My First Ball!

Saturday evening I will be attending my first Civil War Ball.
Oh my, what will I wear?
One must look their best for this type of event.
I want to be the Belle of the Ball.
After going over my reenactment outfits I came across my first gown I bought on ebay.
I wore this gown only once to entertain my Red Hat Society friends. I did not own a hoop skirt at that time, so it didn't have the true ballroom gown look. It had no flounce nor flair.
I will be wearing the proper undergarment to enhance the elegance of the gown.I will not wear a hat. Lot's of flowers in the hair, I think.
"I will make a grand entrance!"
Ball Room Etiquette:
Ladies and gentlemen were on their best behavior in the ballroom. Manners were more formal, clothing was finer, and bows were deeper.

A lady or gentleman should finish their toilet before entering the room for dancing, as it is indecorous in either to be drawing on their gloves, or brushing their hair. Finish your toilet in the dressing rooms.

Always recognize the lady or gentleman, or the director of ceremonies with becoming politeness: a salute or bow is sufficient.

A lady should always have an easy, becoming and graceful movement while engaged in a quadrille or promenade. It is more pleasing to the gentleman.

A lady should never engage herself for more than the following set, unless by the consent of the gentleman who accompanies her. It is very impolite and insulting in either lady or gentleman while dancing in quadrille, to mar the pleasure of others by galloping around or inside the next set.

If a gentleman, without proper introduction, should ask a lady with whom he is not acquainted to dance or promenade, the lady should positively refuse.

Recollect, the desire of imparting pleasure, especially to the ladies, is one of the essential qualifications of a gentleman.

Ladies should not be too hasty in filling their program on their entrance to the ball room, as they may have cause for regret should a friend happen to enter.

An introduction in a public ball room must be understood by the gentleman to be for that evening only, after which the acquaintanceship ceases, unless the lady chooses to recognize it at any further time or place.

A lady should not attend a public ball without an escort, nor should she promenade the ball room alone; in fact, no lady should be left unattended.
http://www.victorianweb.org/history/Etiquette.html

Designed by Leanna Tokarz Reed

I purchased this beautiful hand made bodice from SEAMS VICTORIAN
The designer is Leanna Tokarz Reed from Spokane, WA.
Now the beautiful skirt for this bodice is in production now.
Here is the skirt in the making. 
 
I can't wait to see them together. 
It is going to have a bustle in the back



http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeamsVictorian

Victorian Valentine's Gift Swap

I belong to a wonderful group of Victorians called "The Complete Victorian".
We all have a passion for the things of the past. We spent time sharing great Victorian stories, finds and crafts. At times we gift swap with each other. I absolutely love Victorian Gift Swaps. We just had a Victorian Valentines Swap. I received some lovely treasures that I immediately put to use in my tea Salon.

 First I got this cute shopping bag with little girls playing dress up. My Victorian friend knows how I love dressing up. It is hanging on the wall for all to see and enjoy.


Second, I received a beautiful Victorian necklace, lovely note and note pad.
It is just the little things that make the swap special. I love receiving gifts in the mail from my Victorian friends. I know they had my in mind because of the thought they use to send such enjoyable gifts..
I hope you have friends like these. "We share good old fashion friendship!"

A Old Fashion Friendship.



In today's times it is very hard to enjoy an afternoon the old fashion way, with good friends and relax in a stress free atmosphere.
I had that wonderful afternoon spent with such supportive friends and great conversation. One would not have asked for a well spent, old fashion, step back in time

As my guest arrived, we posed graciously for our portrait to be taken,
which we greatly enjoy.
We obviously dress for the occasion and love to set the stage for our journey back in time.

We then went into the tea room to partake of a plentiful display of tea treats and conversation.  The table was set for my guest to enjoy until their hearts content.  It made for a true Victorian Valentine's feast.

September Tea Travel

 I am happy to say my tea time travels are on it's way. I have decided to visit as many tea shops and salons as I can. Will be looking t...