The Edwardians loved flowers and they took every opportunity to surround themselves with floral pleasures not only in the garden and the drawing room, but in every corner of the Edwardian house. Champagne and Primrose Jelly, Keeping Orchids, Lavender Bath Soaks and Turkish Delight
The Edwardian era was a boom time and the gentry set about indulging their senses in all areas of life, so that everything they did became an exercise in luxury. Devilled Kidneys, Scones, Beewax Polish, Hand Cream, Household Hints and Shaving Tips.
The Edwardian upper classes were the ultimate big spenders, forever in pursuit of ostentation and style. And when it came to celebrating, the champagne flowed like water. In this programme Hugh sets himself the challenge of hosting a dinner Edwardian style, without busting a gut or breaking the bank. The food includes a soup with oyster croutons, a mutton dish and ice creams made in 100 year old moulds owned by food historian, Ivan Day. Hugh visits wine merchants Berry Bros and Rudd to rediscover the popular Edwardian tipple of Madeira. From the depths of their wine cellar, Simon Berry uncovers a bottle of Edwardian Madeira to crack open for a taste test. Ice sculptors Jamie and Duncan Hamilton give Hugh a quick lesson in ice sculpting. Wielding a chainsaw, Hugh succeeds in making a surprisingly delicate sculpture. Simon Lycett, celebrity floral decorator, visits the house to pass on some ingenious ideas to transform Hugh's dining room into the perfect setting for lavish Edwardian entertaining. Potato Soup with Oyster Crouton, Rolled Mutton Joint, Alexandretta Bombe, Apple Sorbet, Pineapple Ice, Pistachio Ice.
Practically everything that happened in the great Edwardian houses was about displaying the wealth and enhancing the social status of their owners and the fruit and vegetable gardens of the day were no exception. Chinese Artichoke and Asparagus Salad, Pimms, Pink Shocker, Poires a la Marquise, Rhubarb Bellini, Seakale with Garlic Cream, Strawberry and Oatmeal Face Mask.
As unstoppable party animals, the Edwardians had more than their fair share of health problems - and although patent medicines were becoming increasingly available, people still used remedies made from herbs and spices that were passed down from generation to generation. Cleavers Infusion, Dandelion and Burdock Beer, Mushroom Ketchup, Mustard Bath, Peppermint Tincture.
The elite of Edwardian society had plenty of time on their hands and they turned the pursuit of leisure into a fine art. Picnics offered a perfect opportunity to combine the Edwardian's love of good food, entertaining and the great outdoors together in one hedonistic mix. A Ribbon Flower, Edwardian Champagne Cup, Iced Biscuits, Pork Pie, Potted Mackerel or Caveach, Potted Shrimps.