"Pinkies Up" for Victorian Tea

Display at Shore Cultural Centre highlights Victorian Tea on March 29th.

According to whatscookingamerica.net, there was a practical reason for “pinkies up” when holding a teacup and it wasn’t to display your upper-crust snob appeal. Originally teacups were made in China starting around 620 A.D. and they were small with no handles. To avoid spilling the hot tea, the pinkie was held up (slightly) to provide balance. While nowadays your cup may have a handle, you can still practice your best “pinkies up” move this month when Shore Cultural Centre holds their Victorian Tea fundraiser on March 29, 2015.

Bring friends, or make new ones, while enjoying tea and a light lunch. Learn about Victorian Tea Etiquette from speaker Janet Bird, Education Coordinator for The Lorain County Historical Society. Ms. Bird has been an educator for over twenty years, and speaks regularly on historical topics. Her informative and entertaining presentation will include a brief history of the origin of the afternoon tea, napkin etiquette, tea terminology, typical menu, and some teatime trivia. Enjoy music by Dennis Chandler, aka “Piano Man/Guitar Man – Cleveland’s Musical Chameleon”.

There will be fun raffles and prizes, including “pick-a-prize” baskets with themes such as “Garden”, “Relax” and “Tea”, just to name a few.  Show your individuality by wearing a special hat and bringing your favorite cup, but don’t fret – that aspect is optional!

The Victorian Tea will be held in the Culinary Bistro at Shore Cultural Centre on March 29, 2015 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.shoreculturalcentre.com or in the Shore office, 216-289-8578. Advance ticket purchase is required by March 23, 2015 as there is limited seating.  Shore Cultural Centre is located at 291 E. 222nd Street, Euclid, Ohio.