Saturday, January 9, 2016

Tea With Miss Janice, Post #14


I'm reposting this today to celebrate National Hot Tea Month and the 80th anniversary of Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind.
I invited a few of my Southern friends for a Southern Lady Afternoon Tea. The invitations set the tone for the event, with a Southern magnolia motif on the front and a mint tea sample teabag inserted into the slot of the teacup design.

This tablescape was perfect for Afternoon Tea. The china pattern has a Southern magnolia motif and all the proper tea accoutrements were displayed. The tiered tea tray made an elegant centerpiece and was surrounded by the very proper young ladies head vases, holding beautiful fresh rose arrangements--very Southern. The soundtrack from Gone with the Wind played softly in the background and added to the ambiance of the event.

All of my very favorite Southern friends were invited and as the hostess, I took the worst seat--the one closest to the kitchen.

Miss Scarlett was my Guest of Honor and was seated in the best seat, just to my right.




Miss Melanie...bless her heart, she's so sweet...was seated to my left, because she was the second-most important guest at the tea. Y'all know Miss Scarlett simply had to be the most important person there or she would have pitched a hissy fit! Miss Melanie was ever-so gracious.

Aunt Pittypat was seated across from me--she would have been miffed if I hadn't invited her and was just ecstatic to be there! Mammy prepared the most delicious afternoon tea foods for us to enjoy.

Menu

Aunt Pittypat's SavoriesMiss Scarlett's SconesMiss Melanie's SweetsGeorgia Peach Iced TeaPlantation Mint Hot Tea

I greeted my guests at the door, at which time they all removed their gloves. After everyone was present, I invited them into the dining room for tea.

Place cards with a pretty magnolia motif were placed at each setting, directing the ladies to their places--of course they would never dream of switching the cards!


The ladies placed their hands on the back of the chairs (adorned with magnolia blooms and celadon tulle) until everyone was at the table. I took my seat first and then each guest properly entered their chair from the right-hand side of the chair.

Let's take a look at the place setting.

Before anything was touched, Aunt Pittypat said Grace and then I placed my serviette onto my lap, signaling to the guests that they should place their serviette onto their lap and the tea began.

I was "Mother" and poured the Plantation Mint hot tea, because Mammy was so busy in the kitchen. The teapot was resting on top of a teapot warmer. Loose tea was steeped, so the tea strainers were placed at each setting. The sugar cubes, tongs, honey, lemon slices, and milk were also nearby. I poured the tea for each guest and handed the cup and saucer directly to them--I did not pass it around the table.


Mammy poured the Georgia Peach iced tea into the goblets at each place setting. The guests used their iced teaspoons ever-so properly, just like any Southern lady would.

Each guest served themselves the dainty tea foods from the tiered tray, starting at the bottom--eating the savories first, then the scones, and finally the desserts.

Oh, what a wonderful time we had, eating the delicious tea foods, sipping the hot tea and iced tea, and making pleasant conversation and telling bits of gossip! I graciously asked each guest if they would "like tea," not "more tea?"

I almost forgot to tell you about something every gracious Southern hostess does--I gave each guest a party favor--to thank them for coming! Inside each petite gift bag was a magnolia-motif teabag holder, a packet of teapot drip catchers, and a silver teapot motif teaspoon.

After a Very Southern...Very Memorable time, I placed my serviette back on the table to the left of my plate, signaling that the tea was over. All the guests exited their chairs from the right-hand side and said their thank yous. I accompanied them to the front door and said goodbye.



Now, being the proper Southern ladies that they are, their thank-you notes were probably addressed to me before the tea--and definitely in the mail to me the next morning!

What makes a 'Girl Raised in the South' so very extraordinary? Why it's the very essence of who we are--our style, our heritage, and our upbringing.
~Deborah Ford, author "Girls Raised in the South Guide to Life"

Are you a Southern Lady? Take Miss Janice's test here.

Thank you visiting with me today. I hope that you had an enjoyable visit. National Hot Tea month is drawing to a close. My next and final post of the month will feature: tea-related websites, books and magazines about tea, and information regarding programs available for those who might be interested in teaching tea and etiquette.

73 comments:

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

I honestly think this is the most beautiful post I've ever seen in blogland. You have so many beautiful things. I loved your stories. You just took me back in time. Thanks for sharing.

Mona said...

The table is absolutely breathtaking!! Thank you for posting this.
I'm looking forward to the post with the resources.

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Gorgeous!! Ok, where did you find those spoon thingys? Do they have a name? I love the use of the doll heads for personal floral arrangements. The green is lovely! Really beautiful table.

xinex said...

What a beautiful presentation! Your table and the dishes are so pretty....Christine

~CC Catherine said...

Hi Miss Janice! Love the Tablescape Theme and Place settings...how fun! Totally enjoy your blog and your tips! ~CC Catherine (Thanks for frequenting my Teacup Site, just bought three more cups today in an Antique shop) ;)

Justabeachkat said...

Hi Miss Janice

Oh please invite me for your next tea party! Everything is absolutely gorgeous!

I've missed a few of your posts so it was fun tonight catching up. I especially love reading your list of tea etiquette faux pas.

Hugs!

Kat

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh Miss Janice...I'm sure that was the most wonderful tea party anyone ever had! Was Miss Scarlet allowed to wear her hat inside at the tea party? Perhaps I may be included in your tea party tomorrow. After all...tomorrow is another day!...Debbie

Glenda said...

So glad I was permitted to be a "fly on the wall" at your "Afternoon Tea". I came, I observed, and hopefully learned quite a lot.

Thank you for your patience with my questions. Maybe with the help of the resources in your final tea post I can find answers to any further questions that arise.

Unknown said...

oH YOU ARE JUST PERFECTION! i LOVE THOSE LADY VASES. yOU HAVE THE BEST SETINGS. aLWAYS A JOY TO SEE. MISHELLE

Anonymous said...

Good evening Miss Janice,
I have just been blog-hopping & have happened upon your beautiful blog.
Thank you so much for the inspitation that has come upon me after reading your post. I have enjoyed reading your blog & will be back often. Please come visit me back when you have time.
Sarah xxx
Shabby Roses & Pretty Things
Australia.

Paula@SweetPea said...

I so much enjoyed reading your post about your tea and I learned a few things, too. Your table setting is so pretty. My favorite thing is your use of the head vases for flower arrangements for each place setting.

Jewel Sauls said...

Miss Janice, Thank you so the virtual tour, sugah! That magnolia theme is as cute as can be! I'm glad all you guests minded their manners, even that Scarlett, Bless her heart. I can't wait to see what you come up with next, dahlin!!!! :D Jewel

On The Wings Of Love said...

How cute is that !

I think you do have a little Martha in you afterall!

Makes me want to slow my life down enough to be able to even have a tea like that : )

Cheers,
Bre

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

Oh my...what a gorgeous table....I love the dishes...and then will all you extras...the added touches ... makes this an amazing tablescape!

Lots of ideas....wow

Dixie said...

Miss Janice... beautiful table setting and post... I miss so many things from the south (I've lived in Texas for 25 years)... but most of all, I miss the Magnolias. Thanks for sharing...
blessings. Dixie

A Hint of Home said...

What a beautiful table you set, Miss Janice. The place settings are stunning and floral arrangements in the little heads are so sweet.
Thank you for a delightful post.

PAT said...

This is beautiful. I think I'll stop by Nikki's at The Scarlett Rose Garden and tell her to drop by. She will absolutely love this post!!

Nikki via The Scarlett Rose Garden said...

Hello Janice~
Why, thank you for having me(Scarlett), for tea!

Ok, so really Pat at Backporch Musings sent me over...

What a lovely setting and of course the perfect theme.

Besides the GWTW touches, the fresh flowers in the head vases were my favorite.

I took your "lady" test and passed... barely...but we all knew Scarlett was no lady anyhow!
Best,
Nikki
http://www.flickr.com/photos/85469550@N00/collections/72157603836154323/

Maryrose said...

How darling are you? Loved your post, and I plan on visiting often, but only when invited. Thank you, Maryrose

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Love the lady head vases. I almsot did a table featuring mine last weekend but we were couples, not just women & I was afraid the men wouldn't feel comfortable.

Pug1 said...

WOWWWWEEEE! Miss Janice, fantastic! I loved everything!!! you are such a talented lady! Keep them coming !!!! CHEERS Michele

Kara said...

My oh My! I just loved this gracious tea party. How sad I am not to have been invited. However, you've made it a lovely visit for those of us with or without imagination. Your tablescape is DEVINE!!!!
Gotta love a woman who can sit at a tabl with Scarlett and not only hold her own but beat her at her own game.
Love ya.

Nancy Rosalina said...

The table is gorgeous! The post was done in style...oh, and need permission to take that Southern Lady test and post it on my blog...I am every one of those! Looooved this post! Blessings, Nancy

Linda Q said...

Simply gorgeous table and wonderful post!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely tea time.
Linda

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Oh, how much fun was this! I love your wonderful china...I'm going back now to soak it all up again! I always learn so much when I visit your blog! :-) I need to find some little rests for my iced tea spoons. Susan
P.S. What is the long sterling piece below the lemon and lemon fork? I love it, whatever it is!

Unknown said...

What a lovely time and the table was perfect! I love the little heads.(sorry I can't remember the proper name)

It was all just so!

~Liz

Lucy said...

Thank you for this wonderful post. What a beautiful tea party setting. I absolutely love the lady vases. Would it be possible to let me know where I can find these? - They're perfect.
Lucy www.enchantedbyjosephine.blogspot.com

redsoxmom said...

Miss Janice,
What a lovely and original tablescape! You featured two of my favorite things--magnolias and Gone with the Wind. Seeing as how I may be relocating further south this summer (possibly Savannah), I see I have a lot to learn! Thanks for sharing your gorgeous table with us!

Envoy-ette said...

I so enjoyed this post! Not only was it beautifully done, with attention to detail (of course) but very informative! Loved the placecard holders! My favorite, the teapot napkin rings!

P.S. -I matched 12 in the Southern Lady quiz, thanks to my mama!

Anonymous said...

Oh, this was wonderful, Janice! Your table is so beautiful and I adore those head vases at each place setting! You have more "tea thingys" than I've ever seen before! Just lovely!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Kathleen Ellis said...

My, my! I do so declayah...this tea was the most lovely event I've attended in a very long time!
Thank you so much my de-ah Miss Janice!
Hve a happy week!
;-D

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

This post was just incredible along with your tablescape. You have some beautiful things my friend. Nice to take a trip into the past. Thanks for the visit and your kind words on both posts. You are a sweetie. hugs ~lynne~

Unknown said...

How pretty. It is the most beautiful table I have seen. Love it.

Tickled Pink And Green said...

Simply divine my dear!

Jennifer @ Her Southern Charm said...

Oh my! Your table is amazing! Love it!!! I wrote a post about thank you notes. Now Im hoping that everything I wrote about was correct!
http://hersoutherncharm.blogspot.com/2009/01/simple-womans-daybook-and-make-your.html

Nanette said...

Beautiful table and it was so much fun reading, and re-reading, your post!
Valerie

Designs on 47th Street said...

Well, Miss Janice! What can I add that hasn't already been said? You have truly outdone yourself on this tablescape. It is breath takingly beautiful. What a very, very special party favor! Wow! I bet the guests were just giddy. Oh, do I have a weakness for magnolias. Takes me back to my days in Virginia.

Diana LaMarre said...

I adore those head vases!

So perfect for a tea table.

Cynthia's Cottage Design said...

Hi Janice!

Oh what a Beautiful post! and filled with such pretties! and wonderful ideas too! You are such an asset to blogland chuck full of wonderful inspiration and ideas!! Thank you so much!

Thank you also for stopping in and visiting me and leaving such sweet comments!

Hope you have a wonderful week!

Hugs, Cynthia

niartist said...

Reading your blog is always an education in etiquette Miss Janice. I love this tablescape!

Lady Katherine said...

I just love it! Scarlet came to tea! As usual your table setting is very lovley! Love the Magnolias! The young ladies head vases with the lovely flowers are so wonderful.I love the the place cards.

Miss Janice said...

Maryrose...love your name. Please come back to visit with me anytime:-)

^..^Corgidogmama said...

This was lovely, and now via photos, we know exactly how a proper tea should look, from start to finish.
I feel a shot of estrogen surge through my veins as I type!
What a wonderful series you've given us all month. I barely realized it was January!

Melissa Miller said...

Thank you Miss Janice.
I always appreciate your thoughtful and gracious feedback.
I am going to read all your tea posts in greater detail very soon. Thank you so much for posting them for all of us tea lovers.
They are so informative.
~Melissa :)

Blondie's Journal said...

Miss Janice,

This was a wonderful tablescape & post. I am looking forward to visiting again. Not only was I in awe of your table, your creative narrative was so sweet. Not being a Southerner, nor one who frequents "teas", I believe I learned a few things!! :-). I am wondering however, how you can pass the teacup and saucer directly to your guest without knocking someone or something over and, doesn't this negate the rule of not reaching past someone?

I love your blog and look forward to your next tablescape! (I adore your china, silver, vases and favors)! :-)

xoxo
Jane

Teresa Jane said...

Laws we's rich now. Miss Janice you done outdid yoself.
Prissy (aka Teresa Jane)

Bo said...

Hello Miss Janice...you are going to make a lady out of me yet! I did not know one could avail one's self of hot tea & iced tea at the same soiree...your's is one of my very favorite blogs! ;-) Bo

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Miss Janice, thanks for the visit this evening to see the "cover-up". I'm glad I could make you laugh out loud.. lol
hugs ~lynne~

Tammy B said...

I just love your blog. Your tea party was lovely. I took the test and the only thing I missed was the black-eyed peas and catfish. I must be the only Southerner that does not like either...at all.

bj said...

I do believe, even tho I am known for being LATE to every blog reading, I enjoyed this post the best of any I've read. I just could SEE all these fine ladies at your table...could almost hear the soft accents of their voices..I kept expecting that little one...the one that said, "Why, Mizz Scarlet...I don't know nuthin' bout birthin' no babies..." haha...
Loved your delightful post...
xo bj

bj said...

Oh, and I took your Southern Lady test...passed most of them...and my cousins all call me GRITS..as you know but someone else might not ...Girl Raised In The South...
haha...love it all and especially loved that you brought out it is not ice tea but ICED tea.
xo bj

Kristens Creations said...

I love this tablescape! You were so creative in the presentation! Everything is just beautiful!!Kristen

Anonymous said...

A lovely post, Miss Janice. I look forward to your final post for National Hot Tea Month. Magnolias are a favorite flower (and tree) and I enjoy seeing many of them on my drive to and from work.

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

When you get a minute I have a little something for you on my blog! Just spreading the love....

Unknown said...

I always love visiting your blog and learn so much! Please come to my blog I have an award for you! Thanks, Esther

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

This is stunning! I loved every single picture. I want to be Scarlett! Cindy

Carol said...

Your tea table is so gorgeous! I especially like the lady vases at each place setting filled with pretty flowers!
Smiles,
Carol

Just Me said...

Oh my goodness - not only am I a fellow Naples resident but I adore 'Gone with the Wind'.

This was the most beautiful tablescape I've ever seen.... Goodness, I might have to sign up for one of your classes!

amyziz said...

Why didn't you invite Mammy to tea?

Nikki via The Scarlett Rose Garden said...

Hello Miss Janice!
I'm having a GWTW blog party tomorrow and remembered your beautiful tablescape.
Would you like to join in? If so, drop me an email and I'll link this post to my blog list for the Ball tomorrow.
Best,
Nikki

Bearly Sane said...

Such a beautifully set dining table..great post!
Hugs,
Sandi - Fantasy & Fancy

Beansieleigh said...

LOVELY table, Miss Janice! I LOVE your head vases too! I only have a couple of them, but always keep an eye out for them, to make what I can hopefully someday call a "collection"! Hope you're enjoying a wonderful holiday weekend and all the Blogland Ball festivities! ~tina

Unknown said...

A perfect GWTW Tea! I love the head vases. A truly beautiful table!

~Liz

Tara said...

It looks live a divine time was ahd by all! Your tablescape was beautiful, I especially like the place card holders! Great party post. Have fun at the rest of the ball!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I enjoyed this beautiful tea so very much! The green is perfect for Scarlett!

Katherine

Tiffany said...

I am in awe. I really felt like I was back home in Mississippi. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated. Everything was so beautifully done, down to the very smallest of details. Miss Scarlett would have been proud to sit for such a lovely tea. I must come for a visit again. You have a lovely place here. ~Blessings!

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Beautiful southern Tea!Wonderful Tribute to GWTW.
~Myrna

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Such a divine presentation you have shared with us! Wish I could come sample some of your Southern Hospitality! Love each stunning place setting, especially the head vase collection with the roses!

Fiddle Dee Dee,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

NikkiL said...

Lovely. I've missed your blogs so much. More please!

Michelle said...

I was so happy to find your blog today! I read all of your posts on tea from January, 2009. Tomorrow I am hosting my fifth annual Valentines Tea Party for my granddaughters and twelve of their friends. I had already decided to have a little etiquette lesson for the first time and in preparing for that I found your blog. I am also attending a Tea Party this coming week which will be my first seated tea, then a friend and I are hosting a Downton Abbey Tea Party next weekend which we have planned as a buffet. January may be Hot Tea Month, but this is Hot Tea Week for me! It was wonderful to read your posts which will help me in sorting out all different sorts of protocol. I learned some great tidbits that I was previously unaware of. Thank you so much for the fabulous job you do on your blog!!

Gramspearls said...

Frankly my dear, it's perfect!

Kathleen

Hope said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Miss Janice said...

J, My blogging days are over, for now😘