Tea on the Titanic

Several years ago while browsing used cookbooks online I came across the most fascinating find titled Last Dinner on the Titanic.

 I had tentatively reserved it in my "wish list" for a while as I was worried there was something a bit macabre about recreating soups and desserts that were served on the evening of such a tragic event. But soon the romance and splendor of the era of transatlantic travel won me over, I clicked "buy" and days later was poring over the captivating old photographs, intriguing historical facts, and authentic recipes.

goodreads.com

April 14th marks one hundred and one years since the fateful sinking (alas I hadn't begun blogging for the century mark).While countless people around the world will commemorate this historical date with a variety dinners, ceremonies and events, I figured I'd honor the occasion this year in one of my favorite ways, having a tea party.

Regular readers will note that I borrowed some ideas and props from my Downton Abbey Tea Party post, both being of the Edwardian era- (in fact Downton fans will remember how the opening episode announces the news of Titanic's sinking). History buffs take heed, as with the Downton Tea, this post is more of a fun, whimsical nod to the glamour of an era, and not in any way an  accurate portrayal.

Titanic Teacup

Many companies currently create fine Titanic inspired china, reproducing with exacting detail, the ship's famous patterns. Of course these can be quite pricey; I spotted one tea cup and saucer selling for over $150. So wanting first class china on a steerage budget,  I popped out to the thrift store for some more economical wares to spruce up easily with some china friendly paint. 

You'll need:

teacups and saucers- check they are not priceless heirlooms

china friendly paint
carbon paper
printable logo

small paint brush
 In the interest of time, I simply painted the recognizable White Star's logo onto simple but elegant gold edged serving ware, fitting somewhere in the middle of the pattern class hierarchy

 I found this basic white and gold almost complete china set at a thrift store- 

they just needed a bath

Using carbon paper I transferred the logo to the center of the plate and on cup

just paint in design- mistakes can be easily wiped away while still wet

Authentic White Star china patterns according to class

titanicgazette.blogspot.com

Menu

While actual Titanic dinner and luncheon menus have survived, I was unable to find much detail about what was served for afternoon Tea on this grand ship. Since first class passengers affectionately referred to the ship's elegant dining rooms as the "Ritz", I borrowed menu ideas from the tea served at the landlocked version of the very luxurious namesake.

The tea menu is based on an image from an actual dinner menu which survived the sinking in a passenger's purse. Employing a bit of computer magic I replaced the grilled mutton and potted shrimp with some classic tea time fare. Visit huffingtonpost.com to see the original menu, what it sold for at auction and more fascinating facts.

With no staff of culinary masters on hand in my kitchen, I simply gave some"supermarket" eclairs a dusting of powdered sugar and served with berries

Tea in the Reception Room

reception room: sister ship Olympia

 http://titanicpiano.blogspot.com

My own house boasts less than Titanic proportions but I added a bit period grandeur using some free samples of plastic ceiling tile I had from a project yet to be started eons ago.

I simply gave them a quick dusting of ivory spray paint to enrich the plastic finish and attached with tape to a display board.

Of course one needs a porthole, or in this case a round craft store mirror. After a few attempts at painting a sea view (the paint didnt cooperate) I settled for a few swipes of paint to simulate a reflection.

Tea is served

fun fact: the Titanic set sail with 800 lbs of tea and 3,000 tea cups!

Greetings from....

A fun way to reinforce the Titanic theme is by setting up small vignettes in different areas of your house. Imagining a passenger quietly writing letters to fill the long days at sea, I used some vintage postcard graphics to create cards that might have relayed a travelers adventures to those back home.
Some ladylike touches help create character

http://www.simplonpc.co.uk

just love this touching early 1900's postcard from The Graphics Fairy

playing with the Sepia effect again- instant antiquity

Fun Fact: 3 dogs survived the sinking.  Although considered good luck and great rodent control, no cats had been aboard the Titanic

Titanic floating Lantern in a Jar

I love adding little touches of light to a setting even in the afternoon. This is an easy and unique project to accent a table or entryway. In January I created a Polar Bear Party party and used plastic wrap and water to simulate an icy arctic sea: an ingenious idea from Big Red Kitchen. Here the addition of a miniature floating Titanic image and a flameless votive create an iceberg laden tabletop seascape.

You'll need:

Titanic image (there is one on our printables page)

clear plastic cup
flameless votive

plastic wrap

water

clear jar or container

These instructions are similar to those of my Chinese floating lanterns

Cut out image of ship.

 Trim cup to about 1" height being careful of sharp edges. 

I cut two small slits in sides of plastic and slid in ship so it stood upright

Pop in a votive as close to center as possible to water test. If it is seaworthy continue.

 using a pin I created "windows" for the votive light to shine through

by day

by night

Crumple plastic wrap and submerge in water to create an icy sea
If you are hosting an evening event several votives will create a nice glow

Experiment with different containers-
At left I used an apothecary jar and at right the Titanic sets sail in a trifle bowl

PennyWise Titanic Tips

It doesn't take guests in full costume to set the elegant mood. Provide a box of hats, jewelry and gloves to add some Edwardian glam to your event and supply fun photo opportunities.

The Titanic orchestra was said to heroically continue to play while the ship went down. Adding period background music is a fun and easy way to set the tone. Light classical, popular show tunes from the day and even the "new" ragtime and jazz were popular. Check this delightful site for authentic music http://www.melodylane.net/whitestar.html