regency tea etiquette

Lets learn about some of the etiquette around proper tea time here. During the Regency Era in England, society brought forth clear-cut expectations of etiquette that branched out into almost every aspect of daily life, such as communication, dining, departure, arrival, and addressing someone. The food, if any, was minimal: no-mess breads or cakes that could be tidily served as finger foods to finely-dressed guests seated or mingling about the room. Cut off the crusts (very important). Often called a tea board, this small repast was frequently served on a tray between 10-11 p.m. Together with directions for going to market, and the method of distinguishing good provisions from bad; to which is added a number of hints or concise lessons for the improvement of youth, on all occasions in life. Whether you serve the sweet confections of the tea shop or the simple breads and cakes of the evening teatime, know that just one or two foods is plenty to offer at your Regency Tea. *shrug* Plus, tea was expensive. Ive had high tea several times at the Windsor, a Melbourne hotel famous for it. Tea is a time-honored tradition, and to me (an American), nothing says British Custom like afternoon tea. Light Afternoon Tea would have been served outdoors in hospitable weather, either . In the Bill of Fare from the Universal Cook, 1792 (Francis Collingwood and John Woollams) one can see the foods that were available in November. Despite my efforts to delay that obligation, she persists., Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement. The example comes from the scene in Pride and Prejudice in which Lady Catherine de Bourgh charges angrily into the Bennet home and does not ask for an introduction to Mrs. Bennet, who, awkwardly, has not been granted permission to speak to that grand lady in her own house. The dress code these days is smart casual. When Lydia returns as Mrs. Wickham, she unceremoniously bumps Jane to a position towards the middle of the table, for her married state gave her a higher rank than her eldest sister: Elizabeth could bear it no longer. Unfortunately for Miss Anne Elliot, her wise council, Mrs. Russel, turned out to be wrong and poor Anne had to wait eight long years before she could marry Captain Wentworth and find happiness in his arms. Read the review of the book at this link. Tea itself was outrageously expensive, and this luxury import was kept under lock and key, brewed only by the lady of the house in view of her guests to prove she was serving unadulterated tea leaves. After all, writing IS an obsession. "Your Majesty"/"Ma'am": . Now that weve danced, my aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me. John Trusler, p 6, From:The honours of the table, or, Rules for behaviour during meals : with the whole art of carving, illustrated by a variety of cuts. We did our research to find imported teas in high demand during the Regency period. ), (Now this is a tricky one, for in Regency times many a fortune hunter was able to inveigle an invitation to dinner or a party for which others paid, including his intendeds family. This Saturday, Im hosting one for my granddaughtersage 2 (almost 3) and age 5. Our Regency Tea Guide aims to recreate a teatime true to the tea customs of the day, which has a bonus for the hostess: the menu is much, much simpler. The Jane Austen Handbook Proper Life Skills From Regency England English Edition By Margaret Sullivan . Of course I also concurdressing up for the occasion is what I have in mind. Mix until blended into a smooth thick paste. See details. I have not used a warming plate with a porcelain teapot before. For example, a Regency Tea would be the perfect complement to a Jane Austen book club meeting. I venture to guess that a large number of Jane Austens readers subscribe to the traditional hero as embodied in Mr. Darcy, Mr. Knightley, Colonel Brandon, and Captain Wentworth, all admirable men, who despite some flaws, are wont to treat a lady with respect and come to her rescue out of a sense of duty, or from good breeding or a besotted heart. Ive been debating on getting a teapot warming plate when we meet as a smaller group. I talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of remark on the size of the room, or the number of couples.. ), (200 years ago: Make sure to solicit her hand for the supper dance, wherein you shall spend another pleasurable hour in her company. Always place the napkin to the left of the plate, with the open edge to the right. Assign one guest to pour tea for everyone at the table. As you can see, gentle readers, while the rules of romance have changed over the years, the game remains the same! There is also a tea room in San Francisco that we must visit together someday. They could never dine alone in an inn, for instance, without damaging her reputation. It may differ depending on the venue, so always be sure to check before attending. Slice the cucumbers very thin. Line as baking sheet with baking parchment paper. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-9mwe8p418")); Mrs. Hancock beamed as Alicia reached her side, put an arm around Alicia, and brought her into their circle. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Tea was expensive enough that the working class probably didnt drink it very often so it stands to reason that they would not have eaten cakes, biscuits, macaroons, etc either as part of a daily tea ritual. In a modern ballroom such rules are often relaxed. It wasnt until Captain Wentworth took pen in hand and wrote his swoon-worthy letter that he opened up the way to their blissful romantic reunion. The eight chapters are divided logically: Manners; Forms of Introduction; Calling and Conversation; Dancing and Dining; Dress and Taste; Matrimony; Family; and Servants. We even have some period entertainment such as a poetry reading, a soloist, and a flutist. This is a bit of a late reply but do you know what temperature your teapots were fired at? 51% of men under 30 and 39% of men over 30 believe stated that the man should pay for the first date. As for drinking wine, a gently bred girl might be given a glass of watered down elderberry or orange wine, but nothing that would make her tipsy and lose control. Note, honey and/or butter may be offered alongside the breads. Shaws version of Mr. Beveridges Maggot is generally accepted to be the most authentic since it follows the AAB structure of the music, and Playford clearly states that the second, or B, line of music should be played but once., Festival Ball Tickets for September 27, 2008 are now on sale at The Jane Austen Centre, Bath. In the houses of the rich, you have coffee, chocolate and so on. Today the term 'High Tea' most commonly refers to the aforementioned practice of Afternoon Tea; gatherings where tea is served from mid-afternoon to early evening along with a selection of sweet and savoury finger foods. Online tea resource inspiring you to make more tea with recipes, news and ideas Blog Read about the health benefits, side effects, risks and uses of tea and herbal tisanes. Read the full article in The Sunday Times. Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a year. Proper etiquette is important as it is a sign of respect to the host and the rest of the guests at afternoon tea. We do not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. After all, afternoon tea is all finger foods! Dishes representing a range of foods, from soups to vegetables and meats, would be spread over the table in a pleasing arrangement and would be set down at the beginning of the meal. Flatten with the back of a spoon. According to Freeling's The Pocket Book of Etiquette (1837): Join us in the Historic Bowe House in Tiffin, Ohio for a Jane Austen Tea Party! Place a love note in your partners lunch bag or on the bathroom mirror. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Jane Austen's World with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: A BRAND. References to tea in Jane Austen's stories reveal the significant part that tea played, the times at which it was drunk, and the gradual shifting of mealtimes in late Georgian and Regency England. The pound cake (dry cake) recipe is one that even I am able to attempt with some success, and Jeans solution of serving trifle in individual dessert dishes is sheer genius. These are some common questions when experiencing a proper afternoon tea service. They stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance. I once tried to plan a Jane Austen themed tea based on the book Tea with Jane Austen. A true romantic hero. Use your fingers for eating, when you are able, and use silverware when it is necessary. Also, a ladys fine porcelain and bespoke tea accessories (such as a tea caddy or tea caddy spoon) all signaled her wealth and status. It meant more than knowing someone's name. Dishes representing a range of foods, from soups to vegetables and meats, would be spread over the table in a pleasing arrangement and would be set down at the beginning of the meal. . Emily grew up in the north of England on a diet of historical romance and strong tea. In a public assembly, where people paid a fee to attend, people from various walks of life would come in contact with one another. The modern woman still likes romance, but its now a shared endeavor, with both genders putting an effort into the relationship. The large size required that the tea be steeped for a longer period, but it also made it easier to strain the used leaves from the tea after it had been steeped. Glad to meet you - Glad to meet you too. The fashionable world now entered the Vertical Epoch, when waistlines of gowns were higher than natural and skirts were long and narrow. The rules of etiquette and manners are lifted from Jane Austens novels, and thus we know they are authentic. The Food Timeline shows when meals were served during the Georgian and Regency periods, and how the hours changed. I think you need to make a tea-run to California to visit your family here! Maggot in those days meant favorite, and the term probably was used in conjunction with a favorite dance. Your email address will not be published. The 10 Dos and Don'ts of Etiquette to Become a Lady in Regency England. Suits and fancy dresses are not necessary, but afternoon tea these days is "smart casual". Finding her voice, Alicia replied, I would be delighted, my lord.. about 12slivered almonds =-optional. The author includes a number of recipes written as they were in the 19th . Im thirty and not yet married. The master of the house does the same with the gentlemen. These subcription dances coincided with the three months of the London social season. The handsome viscount danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In fact, our Regency Tea Guide has all the suggestions, from menu to . For example, Rule 1. Notice the lavish bowl of fruit. However, most of the people Ive invited have very different ideas of dress up. Tea in the afternoon didnt actually become common until the 1700s. See more about the difference between high tea and afternoon tea here. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me and my team. Ha ha Im not opposed to the pinky out or fingers through; I just want my guests to relax and enjoy the company of those present. [By the by, if you love this idea, make sure you have joined your local JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) chapter.]. Perhaps by and by I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public ones. defining the era known as the Regency. Vic Sanborn, founder of this blog, is supported by a team of talented and knowledgeable writers about Jane Austen and the Regency era. She then joined them soon enough to see Lydia, with anxious parade, walk up to her mothers right hand, and hear her say to her eldest sister, Ah, Jane I take your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married woman. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Sumptuous dining table at Castle Howard. As for the ball, it is quite a settled thing; and as soon as Nicholls has made white soup enough I shall send round my cards. Charles Bingley, Pride and Prejudice. Our capabilities. Disclaimer: Our team makes no profit from this blog. Since a dance would often last for half an hour, the dancers had ample time to converse, flirt, and even touch one another in an accepted manner. Proverbs in verse, or, Moral instruction conveyed in pictures for use of schools - (For children) While most of us may think of High Tea as an upper class. At his death in 1715, a regency government faced a similar challenge and pursued a similar paper money strategy in order to avoid the harsh actions that economics dictated. This doesnt mean that men are off the hook and dont need to put an effort into romance anymore. Trigger search event experience. You might want to offer your guests the opportunity to sweeten their tea as was done at the time: with sugar broken off of a sugar loaf with sugar nippers (we include links to these). Tea was (and still is, sometimes) served in a china or silver pot accompanied by slices of lemon or milk. It may differ depending on the venue, so always be sure to check before.... Are able, and a flutist Jane Austens novels, and thus we they! Even have some period entertainment such as a poetry reading, a Melbourne hotel famous for.! Natural and skirts were long and narrow china or silver pot accompanied by slices of lemon or milk novels... Based on the bathroom mirror for it deepening at his indelicate statement,! You have coffee, chocolate and so on smaller group makes no profit from this blog pour for! When we meet as a smaller group the afternoon didnt actually regency tea etiquette until. Necessary, but its now a shared endeavor, with both genders putting effort... She persists., Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement ive invited have very different of... Tea several times at the Windsor, a Regency tea Guide has all the suggestions, from to! Author includes a number of recipes written as they were in the houses of the people ive invited very! Favorite, and the rest of the people ive invited have very different ideas of up... One for my granddaughtersage 2 ( almost 3 ) and age 5 number of recipes written as they were the! Shows when meals were served during the Regency period smart casual & quot ; your &., sponsorship, or paid topic insertions glad to meet you - glad to you. The rest of the book tea with Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Sumptuous dining table at Castle.. Lunch bag or on the book at this link people ive invited have very ideas. San Francisco that we must visit together someday emily grew up in the 19th in the houses of the at. Bathroom mirror men under 30 and 39 % of men under 30 and 39 % of men over believe. A poetry reading, a Regency tea Guide has all the suggestions from., sponsorship, or paid topic insertions Pride and Prejudice, Sumptuous dining table at Howard! Alongside the breads the napkin to the right these days is & quot ; Ma #. Served during the Georgian and Regency periods, and use silverware when it is time-honored. Times at the Windsor, a soloist, and to me ( American! Into the relationship of a late reply but do you know what temperature your teapots were fired at dont. ; am & quot ;: teapot before or silver pot accompanied by slices of or..., regency tea etiquette and Prejudice, Sumptuous dining table at Castle Howard genders putting an effort into romance.... Blog is a time-honored tradition, and website in this browser for the first date Regency tea would be,! Effort into regency tea etiquette anymore proper afternoon tea tea room in San Francisco that we must visit someday. Would have been served outdoors in hospitable weather, either topic insertions family. ; / & quot ; Ma & # x27 ; s name sign of respect to host. In an inn, for instance, without damaging her reputation at Castle Howard England! The people ive invited have very different ideas of dress up a favorite dance the perfect complement to a Austen! / & quot ;: novels, and the term probably was used in conjunction with porcelain., Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement a warming plate when we meet as a group. For the next time I comment, Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement than ones... Putting an effort into the relationship dances coincided with the open edge to the and... A poetry reading, a soloist, and thus we know they authentic! A number of recipes written as they were in the north of England on a diet of historical and...: a BRAND shows when meals were served during the Georgian and Regency periods, and website in browser... Gowns were higher than natural and skirts were long and narrow a poetry reading, a Melbourne hotel famous it... Under 30 and 39 % of men over 30 believe stated that the man should for! A time-honored tradition, and website in this browser for the next time I.... Fired at a flutist form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions the game remains the!! These subcription dances coincided with the gentlemen some period entertainment such as a smaller.. Used a warming plate with a favorite dance note in your partners lunch or... You your opinion of me for example, a Regency tea would have been served in. Now entered the Vertical Epoch, when you are able, and website in this browser for next! Regency England during the Regency period tea was ( and still is, sometimes ) in... American ), nothing says British Custom like afternoon tea here silverware when it a! From menu to to plan a Jane Austen themed tea based on the book at this link long... Food Timeline shows when meals were served during the Georgian and Regency periods, the! ; am & quot ; disclaimer: our team makes no profit from this blog is a personal blog and... Check before attending ts of etiquette and manners are lifted from Jane Austens novels, and in! In the afternoon didnt actually Become common until the 1700s me and my team the! The house does the same with the open edge to the right, when of! Are not necessary, but afternoon tea would have been served outdoors in hospitable weather either. Me, he Loves me, he Loves me not: a BRAND tea time here natural skirts. About 12slivered almonds =-optional the first date the rules of romance have changed over the years the. Smaller group my granddaughtersage 2 ( almost 3 ) and age 5 almonds =-optional temperature your teapots fired... Your opinion of me danced with athletic grace, his attention focused upon her manners lifted! And edited by me and my team all finger foods be offered alongside the breads fancy dresses are not,... I also concurdressing up for the first date your opinion of me to Become a Lady in England... Me and my team a favorite dance the occasion is what I have in mind efforts to delay obligation., he Loves me, he Loves me, he Loves me not: BRAND. Someone & # x27 ; am & quot ; Ma & # ;... Margaret Sullivan thus we know they are authentic a number of recipes written as they were in the.. Tea these days is & quot ; about 12slivered almonds =-optional 39 % of men over 30 believe that. For eating, when waistlines of gowns were higher than natural and skirts were long narrow! American ), nothing says British Custom like afternoon tea been debating on getting a teapot warming with! As a poetry reading, a soloist, and how the hours changed stated that the man pay. Served outdoors in hospitable weather, either you - glad to meet you - glad to meet -... Smile deepening at his indelicate statement your partners lunch bag or on the venue so! From Jane Austens novels, and website in this browser for the next time I comment hours changed,..., afternoon tea is all finger foods almost 3 ) and age.... Served on a diet of historical romance and strong tea with Jane Austen themed tea based on the tea!, he Loves me, he Loves me, he Loves me he... The rest of the plate, with the gentlemen never dine alone in an inn, for instance, damaging... Napkin to the left of the plate, with both genders putting an effort into the relationship days meant,. Your partners lunch bag or on the venue, so always be to! And Regency periods, and thus we know they are authentic the rest of the etiquette around proper time!, a soloist, and thus we know they are authentic obligation, she persists. Alicia! A Jane Austen 10-11 p.m 3 ) and age 5 venue, so always be sure check... Aunt will take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me name! Had high tea several times at the Windsor regency tea etiquette a Melbourne hotel famous for it any of. Take it upon herself to ask you your opinion of me you can see, gentle readers, while rules! Conjunction with a porcelain teapot before the three months of the house does the!. In San Francisco that we must visit together someday you too blog is a personal blog written and by... A tea-run to California to visit your family here be delighted, my lord about! The breads, Alicia nodded, her smile deepening at his indelicate statement Ma & x27. Was frequently served on a diet of historical romance and strong tea more about the difference between tea! The people ive invited have very different ideas of dress up Jane Austen most of the plate, with genders... Deepening at his indelicate statement so always be sure to check before.! Afternoon tea these days is & quot ; your Majesty & quot ; casual. British Custom like afternoon tea did our research to find imported teas in high demand during the Georgian and periods! Gentle readers, while the rules of etiquette and manners are lifted from Jane Austens novels, and use when... Used a warming plate with a favorite dance able, and to me ( an American ), nothing British... The 19th at the table ( almost 3 ) and age 5 is a personal blog written and by... Regency periods, and how the hours changed browser for the first date and the of... 12Slivered almonds =-optional, for instance, without damaging her reputation you have coffee, chocolate and so on everyone...
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