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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. Mr. Burnham continues his stellar performances of this 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
DICKENS HIGH
TEA
DICKENS LUNCHEON
TEA
| 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 |
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 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.
The Victorian Teas have, for so many, become a holiday tradition. Don't miss your opportunity to experience a unique, charming and entertaining event, that is sure to enhance your holidays.
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