All Things Victorian

All Things Victorian
Victoriana Lady Lisa (Photo by John Thomas Grant Photography)

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

A Victorian Day In Elmira NY/ The Painted Lady B&B

 The Painted Lady in Elmira, NY What a stunning inn! http://www.elmiraspaintedlady.com/






The innkeepers were so hospitable and attended to our every need. Here is our friend Samuel Draper who gave us the most outstanding tour of the historic district, cemetery where Mark Twain is buried and Elmira college grounds. For a personal tour contact Samuel- http://www.historicnearwestside.com/





The highlight of this parlor is the stained glass and framed silk on the walls.











Chatting with the owners Butch & Marilyn, they made us feel so welcome and the breakfast was amazing!
I cannot have Gluten so Marilyn had Gluten free muffins and toast for me. :)



Scrumptious yogurt with fresh berries and granola



Everything was so delicious!!


Dessert was decadent warm brandied bananas...mmm!!



Our room, what a comfortable bed, I slept like a baby!


Fireplace in our bedroom



In the upstairs foyer


Outside of our room in the hall















 I was presenting a program at the Park Church in Elmira. The Victorian furnishings in the church parlor were magnificent!




















The Victorian Fashions program display 




Many thanks to Samuel Draper for organizing this great event











My friend Samuel Draper who is the tour guide for the historic district of Elmira pulled out all of the stops as we toured the beautiful historic district.

    









Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain's grave site in Wood Lawn Cemetery




Victoriana Lady Lisa- Bringing history to life since 2003

To book a program please contact me - Victorianaladylisa@gmail.com

 References available upon request



Sunday, September 4, 2011

Victorian Tea Party Bridal Shower

Forget the silly games and trinket gifts...host an elegant and memorable Victorian Tea Party Bridal Shower with Victoriana Lady Lisa.



A silk wedding gown from 1900 on display from my traveling museum collection.





Author/historian Victoriana Lady Lisa will come to your home or rented hall with her antique traveling museum of Victorian bridal gowns, veils and accessories. Be entertained by her no man's land discussion of the wedding night and a 1912 book on sex education that will leave you in stitches!





One of Victoriana Lady's antique displays.




Circa 1900 etiquette book.





A turn of the century wedding stereoscope card.





Bring wedding photos of your own family to display!







Let me make your daughter or daughter in law's day elegant and unforgettable.




Victoriana Lady Lisa- Bringing history to life since 2003

To book a program please contact me - Victorianaladylisa@gmail.com

 References available upon request








Tuesday, August 23, 2011

A Tea Party Is A Spa For The Soul...



A Tea Party Is Like A Spa For The Soul 


                                                 



Luscious afternoon scones, savories & pastries at the Crystal Tea Room 
in the historic Stage Coach Inn, 2011



Time For Tea!
The art of taking tea in many areas is a lost art, one that I would like to bring back. I began my business catering afternoon tea parties all over PA, NY & NJ a decade ago. I was inspired as a busy mom raising my small children that all women needed a break, some gal time. It is said that "A tea party is a spa for the soul." It is so true! You come away feeling relaxed and renewed.






Once a customer walked into the establishment where I host afternoon tea events. I asked her if she would like lunch or have afternoon tea in our elegant tea room. She replied, "No not tea, we're hungry, we want food." Obviously she was not enlightened to the fine art of taking tea.






There is ample food at a tea, in bite size portions, so that you can indulge in several delicious things. My tea events consist of assorted scones, such as Orange Cranberry, Poppy Seed, Blueberry, Butterscotch Chip, organic Lavender or Pumpkin. Add Devonshire cream & jam to spread on top, or Lemon Curd if you prefer, (a tangy lemon meringue type spread which is really quite delicious.)

 Savory tea sandwiches are next, turkey & cranberries, chicken salad, tuna, salmon mousse, cream cheese & olive, or open face cucumber, just to name a few. The sweet treats range from cheesecake swirl bites, lemon bars, moist brownies, fruit tarts, peach pillows, and much more. Selections will change from time to time so one does not always eat the same thing over and over. All of this is enjoyed with an assortment of organic teas, such as Peach Coconut, Cherry Almond, Chamomile, Earl Gray, English Breakfast & many more.





An elegant tea table setting at the Crystal Tea Room in the historic The Stage Coach Inn, Drums PA
Assorted China makes the table colorful and reminds us of our ancestors pieces that we now collect.
   
                                             




A quaint tea room beckons one to sit and relax...on the cooler days of fall we will have both fireplaces working for a cozy warm retreat.











Don't you owe it to yourself to take the time out for yourself, with friends or family, to be indulged and pampered? Most restaurants rush you in and out, not when taking tea. The whole purpose of a tea social is to slow down and enjoy the moment. If a burger and milkshake during rush hour at the drive through is your style than perhaps this is not for you. If homemade food with fresh healthy ingredients appeals to you, in a relaxed setting than I invite you to join us for tea!














Author/historian/speaker Victoriana Lady Lisa presenting Afternoon Tea in the elegant Crystal  Tea Room. Located at the rear of the historic Stage Coach Inn, a circa 1800 stage coach stop for weary travelers, it still beckons you to come and sit for a spell.




An authentic Wells Fargo stage coach in the foyer





Weekly on Thursday & Friday Afternoon Tea will be served between 11-3 pm. Menu prices range from $9.00-$25.00. We offer a children's menu, can seat up to 100, have ample parking and are handicap accessible. Perfect for Red Hat Society events! Your hostess Victorian Lady will bring a different display each week from her antique traveling museum and upcoming book, The Fashionable Victorians.



One of the weekly antique displays, Victorian wedding artifacts.






The Crystal Tea Room entrance by ramp near the gazebo.




The historic Stage Coach Inn
668 N. Hunter Highway (Route 309 Mt. Top)
Drums, PA




Victoriana Lady Lisa- Bringing history to life since 2003

To book a program please contact me - Victorianaladylisa@gmail.com

 References available upon reques