Gracious Hospital-i-tea blogathon
April 15, 2008 by Marye Audet
Filed under Beautiful Things
A few weeks ago I told you that ity was having a blog a thon, and that altho I wanted to participate I doubted that I could very much. Well I have a minute so this week I will!
The question is:
Share ideas for dressing up for afternoon tea. Is your favorite tea-time outfit a silk caftan, flannel jammies, or a dress with proper hat and gloves? Do you enjoy wearing tea prints to tea? Or do you prefer something more elegant? Lace and ruffles? A feathered hat? Long pink gloves? Satins and silks? Cotton comfort? Jeans and a t-shirt you say? That’s okay — share it all here.
Pictures of you in tea-time costume are welcome! But, if you are not brave enough to share a picture of ‘you’, simply share something you think would be FUN to wear to tea. Remember, a tea can be anything from a formal afternoon tea — to tea in the park with a friend. It’s whatever it means to you!
I all of a sudden feel very Anne Shirley-ish. What I do wear and what I IMAGINE I wear are two different things. 
Generally tea is when we all stop for tea and snacks, talk about artists, composers, and the books we are reading (unless one of the boys is reading something disgusting like The Jungle, or Lord of the Flies…). It is a time of reconnecting between lunch and dinner. AN odd thought I know but the kids and I like eachother alot. It takes time for me to do the writing that I do, for Love to Know, Baking Delights, Kettle and Cup, and the others…So generally I get up at 5, have my prayer and Bible time, and kick out an article before breakfast, then get them started in school, and head back to the computer. Once in awhile i have to stop to help a goat give birth, or deal with Jimmy, the rooster who thinks he is tough (hope not, chicken stew…soon). Delicate, Summer whites are not a possibility here, but more often than not I wear stained jeans, a sweater, and a bit of makeup to help make me more bearable. 
But in my imagination… I wear a.. well…here…ANy of these will do…
Image:Karens Whimsy
Public Domain Files.
But you know,dresses like that are so hard to get manure stains out of… :/ Oh, and I am a size four and look just like the one in pink and gray…Pinkie Swear.
I love the Victorian era, too, and watching movies that include period costumes is pure eye candy! I love the image you chose. The dresses are just stunning.
I love that you make time before breakfast to write! Your day certainly sounds busy and full, so hurray for you for carving out that time for your own creative expression.
I love your Victorian attire! Your tea time sounds very interesting, not the typical tea
…thanks for sharing! 
Arleen- busy and full isnt the half of it.
But wouldnt it be fun to be swept back into that era for a few weeks?
Kathi-thank you! No, it probably isn’t typical.
I also love the victorian era. The dresses are beautiful!
Beautiful gowns!
Carol..they are..I wonder if we wouldn’t all look thinner in those billowy skirts?
Kathy-Yes they are.
This post was great fun to read. Love your sense of humor. Your life sounds busy and exciting!
An interesting post — sharing both the reality of the daily joy of tea — and the fantasy in frocks to die for! I’m so thankful that we don’t have to ‘wait’ to have tea during only those times we can dress up, aren’t you?
LaTeaDah
What a delightful post! Yes, life is pretty real most of the time, isn’t it? But it is fun to pretend “what if” sometimes. Thank you for taking the time to share and have a wonderful week!
Vee-I think I could do with a little less excitement.
LTD- absolutely. Because it would never happen here.
Denise- Thanks for stopping by!
The Victorian outfits are very pleasing. Great designs.
I love the Victorian era as well. I love the period costumes and the fact that you had “help” getting you all dressed, tying your corset, and all the la dee da of the occasion. I also love the idea of “high tea”. Tea and crumpets.
But I think my favorite is just donning my favorite new outfit and meeting the girls for tea and coffee when we can grab a few minutes out of our busy “mommy lives”.
Lovely post, I agree the gowns are lovely! I enjoyed hearing about your morning routine and tea time with your children. Thanks for the peek into your day.
wonderful post, and yes the dresses are gorgeous. It seems many of us were/or could have been content in an earlier time!
Carrie- didn’t they have beautiful combinations of colors then?
Miss Sandy- I laughed to hear you call it a routine, I suppose it is a certainly doesn’t feel that way.
Grace- I think so! I wonder though, how happy we would have been without some of the comforts of today?
That is one great fashion plate! Lovely! I would love to wear those clothes, tho I wouldn’t like those corsets!
I loved the vintage dresses. Wish I had one and the figure to fit in it!
Steph-I would lOVE to have a corset..I might see my waist again…
Karen..I agree! But yuor white outfot was fantastic
I gave a harvest tea. It’s a great way to bring in the fall season. Hot tea and apple treats to warm your friends. Also gave a Black Widow Spider Tea to dress in Victorian Mourning Outfit for Halloween.
It was a lot of fun!
That sounds like so much fun!