Forgotten Elegance: The Art, Artifacts, and Peculiar History of Victorian and Edwardian Entertaining in America

by Wendell Schollander

History students and Victorian enthusiasts looking for comprehensive information on dining practices of Victorian America will find this book a vital resource. Revealing the history of 19th-century dining, clothing, and etiquette, the volume includes sample menus and explicit instructions explaining how to recreate a dinner, tea, breakfast, or lunch in the 21st century. Collectors of china, crystal, and silver will also find this book helpful because it provides a photograph of each piece of tableware that was used, with a history and description of the item.

After explaining the different dining styles and the way they evolved into rituals of the Victorian era, a formal dinner is examined course by course. The Schollanders present the history and uses of various wines and show they were matched with different foods. They also explain the evolution of silver, crystal, and china pieces. Additionally the book includes an explanation of the seating order at the Victorian table, correct Victorian table manners, invitations and menu cards, correct dress for dinner guests, correct table settings, the role of servants, and step-by-step instructions for recreating a formal Victorian dinner, tea, breakfast, or lunch.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Reference, Victorian

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have created a fail proof system to determine if I would recommend this book to you as a reader.

1. Do you think it's interesting that the Oyster Fork does not count towards the three forks on the table limit?
2. Have you ever wondered what a sherbet fork does and why it is shaped like that?
3. Do you ever wish you could find a good guide to hat wearing at dinner parties?
4. Would you like to be able to casually drop fun facts about the history of tablecloths in your daily conversations?

If you answer 'yes' to the questions then I recommend you read this book. If you answer 'no, who in the heck would be interested in any of that boring stuff - my friend Amy must be weirder than I though to find it interesting' then I don't recommend you read this book.

[Janis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. So much history of dining habits, which wines were used, and descriptions of crystal, china, place settings, and silverware.
Didn’t know about ice cream forks. When you see one, it makes sense!

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

not just a quote book, it is well researched and has the best list of types of flatware I have seen.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished! Amy--let's talk.