Monday, March 23, 2015

Tea at Rippon Lodge

A couple of years ago I went to an early spring tea at Rippon Lodge in Woodbridge, Virginia.  Unfortunately, it was pre-blog so my pictures aren't great, but I figured this was such a fun idea for a party, so I should share it!

 

First a bit about Rippon Lodge.  The original part of the house was built circa 1747.  As a part of the tea, we took a tour of the house, which has beautiful paneling.  The original owner, Richard Blackburn, was a carpenter from Ripon, England, and he (and his apprentices) carved the paneling, in part to show his skill at his craft.   

 
(yes that is a tea service in front of the fireplace!)
 
 
But on to the main tea event.  I visited Rippon Lodge for a Jane Austen Tea party!
 
 
(isn't this a cool idea for a centerpiece?)
 
This was a couple of years ago, so I don't remember what all of the food served included, but I do remember it was delicious!
 
 
One sandwich in particular I do remember and have served since because it was so good.  An orange muffin with orange marmalade and ham and a mild cheese (I've used Havarti).  It is different, and yet very good!
 
While we were enjoying all the delicious food, we also played a Jane Austen trivia game, which would also be loads of fun at a Jane Austen themed book club tea or a Jane Austen movie tea!  Speaking of movies based on her books, my sister and I watched a movie marathon before going to the tea so that we would be ready for the trivia. 
 
Pride and Prejudice (Special Edition)
(from the internet--best version ever!)
 
I'm joining these tea parties:
 




Bernideen's Friends Sharing Tea 
Rose Chintz Cottage's Tea time Tuesday

10 comments:

  1. Jane Austen being a favorite author, I would have LOVED to have been there with you! What fun! And yummy too! Thanks so much for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
    Ruth

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  2. Hi Carrie, I loved reading about this post because I live near to Bath where there is a Jane Austen museum and it is also a place she used to visit frequently, especially the Assembly Rooms (Bath is a Spa Town). In November last year I took a trip to Yorkshire which is where the town of Ripon is and I visited the very beautiful cathedral - many miles between us but often we find a link ;-) Gilli

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  3. I loved reading about this special tea party. As a fan of Jan Austen it was even more special.

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  4. I love to visit historic homes but how the more special to have a tea in one. Sounds like it was a fun tea with the trivia contest and delicious food. I really like the teapot/book centerpiece! I'm hosting a lunch in May for my book club and would love to recreate that centerpiece using the recent books we've read. Thanks so much for sharing! ~Nora

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  5. What a treat this would have been! And who doesn't love Jane? I enjoy seeing a tea table set up in front of a fireplace because I find it so cozy and romantic. The wood paneling is gorgeous! My father would really have appreciated seeing it. I often use a teapot for my flowers. Who says they can only be used for tea? A very interesting posting, Carrie, and thank you for sharing it with us at Tea Time. Happy Spring!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  6. This sounds like so much fun! I agree with Sandi, who doesn't love Jane??! Happy Tea Day!

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  7. Tea party + Jane Austen = Heaven!

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  8. Carrie,
    What a beautiful post!!

    Thanks so much for dropping by!

    Hugs,
    Debbie

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  9. I wish I could tag along with you to all these fun tea parties, Carrie! Thankfully I get to see them through your eyes.

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  10. I love your Jane Austen Tea Event and the sharing of that centerpiece and ideas. This must of been great fun. I think I told you before that I am from Yorktown, Virginia. I am so glad you shared!

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Thank you so much for your comment! I hope you have a wonderful day :)