Upon finding a suitable husband, Victorian women were expected to always be prepared to welcome any person who might come to call. In social partnership with her mate, the Victorian wife was adept at making a guest in her home feel special, and was a true asset to the advancement of her husband’s career interests and her family’s reputation. A beautiful tea service was an appropriate wedding gift, and at least one sterling silver tea service was almost mandatory. Tea and the appropriate finger sandwiches were always a part of the well-stocked Victorian household.

As one of the few nonacademic opportunities for camaraderie outside of the home, meeting for afternoon tea was another way young Victorian women could visit with each other and “see and be seen” within the community. When considered ready for “society,’ they could be observed at a reputable establishment, enjoying afternoon tea and practicing their skills of artful conversation. To this day, an invitation to a formal afternoon tea is an opportunity for any woman to wear the most tasteful and fashionable attire, including a hat and gloves.

If time allows, invitations to a proper Victorian tea should be written and mailed. A last minute invitation would have been thought of as a social slight; however, if it is unavoidable, the telephone can be used to warmly assure any guest who does not believe the invitation is genuine.
The invitation should state the date, time, and location of the event, which was customarily held in the afternoon. A host or hostess should also welcome the wearing of Victorian dress, if available, or at the very least, classically tailored modest attire for the women and a coat and tie for the gentlemen.

The proper exercise of manners was also an indication of the social status of the hosts and hostesses of this era. Invitees to current parties often practice the custom of asking the hostess if she would like help with the food or its preparation. During Victorian times, that would have been considered a breach of etiquette.

A guest contributed to the event by his or her prompt arrival to and departure from the party, as well as providing pleasant, stimulating conversation in between. These events were perfect parties for the introduction of new persons to the local social scene in small groups. Following the party, a handwritten note thanking the hostess and referencing a particularly enjoyable occurrence or food should be sent as soon as possible.

After an unfortunate encounter with the Queen of Hearts, where she accused him of “murdering” the time and then called for his head, the Mad Hatter made every attempt to stop time in its tracks, going so far as to carry a pocket watch with only the date present.
The Dormouse was apparently only pretending to be asleep and was encouraged to tell a story. When she did not understand the Dormouse’s story, Alice interrupted it with questions, much to the annoyance of the March Hare and Mad Hatter. Clearly, they did not want Alice to join them, and eventually, she leaves in disgust.

The phrase, “Mad as a Hatter,” has a factual basis in symptoms found in hat makers. Apparently mercury was used to process the felt material used in hats and inevitably, the vapors were inhaled. Exposure to the vapors affected the nervous system and could be fatal. A possible true historical model for the Mad Hatter is Theophilus Carter, the inventor of the alarm clock bed. Another possible source for the Mad Hatter character could be Roger Crab, a soldier under Oliver Cromwell. Mr. Crab was struck on the head and renounced his business as a hatter, choosing a life of poverty.