Create a Gothic Tea Time Inspired by Great Literature

Our gothic tea time guide will help you and your teens explore the mysterious and atmospheric world of classic Gothic literature.

Add Mystery & Suspense with Our Gothic Tea Time Guide

If your family doesn’t celebrate Halloween but would enjoy a fun, creative, and literary alternative, why not create a Gothic tea time inspired by classic literature?

Autumn, with its winds, rains, and plummeting temperatures can offer an otherworldly, eerie atmosphere to set the stage for a Gothic tea. Instead of focusing on ghosts and ghouls though, simply invite your older kids and teens to step into the world of classic literature, where they can explore dark, mysterious settings, dramatic storytelling, and intriguing characters. 

With activities like reading classic Gothic poems or tales, dressing up in Victorian-inspired costumes, and enjoying elegant, themed treats, you can create a cozy yet thrilling experience that combines education, imagination, and seasonal fun.

A Gothic Literature-Inspired Menu

Gothic novels aren’t actually known for their scrumptious foods, but with a little bit of forethought, you can create your own menu based off your whichever novel, short story or poem you’re reading:

• Miss Havisham’s Decayed Fruit Tart: A tart topped with fruits like figs, dark grapes, and plums, to mimic the old-world, decaying splendor of Satis House in Great Expectations.
• Cathy’s Wild Honey and Thyme Crostini: Rustic crostini drizzled with wild honey and topped with thyme, capturing the blend of sweetness and wildness found in the moorland setting of Wuthering Heights.
• Nevermore Black Currant Scones: Dark, rich scones infused with black currants, representing the shadowy, mysterious presence of the raven in Poe’s most famous poem.
• Dark and Mysterious Teas: Choose dark black teas or herbal teas with intense colors (like a deep red hibiscus tea). You could even make a “blood orange” tea punch.

For even more ideas, plus several recipes from classic gothic novels, make sure you grab the Gothic Literature Tea Time guide below!

Set the Stage with Gothic Ambiance and Costumes

We recommend making the atmosphere and table setting the main attraction. Instead of using a china teapot, why not serve your tea from a tarnished silver tea or coffee pot? Use fallen leaves, dried or dead flowers, and even broken china to add to the “aged, decaying, and dilapidated manor” that is featured in so many novels.

Dress up in Regency, Victorian, or Edwardian style costumes. Or wear a white gown and bridal veil like the sad, twisted, Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. Or dress up as Poirot from Murder on the Orient Express.

Add a Gothic Poem to Tea Time

The Raven
by Edgar Allan Poe

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. “
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
Only this, and nothing more.”

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;—vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow—sorrow for the lost Lenore—
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore—
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me—filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating, “
“’Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door—
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;—
This it is, and nothing more.”

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
“Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you”—here I opened wide the door;—
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, “Lenore!”
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, “Lenore!”—
Merely this, and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
“Surely,” said I, “surely that is something at my window lattice,
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore—
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;—
‘Tis the wind and nothing more.”

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door—
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door—
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
“Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,” I said, “art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore—
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night’s Plutonian shore!”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning—little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door—
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as “Nevermore.”

But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered—not a feather then he fluttered—
Till I scarcely more than muttered, “other friends have flown before—
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.”
Then the bird said, “Nevermore.”

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
“Doubtless,” said I, “what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore—
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore,
Of ‘Never—nevermore’.”

But the Raven still beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore—
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking “Nevermore.”

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom’s core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion’s velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o’er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamplight gloating o’er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
“Wretch,” I cried, “thy God hath lent thee—by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite—respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore;
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil!—prophet still, if bird or devil!—
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted—
On this home by horror haunted—tell me truly, I implore—
Is there—is there balm in Gilead?—tell me—tell me, I implore!”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil!—prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us—by that God we both adore—
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore—
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore.”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

“Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend!” I shrieked, upstarting—
“Get thee back into the tempest and the Night’s Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!—quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,
And the lamplight o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted—nevermore!

The Gothic Literature Tea Time Guide

Add even more suspenseful fun to your tea time or go all out and create a Gothic Manor party or book club with Olivia’s Gothic Literature Tea Time Guide!

Create a Moody, Atmospheric Tea with Our 35+ Page “Gothic Literature Tea Time Guide”!

Step into the world of dark elegance, eerie mansions, and timeless tales with our “Gothic Literature Tea Time Guide.” Perfect for homeschooling families who want to enjoy a fun, educational, and mysterious alternative to traditional Halloween festivities, this 35+ page guide has everything you need to host an unforgettable Gothic-themed tea time!

Inside, you’ll find:

• A Brief History of Gothic Literature: Discover the origins of Gothic literature and its most iconic works, from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to Poe’s chilling tales.
• A Collection of Gothic Poems: Set the mood with a curated selection of haunting and atmospheric poetry.
• Writing Prompts Inspired by Gothic Literature: Ignite creativity with thought-provoking prompts that encourage teens to write their own Gothic tales.
• Gothic Lit-Inspired Menu: Delight your guests with a Gothic-inspired menu, from “Soul Cakes” to “Manderly’s Crumpets” with easy-to-follow recipes.
• Gothic Decorating & Dress-Up Ideas: Create a dramatic and mysterious atmosphere with simple decorating tips and costume suggestions.
• Gothic Music Playlist: Set the perfect mood with a specially curated Spotify playlist of classical and atmospheric tunes.

Plus, keep the fun going with Gothic Activities & Games:

• Gothic Name Generator – Discover your Gothic novel identity with our fun and easy-to-use name generator. Are you a Lord Roderick, Baron of Lowborough or Lady Lenore, Countess of Hargrave? Find out now!
• Gothic Literature Trivia Game (with Answers): Test your knowledge of classic Gothic novels, authors, and characters with this ready-to-play trivia game.
• Gothic Bingo – Gothic-themed activities fill this card with all sorts of odd ways to bingo!

Ready to explore the mysterious world of Gothic literature? Get your guide today and let the fun begin!

Have a Gothic Paint Party!

These art lessons from the Masterpiece Society will add so much more fun and creativity to your Gothic tea time or party! The Monsterpiece Society features a “rare art collection” your kids and teens will love to paint:

• Bona Lisa
• The Howl
• Boo Boy
• The Legend of Sleepy Kahlo
• The Ghoul with the Pearl Earring

Or choose between one of our Gothic-inspired LiterARTure lessons, Jekyll and Hyde or Frankenstein.

Books to Enhance Your Gothic Tea Time

Add some of these classic Gothic books to your home library (if you don’t already have them):

Middle & Upper Grades

Frankenstein (Wordsworth Classics)The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeDracula (Wordsworth Classics)The Mysteries of Udolpho (Oxford World’s Classics)Jane Eyre (Signature Editions)Wuthering Heights (Artisan Edition) (Harper Muse: Artisan Edition)The Tenant of Wildfell Hall: (with an Introduction by Mary Augusta Ward)Rebecca (Virago Modern Classics) [Paperback] [Jul 16, 2015] Daphne Du Maurier (VMC,VMC Designer Collection)The Hound of the Baskervilles (Oxford Children’s Classics)The Picture of Dorian Gray: The Original 1890 Edition (A Oscar Wilde Classic Novel)Illustrated Hawthorne: The House of the Seven GablesThe Castle of Otranto: A Gothic Story (Oxford World’s Classics)Northanger Abbey (Signature Editions)The Fall of the House of Usher and Other StoriesMurder on the Orient Express (Poirot Series)Hallowe’en Party: Inspiration for the 20th Century Studios Major Motion Picture A Haunting in Venice (Hercule Poirot Mysteries, 35)Bleak House: The Unabridged 1853 Charles Dickens Victorian Classic Novel (Annotated)Great Expectations (Signature Editions)The Woman in WhiteNotre-Dame of Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

 

Shakespeare

Macbeth: SeaWolf Press Illustrated ClassicHamlet: SeaWolf Press Illustrated Classic

 

Gothic-Style Movies

I’ll be honest, there are not a lot of “modern” gothic-style movies that I’d watch, much less recommend. But the following are some of our family’s favorites—not necessarily scary, but the novels from which they were adapted are classified as gothic. Furthermore, there are only certain adaptations I like, sadly, some of which are no longer available for purchase (e.g. Great Expectations, 1989 version starring Anthony Calf, and others). Therefore, the following list is a bit short.

As with any movies we recommend, please check the “Parents’ Guide” first and use your own discretion to determine whether or not you believe it is suitable for your family (especially with this adaptation of Northanger Abbey which has “adult” themes and dialogue with readings from the gothic novel, The Monk, which we do NOT recommend.)

Masterpiece Theatre: Northanger AbbeyJane EyreMasterpiece Theatre: Jane EyreEmily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights [DVD]Great Expectations [DVD]The Woman in White [DVD]RebeccaRebecca,1940 (Region All, NTSC) Alfred HitchcockBLEAK HOUSE – BLEAK HOUSE [DVD] [2005]Dracula (1931 – English Version) – Augmented Reality Edition [DVD]POIROT—Murder On The Orient ExpressThe Hound of the Baskervilles [DVD]

 

Gothic Gifts for Your Older Kids & Teens

Peohud 5-Candle Metal Candelabra, 10 Inch Tall 5 Arms Candle Holder Stick for Taper Candles, Vintage Candelabra Candle Stand for Home Decor, Event, Wedding, PartyReal Butterfly Framed Handmade, Taxidermy Butterfly Shadow Box Collection, Framed Butterfly Taxidermy for Gothic Home Decor (A_Green-Banded Queen Butterfly)Halloween Decoration – Quoth The Raven6 coasters with Complete Novels of Jane Austen Six Coffee Mug Coasters with Complete Novels of Jane Austen’s book designs. (Book Title)The person, be it gentleman or lady, who hast not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid, Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen Quote, 6TIIMG Frankenstein Lover Gift Book Reader Gift Horror Monster Book Movie Lover Gothic Literature Gift Tote BagINSOVITA Rustic Gothic Jewelry Box With 9 Drawers, Edgar Allan Poe Poems Cabinet of Curiosites, Gothic Decor, Gift for Poetry/Goth FansINSOVITA Rustic Edgar Allan Poe Poems Cabinet of Curiosities,Victorian Gothic Decor for Shelves, Small Wall Shelf, Halloween Decor, Floating Shelves, Vintage Wall Decor, Gift for Poetry/Goth FansLEATHER VILLAGE Vintage Leather Journal – 200 Handmade Vintage Deckle Edge Paper – Leather bound Journal For Women Men – Vintage Key Closure – Book of Shadows – Cappuccuno Brown – 6X4 inches (A6)VANGOAL Feather Pen and Ink Set, Glittering Quill Pen Set Antique Calligraphy Dip Pen with Ink, 2 Replacement Nibs, Pen Stand Base, Luxury Vintage Signature Pen (Green)Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte I am No Bird Book Quote Enamel PinEdgar Allan Poe Quote 8×10 Dictionary Art Wall Decor Picture – Upcycled Vintage Retro Decoration for Home, Office, Apartment, Living Room, Bedroom, Bathroom – Gift for Poetry FansEaoundm 16.5 x 11.5inch Vintage Mirror Antique Mirror Decorative Wall Mirror Shield Shape (Vintage Gold)9 Pieces Halloween Gothic Style Sticky Notes Self-Adhesive Gothic Style Design Note Pads Gothic Style Sticky Memo Notes for School Office Home Supplies Students Teachers GiftMagnetic Poetry – Edgar Allan Poet Kit – Words for Refrigerator – Write Poems and Letters on The Fridge – Made in The USAThe Unemployed Philosophers Guild Sherlock Holmes Coffee Mug – Features Holmes Quotes, Rules of Deduction, Intriguing Images, and Sidney Paget’s Portrait, Comes in a Fun BoxPoster Foundry Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte Book Cover Art Quote Ceramic Coffee Mug Tea Cup Fun Novelty Gift 12 ozThe Unemployed Philosophers Guild Edgar Allan Poe Coffee Mug – Famous Quotes and Portrait of the Gothic Horror Author – Comes in a Fun Gift Box, 14ozNovel Teas Book Lover’s Tea contains 25 teabags individually tagged with literary quotes from the world over, made with the finest English Breakfast tea, for the book loverVintage Typewriter Desk Organizer Pencil Holder for Desk Office Desk Accessories Desk Pencil Holder Retro Gift Vintage Desk Decor Desk AccessoriesPOWER UNICO FLOWER Vintage Decorative Organizer Wooden False Book Storage Box Jewelry Box with Three-layer Drawers (312)MyGift Decorative Desk Organizer Caddy, Pencil and Pen Holder with Bottom Storage Drawer and Antique Library Books DesignOVANUS Crow Lamp – Raven Lamp Adjustable Brightness with Bulb，Bird lamp，Crow Light Decor for Bedside Bedroom Living Room DecorSunlit Vintage Picture Frame 4×6 Inch, Luxury Antique Photo Frames with Glass Front, Photo Display, Tabletop Wall Hanging, Gift Ideas, Black and Goldlureme Vintage Elegant Victorian Lady Beauty Cameo with Crystal Brooch Pin (br000017)Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte Thornfield 1847 – Book Lover T-ShirtUniversal Zone Literary tote bag. Handbag with book design. Book Bag. Library bag. Market bagUniversal Zone Literary tote bag. Handbag with book design. Book Bag. Library bag. Market bagENSIANTH Frankenstein Couple Gift Frankenstein’s Monster & His Bride Earrings Horror Movie Gift Halloween Party JewelryThe Unemployed Philosophers Guild Edgar Allan Poe Sticky Notes – 3.25Vintage Library Due Date Card Coaster Set, 4pcs Library Card Coasters with Gift Card, Creative Drink Coffee Mug Coaster Literary Decor Library Gifts for Book Lovers Librarians Writers

 

Make Your Own Gothic-Style Cloak

This tutorial will help you create a quick and easy cloak to wear on your gothic adventures:

Fare the well…

Olivia and I had so much fun digging into the mysteries and suspense of Gothic literature and hope that you will do the same!

In fact, we encourage you to make this a special, recurring event by planning tea times around different Gothic novels, short stories, or poems each year. By making the experience immersive, you’re helping your children connect with literature in a way that’s imaginative, engaging, and unforgettable!

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