Tea Parties: It's Tea Time! - Royal Wedding Countdown 2 more days.

2 more days until the Prince weds his Princess:)

Just like me, I'm sure Hundreds and Thousands will be attending the Royal Wedding as Virtual guests. Some of you will be having breakfast, some will have coffee but most will have tea! I will surely be sipping on Earl Grey with honey and cream served piping hot.

a brief history...
Tea has been around for over 5000 years with roots in China. It was always loved and drunk for it's medicinal qualities, however it really gained trend and popularity when socialites would get together for their tea parties in the 1600's.

Fun Royal Fact: In 1662 When Charles II marries tea-drinking bride, Catherine Braganza of Portugal and tea becomes so chic that alcohol consumption declines.

High Tea vs. Low Tea

Did you know that the High and Low referred to the table height? I thought it was an interesting fact.

High Tea or Meat Tea, aside from being served on a high dining table, actually referred to dinner. Victorian working families would eat a substantial meal, typically consisting of meat, bread, butter, potatoes, pickles, cheese and, you guessed it, tea.

Low Tea or Afternoon Tea was served on a low tea table placed beside sofa's and chairs. It was commonly served in a sitting room and consisted of finger foods, a variety of teas, fine china and well-dressed, well-mannered and dainty ladies. Low tea is what most of us think of when we hear the term 'high' tea. Of course, we would be mistaken.

I think tea is a great theme for a wedding, you can serve low tea right after an early ceremony instead of cocktails. Have a late night tea bar, served with a variety of different types of teas and pastries. You could even have some of your favorite teas in bags arranged in a fancy tea cup and saucer as a guest favor.

Tea Parties for Bridesmaids socials and showers, were quite popular a few years ago and with the Royal Wedding sure to provide some great wedding trends, I'm sure they will be at the forefront once again.


Question 6: In what year did Alcohol Consumption decline, thanks to Tea?

Answer: Please post answer below or email here (please enter Royal Wedding Contest and your name on the subject line).

Royal Wedding Contest Info and Rules: At the end of this week, on the wedding day (April 29, 2011), I will offer ALL of my 'Royal' couples, a $200.00 special discount off any one of our planning packages*. Of course that's not all. We will also be giving one lucky reader the chance to win Planning, DJ services and Photography (see details below):

Prizes:

Day-of Management Services** by me, WeDDings Jubilee Planning.

$250 off any DJ Package* with Scotia Entertainment services.

1 free engagement session with Eve and Jennifer, from Eve Traetto Photography & Jen Shoots Weddings, including a 1 hour session at the location/s of choice within the GTA, 5 8x10 prints and an online gallery. Also, 25% off wedding photography packages for 2011 and 15% off for 2012 weddings for everyone that enters the competition.

Rules:

What do you have to do? Easy. Answer my 7 trivia questions correctly, share this post on Facebook or Twitter and you are automatically entered. You can either reply with your response to this post or email me the answers; please use the subject line Royal Wedding Contest and include your name. Good luck to you all.


*Must be booked by May 31, 2011. Ceremony only & Reception only are not included in our packages.
**Transportation and Accommodations are not included. The wedding, event, or special occasion must be before April 2012. Expires May 31, 2011.