Express your gratitude for a day off work and celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria with high tea in your back yard. But oh no! The queen has lost her clothes and doesn’t know where to find them. So challenge your guests to dress the queen. Each guest is asked to bring a piece of clothing. It can be made, bought or improvised.

Victorian ladies wore 8 layers of clothing taking special care to enhance the bust and the butt.
It all begins with a chemise or a shift. A corset is laced over the shift. A bustle added to the rear end and a bust improver on the front create an S curve when looking at the figure from the side. A camisole, worn over the bust improver smoothes it all out. Then add knickers which consist mainly of two wide legs attached to a waistband and tied with a string. Up to five petticoats can be added over the knickers, but a minimum of three are absolutely necessary.

The dress consists of two pieces – the bodice, or blouse which has a high neck and is usually longer in the front so it can be gathered into the skirt. Then the full skirt covers the petticoats and the blouse is tucked in. Voila! The queen can preside over tea.