I read where the Princess Kate and Prince William were hosting a Garden Party today. They and other members of the English Royal Family host numerous Garden Parties, every Spring, Summer and Autumn.
We are getting ready to host a picnic. This will be our third large outdoor event of the the warm season, here in Kansas City. Earlier this summer, we hosted the Stilwell UM Church Choir and their families and then we had another party for the past and present members of the Kansas City Grotto Club (Cavers). Gardens in the UK are similar to our lawns, so we have a lot in common with the Royals, when we have a party in our yard. In fact, tomorrow will be a costume/garden party. If the guests choose they may come in casual attire or if they fancy a more formal event, they may come in Regency clothing. That would be high-waisted gowns with long skirts and bonnets, for the ladies, and cut-away coats and top-hats, for the men. Regency Attire is clothing from the very late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Tomorrow, is the annual Box Hill Picnic for the KC Area Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North American. (JASNA for short.) We are hoping for lovely outdoorsy type of weather, but any activity occurring tomorrow, will be, no matter what the weather, very gentile! Our back lawn will feature Croquet. Food, an assortment of cold meats, salads and tea sandwiches, tea and lemonade will be served on our two back decks.There may be country dancing and a Janite Trivia contest. Guests may also wander the vast garden (think lawn) or perhaps partake in a leisurely boat ride, not on the Thames, but on our pond.
In Jane Austen's lifetime, picnics were quite common. Well, the common folk didn't have them, but the gentry and wealthy folks had them. The servants transported chairs and dining room tables out to the countryside and served the Lords and Ladies, just like they would have in their homes or manor houses. Bone China, silverware and cloth napkins were all toted outside. The term picnic comes from "pick a place" to have outdoor dining. In Austen's novel EMMA, Emma and her friends participate in the Box Hill Picnic. So, we are recreating that event, in a 21st Century suburban setting. We may have a few surprise guests attend the gathering. Perhaps, some characters from other Austen novels......Mr. Darcy maybe.
Unfortunately, the forecast is calling for a shower or two, tomorrow afternoon. We'll picnic in the house, then. A splendid festive time will, no doubt, be had by all.
.....................................................................................................................................................................
Dearest Lord. Pride and Prejudice are constant issues for all of us. Patience is difficult to practice. Sense and the ability to practice Sensibility we struggle with daily. We have so many blessings, though. Too many to complain about, too much. We are blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment