But does it matter?
Lovers of the tradition of afternoon tea mimic a custom that began with Anna Russell, the Duchess of Bedford. Faced with a fainting feeling mid-afternoon because of England’s late dinner hour, she is said to have asked her butler to bring her bread, butter, and tea around 5pm. She then asked her friends to join her and the social practice spread among the upper-class until its practice was widespread.
What may be even less known than this is that Anna Russell was a contemporary and friend of Queen Victoria who began her reign in 1837. Hence, many tearooms choose a Victorian theme for their decor and ambiance. I will sheepishly admit, I did not connect the historical dots until very recently. For many lovers of afternoon tea are also Jane Austen fans, probably the most well-known individual from the England’s Regency Era. And just in case you didn’t know, the Regency Era came BEFORE the Victorian Era. Most likely, while Jane Austen drank tea (see the book Tea with Jane Austen for more information) she didn’t practice the custom of afternoon tea so many of us have come to enjoy.
I once tried to plan a Jane Austen themed tea based on the book Tea with Jane Austen. The author includes a number of recipes written as they were in the 19th century along with an updated version. But I abandoned the idea because I wanted a menu filled with more traditional afternoon tea fare which was not included. Now I know why. And I know some of you want to try this theme as well, as my search terms show.
So for the historical purists among us, an authentic Austen-themed afternoon tea would be difficult to reproduce. However, your afternoon tea can take on any theme you want. Some of the ways you could incorporate Jane Austen into your theme could be:
- with fashion. The empire silhouette is back in style, with a woman’s waist falling directly below her bust. Regency women did not wear corsets or hoop-skirts, smart girls! Now, one would wear hats and gloves and remove the gloves when dining.
- with the language of the fan. It is my understanding that the secret messages sent with the fan women carried began before the Victorian era. And it’s just fun.
- with music. Mozart was already around!
- to provide your guests with a copy of one of Austen’s novels as a party favor. Dover Thrift Editions are extremely reasonable, such as this copy of Mansfield Park.
- to invite a dance instructor and ask for instruction in the Cotillion, the dances we see in the Austen-based movies. Even with only girls, this could be great fun.
So while Jane Austen was only eight years older than Duchess Anna, she died forty years before her. It’s possible Ms. Austen was never invited to afternoon tea. Now, Beatrix Potter’s life, on the other hand, was most likely filled with appointments for afternoon tea. And a Beatrix Potter-themed tea would be extremely easy to recreate. Blackberries and chamomile tea, anyone? I was in awe of the number of beautiful tea-related scenes in the recent movie, Miss Potter. This was accurate, since Miss Potter came of age when the Victorian Era and the tradition of afternoon tea were in full swing.
Do you think it matters? How would you incorporate Jane Austen into your afternoon tea party?
Fantastic historical facts, tea party girl! Thanks! (And I love that book, “Tea with Jane Austen.” I’d never heard of a syllabub before then!)
I just found your website and I love it. Thank you for including such wonderful ideas and suggestions.
I’ve not yet seen the movie “Miss Potter,” but intend to watch it soon.
Arleen
I can’t find that button . . . . .
I can’t find that button either. After the question it has the link to your RSS feed.
Great article though.
Thanks for letting me know, gals. I’m going to take care of that!
Great post:)! Something I never thought of.
I’m a coffee girl, slowly learning to love looseleaf teas.
You helped me with a ? once and I have another;)
How do I clean the spout of my tea pot?
Hi, I love your post which makes sense because I love my tea….I’ve got a cup right here next to me now. 🙂 Thanks for the history (another love of mine).
This is a great blog! I am addicted to my tea myself, and come from a country of tea drinkers. There’s no amount of caffeine guzzling that can match the supreme elegance of a 4 o’clock cuppa, IMO!
I couldn’t resist a comment as I’m a huge fan of Sense and Sensibility. Although I must say, I prefer the movie over the book. Forgive me, literary gods, but Emma Thompson did an amazing job with her screenplay. And Kate Winslet is hot (forgive me, I’m the only guy commenting here!). At any rate, I thoroughly enjoyed your post. I always enjoy a little history lesson. And I love tea, herbal preferably.
I suspect that Jane never actually drank her tea out of a cup also Jenny. If my memory serves me right (and JA fans can hop into research mode to correct me) her characters refer to drinking or taking a ‘dish’ of tea. Which is like a small bowl.
OH, what great history! I miss reading about the Victoria Era. I like the idea of bring a dancer in to replicate the music in Jane’s time. I can’t wait til my daughter is a bit and older. These ideas are going to be wonderful to add to parties!
I love history and Jane Austin. I thought you do a great job of putting the two together. It was a fun read.
Congratulations,
LaRene
Karen, that is a great point. I just watched “Becoming Jane” this weekend, and there was only one scene with tea. I think Mrs. Austen did offer Maggie Smith’s character a dish of tea, but I am going to confirm that. Great excuse to watch the movie again.
At the moment they have been playing a new BBC Jane Austen series, last nights was Mansfield Park. It has inspired me to get organised and have a Austen theme 21st. I was thinking tea party and after reading your wonderful ideas and historical facts, I’m thinking more of a picnic like Fanny had in Mansfield Park, and have (of course) beautiful teas as well.
Thanks for inspiration 🙂
The dancing we have and love to do. We are having a Jane Austin birthday dance this December and I was thinking of having tea before hand but you have given me pause. Very interesting historical point.
But I must say, (in the words of Lady Catherine de Bourgh) ” Yes, yes but this is all extremely vexing… I’m quite put out! “