Set the Tea Table, Tea is On!

This week's Tea Blog-a-thon focus, hosted by Gracious Hospital-i-tea, is called "Set the Table, Tea is On."  I was blog-hopping recently and found the first of these vintage videos embedded into Angela McRae's entry in Tea with Friends.  I followed the related links and found the second video. 

On special occasions, my mother's and grandmother's dining room tables looked very similar to those shown in these videos -- elegant linens, sterling silver coffee and tea sets, and beautiful floral centerpieces.  I have the same traditional dining room set, but occasions I host in my home are more casual than those my mother and grandmother hosted. 

While I truly value courtesy and use it fully in all venues, as I listened to the narrator of these videos describe good manners and articulate instructions for properly hosting a tea party, I must admit that I'm glad the rules etiquette have relaxed over time. 

Just click each video to watch.  Enjoy!

Source:  http://www.archive.org/index.php

Comments

[Denise]

I'll have to check back later and see if I can watch these~ they aren't coming through right now. My daughter LOVES "The Princess Diaries" movie and the lovely tea they enjoy there. I agree~ relaxed manners are better.

Have a lovely week!

[Nancy]

Albeit a bit stuffy, these were indeed fun to watch! Thanks for sharing.

[Karen Sweet Necessi-Teas]

I loved seeing the old videos. My how times have changed! Thanks for sharing...I hope to see your tea table soon.

[ellen b]

Ha! That was fun. I'm glad you dug them up for us to see. I too am happy for a more relaxed style these days...

[Vee~A Haven for Vee]

That was interesting... I enjoyed seeing the linens and the dishes. Those old silver tea sets were quite something! Thank you for sharing these old videos.

[Lisa]

I am so glad I took some time to watch the videos. They were delightful! I am glad times have changed, but I did actually pick up a couple of tips. Thanks for posting those!

[LaTeaDah]

There is something very special about the elegant and formal tea's of your mother's and grandmother's day. But, I really like how the ritual of afternoon tea has become more vintage chic and intimate --- making way for great conversation and even more special times with friends!

Thanks for sharing!
LaTeaDah

[Miss Sandy]

What a great blast from the past! We saw similar video's, actually they were film strips in Home Economics Class in Jr. High and High School. They were out dated even then! These look like they are from the fifties as my mother had similar dresses and heels then. Thank you for sharing this, I had so much fun viewing it. I too am glad I can be a bit more informal at tea time!