Editor’s Note:

Ever since the debut of Julian Fellowes latest series, “The Gilded Age” on HBO, we have been fascinated with this period in NYC history. Season 2 returns at the end of the month. The show is set in the late 19th century and is centered around the lives of New York City’s high society during a period of immense wealth, social upheaval, and industrial growth. It delves into the opulent and extravagant lifestyles of the American elite in the 1880s, exploring their complex relationships, power struggles, and secrets. (See the video trailer at the end of this post.)

And how perfect to have Ellen Easton’s Gilded Age Afternoon Tea Menu. Now if only we were sipping it in one of those Fifth Avenue mansions.

A Gilded Age Afternoon Tea Menu

SANDWICHES and SAVORIES

Roast-beef with Horseradish on Grain Bread triangle

Chicken Curry Salad with Shredded Coconut, mini tart shell

Cinnamon Cream Cheese on Date Nut-Raisin Bread, square

Smoked Salmon with Dill Butter on Dark Bread, open- face half-moon

Ham and Chopped Watercress with Basil Butter on Rye Bread, finger

Chopped Egg and Diced Black Olives on Whole Wheat Bread, pinwheel

Thinly Sliced Cucumber & Chopped Mint with Mint Butter on White Bread open- face round

BREADS and SCONES

Warmed Currant Scones, Cheese Biscuits, Honey Buns, Sliced Fruit Breads

 Clotted or Devonshire Cream, Fruit Preserves, Lemon Curd

 SWEETS

Assorted Nuts and Chocolates

Vanilla and Seasonal Tea Cakes, Assorted Petit Fours

Strawberry Trifle, Sugared Fruit, Pâte de Fruit, Berry Tartlets

Seasonal Shortbread Cookies, Chocolate Mousse, Lemon Pudding

TEAS and TISANES

Darjeeling, Chai, Earl Grey Green, Lemon Verbena

Milk, Sugar Cubes, Sliced Lemon, Honey, Mint, Candied ~ Roses, Violets and Ginger

©Ellen Easton