A Gilded Good Time at Troy Historic Village: Barb's Tea Service presents "Gilded Age" tea talk for Thursday Teas at Two

Enjoying tea time with Marcia and Kathy, volunteers at Troy Historic Village

This week, Barb's Tea Service, presented a "Gilded Age" tea talk at Troy Historic Village as part of the museum's monthly Thursday Teas at Two series. We were thrilled to see over sixty wonderful guests in attendance, even with a bit of snow thrown in the mix.

It was exciting to meet new folks and connect with old friends, including Kathy and Marcia, who volunteer at the Troy Historic Village and have attended some of BTS' programs here over the years. (In fact, we had the great pleasure of presenting an afternoon tea and etiquette program at Kathy's church back in 2010).

Stephanie, Adult Programs Director, welcomes guests with opening remarks.

The Thursday Teas at Two events serve up hot tea and a variety of tasty goodies (even gluten free and sugar free offerings). Truly a welcome treat on a cold and blustery November afternoon.

BTS Gilded Age Afternoon Tea Talk.

After Stephanie S., Adult Programs Director, began with opening remarks, we started our Gilded Age talk which included ties to both the Gilded Age series and Downton Abbey and a few highlights from June trip to Newport, Rhode Island.

Selection of tea and treats are included in the program.

And, it wasn't just the tea that warmed us up. We mingled with guests before and after and enjoyed hearing about their favorite teas, tea rooms and even some of the Newport "cottages" they liked the best.  

Truly a delightful afternoon. We're looking to be back soon!

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Crown, The Official Companion, Volume 2

 

Refresh for Season 5 of "The Crown" with companion book, Volume 2

This week, Season 5 of "The Crown" will be available on Netflix. In preparation, we're brewing some of the blends from The Republic of Tea's "The Crown" series and refreshing ourselves on previous seasons and the true events that inspired creator, Peter Morgan's riveting historical fiction drama.  With the latter activity, we're specifically looking at Seasons 2 and 3 with the aid of "The Crown, The Official Companion, Volume 2", by Robert Lacy.

Robert Lacy is a British historian who serves as a consultant to The Crown.  Reading the "facts" supplied by Lacy, they certainly provide a lush framework for Morgan's dramatic interpretation.  Volume 2 covers the period of Queen Elizabeth's reign from 1956 - 1977, an over twenty-year span of royal and political scandal which would seem hard to top. But then, enter the 1990's, (Season 5) that included "annus horribilis" - which, in hindsight, probably should not have been limited to a single year in that decade.

Brewing up some Prime Minister's Blend to pair with companion book

Not to say the period of Volume 2 doesn't have plenty of spice. We see Princess Margaret marry commoner Anthony Armstrong-Jones (the first to do so since Henry the VIII married Ann Boleyn), Prince Charles bullied at the same Scotland boarding school his father exceled at as a youth and the Proforma Scandal that brought down a Prime Minister of the Conservative Party with sketchy ties to Prince Phillip.

And, that's just a few chapters pulled from history and "The Crown - Volume 2".

This is the second companion book to the Netflix series, "The Crown" and I found it a quick and interesting read. Text is accompanied by vintage pictures as well as photos from the show.  

Meeting and interviewing The Royal Chef who is not looking forward to Season 5 of The Crown

It's also tasty appetizer to Season 5 which has sparked a lot of opinions ranging from actress, Judi Dench, campaigning for Netflix to add a disclaimer that the show is a fictionalize account of history (as noted in MSN's, The Wrap), to Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef, (BTS met and interviewed in 2013), who expressed his hesitation in reliving the tragic events of that period.  The Royal Chef recently posted the following on Twitter:

"I was there for Princess Diana's funeral and was in the Queen's private apartment helping her move personal belongings during the Windsor Castle fire. I'm not looking forward to the new season of The Crown."

Having The Queen's Evening tea ready for The Crown's Season 5 viewing this week

Like the Royals themselves, The Crown will face detractors as well as admirers, those who tirelessly fact-check and others who will concur with how the imagined intimate conversations play out. Personally, we are of the opinion that it will all pair nicely with a pot of tea and a companion book.

The Crown, Season 5, will be available on Netflix, November 9th.

I was gifted the book and two different teas by my children, Rob, Matt and Rachel. They know what their mother loves and they know where she'll be Wednesday night.

What's next after Next? A Day in Court! (October events for Barb's Tea Service)

BTS had two wonderful back-to-back events in October. First up, was Next

Barb's Tea Service had two wonderful back-to-back tea events in October.  First, we were at Birmingham's Next, a non-profit organization that offers enrichment programs and support services for the 50 plus population. The following day, we were close to home, on our own friendly court, presenting tea time etiquette at the residence of my good neighbor Clay to members of her philanthropic group. The ladies of this organization provide scholarships and support to women to assist in furthering their education. 

So, yes, a pretty fulfilling week for BTS.

Tables set with teacups and treats

Can you spot a Bridgerton teacup?

At Next, the program team turned the presentation room into a charming tea venue. Tables were outfitted with white tablecloths, an eclectic and attractive assortment of teapots and teacups and decorative paper plates filled with macarons and shortbread cookies. Guests had their choice of Earl Grey or herbal (tisane!) tea.

BTS: Pam and Barb

Setting up tables at Next

Pam B. of BTS assisted not only in our set-up and tear-down, but with Next's team as well. Together, we had most excellent time visiting with guests, many who shared the stories of the teacup they brought from home. (One we're told is seen on Bridgerton!).

Almost sixty guests in attendance

A variety of traditional and modern teapots

The day after Next, we had a short commute to shared-court neighbor, Clay. She created a beautiful Fall-themed tablescape, complete with seasonal napkin holders creatively made from envelopes, although it wasn't readily apparent until Clay disclosed their construction. Tea time fare was sourced locally and was incredibly delicious. Serving pieces were as pretty as they were practical. Glass plates with matching cups were perfect for housing mini-quiches and tomato bisque soup, respectively. Large silver trays held tasty pastries and scones and there was plenty of scrumptious, cream, lemon curd and jam on hand.

With neighbor and fellow court resident, Clay

Tea treats delicious and pretty

The presentation was a hybrid of on-line and in-house, so we at BTS were fortunate to meet members that were out of town as well as the locals. And, what an amazing group of women they are! The afternoon and the afternoon tea seemed to pass almost as quickly as the door-to-door walk over. 

Fall-themed tablescape

Great group of ladies

What comes Next, after our day in court?  We've got one more program in November, before we break for the holidays. Then, stay tuned for more BTS events in 2023. 

For up-to-date BTS events, check out the event at our Barb's Tea Service website.

Commute long or short, we'll travel anywhere for your event!