CURRENT HOURS: Programs by reservation only from November through April

Taking Tea in the Garden

August 13, 2014

garden tea

As Kate pours tea and maid Sarah offers a tray of sweets, Kathlee, Rebecca, and Ben enjoy sitting in the garden.

A beautiful rug, sparkling silver, and brilliant flowers: the scene is set for garden tea outside the Flynn Mansion. On a lovely Sunday afternoon in July, several staff members, interns, and volunteers created their own garden tea on the lovely grounds outside the mansion. Tea was a popular beverage in Victorian America, but it was traditionally taken indoors. However, on a lovely spring or summer afternoon, the garden could provide a picturesque alternative location.

Victorians loved to bring nature inside their homes displaying plants, shells, images of flowers and animals, etc. However, did you know that they also brought the indoors outside? Yes, even down to an ornate rug, the entire parlor tea scene was brought outdoors. In doing so, one could enjoy nature in a controlled way while still adhering to the strict rules of etiquette that characterized the Victorian Era. Of course, it did not hurt that a lady could also show off  her gardening and baking talents at the same time. Guests would be treated to beautiful views of flowers, the shade of lovely trees, and delicious treats from the hostess’s kitchen. Tea was often served with an assortment of cakes and sandwiches.

At our tea, we served lemon cake with raspberries decorating the top in addition to an assortment of cucumber, ham, and egg sandwiches. The delicacies were served by one of our talented interns playing the role of maid, while others sat down to a lovely afternoon observance of a delightful Victorian custom. We  hope you can join us for our next Garden Tea.

Kate shows off some of the tea treats we served.

Kate shows off some of the tea treats we served.

Staff enjoyed a lively game of croquet.

Staff enjoyed a lively game of croquet.

Staff enjoying tea in the garden.

Staff enjoying tea in the garden.

Intern Sarah is dressed as a maid, offering treats to the staff.

Intern Sarah is dressed as a maid, offering treats to the staff.

Blog by Kathlee Yates, Judy Jabaay

Read more posts on the LHF Blog

Categories:

Flynn Mansion   19th Century Leisure

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