The Violet Tea

Traditionally, a violet tea was a spring event, held when the flowers were in bloom. As violets are among the most delicate of flowers, the Edwardian violet tea was presented in a very dainty fashion. All food was especially light and miniaturized, with bite sized scones and open-faced sandwiches flavored with violet jelly or crystallized violets. A light tea, such as a Darjeeling or Oo-long, complemented the menu.

Today's violet tea can easily feature a wider range of menu possibilities, as as a number of good books about edible flowers are now available, all of which include violet recipes. A surprising number of violet recipes can also be found on the web. While serving a violet jelly and a violet flavored drink is following tradition, there is no reason why a violet leaf butter or a petite violet salad cannot be a worthy addition to your tea table.

For decor, use violets as much as possible (pansies and Johnny-jump-ups can be used in a pinch, as they are related to violets). As this was a tea traditionally held for very close friends, it is particularly inviting to set small tables for two or three people. While the Edwardians favored white table-cloths, consider a pale violet or light green table covering. A few violet flowers, with their pretty, heart shaped leaves, put into an old perfume jar creates a charming centerpiece for a small table setting. If you are fortunate enough to own any violet patterned china or serving pieces, this would be the time to bring them out (or to consider beginning a collection!). Place a crystallized violet on each plate and garnish all serving dishes with violets.

Tea favors for a violet tea are easy. Packets of violet seeds wrapped with silk ribbon make a perfect favor. Vintage calling cards and postcards featuring violets are actually fairly easy to find, due to the exuberance of 19th century print artists, and make a very special favor. Check your local library for Helen Gibbs' The Secret of Fashioning Ribbon Flowers. Copy the directions for creating a ribbon violet (or pansy) for each guest, and gather together the needed ribbon. Purchase small pin backs froma craft store, put everything in a purple velum bag, and you now have a simple take home ribbon craft for each guest.

A violet tea is an event requiring more than the usual planning. And, as with any gardening endeavor, a certain degree of patience is required. I am content to wait for the violet tea that is in my future. Perhaps while I wait, my time would be best spent searching for a few pieces of china sprinkled with violet springs. A violet teapot would be the most perfect find!