The worldwide Costube Symposium (CoSy) 2021 kicked off this past Thursday and runs through the weekend. Various events are being held on Instagram as well as numerous FREE video premieres. I am hosting two videos on my Youtube channel. This post is an accompaniment to Saturday’s video which documents a recent event I held at home. It features an 1840s Tea Party and Fashions.
1840s Tea Party and Fashions
In case you missed it, Wednesday’s post, 1840s Food and Party Favors covers all of the historical influences for the decor and food.
1840s Entryway
Storybook Cottage has a modest entryway. A Prince of Wales mirror and antique washstand help to set the scene.
A small bouquet, famed ladies of the day, and other touches were gathered on a silver tray.
In a time of candlelight and lanterns, mirrors were used to expand the light in interiors.
Mirrors also allowed guests an opportunity to check their hairstyles and fashions after removing bonnets and wraps.
Tea For Three
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”~Henry James
A handmade, 1840s inspired art journal awaited each guest on their seat.
You can read about the historical influences of the table decor HERE.
I used various family heirlooms, such as my grandparent’s crystal and great grandmothers silver, to set the table.
Vintage linens were found at various estate sales.
The place cards doubled as a take-home party favor.
The centerpiece contained white hydrangeas, pink tea roses, and carnations.
You can view the complete menu HERE.
Preparing the sideboard.
Talking tea and fashion. Two of my favorite things!
1840s Fashion
My guests arrived beautifully attired and coiffed.
Their links are provided below if you would like more information on what they wore.
Many Thanks
I am so delighted that my friends Dixie and Tiffany could join me.
Dixie’s Links
Website
Tiffany brought the most lovely and delicious cookies to the tea.
Tiffany’s Links
Etsy
Special thanks to my son who served as our photographer and videographer. His delightful girlfriend, Megan, was our wonderful attendant.
The Outtakes
One of the questions historical costumers get asked the most is “What does your underwear look like?”
Here we show off our various corded petticoats.
When you’re with friends things always get silly.
1840s Art Journal Giveaway
There are two chances to win a handmade 1840s art journal featured in the video.
You can leave a comment on this post below.
A second chance is available in the comment section of today’s video.
Today’s Video
I hope you enjoy today’s video.
A winner will be selected on Saturday, August 28th,
Laura
UPDATE:
CONGRATULATIONS! The Random Number Generator has selected ANNETTE WHIPPLE as the winner of the art journal here on the website and SUSAN KELLAM as the winner from the YouTube video. Thank you all who entered!
So amazingly beautiful and gracious! I really appreciate all the work that went into this. Just lovely and looking forward to more! Thank you?
Love it, love it, love it! It would be so special to win a gorgeous journal by the one and only Laura Ingalls Gunn!
Once again your creativity and love of history have come to life. Everything is just perfect for lovely ladies to enjoy fellowship and tea.
What a lovely tea party!! The table looks amazing and the food delicious!! And what can I say about your costumes?? What talented ladies you are!
Oh the girliness!!!! Love everything you did. I especially liked the two handled teacups. Oh My!!! Bavarian Limoges china? Thank you for posting such a fun girly tea party. It was such a lovely tablescape and friends with beautiful dresses..
A tea party always seems like it has the most lovely food. I wish I could have been there!
What a special event you created! Memories! And I love how you shared the silly underwear picture, too.
As always, beautiful! I’d love a chance to win one of your handmade journals.
This is wonderful, Laura. You all look beautiful and you can just tell the hours that went into each gown, not to mention preparing the tea and all the delicacies that were part of it. It’s fabulous. This post is simply inspiring!
Lovely tea, thanks for the additional details (in the video, Tiffany’s gown looked like it was made of solid fabric, but these photos show the check quite clearly!). !
Laura, I watched your videos this weekend on YT and loved how the camera told the story while you all were at the table having lunch! It was like watching a nice documentary!! Really pretty dresses and your table is stunning… You always have the best gifts for your guests!! <3 Happy to share many of your photos to my Pinterest boards for you, including Period Dress with your lead photo. Hope the promotion helps bring more friends your way!! <3
Happy Tuesday and happy sewing,
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
This was an excellent Tea Party. Every item was historically accurate and quite lovely. Thank you for sharing.
Oh me oh my! I love the net gloves and the lace fichu especially. The sideboard looked especially pretty with the lovely candles. I hope you all had a wonderful time!
Why are they drinking tea out of soup bowls?!