I have always loved “tea parties.” Even as a little girl. Now, I get to host big-girl tea parties, at a beautiful Victorian mansion, in Williamsburg. What is a tea party? A tea party is defined as a social gathering in the afternoon at which tea, cakes, and other light refreshments are served. And in Williamsburg, Virginia, that means a tea party is filled with colonial heritage, education and dressed-up ladies! Now, anyone can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea, in Colonial Williamsburg. Sample freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, and my (Carmen Alves) personal flair! 

I hosted my first tea at The Victorian, on Saturday, March 5, 2016. I had a total of 7 ladies at my event, and I am rethinking my capping the event at 12. Seven ladies was almost perfect: 8-10 would be ideal. The ladies found it very relaxed with finding places to sit, me finding room to move around the table as I served and taught and it was still cozy enough. A tea party, in Williamsburg, where the ladies leave hugging and exchanging business cards is a HUGE success, as far as I am concerned.

This is the way that they 2-hour tea party went:

The ladies let themselves in and settled in the front room, chatting quietly, not quite sure what to expect. The decor and furnishing are formal and Victorian, so the ladies sat elegantly sitting on the edge of their seats. When the last guest arrived, I went in, opened the French Doors leading to the dining room and introduced myself. The experience had begun.

I started with a definition of a Colonial Tea and who came, what they drank, how long they stayed, and what they ate. I showed them their choices of tea, asked them to help themselves to homemade scones and started talking about what a Colonial tea would have been like. I explained my vision for future teas, to include Evening Teas, front-porch teas and themed teas, such as: Indian, Chinese or Belgian. They served their first cup and ate the scones, while I let them talk awhile. Then, I gave them a tad more history while they enjoyed a second cup and they really started enjoying themselves. They were laughing and sharing stories and admiring the china. I served petite sandwiches and a special plate created for my gluten-free guest. Finally, I served the final course of sweets and petits fours.

I had so much fun listening and teaching and serving and hearing all the OOOHs and AHHHs over my food choices. I DO love to cook for people who appreciate my talents! I am so excited to add this educational outreach and relaxing time for women and moms and friends to get together for relaxed conversation. The first tea party at The Victorian was all that I hoped it would be!