Victorian-Inspired In the modern world, the term “Victorian” has come to be associated with “old fashioned” clothing that has a romantic flair. Long flowing skirts, lots and lots of lace, sheer fabrics, large hats, floral prints, pastel colors, high heeled boots– these are all images that come to mind.
What do you wear to a Victorian tea party?
History of the Tea Dress or Tea Gown
Unlike dinner parties where women adorned themselves in extravagant clothes, tea parties had guests dressed in light and loose-fitting house gowns or dresses. This became the staple attire for such affairs.
What is appropriate attire for a tea?
A dress or skirt is always a good choice for high tea. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, make sure it is at least knee-length. A blouse or lightweight sweater is an excellent choice to wear with a skirt. Pants or trousers can be worn to high tea, just avoid denim, leggings, and overly casual pant styles.
What should a woman wear to a tea party?
Pick out clothes with soft colors or floral patterns.
In general, skip the color black for a tea party, which can look way too formal or serious. Remember, you want light, bright, fun colors! Choose light, flowy dresses made from cotton, linen, or a synthetic blend for spring and summer teas.
What is formal attire for a tea party?
Women attending a tea party should choose semi-formal dresses and skirt-and-blouse combinations. A short cocktail dress, such as an A-line frock or a classic shift dress, are appropriate. Avoid black and other dark hues. Instead, choose soft pastels or bright floral patterns — the more color, the better.
What should you not wear to afternoon tea?
If you want to ensure you’re wearing the proper high tea attire, stay away from anything mini or clingy. You will be seated most of the time, so make sure your high tea dress is comfortable: not too short or tight. Something that hits just above or below your knee will be perfect.
Can I wear jeans to afternoon tea?
Afternoon Tea Dress
Dressing for afternoon tea can be modified to however smart or casual you may feel. While you can get away with a smart top and jeans, if you don’t want to dress up, many ladies choose to take the opportunity to don a pretty frock.
What should you not do at a tea party?
Tea Party Etiquette
- A hostess gift is not required, but loose tea would always be appreciated.
- Avoid placing too much food on your plate.
- Only pick up your saucer if you are standing.
- Do not leave your spoon in your saucer or on the table.
- Scones are not to be eaten with a fork or knife.
Is it appropriate to wear black to a tea party?
Black is a completely acceptable option for high tea styling.
Can you wear dress pants to high tea?
Yes, pants are definitely an option, although your hosts love to see guests dress for the occasion, so choose a chic pant suit or even a floral jumpsuit over the denim.
Is a tea length dress considered formal?
Tea length dresses are a more playful, modern alternative to formal evening gowns. They’re a staple at summer weddings, graduations, and of course, formal lunches or tea parties.
What does a tea length dress look like?
In general, the hem of a tea-length dress typically stops right above the ankle, making it ideal for formal and black-tie optional events. However, some silhouettes may stop 2 to 3 inches above the ankle, which is more appropriate for a casual dress code.
What are three rules for afternoon tea?
High Tea Etiquette – Top 5 Tips
- Dress Code. Do dress smart casual.
- All About Scones. Scones should be broken apart with the fingers, not cut with a knife and fork.
- Eating Manners. As the name suggests finger sandwiches should be eaten with your hands, but small delicate sweet morsels require a fork or dessert spoon.
Can you wear boots to afternoon tea?
Leather boots would be more than acceptable obviously as long as there clean and not too worn looking, with a nice day dress and coat.
What shoes to wear to afternoon tea?
Shoes. For men, closed shoes are a necessity. For women, this is a little more relaxed because everyone knows a glittering pair of heeled sandals or open-toe pair of heels can look just as glamorous as a closed-toe.
Can you wear dress pants to a tea party?
And though the aforementioned styles work well for afternoon tea, you don’t have to wear a dress or skirt to be “smart casual.” Dress pants or stylish slacks can provide another stylish option to wear to your afternoon tea. Just make sure they are tailored well, fit properly and are suited for the season.
What is smart casual dress code?
Smart Casual is a style halfway between formal and casual. Therefore, it is neither an elegant look with a jacket and necktie, nor an overly sporty outfit with sneakers, t-shirt and jeans. Smart Casual stands for ‘simple, but elegant’.
What is tea etiquette?
If sat at a table, the proper manner to drink tea is to raise the tea cup, leaving the saucer on the table, and to place the cup back on the saucer between sips. It’s considered rude to look anywhere but into the cup whilst sipping tea, and absolutely no slurping!
What is the first thing you do when served the tea?
What is this? Afternoon tea etiquette is to eat the sandwiches first, then the scones, then the pastries. Some places will serve the food in courses, so you won’t have to worry about remembering the order.
How much do you tip at high tea?
15-20 percent
Tearoom server—15-20 percent of the bill. If dividing checks, each person should add 18 percent to his or her individual total. Tea sommelier—10-15 percent, depending on the level of service.
How should you behave at an afternoon tea?
21 Afternoon Tea Etiquette Rules
- Afternoon Tea Etiquette.
- #1: Dress appropriately.
- #2: Keep phones off the table.
- #3: Put your pinkie finger down.
- #4: Hold the teacup by the handle.
- #5: Stir up and down, not in circles.
- #7: Don’t put the teaspoon in your mouth.
- #9: Don’t blow on the tea to cool it down.