Women of Victorian times were expected to be consummate hostesses. From an early age, they filled hope chests with the appropriate linens for future entertaining. Although the first tea set was tiny and the first “guests” were dolls and teddy bears, the practice of proper table etiquette was often initiated with young ladies by learning how to properly pour and serve tea. Chaperoned meetings with a prospective suitor for tea was an acceptable activity for a young woman, and local establishments hosted tea dances to provide opportunities for proper courtship.

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While the mores of the time were very restrictive, few could argue that the Victorian era was not one of the most romantic times in our past. To recapture that spirit of gentility, men and women alike are holding tea parties using Victorian customs.

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Chapter Seven of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll depicts a tea party. Crowded together at one corner of the table were the March Hare and the Mad Hatter. They appeared to be using the sleeping Dormouse seated between them as a cushion. They rested their elbows upon the Dormouse while speaking to each other and Alice. During the tea party, they gradually moved around the table, changing seats.

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