Tea/Picnic Theme Help!!!

[KHansen454]

Hi!!!!! I need to en help. I am attending a Jane Austen themed ball this weekend. It consists of period dancing, a tea and game sof the period. It will be attended in full costume, the works!!! There will be a two hour dinner break gap in the evening and my group ( 4 adults) is planning on brining a picnic to the event. Does anyone have any suggestions for our basket? We would like to keep it as simple as possible ( nothing that needs to be reheated) and if possible, something that could work with the Jane Austen theme. Does anyone have any ideas??? ANy help would be great.

Thank you!!!!

Karen

 

[BevS97]

how about an English Cream Tea - I think they have been around since Jane Austens time.

Basically it's just sandwiches (traditionally Cucumber), scones with jam and cream, and cakes - with cups of tea - you could make the tea and have it in a flask and then everything else would be cold.
If it's a 'dinner' you might want to add a few things to make it more filling.

here's some more 'tea' info

http://www.joyofbaking.com/englishtea.html
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Farm/7446/englishtrad.html
http://www.myhouseandgarden.com/English_Afternoon_Tea.htm - this has some yummy looking photo's.

'formal' picnics are quite popular here for outdoor concerts - and you will find people bring the crystal glasses, china plates etc, and candlesticks- I haven't done it myself but it always looks like loads of fun

more ideas http://www.ivillage.co.uk/food/partyfood/Picnics/articles/0,10103,164361_178510,00.html

Bev