High Tea

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Permalink Reply by Verity Minerva Grey on April 5, 2010 at 8:15am

Well, high tea would mostly be like what you or I would call dinner/supper. A lot of people, including plenty of professionals who should know better think "high" means "fancy." The "high" in High Tea refers to the high table (i.e. the regular dining room table) at which it was served. It was an informal and rather hearty meal that included tea, meats, cheeses, breads, and other filling food, for working-class people who couldn't wait around until 8 or 9 PM to eat the evening meal, as aristocratic people did. In a steampunk context, High tea would probably be similarly eclectic and informal.

Afternoon tea, or low tea, on the other hand, would be the delicate, fancy past-time served at the lower "tea table" ("coffee table" in the US) in one's personal rooms. It was served to fill the gap between a rather late breakfast, minimal or non-existent lunch, and late dinner that were fashionable for the leisured classes, and eventually became a fashionable way to pass the time. Afternoon tea was usually a gender-segregated activity in the Victorian era, though for steampunk this may or may not be true. I also think it would be interesting to mix elements of western European tea ritual with elements of Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or other kinds of tea culture in a steampunk context.

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Permalink Reply by Baldur Makepeace Bear on April 5, 2010 at 8:30am

Your definitions of high tea versus low tea are quite correct Miss Grey, I applaud your sense in knowing the difference.
All too often in this day and age the concept is badly corrupted.

If I may add something to help Miss Lloyd in her quest to Steampunkify the event it would be to suggest a marvelous mechanically augmented brass Samovar. This could be a rather scientific appearing bubbling and steaming centerpiece on the Tea Table itself. The glory of it all would not be detracted in the least if it were not actually used for any of the hot water served. Small belches of steam and an occasional whistling or whirring noise can certainly enhance the theme as long as they are not so dramatic as to eclipse the wit of the hostess or her guests.
Aside from this tea linens (note the word 'linen' here and banish any thought of paper products appearing on your table) can be emboldened with Steampunk themes either embroidered or stencilled upon them with washable fabric paint purchased at a craft supply purveyor.

Best of luck with your endeavors,
BB

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Permalink Reply by Ephraim von RoseEngine on April 5, 2010 at 10:08pm

the samovar should have a small steam engine which powers a tiny carousel when the water reaches a boil. the carousel should be decorated with steamships , submarines and airships of course

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Permalink Reply by Colleen Lloyd on April 5, 2010 at 8:20am

You know.... I didnt' know that! (abotuthe tables)
I had them mixed up, I thoguth high tea was thefancy delecate one....

your post was really interestign to read *_* thank you

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Permalink Reply by Verity Minerva Grey on April 5, 2010 at 1:29pm

It's a very common mix-up, Ms. Lloyd. Even owners of fine restaurants and tea rooms, who've got no excuse not to be better-educated, are prone to that mistake.

A Samovar would be a capital idea, Mr. Bear! Here in Atlanta, we have an 18th century Prussian coffee house, the heart of which is a beautiful, giant-sized, copper-clad antique espresso machine. The place would not be nearly the same without the sights, sounds and smells that come from it.

Another thought I had, which might inform the choice of linens, tea, foods, and the like is that at many times in history it was considered the mark of a fashionable, discerning person to be very aware of nature and its subtle seasonal changes. For example, for a tea for late March or Early April, I think I would use cream, pale green, pale pink, or silver linens and decorate with seasonal flowers such as violet, daffodil, and ornamental cherry. I'd probably serve a white or high-grade green tea, maybe with a floral tisane as a second option. Food might be crepes with buttered asparagus, savory tarts of goat or sheep's milk cheese and herbs, shortbreads with candied violets or pansies, and such like. If you prefer more punk in your steampunk, I often find it attractive to juxtapose natural or organic materials with inorganic industrial/machined ones. For instance, you could forgo fancy folded napkins in favor of a selection of steel or copper pipe joints as napkin rings, or repurpose vintage lab glassware for your vases, crockery, tongs, and other implements.

Ms. Lloyd, you inspired me, so I started a new group specifically to talk about tea and tea culture as it relates to steampunk.

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Permalink Reply by Ephraim von RoseEngine on April 5, 2010 at 10:05pm

the tea pot should be placed on an elaborately geared device which also holds the strainer an the cup, an actuating lever withdraws the cup to a position under the strainer , the pot tips pouring the tea into the cup the lever is returned to rest and cup is gently thrust out to the guest. the copper espresso machine must pale in the presence of this ornate device.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel Harrison on August 15, 2010 at 10:09am

You might also play a selection of Steam Punk bands in the background at low volume. Also choosing an interesting and less common place venue for your Tea Party would create a Steamy atmosphere. Perhaps the Local Historical Society, The Libraries Rare Book Section (After promising to keep all food and beverage safely away from the rare books of course) or if the Catholic Church in the area has a Bell Tower you can speak to the priest about using it for an afternoon.

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