A taste of 19th century living can be experienced at Boscobel, an exquisitely restored and furnished mansion located about an hour’s drive north of Manhattan, with picture-perfect views of the Hudson River and West Point. The Yuletide Teas, a brand new holiday experience takes place on Wednesdays and Sundays in December and allows guests to relive the afternoon tea traditions of the wealthy and well-to-do. According to tour guide Fran Hodes, tea time was a most common occurrence in the daily lives of the home’s inhabitants. Having a China porcelain tea service would elevate the family’s status into the “better” class; a simple earthenware set held little significance. Therefore, experiencing an afternoon tea and finger sandwiches served on fine plates, cups and saucers was a real treat. Especially during this busy season of quick meals and hectic schedules.

Tea flavors included “gingerman” – ginger flavored black tea; “Jack Frost” – a redbush vanilla and peppermint tea; and “Chanticleer” – a black and green tea with sunflower petals with a slightly smoky flavor. The sandwiches were a mix of breads and included chicken tarragon, and a cream cheese mix with olives. Desserts were small dainty cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, and a chocolate dipped brownie — all delicious and filling.

As we munched, Emily, a Boscobel volunteer entertained with a lecture on fashions of the period and introduced four young women who modeled some examples. Guests were able to see a simple every day dress with little flourish, a fancy party gown complete with white gloves, an expensive dress worn only by the wealthy, and lastly, a classic plaid outfit with hoop bottom. This was followed by gift shop manager, Renata, who brought out other volunteers who modeled modern accessories, like velvet jackets, fancy scarves and shawls.

Events like these are few and far between and we’re all the better for taking part. It’s a reminder to slow down a little, enjoy the tastes of the season, while providing a lesson in New York heritage, manners and history. Learn about a fancy holiday dinner, and the parlor activities that would follow; that gossiping and pretention was just as popular in the 1800′s as it is now. See the grounds, and hear of the important role the Hudson River played during the Revolutionary War, and how a great house fared from its beginnings throughout two hundred plus years. If a visit to Boscobel isn’t possible before year end, consider adding it to your calendar for 2010. The gardens and woodland trail provide an excellent stretch for the legs, the views are amazing in any season, and one must visit the well- stocked gift shop offering clothing, bags, home décor, and beautifully photographed cards.

The Yuletide Tea event is proving to be a popular one, with many of the days sold out. However, tickets for December 23 and December 30 remain. Tickets are $40 and include house tour, tea and sandwiches, and the presentation. (Presentations vary).

Visit www.boscobel.org for directions and other event information or phone 845-265-3638.

Boscobel is open every day except Tuesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The museum and grounds are closed to the public January, February and March.

Hours
April through October: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last tour begins at 4:00 p.m.).
November and December: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last tour begins at 3:00 p.m.).

Admission
House & Grounds/All-Day Pass:
Adults $16
Seniors (62 and older) $12
Children (ages 6-14) $7
Family of Four $40
Children under age 6 admitted free

Grounds Only
Adults $8
Children (ages 6-14) $5
Family of Four $25
Children under age 6 admitted free