Tag Archives: amusements

Christmas fun: Old Fashioned Parlor Games

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What to do with company that comes for Christmas? What about some old fashioned parlor games? I love the holiday season, especially because it means I can have friends and family over. Occasionally, boredom can strike though and I find myself scrambling for something fun to do. With long winter nights with only candlelight to see by and fireplaces for warmth, those who lived in the regency era confronted the boredom issue regularly. No wonder … Continue reading →

Planning a Ball

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 In Pride and Prejudice, Caroline Bingley is required to plan the Netherfield ball in something on the order of two weeks. What did planning a ball really require? Planning a Ball Most of us have, at some time or another been called upon to host an event. The frenzy, stress and excitement are familiar to us all, as is the way they all increase with the size and importance of the event–which helps explain the … Continue reading →

Regency Traditions Video: Pantos

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Though modern, this video depicts much of the traditional flavor of Christmas pantos.   12 Days Of Christmas Song   Read more about pantos here. Read a scene of Darcy attending a panto here. If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy:  

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Regency Christmas Traditions: Christmas Pantomimes

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Each year, Regency era British theaters prepared Christmas pantomimes (pantos) that would begin on Boxing Day and run as long as the audiences demanded them. These were not silent productions, but rather very verbal performances that included the audience as an extra character in plays bearing many similarities to modern burlesque. The Pantomime Tradition The tradition of pantomimes and the pantomime characters in England traces back to medieval theater. Broadbent (1901) notes: A sketch of … Continue reading →

Regency Traditions Video: Parlor Games

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Parlor Games are a perfect resource for Christmas fun. It’s hard to resist some of these good, old-fashioned games. Play Your Your Own Parlor Games A couple more just for a little more Christmas fun.  Twirling the Trencher (or spinning the plate)  Find an unbreakable, rigid plate (plastic, wood ect. Paper will not work.) Seat the players in a circle with a large open space in the middle. The first player stands in the middle of the circle and … Continue reading →