Francaise Dinner

Mar 15, 2016 15:14

Oh. My. Goodness!  What a fantastic event this was!  Everything was just so perfect - the location, the food, the company...I'm seriously wowed, and still riding the post-event glow!  I got to meet in-person so many people that I've known from online for years, and that was the icing on the cake.

A very special thanks go to padawansguide and her husband Doug for allowing me to stay with them, and for providing transportation over the weekend.  I'm certain I would have been lost without you two!  Not to mention how great it was to get to know you both better.  I can't wait to come back for a visit!  Another special thanks go to quincy134 and her husband Mike, for letting our group change in their hotel suite in Alexandria.  I think my head would have fallen off if I'd worn that wig all the way from Maryland!

And now for some pictures and commentary, starting with a shameless selfie!




After we got changed into our outfits, we had some time to kill.  I don't recall the name of the game, but it required teamwork, careful listening, and quick reaction time!



Maggie wisely decided to wear more sensible shoes for the walk to Gadsby's Tavern, since the sidewalks are all brick.  It fit well with the origin of her strawberry print dress, the Marie Antoinette movie!






Once we arrived, I helped a bit with table decorating.  I got some good shots of the room, too!












The raffle prizes were beautifully displayed above the fireplace.



There were some truly lovely items for purchase.





Before dinner, we took advantage of the light and took some photos outside.  Only a handful of people had arrived by that point, so I only got a few shots.










Just before dinner, we got a group shot inside the tavern.



Dinner was served in courses.  First up, bread with butter and a light salad:



Then the main course.  I chose the prime rib.  The other options were chicken, salmon, or vegetarian butternut squash ravioli.



For dessert, I had an English Trifle.



The food was SO GOOD!  Luckily I planned my outfit around the fact that I'd be eating dinner, and left an appropriate amount of ease while lacing my stays.  Others weren't so fortunate and took home their leftovers.  ;)

After dinner, there was ample time for mingling and chatting.  It was great to meet everyone and admire their amazing dresses and hair.  Everyone really brought their "A" game, and fabulousness ensued!






















My dress was comfortable all night, and my hair stayed (mostly) in place.  I somehow ended up without a single full-length shot of myself (all my hotel mirror selfies were taken with a slightly shaky hand - the details were lost completely!) but I felt very grand and got lots of compliments on my look.  I should have a few more to share once the pro photographer's shots from that night get processed and uploaded.  (ETA: Maggie saved the day with some great full-length outdoor shots!  They're added to the bottom.)  Until then, here are a few of my favorites:



















You can see the rest of my pics, and some of the pics I snagged from others, on my flickr.

18th century, francaise dinner 2016

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