Time for Tea - Regency Style

Gosh, time really flies when you are busy. And that’s what I have been. So busy that I have become a bit lax in my blogging over the last month, and it’s about time that I played catch-up. First up, early in November, I attended a Regency tea hosted at the home of a fellow re-enactor and costumer. She invited us over to enjoy tea and put on a spread of food using recipes collected from cookbooks of the period (of course, taking into account our various food intolerances). It was lovely to try out some of her period baking creations. It really makes me want to have a crack at some of my own historical cookbooks.

Unfortunately, the day turned out to be one of the hottest days in November. Not really a surprise given that we live in sunny Queensland. But this day, the humidity was right up and the heat was cooking us all. You would think that given how flimsy regency gowns look that we would be cool enough. Unfortunately you never really consider the layers that go into regency - chemise, stays (made of a 3 – 4 layers of fabric), petticoat, gown (lined). And even though they are all natural fibres, it can still be quite warm. We spent quite some time fanning ourselves and sipping cold water as we wandered the shady gardens of her home.

For the occasion, I decided to finish my new regency stays – created from Jill Saleen’s book Corsets. I made the 1790s transitional stays. I don’t have any photos of them worn as they are VERY low cut at the bust. In fact they don’t really cover much at all, but they do provide the correct support for the new gown that I made. Earlier this year, I was gifted a chunk of yellow gingham muslin which I just knew would be perfect for a Regency gown. I decided to use a pattern that I had made previously but with a couple alterations (buttons and elbow length sleeves). I love how soft and pretty this gown has come out. The only disappointment I have is that the bonnets I currently have don’t really match too well, so there might be a new bonnet in my future to really make the outfit pop (yellow?).

Starting the year in the 1960s

The costuming starts early around here. :)

Already this year, I have attended my very first dress-up event: a vintage afternoon tea for the birthday of my cousin trinnyt. She invited a number of family and friends into her home for an afternoon of edible delicacies, tea and good company.

Each place was set with a teacup set and small plate. The tables were set with milk, sugar, cream and decorated with roses. I think the hi-light of the day was the champagne cake with a champagne italian meringue frosting, which due to my corn intolerance was unable to try. *sad panda* however there were plenty of other delicious choices available. My favourite of the day was sitting down to a cup of apple crumble tea. I have to admit I do love blended teas and have quite the collection myself.

For the occasion I decided to dress in my only original vintage dress (which I unfortunately didn't get a full photo of). It's a pastel pink 1960s georgette piece with full permanent pleating. I love it, and I even more the fact that I was able to find an original piece that actually fits me. A miracle in and of itself, surely. So, to match it up, I styled my hair in a beehive. And funnily enough, my good friend Miss Diana Daring had also 60'd it up for the day. She walked in the door, and we both just looked at each other and giggled. Great minds think alike!

Queenies for Tea

I thought it was high time for a girls day out. On the weekend, I asked eight of my girlfriends to join me for high tea at Queenies in Nundah (North side of Brisbane). It was of course to be a vintage outing. It was so lovely to have everyone dress up in their vintage finery for a morning out to tea. A last minute cancellation saw my mum frock up to join us for the festivities. But it was a lovely group to spend some time with.

Tea at Queenies is fantastic. I pre-booked for us the classic tea. It is one of the best high teas I have been to in a long time, and a good deal at $35 per person. Quite a bit more affordable than many places that serve high tea. We sat down at our table and out came three pots of French Earl Grey tea to start us off. It’s a very beautiful blend and a great way to start. We polished off our tea and out came four more pots, this time stocked with Marco Polo – a rhubarb and cream black tea blend. It was so delicious that I picked up a bag for myself.

Then came the individual servings of food. We each got a three tier stand. The bottom, stocked with sandwiches, quiche and tart. The middle, with scone jam and vanilla cream, and the top with an assortment of sweets – rose jelly, chocolate butterflies, macarons, lemon tart. We did play a little food swapsies to accommodate the allergies of a couple of girls. It was a lovely spread.

For the occasion, I decided to wear my new yellow linen 1940s dress. I have so many of this pattern dress made up, but I love the style on me, it’s comfortable and it has pockets. What more could you want in a dress? And the linen is lovely to wear. Cool enough in summer and quite a summery colour. I felt very appropriate for the day. And I am glad that I made the effort to organise the event. Must do this more often in future.