Victoriana…

…and no Albert.  Never mind; the log fire is burning merrily, the candles are ready to light, Cook Old’s amazing table is completely hidden beneath all kinds of culinary delights.  The hounds are on the rug in front of the fire, and all I have to do is dress.

Much Victorian dress is a little too buttoned-up for me; I have therefore elected to appear as Ellen Terry when she played Lady Macbeth.  Perhaps a little altered here and there, and no real beetle wings, I must say, but green does rather suit me….

Postcard to Lady Godiva Goodwinge, Lawnder Hall

Tuesday Oct 11th 2011, London.
Dear Lady Godiva -sorry to have disappeared without letting anyone know. Just an extended holiday, back soon. Did the refurbishment of the Drawing Room go ahead, or were you distracted by the gifts from the east? If you are still wanting me to make the new curtains, perhaps you could go ahead and buy the fabric (if you haven’t already done so). I hope to be back by Sunday, so could start straight away on Monday.
Don’t worry if you have changed your mind or are not quite ready, I have been shopping and have plenty of things to keep me going in the meantime.

Am eager to hear all about everything that has been going on in MGitW during my absence.
Best wishes
Sylvie Thredds

 

 

Let’s talk about the Porker…

…no, not Pigsworth but the pub!  Come on to the terrace; it’s beautiful in the evening sun.  Cook Old has excelled herself, so help yourselves to canapes, and just say what you would like to drink; we have most things, from soft drinks – including some home-made lemonade – to wine to Pimms to – well, whatever, really.

Let the fun begin…

The preparations have been made.  The Hall is decked with flowing arrangements of flowers in dramatic shapes and shades.  Swags and drapes of rich red velvet deck the staircase and have been hung at the windows.  Tall iron candelabra are placed throughout, some with fat white church candles, others with elegant tapered candles.  When lit, they will shimmer and add to the air of mystery.

Drinks will be served in the conservatory.  There will be mulled wine, cider, ale, and a groaning board will be laid in the dining hall.  There is a medieval feel to Lawnder now; it‘s as if the house has gone back to the time when it was built.  Our guests are unaware, but a suckling pig will be roasting as they arrive; there will be pheasant and quail, and trout.

There will be a troupe of mummers arriving, along with minstrels who will play in the gallery.  It will be an evening of mystery, set in mysterious times…

The Masked Ball

Well darlings, it seems appropriate that we’re all to dress up on All Fool’s Day.  Friday the 1st April will see the first masked ball in recent times here at Lawnder Hall.  All are welcome, and there will be a prize for the most unrecognisable amongst you.  7.00 until we drop, I think.  I shall see you all – or someone I can’t tell is you – there.