It all started with a menu, which became spattered and written over and wrinkled before it came to pass…

 

Then too, there was a lot of baking. Some was also for Christmas, but a whole day was devoted to making things like these amazing cream-cheese icing topped gingerbread cupcakes (mini version), and a first try at petit fours.

 

Finally the day came. Some things could be done ahead of time, like arranging the glasses on the punch table…

…setting up the centerpiece…

…and hairstyles. I went with a Downton Abbey (Titanic Era) look and borrowed my hairstyle generally from that time period as well, aiming for a Lady Grantham style.

Side:

Back:

Other Side:

Then it was time to work on the tables and slowly start filling them up with things that could sit out, breaking out all the heirloom dishes and fine china. 

Also arranging forks can be done earlier. This was the handiwork of my 11-year-old brother, Bobby.

Spiced iced tea preparations:

And the iced tea ready to drink (I did alter the original recipe quite a bit to make it taste how I wanted – I'll post my version in time for New Year's.)

 

As the hour to expect guests approached, we could put more dishes on the table and start the tea water boiling.

 

Once things were mostly put together, we could change. Here's one hostess/guest in her Edwardian costume:

 

I wore a modern formal taffeta skirt bought at a thrift store, and a vintage blouse from the 1980s that looks quite Titanic with its gold and black over-lace, assymetrical V at the neck, and loads of trimming.

 

This was a ladies only tea, so the gentlemen of the house were glad to escape outside and be otherwise occupied (although they appreciated the leftovers!).

 

Finally all was prepared.

 

Waiting for the guests to arrive is hard work!

It also makes you hungry, apparently.

 

Some of the guests also kindly brought some goodies.

 

And one guest brought *gasp* a gentleman!

 

We had a very enjoyable time chatting, sipping cold and hot tea, and enjoying the wonderful spread and soft Victorian style Christmas music in the background.

 

 

Also baby holding. Who could resist beseeching blue eyes?

 

When it grew dark and the guests left, we enjoyed the candlelight for a while and snacked from the tea table for supper. We were tired, but it had been fun. And the holiday season had been brightened.

 

After all, things worth having are worth working for – and an elegant celebration with friends is worth having.

Maybe we'll have another one next year! Thanks for allowing me to share it with you.

 

Thanks to Jamie for suggesting this post!