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Christmastime. Beyond the frenzied lurch across town to find THE perfect gift, the office parties, and general mayhem, you look forward to hosting your own Christmas party. Instead of hosting the same party, why not incorporate old-fashioned whimsy, etiquette, and elegance for a truly unique experience for yourself and your guests...in the form of a Victorian Tea Party.

While most think of tea parties in the league of picnics (meaning, way too old fashioned or outdated or--at best--something to be done in the springtime), think about the old-world charm, simplicity and learning factor. While the party might be considered "unhip" by some, it definitely has a history factor going, and (if you're like me) it will give you a chance to show off all those tea sets you've been collecting, and letting collect dust. Usually, the elegance factor of a Victorian Tea goes well with Christmas, and both have had a long and well storied English history. Speaking of which...

THE HISTORY OF TEA
To be sure, the height of tea drinking reached a frenzy amongst the British, but it's history did not begin there. Indeed, tea had been known in Asia, particularly China, for centuries before England took note of it as a beverage. The Emperial Courts of China had noted it for both it's soothing qualities as a beverage, and other practical medicinal purposes. It eventually made its way to Japan, where it became so much a part of culture, it had very specific "cerimonies" tied to its drinking. Finally, the advent of "Western Exchange" (via explorers such as Marco Polo, and the Silk and Spice Roads) brought tea a whole new audience. The Dutch were supposedly the first to discover tea, and its price was so restrictive that only the aristocracy served it. Eventually, tea landed in Britain when Charles the second marries Catherine Braganza of Portugal, who happens to drink tea. The demand for tea slowly but surely makes it's way through most of Europe, but it is Anna, the Dutchess of Bedford, England, who is generally credited with introducing afternoon teas. Her high level of grace and opulence in presentation quickly caught on and is credited with changing Britain's relationship with tea (until then, there were only breakfast and dinner customs).

The quality of the china, napkins, tableware, and more, as well as the formal manner of behavior were most desireable, and the art of social etiquette flourished with these "tea socials". One was able to visit friends, show of their social expertise, and show off their fine house, china, etc...which were only small aspects of tea socials.

You can adapt some of these ideas for your own social gathering. Remember, the idea of the proper tea really is about clever hostmanship. As with all things Victorian, the more interesting, beautiful and intricate the set-up, the more valuable the entire experience. Below is the standard Victorian tea party setup--
A typical tea tray is set up as follows:

* Large Silver or Decorative Tray
* Silver Teapot or other
* Small plates
* Napkins
* Pitcher of Milk
* Bowl of sugar lumps with sugar tongs (or bowl of sugar with spoon)
* Small saucer with lemon or lime slices with a small fork
* Cups & saucers
* Teaspoons & Forks
* Cake or other food items

Of course, you don't necessarily have to drive yourself crazy, or break the bank, recreating the entire setup, though it's certainly an interesting guide to note. Instead, why not take a fun, or modern version of the tea party and make it yours. We've taken a few variations on this idea, and compiled some tips and tricks for a unique and fun event and setup.

~ If you don't have your own tea sets, you can find reasonably priced ones at flea markets, Ebay, secondhandstores and yard sales. There are online stores and antique stores, although these will not have as many bargains. Don't feel the need to rush to get tea sets unless you really get a feel for the set you are looking at...shopping is part of the fun!

~ Or, you might be lucky to have hand-downs of heirloom tea sets. Don't be afraid to use them! My personal feeling is that tea sets aren't meant to be imprisoned in those stuffy china cabinets! Let them reach their full potential.

~ Don't worry if you find an incomplete tea set that you like..you can mix and match sets for a whimsical look.

~ Napkins, spoons, decanters, and tablecloths can be found at flea markets, fairs and antique stores, but you can find them in linen stores, cooking supply stores and more...use your imagination. You don't necessarily have to go with standard fair to make an impression. I've used bits of light colored sari material for a tablecloth. Or, why not take a very pretty piece of material from the sewing store, and make a table cloth and embroider initials of your guest on napkins? It's YOUR party, make it memorable!

Sometimes small, decorative tea cups and pots can be found in gift shops... these can be used for child's tea sets, or as festive table decorations. These are from Aunt Elizabeth's collection

~ Don't forget the little princesses! Children's tea sets
work if you have friends, or guests, with kids. Set up a little table with cushions for chairs, and have them play with their own tea sets. There are several tea companies that specifically make their own children's tea sets, you can find them online and at better gift shops.

~ Even if you aren't prone to hosting tea parties, very fancy tea sets can be used as part of your Christmas decor. Why not get a tall tea pot, put seasonal flowers in it, and surround it with the other pieces of the tea suite?

Once you have that all set, now it's time for tea!

Do You Know Your Teas?
Think tea is the brown stuff in a tea bag? Think again! A whole bevvy of interesting colors, flavors, and classes of teas exist. Widen your beverage horizons, below:

White
Enjoyed for nearly two centuries by the Chinese, white tea has just recently come to the attention of Westerners. Its delicate, translucent color — from pale straw to light amber hues — comes from a high percentage of immature leaves or buds. Its flavor is subtle and smooth, a delicate infusion of citrus and floral notes that is never astringent.

Actually a minimally processed form of green tea, white tea is the least processed of all teas. The leaves and buds are merely dried (withered), sorted and packaged. Though researchers are still not certain, this minimal handling may be the reason for the relatively high antioxidant and low caffeine content of white tea. Harvested only in the spring, white tea is generally more expensive than other types.

Green
Green tea is leading the tea revolution in North America, sparked by reports of its health benefits. It's available in a bewildering array of infusions and styles that can be traced to two general regions: China and Japan. Chinese-style green tea is described as light, with a soft natural sweetness and hint of smokiness, whereas tea produced in Japan is fresh, with grassy notes and a hint of the ocean. These subtle differences are due to the variant production methods used in each country.

Green tea undergoes only slightly more processing than white tea and has a little more caffeine. Its high antioxidant levels are the basis for the health claims that have made it so popular.

Oolong
Oolong tea occupies that middle territory between green tea and black tea. Its unique flavor is due to a modest level of oxidation — a process that exposes the bruised leaf to oxygen in the air — that, like green tea, varies by region of origin. The two main regions in this case are China and Taiwan. Taiwan's oolong tea, regarded by many as the best, is characterized by light, floral and fragrant liquors, and highly complex fruit, spice and floral aromas. Its color often has a green cast. In contrast, Chinese oolong is darker, due to longer oxidation, and exhibits roasted "toasty" flavors.

Oolong tea (known as red tea in Asia) is valued in China for its purported digestive properties. Its antioxidant levels are high and the caffeine content is somewhat higher than green tea.

Black
The most widely consumed tea in the world, black tea is so called because the relatively lengthy oxidation period (several hours) darkens the leaves. This color is transferred to the cup in pale sienna and red-orange tones. Black tea flavors can be differentiated by region more so than other teas:

India
Darjeeling — The Champagne of teas with light, complex muscatel flavors and flowery aromas Assam — Strong and malty, the ultimate breakfast tea with or without milk and sugar.
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Straightforward flavor, good straight — up or with additions.

China
Wine-like, with a sweet finish and subtle smokiness, the Burgundy of teas.

Black tea also has the high antioxidant levels desired by so many health conscious tea drinkers as well as higher levels of caffeine, but still only about half as much as a similar serving of coffee.

Flavored Teas And Scented Teas — true teas to which flavors — from almond to wild cherry — and/or aromatic oils have been added for flavor and aroma. Examples include Lemon-flavored green tea; Earl Grey, a blended black tea with oil of bergamot; and Jasmine tea (scented with the fragrance of jasmine flowers). The best teas of this sort use natural flavors or essential oils derived from natural or organic sources. Avoid teas with artificial flavors or those that do not declare whether or not their flavorings are natural or artificial.

Chai Tea — a derivative of cha, the Chinese word for tea, chai means "tea with spices;" usually of the more assertive sort, such as ginger or cinnamon.

Russian Tea — can refer to tea produced in Russia or drunk in the Russian style — in a glass with lemon.

Souchong and Lapsang Souchong — a Chinese-style black tea made from the third, fourth and fifth leaves from the tip of the branch. These leaves are older and larger than the young leaves at the tip and have less flavor. Leaves used for lapsang souchong are dried over a fire, giving it a distinctive smoky taste and aroma.

TIPS for enjoying TEA, CHAI, COCOA:

*Place a small amount of ONE of these extracts/essences for a great taste: vanilla, anise, orange, peppermint.
* Whipped Cream (homemade is great) on the top of cocoa and chai is wonderful! Garnish with a sprinkle cinnamon or cocoa powder
* Add a whole cinnamon stick or a candy cane to your tea, chai or cocoa. you will instantly have cinnamon, or peppermint flavor
* DOUBLE DESSERT: Place a small piece of milk chocolate ATOP your hot cocoa and watch it melt. Yum!

And more sweets:

Victorian Teas are usually renown for their dainty little sweets and finger sandwiches. Usually bite size and elegantly made, they included such ingredients that would baffle most of us: lavender cookies, rose jam, cucumber sandwiches and other quixotic goods were as interesting to look at as they were to eat.

We've COMPILED a few of these recipes in our KITCHEN WORKS section but in the meantime, here are some simple ways to explore the world of tea time sweets.

* Honey cakes, scones, and jam were a staple of Victorian tea foods. For those in a rush, bakeries and most stores now carry these foods, and other dainty sweets that you can put onto pretty dishes

* Besides jam, feel free to use honey, fudge, hot caramel, or other "topper" for scones and small cakes.

* Sugar cubes are often used, instead of loose sugar, for tea. A clever way to decorate the cube is to put a dollop of icing at the top of each cube, let dry, and serve this way.

* You can also put lavendar buds, or rose petals, into a jar of loose sugar for a few days, so that the scent catches onto the sugar, then flavors the tea (or, sweets, if you are baking with it).

MOSTLY, the idea is to slow down, reconnect with friends, and enjoy yourself!
Happy Holidays!