How sweet!

The ORS's bonnet tutorials are much-viewed, and I discovered this little gem on YouTube this weekend, a young lady who is delightfully thrilled by her bonnet that she made using our tutorial. She's adorable, so I must feature her.

A Regency Retreat

Yes it may finally happen! We have found a location that will let us rent their space for a very fine price. The event will be held over a weekend in December. That gives us all plenty of time to plan and save money. Three nights with two full days of workshops and sewing time! Sounds fantastic! The price will include lodging, six meals prepared by the retreat center, two high teas by our chef, and some workshop fees. Certain workshops may cost an additional fee or materials.

There are three sets of dates available and we would like to take a poll of what you think would work best for you.

December 1st-4th
December 8th-11th
December 15th- 18th

Are there any workshops you would really love to see at the retreat? We are very excited and would love some feedback from you!

Longing for Summer and all its diversions

Good Day Ladies and Gentleman,

While it is dreary and snowy, many a daydream has centered on the wonders and comforts of a warm summer's day. Others find the careful planning of the summer season to be a fine consolation to being kept in. What keeps me in high spirits is the careful planning and dreaming of a summer wardrobe and the accessories to accompany it.

I have acquired over the holiday season a book that has become a great deal of joy to me as well as information. I received "English Fashions of the Nineteenth Century" by C. Willett Cunningham (no relation to our own Mrs. Cunningham).

While this particular volume has many different styles and over 1000 illustrations of various fashions. The first chapter in particular is of interest to people enamored of the regency and federalist era.

Here are a few peeks at the fashion plates from this wonderful book:







I hope that these are inspiration for hats and fashions for the delights of picnics, promenades, carriage rides and any number of pleasurable country diversions.

Your Humble Servant,
Mrs. N. Azevedo

Save Public Broadcasting!

We rely on public broadcasting for the period pieces we love the most! If we allow our government to slash public broadcasting, it will severely limit or completely wipe out any of the things we've come to count on. Call your government representatives today and raise hell!

Extraordinary photos from the Duchess's Feast.

Photographer: Michael Linn; see originals on his flickr page: CLICK HERE.

Shadow puppet show performed by Mary Kowal; author of Shades of Milk and Honey.

The Duchess of Beaufort's Midwinter Feast

Last year's Feast of the Twelfth Night was a revelation.  This year, the chef is making an expanded menu and we are able to squeeze in a few more seats.  The venue is changed as well. Our organizer has picked a lovely farm in Dayton called Red Ridge Farm; which is a winery, Olive orchard and herb farm. It's a beautiful setting and the venue itself is a lovely space with a nice stone-mantel fireplace.  We are very excited.

The menu last year featured the following dishes:

First Course

Lobster Bisque topped with a Tarragon and Lobster Chantilly

Deviled Eggs with Fresh Ground Pepper and Dill

Creamed Leek Pie

Lavender Blueberry Trifle

Roasted Leg of Lamb

Boiled Potatoes tossed in Butter and Fresh Dill

Steamed Mussels

Strawberry and Chocolate Trifle

Second Course

Meringues filled with Strawberry Mousse

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Vol-au-vents

Glazed Ham

Honey Mustard Carrots

Roasted Asparagus

Glazed Pear and Rosemary Cake

Prawns

Fresh Fruit Tarts

Third Course

Lemon Ice

Cheese, fruit, and Nut Board

Cornish Game Hens

Shredded Sweet Potato Pie

Glazed Lemon and Anise Cake

Crème Caramel

This year, there will be MORE dishes and we will also be featuring wines from area wineries, including Red Ridge's products.   This event can be an opportunity to make a weekend of exploring the wine-country here in the Willamette Valley. There are lots of really great lodging options in the area.

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The Event's 'Write-Up':

An exclusive event, the Duchess’s Midwinter Feast is an extravagant and decadent evening of riches. Join the Duchess for a succession of sumptuous dishes created by the Duchess’s chef; and sip an array of wines made from the fruit of local vines. Indulge in an evening of society, pleasant diversions and perhaps even partake in a lovely dance.

The Menu will be expansive; larger than last year’s fine dinner. A larger selection of locally made wines will be provided as well. Set in a vineyard, herb farm and olive orchard, we dine by candle and firelight.

This event calls for Formal Regency Costume only – no daywear, please. Your dress should be appropriate for sharing a dining table with aristocracy.

There are only twenty-eight total spaces available.

Tickets can be purchased here: http://www.oregonregencysociety.com/events.htm#feast