Rose Petal Tea

[Eleanor Rose]

​

I was raised to enjoy and treasure the southern tradition of afternoon tea parties. Most of our tea parties have themes and my favorite has always been the Summer Rose Tea, a rose garden themed tea. This is a perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day or just to entertain a group of friends on a sunny afternoon.

According to folklore, proper southern ladies were not allowed to socialize unescorted except in their rose gardens during the 19th century. Therefore, it was here women met, unrestricted by social rules of the day, to talk and gossip freely "amongst the roses."

Summer Rose Teas flourished in Europe during the 1800s with some ladies hosting tea parties in public gardens and others inside tearoom establishments. These tearooms were "decorated with fabrics, vases, and trellises of roses" to insure that the attendees would feel like they were actually meeting in a rose garden and thus feel comfortable gossiping under the roses.

Fashionable women wore tea gowns designed to feature the delicate pastel colors of a summer bouquet. They wore elaborate bonnets adorned with roses embellished in silk, ribbon and natural petals to Summer Rose Teas.

Metropolitan Museum 18c Tea Party French Dress
 - Photo By Ellen Easton
​

There is a standard menu associated with every southern themed tea party and I hope to share the menu for the Summer Rose Tea over the next few days. Of course the centerpiece of any tea party is the tea itself. In this case it's called Rose Petal Tea. All roses that you intend to consume must be free of pesticides. Do not use or eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers! In many cases these roses have been treated with pesticides. Purchase your rose petals from a tea store. The tastiest roses are usually the most fragrant.

​

Rose Petal Tea

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh fragrant rose petals (about 12 to 15 large roses)

3 cups water

Honey or granulated sugar to taste (the more the better)


Directions:

Clip and discard bitter white bases from the rose petals; rinse the petals thoroughly and pat dry.

Place the prepared rose petals in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover with water and bring just to a simmer. Let the petals simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until the petals become darkened.

Remove from heat and strain the hot rose petal liquid into teacups. Add honey or sugar to taste.

Float some rose petals or rose buds on top for an added elegant touch.

Makes 4 servings


For some folks Rose Petal Tea is an acquired taste. Some love it after their first sip. Your local botanical garden is the perfect place to host a Summer Rose Tea if you don't have a green thumb (like me). Of course any setting will do.


Source: What's Cooking America

 

[nitrofd]

​

I was raised to enjoy and treasure the southern tradition of afternoon tea parties. Most of our tea parties have themes and my favorite has always been the Summer Rose Tea, a rose garden themed tea. This is a perfect way to celebrate Mother's Day or just to entertain a group of friends on a sunny afternoon.

According to folklore, proper southern ladies were not allowed to socialize unescorted except in their rose gardens during the 19th century. Therefore, it was here women met, unrestricted by social rules of the day, to talk and gossip freely "amongst the roses."

Summer Rose Teas flourished in Europe during the 1800s with some ladies hosting tea parties in public gardens and others inside tearoom establishments. These tearooms were "decorated with fabrics, vases, and trellises of roses" to insure that the attendees would feel like they were actually meeting in a rose garden and thus feel comfortable gossiping under the roses.

Fashionable women wore tea gowns designed to feature the delicate pastel colors of a summer bouquet. They wore elaborate bonnets adorned with roses embellished in silk, ribbon and natural petals to Summer Rose Teas.

Metropolitan Museum 18c Tea Party French Dress
 - Photo By Ellen Easton
​

There is a standard menu associated with every southern themed tea party and I hope to share the menu for the Summer Rose Tea over the next few days. Of course the centerpiece of any tea party is the tea itself. In this case it's called Rose Petal Tea. All roses that you intend to consume must be free of pesticides. Do not use or eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers! In many cases these roses have been treated with pesticides. Purchase your rose petals from a tea store. The tastiest roses are usually the most fragrant.

​

Rose Petal Tea

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh fragrant rose petals (about 12 to 15 large roses)

3 cups water

Honey or granulated sugar to taste (the more the better)


Directions:

Clip and discard bitter white bases from the rose petals; rinse the petals thoroughly and pat dry.

Place the prepared rose petals in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover with water and bring just to a simmer. Let the petals simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until the petals become darkened.

Remove from heat and strain the hot rose petal liquid into teacups. Add honey or sugar to taste.

Float some rose petals or rose buds on top for an added elegant touch.

Makes 4 servings


For some folks Rose Petal Tea is an acquired taste. Some love it after their first sip. Your local botanical garden is the perfect place to host a Summer Rose Tea if you don't have a green thumb (like me). Of course any setting will do.


Source: What's Cooking America

You always find these interesting 19th century threads.

 

[donna]

Great thread. Everyone should at least attend a traditional tea party. It is fun.

 

[mofederal]

I can't say I ever have. Only some fraternity event long ago.

 

[Anna Elizabeth Henry]

Excellent thread! I'm a huge tea fan and had the pleasure to take tea in at Fortnum & Mason when I was in London last year. Lovely experience all around! If you're very into all things @Eleanor Rose, then head over to these two wonderful sites - Tea Time Magazine and English Tea Store where you can really find almost anything and everything tea related!

 

[donna]

Had tea at the Plaza years and years ago with my Mom.

Have been to several Tea Rooms here in Kentucky. We had Christmas Tea at one this past Christmas. It was my chapter of UDC outing. I have posted on it.

 

[donna]

Years ago I would give a Christmas Tea at my house for many Christmases. I invited relatives and friends from my old neighborhood. I always enjoyed doing it so much. I would have tea sandwiches, different teas, and a Christmas punch, home made desserts and candy. I would serve food and tea on my best pieces. They all said they really enjoyed them. I would have my entire house decorated for Christmas. I collect Christmas things and have for many years. My Christmas things have grown and grown.

 

[Shalom Hobbitess]

I did a tea for my daughter and her godmother and godmother's grand daughter some years back. All I can remember is that we had tea and cucumber sandwiches on home made bread from a recipe in the old Victoria magazine. That wasn't all we had, it's just all I can remember! I'm sure I wrote it down... somewhere. We periodically talk about doing another one, since I drink tea everyday and we know a lot of tea drinkers as well, but I guess we're more open house buffet personalities.

 

[Mrs. V]

Several years ago I attended a Victorian Tea. Several of us dressed in the clothes of the day..it was much fun. We were instructed to bring our own fancy tea cup and saucer. I still have mine. /One of these days I want to be the featured entertainment at one.

 

[dixie1861]

Those sound so neat and fun! I wish they were still in style and done a lot.

 

[Cavalry Charger]

One of these days I want to be the featured entertainment at one.

What would you do? I think I'd like to be at that one, too

 

[jackt62]

I have never been to such an occasion but have read much about traditional teas. I have always thought they are a wonderful and relaxing way to de-stress from the day's events. Maybe work places in today's world should institute something like that around 4 PM for its employees!

 

[Mrs. V]

What would you do? I think I'd like to be at that one, too

I would sing period pieces, accappella. That way the music is always in the key of me! And talk clothes as well. Fabrics, trims, underpinnings..and include menswear as well. "The Birth of the Button Fly" might be a fun presentation.

 

[Eleanor Rose]

I would sing period pieces, accappella. That way the music is always in the key of me! And talk clothes as well. Fabrics, trims, underpinnings..and include menswear as well. "The Birth of the Button Fly" might be a fun presentation.

That really sounds delightful! And a presentation on "The Birth of the Button Fly" would definitely be a lot of fun. Now I'm curious!

 

[Mrs. V]

That really sounds delightful! And a presentation on "The Birth of the Button Fly" would definitely be a lot of fun. Now I'm curious!

Before this, the guys wore a small fall breech. Or trews..The breeches buttoned on each side front, with a center button on the inner waistband, so the pants did not fall off when opened for necessities...trews were saggy baggies with a drawstring waist..guy fashion didn't change too much..fortunately for the sewing Mom!