Planning a Victorian Easter Tea

My favorite part of planning a tea is the tablescape.  I love to rummage in my cabinets and pull out treasures from the past and then go shopping for new items to mix with the old.  Sometimes my "new" items are from antique shops, but sometimes they are vintage reproductions.  

Next, I gather everything that I think might work and start "playing".  Sometimes it comes together right away, but usually it takes a few combinations.  This time it was more than a few, but what fun I had!

Invitations: 

Use blank vintage-inspired Easter cards.  (I found some adorable ones made by Punch Studio.)

Tablescape:

This is a great time to use your vintage linens.  Start with a white damask tablecloth.  Place a smaller linen cloth with crocheted insets and lace edging in the center of the table, turned diagonally. Last, add a crocheted doily in the center to set off the centerpiece. (I have a stash of doilies made by my great-grandmother.  The one I used was white with green tendrils for a grassy effect.

For the centerpiece, I created a grouping using a Victorian-themed Easter tin sign (on a small easel), faux chalk bunny, metal egg tin, and a basket of silk lilacs as the focal point. (A fresh tulip arrangement would also be lovely!)  Strands of pearls and speckled Easter eggs add additional interest when scattered around the centerpiece.  To create a pretty view for guests seated behind the centerpiece, I placed more vintage-inspired Easter tins behind the easel.

For placemats, I used small vintage-inspired tin signs.  Another option: Use white linen placemats from your linen closet.

I found a set of adorable egg card holders with a vintage look and added place cards made by photocopying small vintage-themed chocolate wrappers.  Prop a small chocolate at the base of the egg for a fun take-home treat! (The fine milk chocolates are from The House of Dorchester, England.)

Set the table with tempered glass tea cups and saucers and a salad or dessert plate for a bit of sparkle. A solid color dessert plate under each tea cup and saucer adds a nice touch. (Make sure your glassware is tempered to avoid breakage when hot tea is poured.)

Use white linen napkins tied with ribbon.  Add a small oval pin from the Annie Scheckel Collection.  Tuck in a vintage silver knife, fork and spoon.  (Napkins and tableware do not have to match.  You can find great bargains on orphan pieces at antique and thrift shops!

Tea ware:

An Easter tea set comprised of teapot, sugar and creamer would be a lovely touch.  However, a floral tea set works with the theme just as well.

Menu:

Scones

Mock Devonshire Cream

Assorted Jams

Egg Salad Tea Sandwiches

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

Carrot Cake Tea Sandwiches

Sugar Fruit Tarts

Assorted Chocolates

Darjeeling Tea

An assortment of herbal teas for your caffeine-sensitive guests

Favors:

Place in a vintage Easter basket by the front door:

A small organza bag filled with chocolate eggs.

A small egg-shaped tin filled with some of the loose leaf tea used at the party. 

A vintage-inspired Easter ornament

A single tulip tied with ribbon

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for a Victorian Tea Party.  Victorians loved afternoon tea and the romantic aspect of the holiday lends itself readily to Victorian era decorating.  A plethora of ephemera, both antique and reproduction, is readily available in antique malls, flea markets and craft stores.  Pull out your lace, china, silver, crystal, and baubles and be creative!  Ask your guests to come dressed in Victorian costumes for an added dimension of fun.  Keep the food simple and be prepared to enjoy the day!

Invitations: 

Use color copies (printed on card stock) of vintage Valentine postcards—a different card for each guest, if possible. (Purchase cards at flea markets or antique shops.)  Make 2 sets of copies—second set used below.  Copy only the fronts, cut out, and write your party information on the back of one set.  Request that your guests bring invitations with them.

Tablescape:

This is a great time to use your vintage linens.  Start with a white damask tablecloth.  Place a smaller linen cloth with embroidered roses or interesting cut- or drawn-work edges in the center of the table, turned diagonally. Last, add a coordinating embroidered or lace doily in the center to set off the centerpiece.

For the centerpiece, use a Victorian-themed hatbox or small trunk and fill with a bouquet of roses, greenery, and baby’s breath, and drape lace gloves, etc. over the edges.

Lay strands of pearls around the trunk, in the center of the table.  Add votive candles and crystal candlesticks.  Scatter heart-shaped ornaments around the centerpiece.

For placemats, I used vintage-inspired tin signs. (9" x 14"  color prints are available for purchase.)  Another option: Use large rectangular paper lace cake liners from the cake-decorating department of your favorite craft store. Attach with a glue stick to the white side of rectangular cake boards.  Add Victorian style scrap and or stickers to decorate.

Use the second set of color-copied Valentine post cards as place cards.  Write the corresponding guest’s name on the back of the card.  Your guests will have fun matching their invitation to the place cards!

Set the table with your prettiest rose-themed china.  Or, try mixing teacups of a similar theme or color. A solid color dessert plate under each tea cup and saucer will unify the look. 

Use white linen napkins tied with ribbon.  Add a small heart ornament.  Tuck in a vintage silver knife, fork and spoon.  (Napkins and tableware do not have to match.  You can find great bargains on orphan pieces at antique and thrift shops!)

Tea ware:

Your teapot does not need to match your china.  Just use what you have or purchase a new solid-colored teapot that coordinates, such as white or ivory.

A Rose Tea Cozy from Sweet Necessi-Teas is great for keeping the tea warm as your guests gather.  It also adds a decorative touch to the teacart or buffet when not being used!

Menu:

Heart-shaped Cream Scones

Strawberry Jam

Whipped Heavy Cream

Chocolate-dipped Fresh Strawberries

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

Chocolate-dipped Shortbread Hearts

An assortment of chocolates

Darjeeling or Oolong Tea

An assortment of herbal teas for your caffeine-sensitive guests

Favors:

Place in a basket or vintage heart-shaped candy box by the front door:

A small organza bag filled with rosebud potpourri.

A small heart-shaped tin filled with some of the loose leaf tea used at the party.