The Art of Taking Tea.

The Chinese were drinking tea on the misty borders of of recorded time. They kept their pleasures close. The first taste of tea allowed to Europe did not come until the middle of the sixteenth century.By the eighteenth century tea had become a national passion, and, even though it was so expensive, was brewed throughout the land. Once gentlefolk had drunk the first brew, their servants would make tea for themselves from the used leaves and then in turn sell the twice-used leaves at the back door.

Anna 7th Duchess of Bedford, grew tired of the sinking feeling which afflicted her every afternoon round about 4 0'clock, in the long dull space of time betweene meals. In 18 40 she plucked up the courage and asked for a tray of tea bread and butter, and cake to be brought to her room. Once she had formed the habit she found she could not break it, so spread it among her friends instead. As the century progresed, afternoon tea became increasingly elaborage. By the 1880s ladies were changing into long tea gowns for the occasion, appetites sharpened by the customary afternoon drive in the carriage.These tea gowns were soft, diaphanous, festoonedwith lace furbelows, and always suitably loose-waisted. By Edwardian times, the smart hour for afternoon tea was five o'clock or later, and what had started as a little time for refreshmendt had become a full-blown social occasio, with hot dishes, footmen handing round the teacups, and even professional musicians.

These facts are taken out of "The London Ritz Book of Afternoon Tea." Quote on the side of the book: "The art & pleasures of taking tea."

Obveously this Duchess lady did NOT homeschool five children, keep up with laundry, cook meals etc. I'm sure my mother would most assuradly "call for tea and cakes" because of her "sinking" afternoon feeling, but fact is, my mother's goal for her afternoon is just to have time to lay down in be for a half an hour!! I have never in all of my life seen my mother be bored, unless we are on vecation. And even then, she always finds something to do, simply because, "bored people are boring.."But she does find that balance to just simply stop, but not becasue she's bored. So the sorce of the pictures below are not because my mother was in need of entertainment in her afternoon, but simply because she enjoys doing such things. She has had one indoor dressup farewell tea. One outdoor dressup farewell tea. And for the first time, an outdoor tea, just for fun, we were glad not to bid anyone farewell! :) I admit, we were stressed out a bit at times preparing for this. :) My dear mother didn't get to prepare much a few days before because she was sewing a dress for an up-coming wedding. I was trying to prepare small tasty tea items while she sat at the table sewing. But it all worked out, we had a splendid time. It was So much fun to dress up like southern belles. We do this not for the sake of being vain, but remember the histroy of our beautiful historic mothers, to celebrate womanhood, to treat ourselves like a princess for a night. We did it with our mothers clothes when we were little, so, we do it again on this sweet night...

My dress and hat waiting to be worn.Little girls' tableThis is Debbie, I thought she was the most charming lady that night. I love her dearly, she just one of those wondeful mentor/type of ladies to have in your church. She's a jewel.The little girlies had such a good time....I'm sure their conversation was of the purest, but it sure looks like gossip in this picture! :)Oh, and our dear southern Linda. She has showed up at people's door she knew well, and was so disguised that they didn't know her!! She's a great lady! She was just recently healed from some major sholder problems!!

You should have heard the little girls talking all proper and drinking with their pinkies held high. "Aren't these sandwiches delightful." "Let's take a walk like proper ladies."MY dear firends Tianna & Cassandra! lovely Tamra & Lucy.Janis in all her frills.Cynthia, Mother, and Martina.Sara Kay, Linda, Trish. Note: The two ladies on the right wanted their nails to show, so take notice! :)Darling sisters...Tianna w/ her charming fan..As well Cassy.Dear Emma laughing at Linda's paper about southern women.


If there was one cultural thing I wish we still did it's this: afternoon tea. It's on my "list" of 1oo things I dream of...perhaps...it's slowly coming ture. Me and my mother have decieded to have "afternoon tea" (instead of the children snacking on other things) and make that our time when she reads to us etc. instead of the mornings. Lovely thought. we shall see how long it last! :) Even if it's jsut for a season, I think it's safe to say my dream has been answerd?

May you all forever live in the loveliness of afternoon tea with the King. But the best part is, He sups with us always not just in the afternoon. Cheers!

Deborah Isabel.