Culminating our yearlong celebration of the author of beloved books such as Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and Persuasion, we present a teatime fête ideally suited for marking the 250th anniversary of her birth with festive fare on December 16, 2025.
Brimming with charm and cheer, our birthday party unfolds within the glow of a Christmas tree adorned with dried orange slices, holiday greetings, and flickering candles.
Pretty china and embroidered linens add to the ambience of the setting, with a monogrammed napkin evoking warm thoughts of the honoree.
Enhanced with dollops of clotted cream and black currant jam, fresh-baked Vanilla Scones offer a welcome accompaniment to a steaming cup of tea. Although scholars cannot identify Jane Austen’s favorite blend, they presume she would have sipped one of the Chinese black teas popular in Europe during her lifetime, such as a fruity Keemun Panda or a smoky lapsang souchong.
The savories course begins with Herbed Cucumber Cheese Sandwiches, a classic offering of white bread spread with a cream cheese mixture flavored with dill, chives, and parsley. Shingled cucumber slices top the seasoned filling, revealing a refreshing ribbon of green within the tasty triangles.
The menu continues with a delectable pairing of morsels. Piquant Salmon Canapés boast a zesty combination that includes smoked salmon, horseradish, and a garnish of dill. Comforting Egg Mayonnaise Canapés showcase mounds of a creamy salad considered a staple of British fare.
The occasion reaches its peak with a trio of delectable desserts: Chocolate Marshmallow Tea Cakes, Mini Victoria Sponge Cakes, and Lemon-Ginger Walnut Tartlets.
Text Melissa Lester
Photography Stephanie Welbourne Steele
Styling Melissa Sturdivant Smith
Recipe Development and Food Styling Katie Moon Dickerson
Find more Jane-Austen inspired stories in our November/December 2025 issue, available on local newsstands or at victoriamag.com.
