Full Description
History students and Victorian enthusiasts looking for comprehensive information on dining practices of Victorian America will find this book a vital resource. Revealing the history of 19th-century dining, clothing, and etiquette, the volume includes sample menus and explicit instructions explaining how to recreate a dinner, tea, breakfast, or lunch in the 21st century. Collectors of china, crystal, and silver will also find this book helpful because it provides a photograph of each piece of tableware that was used, with a history and description of the item.
After explaining the different dining styles and the way they evolved into rituals of the Victorian era, a formal dinner is examined course by course. The Schollanders present the history and uses of various wines and show they were matched with different foods. They also explain the evolution of silver, crystal, and china pieces. Additionally the book includes an explanation of the seating order at the Victorian table, correct Victorian table manners, invitations and menu cards, correct dress for dinner guests, correct table settings, the role of servants, and step-by-step instructions for recreating a formal Victorian dinner, tea, breakfast, or lunch.
Contents
Introduction A Short History of the Art of Dining History of Dinners and Styles of Dining Decoding the Food in a Victorian Meal Wine and Other Beverages: A History and Explanation The Accoutrements Silver China Crystal Invitations and Cards Status and Etiquette Victorian Status Seating Order at the Table Victorian Etiquette and Table Manners The Dinner Stage and the Props Dress 1840-1914 Setting the Victorian Table The Formal Meal as a Performance The Progression of the Meal Giving Your Own Elegant Dinners Giving Your Own Victorian Dinner Other Elegant Entertaining Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate Breakfast and Lunch Additional Information Glossary Further Reading Index
