Victorian Banquets
The Victorian era (1837 until Queen Victoria's death in 1901) is often associated with rich fabrics, lavish decorations and decadent and indulgent foods. Victorian banquets were extravagant events for the upper middle and upper classes and were seen as a means to flaunt your social and economic status. Today, a hostess may throw a Victorian style banquet to celebrate a birthday or an organization may use a Victorian theme for a gala event. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Menu
-
The Victorians often served up to nine courses at their banquets. A modern hostess can follow suit at her event and serve several small, light courses such as tomato soup, small portions of fish and a larger -- but still small -- portion of venison or poultry and vegetables. Victorian desserts included fruit, small cakes, souffle and eclairs served with wine, coffee or tea. A modern hostess can follow these guidelines to treat her guests to an authentic Victorian banquet menu.
Decorations
-
The Victorian era is characterized with lavish velvet upholstered furniture, flocked wall papers, and oriental style rugs. Though it's not practical to redecorate a house or a venue with Victorian era items, a hostess can include some hints of Victoria into her banquet decor. Drape tables with lavish red fabrics and lace and use beautiful flower centerpieces. Use fine china and ornate silverware to set the table. Use candles and dim lighting to create an intimate atmosphere.
-
Attire
-
Victorian era people dressed in elaborate outfits with lavish accessories. Modern Victorian banquet attendees can wear Victorian costumes, or can borrow ideas from the Victorian era to accessorize their modern attire. For instance, a modern woman can wear a cameo brooch, a hat with flowers and feathers on it and some lace gloves to hint at a Victorian outfit. Men can wear top hats and cutaway coats to fit into the Victorian motif. A hostess should request Victorian-inspired attire for her guests or provide accessories such as lace gloves.
Other Victorian Banquet Ideas
-
Consider giving guests Victorian-inspired favors at a banquet. Some possible favors include colorful paper fans, gourmet tea bags and small truffle boxes with a lace ribbon and silk flower on top. A Victorian banquet can be held at any location, but for an authentic event, consider having the banquet at a Victorian style mansion or event center or a hotel that is decorated in a Victorian style.
-
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
