Every holiday season my darling daughter has two things at the top of her Christmas wish list. A dress hand made by me to wear to a holiday high tea. I try to select a different venue each year. This year we enjoyed a Vintage Tea at the Alexander Mansion.
Vintage Tea at the Alexander Mansion
The Alexander Mansion is located in Dallas, Texas. Entrepreneur Charles H. Alexander built the 12,500 sq. ft. mansion in 1904. It was the work of architectural firm Sanguinett & Staats of Fort Worth. The mansion is one of the few original homes left on Ross Avenue and is virtually intact from its original construction.
It features original light fixtures, mirrors, and tile. There are several beautiful stained-glass windows, gorgeous hand-carved moldings, and a sweeping staircase that splits into double flights.
The mansion was purchased by the Dallas Woman’s Forum in 1930. The group works to help women and children.
Each December they host a holiday tea which serves as a fundraiser for the group as well as for upkeep on the mansion.
The French Room
We were seated in the French Room which was absolutely gorgeous!
Simplicity 8540
For the Fashionista’s dress I used a vintage pattern, Simplicity 8540. It was a very good pattern. A beginning sewist could manage it if they received assistance in setting the collar and installing the zipper.
I did alter the sleeves by omitting the cuffs and narrowing the opening of the sleeves. Ostrich feathers were added as trim. That was not a process I want to attempt again anytime soon.
Vintage sequins and seed beads were hand sewn onto the neckline area. You can see this detail up close HERE on my Instagram.
The cotton lawn fabric is by Liberty of London in the “Elizabeth” print.
I’ll be back on Wednesday with another Little Women inspired holiday post.
Laura
What a very special tradition for you & your daughter! Her dress is so pretty!
Love Fashionista’s entire look! What a fun outing together!