Byers Choice Red Hat Society Carolers Set 3 Figures Wicker Chairs Tea Service

Byers Choice Red Hat Society Carolers Set 3 Figures Wicker Chairs Tea Service

✨ Cabinet Curiosity No. 406 | The High Tea Society

In 1998, when a small circle of women in California began donning flamboyant red fedoras and clashing royal purple frocks inspired by Jenny Joseph's poem "Warning," they ignited a nationwide movement celebrating joy, unapologetic friendship, and aging on one's own terms. When Byers' Choice Ltd. partnered to translate that spirited camaraderie into their beloved handcrafted caroler line between 2002 and 2005, they traded Dickensian woolen mufflers for theatrical glamour.

Offered as a rare, complete three-figure afternoon tea vignette, this coordinated collection features two seated society members flanking a standing tea hostess. Handcrafted in Chalfont, Pennsylvania, each figure is built on the classic Byers wire armature with hand-sculpted clay-plaster faces featuring wide, joyful singing mouths and expressive painted eyes.

The costuming is pure Red Hat Society exuberance. The standing hostess wears an ornate purple damask brocade gown with black guipure lace shawl trim, a double strand of faux pearls, and a bright red feather boa. In her hands she balances a silver-tone filigree serving tray laden with a miniature blue-and-white porcelain tea service, complete with teapot, creamer, lidded sugar bowl, and teacups.

Seated beside her in authentic painted white wicker armchairs are two tea companions dressed in royal purple suits with pleated peplum skirts and crisp white lace cuffs. Each seated lady holds a miniature floral porcelain teacup and saucer, wrapped in a plush crimson feather boa and crowned with an oversized, sculpted red felt sun hat accented with navy ribbon bands.

Retired for two decades, this coordinated trio brings vibrant humor, sisterhood, and nostalgic charm to a holiday mantel or year-round doll collection.

The Vintage Pedigree & Artistry
Maker: Byers' Choice Ltd. (Handcrafted in Chalfont, Pennsylvania).

Collection: Official Licensed Red Hat Society Series (Produced circa 2002 to 2005, now retired).

Cast: Three (3) caroler figures, including one standing hostess and two seated companions.

Materials: Stiffened woven fabrics, brocade damask, wool felt, real marabou feather boas, hand-cast plaster composite faces, wire armatures, painted natural wicker chairs, cast miniature porcelain and metal tea service accessories.

Accessories Included: Two (2) white wicker armchairs, one (1) metal serving tray, miniature blue-and-white porcelain teapot, creamer, lidded sugar bowl, and two (2) individual teacups with saucers.

📺 Styling & Display Ideas
Holiday Tea Buffet: Arrange across a white linen table runner beside a vintage silver samovar or floral bone china teapot.

Year-Round Bookshelf Vignette: Display grouped together on a library shelf or curio cabinet to celebrate female friendship and vintage Red Hat history.

Red Hat Collector Centerpiece: The definitive holiday gift for a chapter member or collector of retired Byers' Choice specialty series.

🔍 Specifications, Materials & Condition

Measurements
Standing Hostess Height: Approximately 11 1/2" to 12" tall
Seated Carolers Height: Approximately 10" to 10 1/2" tall seated in chairs
Wicker Chairs: Approximately 7" tall by 5" wide

Materials: Fabric, plaster composite, wire armature, feathers, wicker, porcelain, metal.

Condition Transparency: Excellent vintage collectible condition. The hand-painted facial features are crisp and clean with no paint chips, cracking, or crazing. Costumes are bright and free of staining, sun fading, or structural tears. The feather boas are fluffy and full, displaying only minor, expected shedding when handled. Wicker chairs are structurally sound with clean white finish and light age-appropriate surface wear. The miniature blue-and-white porcelain tea pieces and floral cups are intact with no chips or repairs, firmly mounted to their bases and tray. Undersides retain green felt bases.

Care: Dust gently with a clean, dry, soft-bristle artist brush. Avoid contact with moisture, liquids, or direct heat to protect the hand-cast faces, fabric sizing, and feather boas.

A Note About Vintage Items & Their Little Crimes
Many of the treasures at Honeyblue Hollow come from estate sales, flea markets, and consignment shops where interesting things wait to begin their next chapter. Because they existed long before they found me, their pasts are checkered.

Vintage means used: Expect honest, authentic character consistent with age and previous love.

The Smell & Storage Factor: My workspace is pet-friendly and smoke-free. Buyers with extreme sensitivities should review the full Vintage Items & Allergens note in my Shop Announcement.

Storied Vintage. Curated with Intention.