top of page
LECTURES
45 MIN- 60 MIN POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
The History of The Dining Table
Play Video

For those who love food and are fascinated by history, Eva's presentation takes you on a journey through time from the Greek Symposium to the French Revolution and on. Exploring the political intrigue, symbolism, and traditions throughout the history of the Western world to the dining customs we are familiar with today.

HISTORY OF CHAMPAGNE
(AND THE JOY OF DRINKING IT):

We associate Champagne with celebration and the good of life. The pop of the cork and the bright sparkle of bubbles emulate glamour and more often than not, the distinct possibility of romance. It is the wine of weddings and New Year's kisses. It is beautiful and delicate and above all it is a wine associated with women. Champagne was the beverage of the courts of Europe.

HISTORY OF THE CHEF, HIS KITCHEN AND THE RESTAURANT:

"A kitchen only comes alive when you cook in it." The entire kitchen was once organized around the open hearth. When you walked into a kitchen you expected to see fire, now the presence of fire is a signal of panic.  What made the food scene spring up in Paris? Historians tend to put the creative moment after the French revolution.

THE HISTORY OF WINE, AND BREAD ON OUR TABLE:

Paintings and written documents have us to view and understand how important bread has been to our survival. The wealthy man ate white bread, the merchant ate grain bread and the common poor man ate dark bran loaves.

THE ARRIVAL OF COFFEE AND CACAO IN 17TH CENTURY EUROPE:

The arrival of coffee and cacao to Europe during the 17th century, caused many changes in the lives of Europeans and the people of the British Colonies. The impact of the introduction of coffee and tea was particularly noticeable because the most common beverage at this time, even at breakfast, was weak ale and wine. 

TEA IS THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING:

The story of Tea is a story of imperialism, industrialization and world domination - one cup at the time.
England emerged as the first global superpower because of its adaptation of a new system of manufacturing - the factory was born and this was the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Linking the Imperial expansion from the Far East and the Industrial expansion of Europe was Tea.

HERBS AND SPICES AND THEIR JOURNEY TO OUR TABLE:

The history of worldwide trade is the quest for spices. Not a day goes by without our taste buds coming in contact with all kinds of herbs and spices. Each and every one has its own background and nature as well as its place on our table and in culinary history.

THE POLITICAL TABLE CLOTH (HISTORY OF TABLE LINEN):

Recounting the history of table linen is not only a delightful excuse to "Spin a tale" it also provides a fascinating insight into social rites governing the use of table linen throughout history. It tells us of life's basic everyday acts, to which the household linen is so closely linked.

TABLE HOPPING THROUGH HISTORY
FROM A GREEK SYMPOSIUM TO HENRY VIII TABLE:

Held to strengthen alliances in politics, business and marriage, formal dinners and banquets have maintained an essential social purpose through recorded time. Indeed, much of  Western history has been written over the course of a meal.

EVERYDAY LIFE AND DINING AT CHATEAU VERSAILLES:

Buzzed with spectacular food presentations, music, dancing, fireworks and gambling. The sound of the rustling of colorful silk and the sparkle of priceless gems. 

​

Chateau de Versailles was the French royal residence from 1682-1789 it also housed the official French Government.
 

THE 19TH CENTURY DINING REVOLUTION:
TASTE AND DINING TRADITION:

The pleasure of the table is a reflected sensation that originates from various places, like things, people and facts. Eating is an intelligent act or is it merely an animal one? What makes it intelligent? Is it the company, your tastebuds or your mind? Is it your social and cultural background or your economic vitality? 

When Napoleon Bonparte came to power in 1804, the Industrial Revolution was in full swing. Aristocrats had lost power around the baquet and dinner table. For the first time, a "common man" was to significantly change the course of dining history. Napoleon exerted sweeping changes not just in France, but at the tables of all of Europe.

bottom of page