Tea at Trianon: Pink Teas

John Wilson Croker on Marie-Antoinette

"We have followed the history of Marie Antoinette with the greatest diligence and scrupulosity. We have lived in those times. We have talked with some of her friends and some of her enemies; we have read, certainly not all, but hundreds of the libels written against her; and we have, in short, examined her life with– if we may be allowed to say so of ourselves– something of the accuracy of contemporaries, the diligence of inquirers, and the impartiality of historians, all combined; and we feel it our duty to declare, in as a solemn a manner as literature admits of, our well-matured opinion that every reproach against the morals of the queen was a gross calumny– that she was, as we have said, one of the purest of human beings."

~from History of the Guillotine by John Wilson Croker, 1844

Edmund Burke on Marie-Antoinette

"It is now sixteen or seventeen years since I saw the queen of France, then dauphiness, at Versailles; and surely there never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision. I saw her just above the horizon, decorating and cheering the elevated sphere she had just begun to move in, glittering like a morning star full of life and splendor and joy. Oh, what a revolution....Little did I dream that I should have lived to see such disasters fall upon her, in a nation of gallant men, in a nation of men of honor and of cavaliers! I thought ten thousand swords must have leaped from their scabbards, to avenge even a look which threatened her with insult. But the age of chivalry is gone; that of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded...."

~Edmund Burke, October 1790

Monday, February 12, 2018

Pink Teas

Pink Teas are an old Southern tradition where the color pink figures highly in the decor. From Southern Lady:

For Valentine’s Day—or any reason at all—gather your girlfriends for an afternoon of glamour and delight. Shades of pink and cream set the tone for this frilly affair, and a mix of vases holding single flower varieties double as centerpieces and party favors. Platters of Strawberry Sandwiches and artfully arranged Cobb Salad offer guests a light snack without detracting from the main event—dessert! Variety ensures there’s something for everyone, from Glazed Sweetheart Cookies to Almond Custard Tarts and Chocolate Truffles. Our Creamy Lemon Cheesecake becomes a showpiece amid the spread of sweets. (Read more.)

From Southern Living:

"People like to feel cozy, so too big of a space isn't good," Danielle says. "It's better to have more people in a smaller space." To keep your guests circulating, set up separate tables for food and drink. "I like to do two food tables: one for tea and sweets and one for savory appetizers. Be sure to set the tone for your party with a beautiful bar. It's like a tour guide with an umbrella—guests always start there." (Read more.)

Pink Teas became politicized around the turn of the last century, HERE. Share