The Old Fashioned Tea Party
A hissing tea pot on the table, dainty cakes and sweets, and friendly chatter – this was the enchantment of the old fashioned tea party.? The tea hour was a charming background for social entertaining in the turn-of-the-century era and before.? It brought out a spirit of hospitality among friends where conversation flowed freely. The custom originated in England and also became popular in the United States.
Tea parties served several purposes, and could be formal or informal.? Perhaps you had out-of-town guests visiting in your home.? You might plan a tea party to introduce them to your friends.? Maybe your daughter was making her official debut into society, a debutante.? A tea would celebrate this milestone in her life.? Or, you simply wanted to entertain friends for an afternoon of social companionship.
Informal tea parties were held between 4:00 and 6:00 in the afternoon.? The most proper invitations were the calling cards.? These had the day and time of the tea in the lower left-hand corner.? This indicated the “at home” day of the hostess.? This was the day of the week that ladies set aside to entertain their friends.? If a calling card was not used, informal notes were sent, or guests could even be informed through verbal requests.
The most common areas for the tea party to be held were the living room, drawing room, or porch.? After a time of visiting among the guests, the hostess would wheel in the tea table.? The correct way to serve the tea was either icy-cold or piping-hot.? Cream was served, and lemon cut in very thin slices.? Sometimes an electric toaster would be set up right at the table, and the lady of the house would make cinnamon toast right there.? Refreshments could also be dainty sandwiches, crackers, cakes, candies, or berries and cream.
Whether it was held in the cozy living room of the homemaker, or the elaborate drawing room of the society woman, nothing was more chummy and delightful than the old fashioned tea party!