formal tea party involves scheduling a month in advance for 4pm in the afternoon when everyone invited (ladies) can make it. Formal invitations are sent and formal attire including dresses and gloves are expected. Properly brewed tea served with small finger sandwiches, biscuits, scones or other dainties that allow one to snack in a lady like fashion are suitable.

Decor includes fine china and silver along with the most fanciful of table coverings and settings. There is no overdoing it. Doilies on everything that doesn’t move, hand crafted decorations, bows and ribbons, or anything you might think of an more are welcome!

Music is generally on the formal side, too. Think classics or classical violin concertos. Small door gift remembrances of the event on entering and exiting are also guest favorites.

Inviting Your Guests

Formal written invitations all by mail should include at the very least all of the following information:

• The names of the individual, family or organized entity throwing the tea party including contact information of every kind.
• What or who is the tea party in honor of?
• When and where will it be hosted and exactly how does one get there?
• When and how to respond RSVP?
• What is the dress code?
• May people bring guests?

Use your best judgment in sending invitations with plenty of time to spare.

Tea Choices And Selection

The tea plant is a bush-like plant. Pressed leaves create four basic types of tea: white tea, green tea, black tea, and Oolong tea. Tisanes are what many refer to as herbal teas. While a flavoring (fruit, herbs, spice) may be added to one of the basic types of tea, a straight tisane is generally not on the menu of a formal tea party.

What Dainty Treats Are Suited To Such A Social Affair?

The tea and the social gathering surrounding it are the center of attention. Snacks shouldn’t overshadow or overwhelm the flavor of the tea. Nor should they be plentiful. (Save the binging for break-ups or movie nights!)

Traditional items include tuna salad, chicken salad, deviled ham, or cucumber and cream cheese finger sandwiches. Scones, macaroons, tea cakes, and Madelilines are common to serve, as well. Of course, fruit jams, lemon curd, and cream make lovely accompaniments.

The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook Gift Set (Book + Apron)

Want to really “wow” your tea party guests? What better way to than by using The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook by Annie Gray!

We received a copy from the publisher and were instantly enchanted. This fantastic cookbook includes over 100 recipes showcasin the cookery and customs of the Crawley household. From the upstairs dinner party centerpieces to downstairs puddings and pies, it’s all there. (And the set includes a giftable apron that any Downton Abbey fan will treasure).

Food historian Annie Gray gives insight into the background of the dishes that were popular between 1912 and 1926, when Downton Abbey is set. There’s also a special section on hosting Downton-themed dinner parties, notes on the etiquette and customs of the times, stills from the TV series as well as the first film, and quotes from the characters.

Recipes afternoon tea and garden parties, picnics, festivities, and formal tea occasions. There’s everything from Salmon Mousse to Jam and Custard Tarts. Everything you need to celebrate and host a Downton Abbey style tea party.

Toss in a little gossip

Traditionally a gathering for ladies the traditional tea party was always an event of sharing gossip. Though strict etiquette would say no to gossip altogether.

The fact remains – as much as one could get away with and save one’s own reputation, these events were filled with storytelling. Both false and true gossip, (though hopefully always believed to be accurate). And of course, in the best interest of the parties involved, supposedly fair game for open or veiled conversation.

Celebrate the event!

There are many events to throw a tea party for. These include showers, engagement parties, birthdays, various landmark life events, reunions, graduations and coming out parties and retirement parties too. Each with an appropriate theme and set of decorative protocols all their own.

And of course, if you’re a Downton Abbey fan, well that’s cause enough!