|
| |
|
How to:
Victorian Giving, a Holiday Tradition |
|
|
From "A
Thought"
I love the
Christmas-tide, and yet,
I notice with this, each year I live;
I always like the gifts I get,
But how I love the gifts I give!
Booth Tarkington, 1921
|
|
|
|
The Victorian ladies of the early 18th century had an art for gift giving.
They would put on their best attire with large brim veiled hats, set out
their fine English
Tea Sets, and gather for a "Christmas Tea". The warmth of a
bright cozy fireplace and the aroma of fresh baked scones from the kitchen
indeed, soon made this an inviting holiday tradition.
|
|
|
Since
they were ladies of fine needlework some of their most prized gifts for
giving were lovely needle cases to
hold their precious needles, a
pincushion to keep them sharp, and thimble cases
to hold a favorite thimble.
In
the language of flowers, they would convey a message of a Joyful Christmas
with a lovely
Tussie-Mussie, sometimes called a "talking bouquet", filled
with holiday pine, rosemary, cinnamon, and holly berries.
With the joy of laughter, gifts, and conversation of the news of the day,
they would sip a cup of hot spicy "Christmas Tea" and let the
bleak cold winters day disappear.
|
"Christmas
Tea"
|
|
|
1/2 lb.
orange pekoe tea
4 t. grated, orange peel
2 t. grated, lemon peel
2 - 4" sticks of crushed cinnamon
1/4 cup whole clove
1 t. nutmeg
1 cup silvered candied orange peel
Mix well
- store in air tight container
Courtesy of
englishcreekgardens.com
|
|
|
|
At
English Creek Gardens, we would like to share with you this very old
recipe for "Christmas Tea". Share it with a friend, as the
Victorian ladies did, and start your own holiday tradition! Join us on our
web site at www.englishcreekgardens.com Select "How
to" instructions page. Print out the recipe and brewing
instructions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
