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Bath in Fashion Tea Party April 21st 2013

 

and

PRESENTS:

The Vintage Glamour Tea Party, Sunday April 21st at 1pm

- The Secrets of vintage Style and how vintage can change your life

with a charleston dance lesson and talk by celebrated blogger, Fleur DeGuerre

Join us for an intimate afternoon of dancing, decadent delights and the secrets of how the glamour of vintage can make you powerful  by vintage blogger, Fleur DeGuerre (Diary of a Vintage Girl), all taking place in The Guildhall, one of the most beautiful buildings in Bath.

Tea at The Guildhall

You'll be treated to a glass of bubbly on arrival, a charleston dance lesson and performance by a gorgeous new dance teacher, a delicious afternoon tea served on vintage china and entry into the Best Dressed Competition (all eras).

Vintage afternoon tea

But most thrillingly of all will be a talk by super-successful vintage blogger, Fleur DeGuerre who writes Diary of a Vintage Girl, one of the most widely read vintage blogs on the net and who also arranges events, films vintage glamour tutorials for big companies, writes...ooo you name it she's doing it. And she is going to teach us how to use vintage to turn our lives around and get what we want. All while eating cake in victory rolls! Oh the glamour, it's too much.

This woman will tell you how to make vintage work for you

If you would like to join us then there are tickets available here (£30pp). Don't miss it!

Tickets on sale now!

Film from last year's Bath in Fashion tea party:

Seriously Sexy Secret Tea Party 29th September in Bath!

So much to do, so little time and yet it's all in the name of fun! I'm madly organising a vintage weekend in the heart of Bath at the moment called Milsom Place Vintage Weekend. It's in a chic shopping quarter that has Jamie Oliver's Fifteen, Carluccio's and Cath Kidston as some of its upmarket residents.

On Saturday 29th September I will be hosting a special sexy tea party in a converted chapel in Milsom Place between 5pm-8pm that includes the following:

*A high tea served on vintage china in The Octagon that can double as your early evening meal

*A complimentary swing dance lesson by Hoppin' Mad (an hour)

*A burlesque performance from Dulcie Demure

*A glass of bubbly per person

*Erotic but funny poetry performance from Muriel Lavender

Plus the Pop Up Parlour will be there to give you vintage makeovers before you go out (payable on the day) and there will be a cocktail bar to get your evening started in style!

Click here for tickets (£25 pp)

Don't miss out!!

New events! A busy Autumn ahead.I hope you can join me at some of them!

Burlesque at The Manor!

Today took me back in time – not to a bygone era, well not to one that was that has long since passed, but to about a year and a half ago when I threw my first private tea party for a group of lovely hens. They had hired a farmhouse near Frome and were very patient with me when I lost my way. I’m really grateful to them (Sandra, I mean you!) for having faith in me to provide their friend with a fabulous tea-party for her hen do.

Since then I have thrown so many private parties that I’ve needed help waitressing at lots of them, especially with large numbers. Today, however, the girl who was going to help me was ill, so I went by myself – and I loved it!

This party of hens had hired The Manor at Norton St Philip, about half an hour's drive from Bath – a grand period property with a large but comfortable lounge with wooden floor. I’m told the bedrooms are amazing too but I didn’t see them.

The girls didn’t answer when I arrived bedraggled by the drizzle, but the lovely landlady who lives next door popped her head out and let me in.

Inside it’s impressive – although for such a big house the kitchen is tiny, but this wasn’t a problem for tea-making purposes.

The group gradually appeared in small groups, helped me decorate the room and then, around 1.30pm they ushered in the hen– it was a surprise.

I hope they loved the Bette Davis menu – ham and grain mustard sandwiches, egg and rocket sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, mini-Victoria Sponges, Carrot Bites, Dark Chocolate Brownies, Peaches and Cream cupcakes and melt-in-the-mouth cookies dipped in chocolate. They certainly seemed full enough and made all the right appreciative noises.

During tea the girls surprised the hen with gifts – including a corset and net skirt. She went upstairs to change and in the meantime, burlesque expert Dulcie Demure appeared. All the other girls disappeared too, but then reappeared dressed in the most fabulous burlesque style outfits! Top hats, fishnets, sequin shorts, red basques, flouncy flirty skirts – they looked amazing! And when the hen came down, dressed in her finery she was touched they had all gone to such a lot of effort – although she was also confused about what was going on until Dulcie introduced herself.

The hen (front right) & Dulcie (front left) & henettes

I retreated to the kitchen to wash-up (the glamour) while the group whooped and shrieked, shimmied and danced there way through numerous moves and music. And when it was over, they asked us if it would be ok to go straight out into Bath wearing their outfits. As anyone who has been there knows, Saturday night in Bath is hen party heaven and you look odd if you’re not dressed up! So Dulcie and I left them contemplating their evening’s outfits and I left remembering what hard work it is to throw a tea party on your own – but also how really rewarding it is too.

The Secret Country House Tea & Cocktail Party! 1st September 2012

Long-time regulars of The Secret Tea Party will remember the early days when the tea party locations were always well, ...a secret! So on 1st September 2012, the afternoon tea extravaganza is returning to its roots and throwing a special party in a top-secret location, at Monkton Combe, just outside Bath.

The party will be split into two sections and guests are able to join one or both parts of the day. Organiser Mrs Stokes is referencing the classic country house parties that happened at the turn of the 20th century and throwing a tea party and cocktail party in one. Traditionally, September was the prime month for Country House parties and guests spent the morning shooting or riding (which we won't be doing) before having an indulgent afternoon tea (which we will be doing). The evening was spent dancing, talking, drinking and playing games, all with a slightly saucy undercurrent!

Here is what is planned for our Country House Party!

Country House Tea party

*Arrivals from 1pm with glass of welcome bubbly

*Play parlour and board games, explore the surroundings (pray for dry weather!)

*Have optional makeovers and peruse the cocktail bar

*2pm the tea party officially starts

*2.15pm Dance lesson in the dining room

*3.15pm Afternoon tea served on vintage china in the conservatory

*4.15pm Surprise entertainment

*6pm Best-Dressed Competition, tea party ends, cocktail party guests arrive

Country House Cocktail party

New guests are invited to join us and the evening will take on a slightlier naughtier side! All guests will receive a complimentary cocktail on arrival, be able to dance to music, listen to readings from this year's erotic smash hit Fifty Shades of Grey, watch a burlesque performance, have optional makeovers and imbide more cocktails (payable on the day) all in a beautiful, intimate country setting. A best dressed prize will be awarded.

Location

The venue is a small country house hotel 3 miles outside of Bath in the delightful village of Monkton Combe. There is free parking available. The location will be revealed after booking by email.

Transport

Mrs Stokes is happy to arrange transport to and from the venue for £6.50 per person. Please buy the appropriate ticket.

Accomodation

There are four suites  with a double bed available for any guests who would like to stay the nght. The cost per suite is £180 per suite Friday-Saturday and £140 Sunday to Thursday. Please emailsecretteaparty@mrsstokes.com for details of how to book.

The next party...26th May...'50's Jubilee Tea Party...Frock and Roll!

So, a lot has been happening at The Secret Tea Party H.Q since the last party. Vintage Sunday was amazing and we were so honoured to have Pearl Lowe there judging the Best Dressed Competition which was won by the gorgeous Gemma.

We've also been running lots and lots of hen parties every weekend which has been fabulous and we have  many more to come over the summer, but that doesn't mean we don't have room for more. So do email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com if you would like information about private parties. Also, if you fancy buying or hiring any china or snapping up hen party fripperies, pop along to www.mrsstokes.com where Mr Stokes has started giving it a bit of a revamp and will be adding more and more treats and treasures as the months go by.

Finally, I want to tell you about three new parties, one on 30th June in the Bath Society Meeting Room and one in September which is a SECRET location just outside Bath. But the first is on the 26th May at the Bath Society Meeting Room which is a Fifties Jubilee special  - Frock and Roll. Starts 1pm for 1.30pm.

Here's what's included in your ticket price...

*Full afternoon tea on Mrs Stokes' Vintage China 

*Unlimited tea with milk and sugar

*Glass of bubbly per person

*Free Swing and Jive workshop by Hoppin' Mad

*Live music from Fifties combo, The Roadside Roosters (complete with double bass)

*One raffle ticket per person
*Cocktail Bar

And also available will be

*Exclusive, authentic Fifties clothes to buy from Cock-a-Doodle Vintage (pre-book to come and browse at 12.30 and buy your outfit by emailing secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com)

*Vintage hair and make-up from The Pop Up Parlour (£18pp including accessories)

*The chance to buy more tickets for the Right Royal Raffle - prizes include a bottle of bubbly from Green Park Brasserie, two tickets to the Burlesque Expo, a cake-stand from Fairyglass.co.uk and two tickets to the next Secret Tea Party (June 30th).

 Tickets are just £25pp 

Groups of 4+ please email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com if you would like to reserve a table

March 17th's Secret Tea Party Dance Party!

I can't believe that it's MARCH already! And that our second tea party of the year is coming up fast - on Saturday in fact. As it's the day before Mother's Day there will be complimentary flowers for any lucky mum there, so if you are coming, please do email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com to let me know so we can reserve a table for you both - or if you are in a group, such as a hen or birthday party, please also email me to set a table aside for you.

Here's a line-up of what we will be doing..

SATURDAY MARCH 17TH SECRET TEA PARTY DANCE PARTY

*Afternoon tea on Mrs Stokes vintage china

*Swing and Jive workshop by Must Dash Dance

*Optional makeovers (payable on the day) by The Pop Up Parlour

*Complimentary glass of bubbly per person

*Talk by blogger Maxine Jones life as part of The 1940's Family

*Complimentary flowers for mothers 

Of course, this party is not just mums and daughters, it's open to all and with our Wartime Glamour theme, we are looking forward to an afternoon of pretty dresses and tea and cake - without the powdered egg! We've got two new dance teachers this weekend - Must Dash Dance - who will be teaching a swing and jive routine and hopefully three jazz singers from Bristol too. The Pop Up Parlour makeover team will be there, so you can get your hair in Victory Rolls if you wish (payable on the day). And finally we have blogger Maxine Jones coming to talk about her blog, The 1940s Family, which should be fascinating. She's bringing her family too and will be telling us all about what it's like to live a 1940's lifestyle in the 21st Century. Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite and if you haven't already bought your ticket, buy them here.

Blogger Maxine

The 1940s Children

The 1940's Family take the train

Day out

Latest film from The Secret Tea Party

Ever wondered what happens at a Secret Tea Party? Here's the latest film of what happened in January 2012. If you fancy coming along we'd love to see you, click here for ticket information. And if you would like us to put on a private party for you, don't hesitate to email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com. See you soon!

Pearl Lowe judging Best Dressed on April 1st!

OOo the most exciting news is that Pearl Lowe is juding the Best Dressed competition on April 1st at The Secret Tea Party that is part of Vintage Sunday. In case you don't know, Vintage Sunday is part of Bath in Fashion which is a week of fabulous style events in the city including a talk by Manolo Blahnik! On Vintage Sunday (April 1st) there will be a huge vintage fashion fair at Green Park station (the BathVA Vintage Fashion Fair) plus The Secret Tea Party above the Green Park Brasserie with Charleston dancing, Pearl Lowe's Best Dressed Competition and Scarlet Vintage, Bath's best-loved vintage boutique - giving a what-to-wear style clinic. If you fancy tickets they are on sale through this site for a special price of £25 until Feb 1st only after which time they will be available for £30 through the Bath in Fashion website www.bathinfashion.co.uk.


Watch Pearl Lowe talk about vintage in Bath and Vintage Sunday here. Film made by Bubblehead Media @bubbleheadmedia

Christmas Secret Tea Parties

It occurred to me the other day that The Secret Tea Party wasn't just for summer and hen parties..because in fact they make unusual and affordable Christmas parties too. So I am launching my special Christmas Secret Tea Party service this week, with dainty turkey sandwiches and slices of fruit cake all served up on vintage china. The price will be from £16.50 per head for catering and china so if you or your friends or your office is interested in a posh party rather than cheap paper hats and a rubber roast, get in touch secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com. OOO I'm dreaming of a White Cakey Christmas...

The Secret Christmas Tea Party Package

2 rounds of the following sandwiches: Turkey and Cranberry Mayo, Blue Cheese, Pear and Chutney, Ham and Honey mustard, Egg and Cress or Cucumber and Cream Cheese or Cheddar and Chutney

Fruit Scone with butter

One choice Orange Chocolate Fudge Slice, Cherry and Almond Slice, Victoria Sponge slice, Lemon Iced Gingerbread slice, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese filling

Iced rich fruit slice

Mini Christmas Iced cookie (choice of Golden Ginger, Citrus or Chocolate)

Glass of bubbly per person

Full china hire

Bottomless tea with milk and sugar

Minimum 6 people. Discounts for large parties (over 20)

Please email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com for more details

A Secret Tea Party on the farm

I spent a wonderful afternoon down on the farm today - running a Secret Tea Party for a group of hens who were staying in Bathampton near Bath. They'd booked holiday cottages at New Leaf Farm which is just before Bathampton Mill and the toll bridge or just after depending on where you're coming from - either way you probably have to go over it at least once when you stay there. I nearly missed it on the drive there as the sign is quiet small but now I know where it is it seems simple to find.

There was a cute three-legged black cat there when I got out of my van and the owner Steve told me that  it doesn't belong to the farm but to someone down by the post office. It's a very friendly cat - and black - and what with its colour and lack of a leg I think that must be a good omen. I took a pic of it rolling on the ground - it looks like it's brown but it's black - promise.

The cottages are all converted Georgian farm buildings renovated to a modern standard and seem perfect for a group. Today's party was for nine and they managed to just about squash round the kitchen table in the cottage called "The Stables"

The hens didn't really know each other, so after a morning at the spa, the tea was the next chance to get to know each other. They ordered "Package A - The Audrey" - a classic menu of egg and cress dainty sandwiches, chicken and rocket finger sandwiches, lemon polenta cake, chocolate brownies, scones with jam and cream plus Victoria sponge fingers, all prepared this morning and served on vintage china from Mrs Stokes Vintage China. Plus they had unlimited tea and had also asked for a glass (or two in some cases) of bubbly each.

They seemed to bond during the afternoon. To start, they played a quiz all about the bride that the chief-bridesmaid had devised and after they'd feasted on the sugary fancies, they decorated cupcakes using cakes and decorations they brought themselves while I washed up. And by the end of the afternoon it felt like the group were well on their way to forming friendships that are going to last them well beyond the wedding. I like to think it was the chocolate brownie that did it...but I suspect the Prosecco helped!

Charleston and Cake - the film

Mr Stokes made this film of what happened on the 4th June at the last Secret Tea Party! Have a look to see what they are all about and sign up the mailing list to be kept up-to-date about all the future events. Don't forget I can arrange private parties too...Love Mrs Stokes (that's me in the turquoise and pink dress)

Charleston and Cake! 4th June 2011

NEXT PARTY JUNE 4TH 2011 AT A SECRET LOCATION IN CENTRAL BATH

Location revealed on booking


Tickets still available. Buy online and your ticket will be held on the door. The location will be revealed by email!

Afternoon tea on vintage china with extra entertainment, hair and make-up and fashion

*For group discounts of 25% for parties of 4 or more click here

Will you be dressed like this on 4th June?

PRICE INCLUDES:

*Complimentary bubbly from Bath's best-loved vintage fashion store, Vintage to Vogue, 28 Milsom Street


*Full afternoon tea served on vintage china from Mrs Stokes in a top secret, glamorous location in central Bath


* One raffle ticket per person for gorgeous prizes including a Mrs Stokes teaset and a fashion gift from Vintage to Vogue


*Charleston performances from dance duo Hoppin' Mad with optional workshop


*free vintage fashion consultation with Vintage to Vogue




Raffle Prizes include
*Vintage to Vogue voucher
*Lunch for two at Green Park Brasserie
* A gift from Mrs Stokes Vintage China
* A feather boa and matching fan x 2 from Fairyglass

Plus


*Vintage china and homewares on sale from Mrs Stokes Vintage China


*Vintage fashion accessories and consultations from Vintage to Vogue


*Vintage makeovers from the Pop Up Parlour. Payable to them on day from £8

£25 a head. Tickets from Vintage to Vogue, 28 Milsom Street, Bath or by clicking here.

Tearoom Takeover at The "It's darling!" Fair - 26th March

Very exciting news...The Secret Tea Party is taking over the tearoom at The "It's darling!" Fair on 26th March at The Friend's Meeting House in Bath. It won't be a usual STP ie a ticketed event, but instead an all-day cafe with vintage china, vintage soundtrack, cakes, sandwiches and of course, The Pop Up Parlour stylists, Inma and Lou who will be bringing their gorgeous dressing table of goodies to make you over, either vintage-style or cocktail party - just in time for Saturday night. "It's darling!" is a free event with over 20 stalls selling vintage and handmade delights so there's no excuse not to pop it in your diary and drop by. If you want to come along and pre-book styling, please email secretteaparty@mrsstokes.com - prices are £8 for hair or make-up and £15 for both.

The Second Secret Tea Party January 29th 2011

At 12pm yesterday, Rosie turned up at the Stage Door of the Theatre Royal, Bath. She'd come all the way from Swansea to spend a day in Bath as part of a surprise birthday present for her friend Charlotte - and part of that gift was a ticket to The Secret Tea Party - hosted by Mrs Stokes Vintage China (me). Unfortunately Rosie was a bit early and I was running late so Rosie took Charlotte round the shops for another hour.
And in that sixty minutes I manically laid up the tables in the 1805 rooms above the theatre with vintage linens, vintage mirrors and candlesticks and of course, my vintage china, helped by Jason who is the theatre's restaurant manager. I used the sets I've decided to keep for these events and also for hire. By 1pm people were arriving, but as The Pop Up Parlour stylists, Inma and Lou had been delayed in traffic in Bristol, they were just putting the finishing touches to my hair and make-up as the excited ladies started streaming in. But what a gorgeous bunch they were....and by the time Inma and Lou had finished with them they were even more beautiful and stylish. Sadly for me, my camera didn't work so I'm relying on the guests to supply the pics (and I borrowed Rosie from Swansea's camera at one point which was generous of her, although I think I was pretty unartistic about it all). But to start with click here to see one lovely lady's (Ceriselle's) snaps.

Book now for the next Secret Tea Party - 29th January 2011! 1.30pm-4.30pm

Book now for the next Secret Tea Party on 29 January 2011! It's in a secret location in the centre of Bath, in a location not normally associated with afternoon tea - although it should be! There'll be a glass of bubbly on arrival and a full afternoon tea - cakes, sandwiches, tea and scones and tea (of course). Plus, there'll be plenty of vintage china to eat and drink from and buy if you choose and our vintage stylists, Inma and Lou from The Pop-Up Parlour will be on hand to style you for a small extra fee (£8 hair, £8 make-up, £3 eyelashes and £15 for a full makeover, payable on the day). The event costs £15 per head payable in advance (use the links on this page to buy tickets or click here) - you will receive email confirmation of your purchase if you buy online, or come and see me at my stall at Green Park Station in Bath on Saturday 22nd to buy direct and avoid the admin costs.

The first Secret Tea Party!

The first ever Secret Tea Party organised by Mrs Stokes Vintage China was at the Nineteenth House in Bath. Gemma Lye, who runs the fabulous burlesque evening, Coco Boudoir gave a demo on vintage hair-styling, The Pop-Up Parlour primped and preened everyone to perfection and Mrs Stokes made sure everyone loved drinking from their china cups in a beautifully vintage setting. 

Cakes by Bath Cake Company

Mrs Stokes' vintage make-over

Beautiful china from www.mrsstokes.com

Flowers by The Painted Flower at Green Park Station Market

Life tastes better with tea and cake

The Pop-Up Parlour gets to work

Gorgeous

The vintage restaurant at The Nineteenth House

Gemma Lye from Coco Boudoir/The House of Go Disco

Click here to find out what one of our guests, "Crinoline Robot" thought...