|
A Christmas Tea with Mr. Dickens
"One of the most delightful traditions of Victorian Society
was the practice of taking tea."
-Henry James
The Dickens Christmas Teas have become an annual must attend holiday event for many.
This elegant affair takes place in a period holiday setting, bedecked with elaborate holiday décor. Every effort is taken to re-create an experience of actually traveling back in time to a true Victorian Tea.
From the period clad wait staff, to the authentic English Bill of Fare (See menu below), the strolling Victorian entertainers, to the one man performance of Dickens immortal Christmas Carol. No detail is left out.
Howard Burnham, headlines as Mr. Scrooge. Mr. Burnham is a fellow of the Royal School of Arts, London’s past casting director for the Royal Shakespearian Theater at Stratford-upon-Avon, and former head of the London’s Center of Speech and Drama. This year marks his 4th year performance of the classical tale at the teas.
The musical entertainment is provided by “Suzanne and Jim”. This historic musical duo offers a true exposure to the Victorian Holiday tunes, played on a variety of antique instruments. Their performance is sure to get even Mr. Scrooge in a festive mood.
The event takes place at St. Johns The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church Fellowship Hall.
There are three separate teas:
DICKENS LUNCHEON TEA
Friday, November 12
11am to 2:30pm
NON-REFUNDABLE TICKET
2010 Prices Coming Soon!
DICKENS HIGH TEA
Friday, November 12
3pm to 5pm
NON-REFUNDABLE TICKET
2010 Prices Coming Soon!
DICKENS LUNCHEON TEA
Saturday, November 13
11am to 2:30pm
NON-REFUNDABLE TICKET
2010 Prices Coming Soon!
| High Tea Menu |
Assorted Scones w/Clotted Cream
Open-faced Cucumber, Radish Watercress Sandwich
|
| Desserts |
English Trifle w/Ladyfingers
Black Forest Cake
Spicy Gingerbread w/Brandied Pear Chutney
Warm Twin Apple Dumplings w/Caramel Cream
Assorted Holiday Cookies
Assorted Teas, Coffee
|
| |
| Luncheon Tea Menu |
Assorted Scones w/Clotted Cream
Open-faced Cucumber, Radish Watercress Sandwich
Pheasant & Cognac Sausage Baked in Puff Pastry
Traditional Shepard’s Pie w/Beef, Lamb & Pork
Creamed Seafood in Puff Pastry Shells
|
| Desserts |
English Trifle w/Ladyfingers
Black Forest Cake
Spicy Gingerbread w/Brandied Pear Chutney
Warm Twin Apple Dumplings w/Caramel Cream
Assorted Holiday Cookies
Assorted Teas, Coffee
|
| |
 According to "The Book of Tea" (Famaria 1992), the act of afternoon tea was created by Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840 as "a way to quell the inevitable hunger pangs between lunch and dinner" and "became so popular among affluent classes that it...became one of the mainstays of the British way of life."
As the tradition grew, traditional food items began to develop also. The Earl of Sandwich, created a dish by putting various items from meats, cheeses, etc... between two pieces of bread...creating what was known as the "Tea Sandwich" (A forerunner of today's larger version, the "Sandwich.")
Tea was initially served between three and four o’clock. It was normally taken in the gardens, dining room, or parlor. The household’s finest china, sterling and linens were utilized in carrying out this ritual. The menu normally included tea sandwiches, cakes, scones, cookies, and assorted pastries and of course, Devonshire cream. (From which the term “Cream Tea” was born.)
As the tea tradition expanded from the Victorian elite to the working class, the High Tea was developed. High Tea was a combination of afternoon tea and the evening supper; the tradition soon became the main meal for many. The name comes from the fact that the tea was taken at the high time of day, four to five o’clock and it was enjoyed from high stools in the tea shops or standing; at a corner stall, a buffet table or a counter. Today, however, the term High Tea refers to a much more elaborate affair.
Elaborate period holiday décor reminiscent of days of yore further sets the holiday mood as period clad wait staff hover to meet the guests every need. The bill of fare includes a completely traditional English menu for both the Luncheon Tea and the High Tea.
Period Holiday music by “Suzanne and Jim” adds further Victorian enhancements to the event. Their lush period costumes, antique instruments, harmonious music and lively singing would entice even a scrooge into the Holiday Spirit.
A one-man production of a Dickens “Christmas Carol” by Howard Burnham, headlines the entertainment offerings. Mr. Burnham; a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London, past Casting Director for the Royal Shakespearian Theater at Strafford-Upon-Avon, former head of London’s Center School of Speech and Drama and the recipient of many performance awards, amongst other credits, will return for a fourth year. His performances of this age-old classic appeal to both young and old.
The teas have become a Holiday tradition for many. One has only to experience them to understand why. Seating is limited to the first 110 guests per tea. This year's new location promises to further enhance the entire event.
|
