Clayson House Tea

A couple weeks ago, my husband and I attended a tea at the local historical society museum, the Clayson House. It was a fundraising event that included eight seatings over two weekends.

When we arrived, the butler greeted us at the door. What a fun way to start the event!

They had turned the 1874 home into a tea parlor, with guests seated in the two parlors and in the dining room.

We were seated in the dining room near the kitchen. The ladies who volunteered were dressed as servants, with long black dresses and white aprons!

The fine china and silverware was set out. Everything looked so nice!



Each table had a tiered tea tray filled with finger sandwiches and sweets.



There were scones with strawberry butter,

Lemon curd tarts and cream puffs,



And fancy candies and cookies!



I thought these Wedgwood cameo candies were adorable!



Darjeeling tea was served in a variety of pretty tea pots.

One lump or two?

Our table was next to the sideboard. On it I spotted the most beautiful gold cup and saucer!



Needless to say, this set was not being used for guests today!



After the finger sandwiches had been eaten and the beautiful sweets were gone, it was time to have another pot of tea and listen to the presentation given by the volunteers. This year's theme was "Things Found on a Lady's Dressing Table." Items from the 1890's, the 1920's and the 1950's were shown and passed around to each table. It was fun to see how these items changed over the decades.



I didn't get any photos of the presentation items. Before we knew it, it was time to leave.



Have you been to a Victorian Tea lately? If you get the chance, I highly recommend it! You'll be transported back in time to a more genteel era. And it really is delightful if the setting is a beautifully restored Victorian house!