"Setting the stage for beauty is part of the pleasure of picnicking; not only must the food be delightful, but the display must also be decorous." ~
Victoria Magazine
Victoria Magazine
Those lazy, hazy days of summer are upon us. I am not a big fan of this type of weather myself, but rather, am a seeker of cold, conditioned air wherever I can find it. Never-the-less, one of my favorite summer past times is alfresco, or outdoor dining. There is something so romantically Victorian about it. Just picture a summer lawn party scene from "Anne of Green Gables" or "Emma" and you'll be transported to another place and time. The following is a recipe for a lovely Victorian themed brunch. All you need is your own backyard, good friends, and a table or two to make a wonderful summer memory.
The Invitations ~
Back in the days when good manners and etiquette reigned in even the simplest of events, a lovely hand written invitation was sent out to each guest cordially inviting them to attend this or that affair. Today, we have the ease and convenience of our computer's word processor and printer to make beautifully appointed invitations for any occasion. Using unique papers or card stock and a multitude of font styles, you can make customized and professional looking invitations for a very small cost. Look in any craft store to find something to go along with the garden party theme and use a pretty script font. Choose a time before the warmest part of the day for your brunch, such as 10:30 AM. You may want to request that your guests wear a simple, comfortable outfit that is reminiscent of the day. (“Simple” is the key word!) Hats are always fun, and will protect from the summer sun as well. Make sure you send the invites out early enough to give your guests ample time to arrange their schedules for babysitters, etc. Two or three weeks ahead should be sufficient time.
Setting the Table ~
Find the prettiest spot in your yard, ideally nearby a garden, to set up your table(s). Use the weeks prior to your event to preen and water your garden so it looks its very best on the day of your party. Use clean, white flat sheets as table covers. You can sew on some pretty crochet lace or pom-pom fringe to the edges if you like. Secure the ends with weights to keep the wind from lifting them up. Small assorted seashells sewn onto the end of each corner is a unique Victorian touch. The shells (available in craft stores) sometimes come with small holes already drilled into them. If not, ask hubby to do it for you. It is very easy to do, but you will need a very small drill bit to make the holes without breaking the shells.
If you have a flower garden, cut a large assortment of seasonal blooms and place them in a container to use as a centerpiece. Market flowers are just as pretty and are fairly inexpensive in grocery stores or Sam's Club type outlets. The key to a wonderful arrangement is fullness; so don't skimp on the flowers! Cut glass containers will catch the light beautifully, but you can use anything pretty that will hold water as a flower container. Whether your tastes lean toward china and silver, or more rustic ironware and enameled flatware, do consider setting your table with real dishes for that extra special touch. It will be so much nicer than using paper plates, and sure to be fondly remembered by all who attend. Back in the day, the "good" dishes were brought out to even the humblest of outdoor gatherings. Linen or cotton napkins are always special too.
The Menu ~
- White meat chicken salad on bib lettuce
- Deviled eggs w/paprika
- Cold, sliced cucumbers in lightly sweetened sour cream
- Fresh baked corn bread served w/honey
- Fresh berries, in season with fresh whipped cream
- Lemonade Spritzers w/mint leaf garnish (2 parts sweetened lemonade w/1 part plain seltzer water)
