The English Tea Party

 This summer I received a very special invitation to join my Granddaughter at an
English Tea Party.

We are dressed up and my Grandie is wearing the beautiful black veiled Facinator as the English refer to their head pieces.

Even her American Girl Doll has her hat on ready for the Tea Party.

 The English Tea Party was held at the Vienna Public Library as part of the 
One World - Many Stories Summer Program. 

                              http://vienna.park.lib.wv.us/5



Here is Ms. Holly dressed up in White Lace and Brocade festooned with a Purple Facinator.



 Ms. Holly Van Camp, better known as Ms. Holly to all the attendees is the children's librarian and orchestrates the summer program for the children.  I have had the most fun of attending many of her summer programs over the years and they are fantastic. Not only does she do theatrical productions on all the books she reads, but she invites all kinds of guests including magicians, musicians and dignitaries from other countries as well.  She always allows me to make the incredible craft projects that the children make. I do believe that if faeries were available, that somehow Ms. Holly would engage their services for the festivities she shares with the children and adults alike.   

The children were waiting outside in the commons many of them beautifully attired.

This is Mrs Owen Mayo from England who came to teach the children about England and the British Isles and the English Tea Ceremony. My Grandie knows her from Church and was very excited to meet the local celebrity and share this special time with her.

Mrs. Owen Mayo told the children about England and the British Isles and about her childhood. She said how she loved to have Tea with her grandmother and how her grandmother would tell stories about her family. 

What is the High Tea Service and the Low Tea Service? High Tea is a misnomer. Most people refer to afternoon tea as high tea because they think it sounds regal and lofty, when in all actuality, high tea, or "meat tea" is dinner. High tea, in Britain, at any rate, tends to be on the heavier side. American hotels and tea rooms, on the other hand, continue to misunderstand and offer tidbits of fancy pastries and cakes on delicate china when they offer a "high tea." http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/HighTeaHistory.htm

Tea (Apple Cider with Cinnamon) was served to the attendees in this beautiful China Tea Pots that were so unique.



The wonderful desserts included Scones with Creme and Jelly,
Sandwiches with Hazelnut Spread,
Sugar Cookies, Cupcakes and more and more delicacies.
I do believe that English Tea Services are a little bit of heaven.

   Afternoon tea (because it was usually taken in the late afternoon) is also called "low tea" because it was usually taken in a sitting room or withdrawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs generally in a large withdrawing room. There are three basic types of Afternoon, or Low Tea:

Cream Tea - Tea, scones, jam and cream

Light Tea - Tea, scones and sweets

Full Tea - Tea, savories, scones, sweets and dessert

      In England, the traditional time for tea was four or five o'clock and no one stayed after seven o'clock. Most tea rooms today serve tea from three to five o'clock. The menu has also changed from tea, bread, butter and cakes, to include three particular courses served specifically in this order:

Mrs. Owen Mayo's Grandson was one of the many young people who helped with the serving of the Tea and delights.

Savories - Tiny sandwiches or appetizers

Scones - Served with jam and Devonshire or clotted cream

Pastries - Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweets.



Even the 3 Bears had their table set for the Tea Ceremony.



Mrs. Mayo Owens described the Bon Bon's that were in the gifts that the children were able to take with them.  A Bon Bon is a traditional exploding paper toy that holds candy and other small toys. It is traditional around New Year.  Mrs. Owen Mayo made the Bon Bons out of toilet rolls, tissue paper and ties and stuffed them full with candy and other small treats.

The final picture of the day was my Grandie standing near the beautiful flowers.  I gave her the treats in my Bon Bon as I kept the sweetest memory of all,  An English Tea  Party with my granddaughter.

Have you ever attended an English Tea Party?

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