Periodical Themes

Victorian Party Theme

Decorate for your Victorian-theme pasty in ivory, gold, and green.  Begin the party with a traditional afternoon tea. Set up a white tent in the backyard for the occasion, and dress in Victorian-era clothing. Serve hors d’oeuvres such as cheeses, scones, and crackers. Etiquette was extremely important during Victorian teas parties.

Brass bands and bandstand became popular during the Victorian era.  Play classical music, especially piano, violin, or harp solos.

Gambling was a well-liked activity in Victorian age. Spectacles such as hypnotism and magic were other forms of entertainment. Also hire fortune tellers and belly dancers.

Women’s clothing included a Regency silhouette, corsets, exaggerated skirts and dresses supported by hoops.  Women usually accompanied their extravagant gowns with pearls and diamonds. Men’s clothing consisted of frock coats, cummerbunds, neckties, scarves, top hats, handkerchiefs, and linen shirts.

Serve dinner on fine China with and arrangement of roses, baby’s breath, lilies, and violets as centerpieces. Light the dinner table with candles or hang a chandelier.  For dessert, have fruit cake.

For a unique centerpiece, take black and white photos of guests dressed in Victorian costumes.