How to Play the Victorian Parlor Game Lookabout

Though many consider the Victorians to be dull sticks-in-the-mud, they were actually a fun-loving culture who put a premium on community entertainment. Prior to the advent of electricity, friends and families frequently gathered at homes to play both indoor and outdoor games, tell stories, and share musical performance. Indoor games, known as Parlor Games because they were normally played in the parlor, were initially designed for adults. Although today they are primarily looked upon as children’s party games, many parlor games, including Lookabout, are great ice breakers and provide inexpensive entertainment for holidays parties or family gatherings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 4 or more players
• Several small knickknacks
• Light refreshments

1. Bring several small knickknacks, such as a teaspoon, thimble or salt cellar, into the parlor. Set these objects in a central location in the parlor, such as on a coffee table or end table.
2. Choose one person to be “It.” This person selects one of the knickknacks to hide. “It” displays the object to all the other players.
3. Invite all the players except “It” into the dining room for light refreshments such as punch and cookies. “It” remains in the parlor and hides the knickknack in an inconspicuous, but visible, place in the room. When “It” is satisfied, he notifies the host that he is ready.
4. Invite the players to return to the parlor. Each player must wander about the parlor looking for the knickknack. Once a player locates the knickknack she may sit down. The last person left standing becomes “It” and selects the next object to be hidden.
5. Repeat the process until all the objects have been hidden.

Tips & Warnings

• Players may wander around the room a bit after locating the knickknack to keep from revealing its location to the other players.