Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Calling all Tea and Jewelry Aficionadas...

Spring is finally in the air, and you know what that means: flowers, flowers, everywhere!

Get out your dresses and skirts and join me for the 6th annual Afternoon Tea in the Garden... hats optional.

We will feature a selection of fine teas as well as an assortment of tea sandwiches, canapés, scones, sweets, and tea cakes. A tour of the garden will also be conducted.

The Tradition of Afternoon Tea
Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is often credited with inventing the pastime of afternoon tea in the early 1840's. Traditionally, dinner was not served until 8:30 or 9:00 in the evening and the Duchess often became hungry by 4:00. She ordered a small meal of bread, butter, and sweets such as cakes, tarts, and biscuits, to be brought secretly to her boudoir, along with tea. When she was exposed, she was not ridiculed as she had feared, but her habit caught on and the concept of niceties and tea became popular and eventually known as "afternoon tea.” This pause for tea became a fashionable social event governed by etiquette.

During the 1880's, upper-class and society women would change into long gowns, gloves and hats for their afternoon tea which was usually served in the drawing room or garden. Afternoon or “Low Tea” is typically served between 3:00 and 5:00 and is often accompanied by dainty tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, cakes and pastries.

Unlike afternoon tea, “High Tea” was conceived in the late nineteenth century as the workingman's supper. Also known as the “Meat Tea,” High Tea is served early in the evening to substitute dinner and consists of hearty foods such as meat and cheese dishes, breads, cookies and meat pies.


The proposed date is Sunday, May 17 (the weekend after Mother's Day and before Memorial Day weekend). Please let me know if you can attend on this date. If not, Sunday, April 26 is another possibility. Email me at contact@3PennyPrincess.com or leave a comment with your availability. A formal evite will follow.

And, for all you jewelry lovers... Diana P. from the shopping & brunch will feature her latest jewelry designs (see necklaces on Dinagideon, HeidiG, Lexieloo, Diana P, and 3-Penny Princess in the last 3 Brunch photos). She has kindly offered an Aficionada discount on all pieces!

Here are some of her exquisite creations:



















I look forward to sipping tea in the garden with you!

20 comments:

HeidiG said...

I can't make the 17th (girls weekend, yeah, boo hoo for me). Very bummed, but I am going to guess that's good for most people, so go ahead and just make sure you include me on the next one!

Patina said...

I am on callat the hospital the 17th. The 26th of April would be perfect for me

3-Penny Princess said...

Oh no, Heidi! What about Sunday, April 26?

shopaholicdiva - thanks for letting me know!

HeidiG said...

Not sure about April 26. Hubby is out of town for golf weekend, so I could maybe get a babysitter - not sure with the puppy and how she would be - I don't want her to be a total pain since she is still young. But it is a definite possibility. That time period is a little crazy for me - hubby gone that weekend and the next (5/1), and then I'm gone 5/16.

Unknown said...

The jewelry is so beautiful. Does she have an etsy page?

dinagideon said...

Hi! I can do either the 26th or the 17th!!! YAY! :) I am so buying that blue flower necklace from Diana...I loved it so much!!!

dinagideon said...

BTW, I loved your history of the tea...reminds me of the British study abroad I did in 1995! ;)

Anonymous said...

I can make either date.
Thank you for organizing this.

3-Penny Princess said...

gigiofca - Diana's etsy page is dianap.etsy.com. She has a lot more stuff than is currently on there, and, she can custom make jewelry that you want.

3-Penny Princess said...

dina - I'll tell Diana to hold that necklace for you! It is stunning, isn't it? It looked amazing with your dress, too!

I love all things tea too! I'm a huge fan of tea sandwiches and tea cakes. I start each day off with tea and I try to have afternoon tea at least once a week.

I was in London around the same time as you I think! I was there in May '95 (I think). Then I went back in '06 and it was a totally different London! It's such a fun place to visit. We should do a trip!

Unknown said...

Wow, I can't believe all the pictures you posted :)

I'm looking forward to seeing you guys again!

Dina,
I got my hands on more vintage flowers, so there will me more to choose from in an assortment of colors.

Slastena said...

I am open fro either date, so whatever the consensus-I'll make it! It's going to be lovely! Thank you agin so much fro putting the event together!
Diana- you are incredibly talented (not to mention super sweet and charming)!

Drewablank said...

Both dates are looking good for me so far! The 26th would be lovely, though, since it's a day after my birthday. :)

3PP, you are a doll for including us in your Annual Afternoon Tea! And I can't wait to see some of Diana's new creations!

Amy said...

I can definitely make it on the 17th, but not on the 26th of April (well, I MIGHT be able to, but I'm not sure yet- already have brunch plans that day). Thanks for planning!!!

c said...

sounds like a fun event- have a great time!

GingerSnap said...

3-Penny, where have you gone??? I miss your posts!

lydia said...

what beautiful jewelry!!! All so unique and colorful!! i love it! :-)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Jewelry...I don't live near you but would love to look at that stuff!

Cloggsy said...

This is right up my alley!

3-Penny Princess said...

Yay, Cloggsy! I'm so glad you're coming. I can't wait to meet you!