Be Book Bound: Jane Austen

Showing posts with label Jane Austen. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

From the Book of Life: A Tea Party to Share

"Some people imagine that there can be no accommodations, no space in a cottage; but this is all a mistake. I was last month at my friend Elliott's, near Dartford. Lady Elliott wished to give a dance. 'But how can it be done?' said she; 'my dear Ferrars, do tell me how it is to be managed. There is not a room in this cottage that will hold ten couple, and where can the supper be?' I immediately saw that there could be no difficulty in it, so I said, 'My dear Lady Elliott, do not be uneasy. The dining parlour will admit eighteen couple with ease; card-tables may be placed in the drawing-room; the library may be open for tea and other refreshments; and let the supper be set out in the saloon.' Lady Elliott was delighted with the thought. We measured the dining-room, and found it would hold exactly eighteen couple, and the affair was arranged precisely after my plan. So that, in fact, you see, if people do but know how to set about it, every comfort may be as well enjoyed in a cottage as in the most spacious dwelling."

~ Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility Chapter 36

It's my birthday this week, and I'd like to invite you all to celebrate it with me.

If you are anywhere near the Mountain West, please feel free to stop on by for some cake.

If not, here is a "virtual" birthday party for you to attend---a birthday tea party.

Now, if you know anything about me and Miriam by now, it is that we were on the "Tea Party Committee" in heaven. We live for a good tea party---especially a party like this one with beautiful cucumber sandwiches . . .

and buttery cream scones . . .

And of course, there must be a scrumptious array of sweets, like these colorful pastries . . .

or these individual chocolate silks . . .

or these dainty lavender shortbreads (in the shape of teapots, of course :) . . .

The pictures for this party came from a little soiree that my friend and I put together for our book group. It was a Jane Austen-inspired tea. Everyone came in their most Regency-looking frocks and enjoyed an evening of refreshment and diversion.

I wish you could have been there.

But at least now you have attended in spirit.

And if anyone asks . . . I'm turning 29.

Sharing at . . .

Cedar Hill Ranch
Between Naps on the Porch
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Homestories A to Z
Jennifer Rizzo
StoneGable
No Minimalist Here
Common Ground
From My Front Porch to Yours
French Country Cottage
At the Picket Fence
Stuff and Nonsense
Savvy Southern Style
It's Overflowing
Atta Girl Says

Monday, April 22, 2013

Pride and Prejudice: Purchasing Wedding Clothes

"Oh! my dear brother," replied Mrs. Bennet, "that is exactly what I could most wish for. And now do, when you get to town, find them out, wherever they may be; and if they are not married already, make them marry. And as for wedding clothes, do not let them wait for that, but tell Lydia she shall have as much money as she chooses to buy them, after they are married. And, above all, keep Mr. Bennet from fighting. Tell him what a dreadful state I am in, that I am frighted out of my wits—and have such tremblings, such flutterings, all over me—such spasms in my side and pains in my head, and such beatings at heart, that I can get no rest by night nor by day. And tell my dear Lydia not to give any directions about her clothes till she has seen me, for she does not know which are the best warehouses . . ."

~ Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Chapter 47

Maybe it is because I attended my niece's wedding last week, or maybe it is because spring is in the air, or maybe it is because I have watched WAY too many episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress," but it resulted in a revelation this week: I am getting married again.

Well, not really.

I am staying married to my darling man of 17 years and I'm keeping the ring, but I want a do-over of just about everything else---including the dress. My poor husband, sisters, mother, and dentist have all heard the sad tale of how I looked about as stylish as a pair of tube socks on my wedding day in my satin sack.

So instead of perpetuating the wedding-dress-gone-wrong-story for another 17 years, I've decided to write a new story---a story about a happily-married mother of five who decides to throw a small, elegant party for friends and family the way she should have done all those years ago. There will be good food, twinkle lights, a string quartet, and a real photographer. Oh, and she will be wearing the PERFECT dress.

But what should it look like? I don't want a train or a veil since I will most likely be needing to chase my children and/or break up their wrestling matches during the event. Besides, I've already worn those once and this isn't really a wedding.

But I DO want my dress to be reminiscent of these . . .

How could you go wrong with the elegance of Grace Kelly's gown or the flattering lines of Audrey Hepburn's tea length ensemble? (You know what? Forget the dresses. I just want their waistlines.)

So with these inspirations in mind, here are some dresses that I've stumbled across and I'd love to have your input. Which one would you vote for?

#10

#11

#12

#13

#14

#15

#16

Who knows? Maybe someday I'll actually be able to post a picture of me in one of these gowns---looking happy, looking redeemed, and looking nothing like the Amish Bridal Runway Model of 1996.

Sharing at . . .

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Pride and Prejudice: A Local Pemberley

"Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter. . . . They gradually ascended for half-a-mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something"

~Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Chapter 43

I've often wondered what draws me most to Pemberley House (aside from Mr. Darcy, that is). Is it the stone exterior? The expensive furniture? The glorious gardens? The melodious pianoforte or historic portraits?

Nope.

What I love most about Pemberley House is the housekeeper.

Really, who wouldn't want a small-bodied, well-mannered, crazy-efficient woman who has nothing but good to say about you even though she spends her life cleaning up your messes and keeping the home fires burning when you are off on a hunting party or in London on business.

I'm telling you. Elizabeth Bennet had no idea what she was missing out on when she first refused Darcy's proposal.

When I saw this house on a home tour, it reminded me of a smallish Pemberley House with its handsome exterior, manicured gardens, and verdant setting.

I love the details on this house, from its scrolled iron work and rustic bricks, to its elegant lanterns and stone quoins.

My heart feels all melty inside when I see boxwood hedges . . .

especially when they frame white rose bushes.

I love any homeowner who uses a rustic brick wall as a backdrop for a vibrant flower bed.

And what garden is complete without the refreshing sound of trickling water?

The water feature in the back yard is even more impressive. An actual river winds its way through the property.

It's hard not to fall in love with beautiful houses and grounds like Pemberley and this lovely house above.

But somewhere beneath all the initial "oohs" and "ahhs", there is a special place in my heart for the talented hands that keep it looking that way.

So if you are a housekeeper (or gardener), my hat is off to you.

And now, I have two questions for you:

1. What would the Pembereleys of the world be without you?

and

2. Why can't you come to my house?

Sharing at . . .

Friday, March 29, 2013

Pride and Prejudice: Afternoon Tea

Mr. Collins's triumph, in consequence of this invitation, was complete. The power of displaying the grandeur of his patroness to his wondering visitors, and of letting them see her civility towards himself and his wife, was exactly what he had wished for; and that an opportunity of doing it should be given so soon, was such an instance of Lady Catherine's condescension, as he knew not how to admire enough.

"I confess," said he, "that I should not have been at all surprised by her ladyship's asking us on Sunday to drink tea and spend the evening at Rosings. I rather expected, from my knowledge of her affability, that it would happen. But who could have foreseen such an attention as this? Who could have imagined that we should receive an invitation to dine there (an invitation, moreover, including the whole party) so immediately after your arrival!"

~ Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Chapter 29

At a family dinner last weekend, I expressed some of the wishes I have for the food at my funeral. No---I am not mortally wounded, I am not chronically ill, I am a pretty careful driver, and I always pay attention to the flight attendant when she is going over the safety instructions. My death is anything but imminent. But why leave things to chance---especially when food is on the line?

I announced to my family that if they tried to serve anything "buffet style" in a casserole dish that I would haunt them.

Instead, I wish my life to be celebrated with a tea party.

And this is why.

These are pictures from my recent trip to the Grand America Hotel where I took afternoon tea with some of my sisters and my grandmother.

And if the lobby isn't stunning enough for you, here is a view of the hotel patio.

Our elegant table was happily situated next to a window where we could watch the dancing fountains.

We started our afternoon with a tantalizing dollop of fresh berries and cream.

We then ordered steaming pots of berry tisanes and mint-lemongrass herb tea to accompany our trays of jaw dropping sandwiches and savories.

The mango chicken salad sandwich and the pecan crepe with smoked salmon still visit me in my dreams (where I rapidly devour them while still managing to lose weight).

It's hard to believe that it tasted as good as it looked!

We then savored some buttery currant scones.

I slathered mine with strawberry jam and clotted cream (as if they needed it . . .).

And just when I thought I would have to roll myself out to the car, our server brought out a dessert tray stacked with candies, cookies, and cakes.

Don't you just love this adorable little s'more tart? The crust is made of graham crackers and the dome is filled with chocolate fudge and marshmallow creme. Yum.

Some days it is hard for me to remember what life is like outside of chicken nuggets, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese.

But when I sit down to a tea party, I am reminded that life is brimming with small yet beautiful, exciting moments. And sometimes, we even get to eat them.

So I ask you: What better way is there to celebrate a life well-lived than with a tea party?

In 50 years (knock on wood), when that fateful day arrives, I want you to know that you are all invited to my funeral tea. Bring your shiniest pearls, your loveliest hats, and fanciest heels.

But PLEASE . . . Leave the casseroles at home. (Or I'll have to haunt you, too.)

Sharing at . . .

Between Naps on the Porch

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Pride and Prejudice: A Toile Powder Room

"How nicely we are all crammed in," cried Lydia. . . ."Dear me! we had such a good piece of fun the other day at Colonel Forster's. Kitty and me were to spend the day there, and Mrs. Forster promised to have a little dance in the evening; (by the bye, Mrs. Forster and me are such friends!) and so she asked the two Harringtons to come, but Harriet was ill, and so Pen was forced to come by herself; and then, what do you think we did? We dressed up Chamberlayne in woman's clothes on purpose to pass for a lady, only think what fun! Not a soul knew of it, but Colonel and Mrs. Forster, and Kitty and me, except my aunt, for we were forced to borrow one of her gowns; and you cannot imagine how well he looked! When Denny, and Wickham, and Pratt, and two or three more of the men came in, they did not know him in the least. Oh how I laughed! and so did Mrs. Forster. I thought I should have died. And that made the men suspect something, and then they soon found out what was the matter."

~ Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice Chapter 39

I never get tired of toile. I love it in bedrooms. I love it in kitchens. And I especially love it in bathrooms.

There is something about toile in a little powder room that feels perfectly feminine, fancy, and even indulgent.

Here is a peek at my own little corner of toile heaven.

This is the powder room off of the living room and kitchen. It is truly a water "closet" in size: it is only about 3 feet wide and 5 feet long.

And while this little room's dimensions force me to take it easy on the Raspberry Blackout Cake and Blueberry Scones, its small size makes it the perfect candidate for patterned wallpaper.

In honor of our Pride and Prejudice theme this week, I hung these framed prints of Regency era clothing above the towel rack.

I think I love the frames almost as much as I love the prints . . . if not more! (Thank you, dear Hobby Lobby, for having a 50% off sale!)

I chose this print in particular because the woman's coat perfectly matches the cranberry shade of the wallpaper. (I also like the pose the cherub is pulling on that pedestal. It looks something akin to a disco move. A touch of whimsy, I say.)

And as the finishing touch to my Pride and Prejudice-inspired powder room, I hung this monogrammed towel on the rack. Yes, it does happen to be the letter of our last name, but I like to think that the "P" stands for "Pemberley"!

If you are looking for a touch of Pemberley for your own powder rooms, here are some adorable prints you could use. I wish I could have hung ALL of them in my powder room. Alas, 3 feet by 5 feet doesn't allow for more than just a few.

{These prints all came from this website}