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"The Vintage Hostess"
While social formalities were reportedly easing a little by the 1930’s, hosting an afternoon tea still required some rules of etiquette to be observed.
And in her widely acclaimed book Etiquette and Entertaining, Lady Troubridge offers advice for the hostess on the subject of afternoon tea. Importantly she makes the point that “drawing-room tea is […]
Points that sometimes puzzle the hostess:
Should the hostess sugar and cream tea, or should she leave her guests to do this?
Whichever way she pleases. Sometimes when there are a good many guests it is more convenient to pass the sugar basin and milk jug to each person.
When should you serve supper at […]
Thumbing through the 1963 edition of The Good Housekeeping Home Encyclopaedia 1963, sandwiched between advice and guidance on waxed furniture and weevils I came across the following:
Bride’s parents: Trousseau; linen; press announcements; reception and wedding cake; flower decorations in church and reception hall; photographs; cars for bride, self and guests.
Bridegroom: New house and furnishings; […]
On these occasions the tea party is a little more formal. The tea-table is usually laid in the dining room, with a lace or embroidered cloth. The plates, with a small tea-knife on each, are arranged round the table; it is usual to provide a small tea-napkin for each guest, and this can be placed […]
Tea in the Garden
More and more we all realise the benefits of sunshine and open air for our health and happiness, and when we do hear the insistent call of the garden we must not forget our less fortunate friends. The mere fact of eating in the open air is in itself moat exhilarating, […]
Tea parties today are informal affairs. But there are three small points of etiquette. It is ‘not done’ to crook your little finger as you drink your tea – a ridiculous affection which is fairly considered ‘genteel’. There is on the other hand no sound reason for putting the tea rather than the milk in […]
On these occasions the tea party is a little more formal.
The tea-table is usually laid in the dining room, with a lace or embroidered cloth. The plates, with a small tea-knife on each, are arranged round the table; it is usual to provide a small tea-napkin for each guest, and this can be placed […]
A good party doesn’t just happen. True, you may give one on the spur of the moment that turns out well, I’ve done it myself. But don’t count on its happening twice. In the long run only design will assure its successful repetition.
Don’t plan to wear anything designed to turn the eye of every […]
A tea party is probably the simplest and certainly the most inexpensive method of entertaining. It can very from a small cosy tea around the fire, especially enjoyed by the ladies, to a buffet tea held in the garden for a tennis party or summer birthday.
Afternoon tea is usually served in the lounge, or […]
Afternoon tea is placed in the drawing room on a trolley or tea table. The hostess pours out the tea and the guests (male if there are any) help to hand round the foodstuffs. Thin bread and butter, dainty sandwiches, scones, buns and cakes are served to tea. Tiny tea napkins, a plate and perhaps […]
