| Tea LinenThe
history of Linen dates back many thousands of years. The term Tea Linen
is a generalised term used for describing the Linens that are used at
teatime. Tea Linens have had a long association with all types of
different tea occasions. For example Afternoon Tea, Formal Tea, High
Tea and a even nowdays occassions like Bridal Shower Teas.
Traditionally,
the tea table would be
covered with a white linen cloth, also known as a tea cloth. Cloth
napkins were also used after the mid to late 1800's.
Linens
were considered family heirlooms and passed down from generation to
generation. The life of each piece of Linen was meticuously recorded in
a Household Journal by servants.
Tea Linens that you might use. . .Milk
Jug Cover
- A small covering for milk jugs to keep the flies and insects out of
the milk. Usually hand crocheted and has small, decorative glass beads
around the edges for weights. Sometimes sea-shells were used as weights
instead.
Napkin or Tea Napkin - A small
piece of Linen or
other cloth, usually square in shape, that is used for wiping your
fingers or mouth apon at meal times. A Tea Napkin is smaller in size
and usually reserved for teatime.
Tablecloth
- A large cloth used for covering and protecting tables at meal times.
Tea
Cosies or Tea Cozies
- A Tea Cosy (or Tea Cozy) is an artistically created cover that has
been designed to fit a teapot. Their purpose is to keep your teapot and
tea hot. Their history dates back to the mid to late 1800's and they
were often lovingly handcrafted. Traditionally, Tea Cosies were
knitted, hand embroidered, crocheted or quilted. Tea Cosies today can
be any shape size colour or material.
Tea Table
Cloth or Tea Cloth
- A small cloth that is used for covering your tea table, often
decoratively embroidered. The term Tea Cloth is sometimes also used for
a cloth that is used for drying dishes.
Tea Towel
- Similiar to the Tea Cloth, a Tea Towel is a small towel used for
drying dishes.
Tray Cloth - A small cloth
especiially designed to cover and protect your tea tray when serving
tea.
White Linen
The most popular Table Linen, up until the early 20th Century,
was white and in particular White Damask. Coloured Damask Linens were
used in the early 20th Century but were considered for use only at
informal luncheons. Formal occasions called for all-white table linens. | |
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