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Decorating· DIY· Entertaining· Holiday

Regency Era Valentine Tea

It’s always such fun to plan a ladies’ tea party. I find that it’s so much easier if you select a theme. Since I had decorated my house for Valentine’s Day with touches of Jane Austen a Regency Era Valentine Tea party seemed perfect.

Regency Era Valentine Tea

Regency Era Valentine Tea

I knew that taking tea in the Regency Era could be both a simple affair …

Afternoon Tea for Three (also known as A Stirring Conversation) by Charles Soulacroix

regency tea party

…or one that was completely elaborate.

Victorians - food facts - History

I aimed for something in between.

Regency Era Valentine Tea

Generally, flowers or plants were present in both settings. I wanted a bouquet that appeared to have just been collected from the garden. It featured tulips, roses, and eucalyptus leaves for greenery.

Regency Era Valentine Tea

The first teacups were actually tea bowls. There were many china patterns available. There are several transferware patterns shown.

 

regency teacups

For that reason, I chose to use my antique red transferware for the tea party.

Regency Era Valentine Tea

Tea Caddies

Tea at the time came in the form of a loose-leaf as tea bags were not invented until the early 1900’s. The tea was stored in tea caddies. They came in a wide variety of styles and materials, ranging from carved wood to enamel and even gold.

antique tea caddy

Almost all the caddies featured a locking mechanism. Tea was very expensive during this era as it had to be imported from the Indies and China at great cost.

A RARE GEORGE III FITTED ENAMEL TEA CASKET Circa: 1770:

I too served a loose leaf tea making a silver strainer necessary when pouring.

loose leaf tea

High or Low Tea

There is also the decision to have a high or low tea.

High tea (aka meat tea) is generally served between the hours of 5 and 7 pm and is more of a full meal. It may include meats, fish, eggs, and cheese, as well as bread and butter.

I selected a low tea (afternoon tea) in which sweets were the predominant food. Desserts in the Regency Era could be quite elaborate and spectacular.

regency cooking

Layered cakes were quite the fashion.

layered cake

As were biscuits (cookies) and tartlets.

tartlets

An overwhelmingly popular dessert was a trifle.

Lowney’s Cook Book

I’ll share this easy recipe on Friday.

trifle

Over on the sideboard, a gentle nod to a simpler, electricity-free, time was created by displaying Mr. Decor’s  antique cranberry glass candle holders once used by his Aunt Mildred.

red glassware

You may have also noticed a second teapot. It was filled with hot water. A good Regency hostess would always ask a guest if they preferred a strong or weak tea. If a weak tea was desired the cup was filled halfway with tea and the remainder topped off with a bit of water.

teapot

Tea Party Favors

It was also not uncommon for a hostess to send her guests home with a small favor such as a handkerchief, book of poetry, a few flowers or chocolates.

tea party favors

This token would ensure that a hostess, and her generosity, would long be remembered. Particularly if refined sugar had been served. Alas sugar cubes were not invented until 1843 but since I was unable to find their predecessor, a cone of sugar, they had to suffice.

sugar cone

I shared the favors I created HERE.

regency favors

If this post leaves you with a desire to host your own Regency Era tea I found some sweet images that could be transformed into invitations and such.

Morning dress, fashion plate, hand-colored engraving on paper, published London, July 1815.

Ackermann's Repository 1816

I love the idea of creating a nontraditional centerpiece perhaps containing a collection of Jane Austen books.

Mismatched China Tea Cups

Wouldn’t these repurposed pieces of china also look lovely on a Regency themed table?

A group of our High Tea for Alice 3-tiered rental tea stands, cake plates and cupcake towers with cup and saucer available for rent in Orange County, Southern California and beyond for weddings, bridal teas, baby showers, princess birthday parties and more

You may also enjoy “Tea With Jane Austen” which gives detailed information on recipes, customs and more.

Tea with Jane Austen

“You must drink tea with us tonight.” ~ Sense & Sensibility

“But indeed I would rather have nothing but tea.” ~ Mansfield Park

Laura

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02.03.16

« Romantic Regency Valentine Favors
Easy Raspberry Orange Trifle »

Comments

  1. marty (A Stroll Thru Life) says

    February 3, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    Perfection. Everything is so pretty and you have included so much detail and information. Love it all.

  2. Lisa says

    February 3, 2016 at 4:35 pm

    So beautiful Laura! You are the most gracious hostess with the most fabulous tablescapes! And you know how I feel about Jane. sigh.

  3. Curtains in My Tree says

    February 3, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    This post is the most beautiful Valentine post I have read or should I say looked at the picture?
    The pictures of the ladies all dressed in their finest ready for a tea party with you
    so lovely
    Your table is beautiful

  4. Rue says

    February 3, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    Having an invite to a tea that beautiful would make me feel really special. It's gorgeous, Laura.

    Thank you for sharing your trip to Panama. I learned so much and the churches and animals were wonderful.

    hugs to you, my friend,
    rue

  5. Kiki Nakita says

    February 3, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    Laura,

    The Tablescape, floral arrangement and the desserts look lovely. I've seen the book Tea With Jane Austen, but haven't read it yet. I might take a trip to the library.

    ~Kiki~

  6. Denise says

    February 3, 2016 at 7:29 pm

    Oh Laura, this is a beautiful and informative post. I always seem to learn something from your posts. 🙂 You've put together a lovely Regency Era tea, and your guests will be very lucky to partake of these goodies. May I ask the name of your beautiful transferware pattern? It's not one I'm familiar with, but I love it!

    Thanks for sharing with us, Laura, and have a great week!

    Hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

  7. Laura Ingalls Gunn says

    February 3, 2016 at 8:05 pm

    Hi Denise,

    Thank you for your kind comment!

    I collected the transferware piece by piece while living in Germany. There are several patterns. Many of the antique pieces do not have a mark. I believe it works together because it is the same color palette.

    Laura

  8. Sarah says

    February 3, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Laura, every detail speaks of your graciousness. This is a delightful post full of beauty and information. Thank you for sharing this.

  9. Angelina PeoniesandOrangeBlossoms says

    February 4, 2016 at 3:53 am

    I loved this post! I really liked the old pictures of the fancy foods eaten back in the day! I think I would prefer low tea to high tea- simply because there are more desserts involved! Thank you for sharing with us all. I actually just found your blog – going to follow you on bloglovin!

  10. Debbie@Debbie-Dabble and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas says

    February 4, 2016 at 6:10 am

    What a lovely post!! Love your red Transfer ware dishes! I collect them too!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

  11. Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says

    February 4, 2016 at 8:31 pm

    This is a lovely table. I wish I were there to have tea with you!

  12. Ana Love Craft says

    February 5, 2016 at 7:24 pm

    Wonderful post, Laura! Thansks for sharing all this!
    Enjoy your day!
    Hugs and love from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    http://www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

  13. Ruth W says

    February 6, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    Wonderful Laura…we share the same thoughts…I used the same book a week ago and Jane Austen quotes…your table setting is perfect! I just love this post!
    Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

  14. Nadia Marie says

    February 8, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    What a lovely post! Kiki Nakita recommended I stop by to have a look and mentioned this post in particular to me! I own a copy of “Tea with Jane Austen”. Isn't it a fabulous book! I adore Regency era novels and am hoping to get to Bath to the Jane Austen Centre to take tea at the Regency Room. Look forward to more of your posts!

  15. Kathleen TheLavenderBouquet says

    February 9, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    Laura,
    I thoroughly enjoyed your beautiful post. It was not only lovely eye candy, it was very informative. Thank you!
    Kathleen

  16. The Charm of Home says

    February 11, 2016 at 6:03 pm

    Well that was lots of fun! Well done Laura!

  17. The Charm of Home says

    February 11, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    Featured today at HSH! Laura!

  18. Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage says

    February 11, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    Laura, your tea post is gorgeous! I adore red transferware and tea; especially loose leaf tea! Everything is lovely and I enjoyed this post very much. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy Valentine's Day weekend!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

  19. Bernideen says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    I love that red transferware as it is so perfect for Valentines and Christmas, not to mention – all the time! This is a lovely posting!

  20. Liz Hockamier says

    February 13, 2016 at 10:34 pm

    Perfection! 🙂
    ~Liz

Hi, I’m Laura Ingalls Gunn

Welcome to Decor To Adore! I love flea markets, tea parties, classic literature and dachshunds.

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