An Alfresco Tea

Let’s enjoy an Alfresco Tea! Eating Al fresco has been enjoyed down through the centuries. It is called “picnic” today. The word “picnic” first appeared about 1740.

Picnics became very popular during the reign of Queen Victoria. Victorians made the Alfresco lunch quite fashionable.

They were usually held at a family home or scenic parks. Wealthy families would have a few servants attend to assist. Even though this affair was held out of doors, it was customary to serve an elaborate menu just the same.

A portable kerosene burner was also brought along to prepare the tea. Great care was taken to prepare for a proper Victorian picnic as you can see. But we are more care free these days and planning an Alfresco Tea can be so much simpler!

The Victorians lived by strict rules. However, they felt they could “let their hair down“, so-to-speak, when it came to eating Alfresco. That did not mean there were no rules of etiquette to follow as they enjoyed the great outdoors.

Victorian Alfresco Etiquette

2~ Quilts may be used to spread out on the grass. Make sure large areas are covered to accomidate everyone. You may also bring along small luncheon tables so the ladies may sit comfortably.

3~ Strolling and walks together to explor the area was appropriate as long as a lady and gentlemen did not go off alone together.

4~ A lady’s comfort was to be considered ahead of a gentlemen’s needs. He was to be attentive to her every need.

5~ Entertainment was to be considered. If anyone of musical talent is present he should perform for the ladies amusement. Games, such as Blind Man’s Bluff, Croquet, Hoops, or Tag, were quite popular. The ladies enjoyed picking flowers or scouting for wild mushrooms.

Pack a simple menu. Like homemade iced tea, pea salad or tomato salad, Crusty Italian bread, aged provolone cheese, hard salami, and fruit. This is my favorite menu. That’s because I’m Italian and it’s what my Grandma Vilone used to give us when we packed a picnic for the day. My cousins and I would pack a picnic and go to the top of the hill (we were in the country) where all the neighborhood children would meet. We would play the day away and eat our lunch alfresco style. Then head for home in late afternoon in time to wash up for dinner. You can’t do that now days! I could see myself letting my grandchildren out of my yard or my site!

Pea Salad

My Grandmother's Tomato Salad

Click Here for 40 Delicious Iced Tea Recipes!

Pack up the family and head for a park or the back yard.

We enjoy our back yard. Sitting on the white wicker swing listening to the birds and watching the butterflies lite of the flowers in my rose garden. Listening to the soft trickling water in the new pond my husband put in this summer. It’s sad to think summer will soon be over.

So take advantage of it while you can! Remember, have fun and keep it simple. The scones can wait till fall when the weather is cooler and it won’t hurt to turn on the oven.