If you were to ask Medieval Martha, she would be the first to tell you that the key to any successtful gathering is delicious cuisine, and fabulous decor. The first thing to think about is the board, or feast table. The base for any meal is a sturdy table covered with a cloth, either plain or patterned. Decorate the table with greenery and fruits appropriate to the season ( wash the fruits carefully as they may be eaten during the course of the evening.
For a noble feast, use your best pewter or wooden plates and bowls. Make sure your eating dagers are sharp enough to cut the roast, and the wooden spoons must be sanded and oiled! Tankards and goblets should be thoroughly cleansed and set at each person's plate. For evening feasts, add candles aplenty. Drape the walls with tapestries and hang banners that bear heraldic devices.
Have your serving wench ready with a bowl of scented water for your guests to wash their hands after the meal.
For picnics, follow the same guidelines, but hang banners from the trees. Add fresh flowers to the table and use beautiful, heavy fabrics on the ground for the revelers to sit upon. For a mayday picnic, serve bisquits (with a seed in two) to select a May Queen and King. Plan some games and have a Maypole Dance for the finale. |
