Riversdale House Regency Ball

While we've been to a bunch of balls at Gadsby's Tavern, we'd never been to one at Riversdale House before. We did take a tour there and had a picnic this summer - but this was our first chance to see what their balls were like. This one was a slightly belated Twelfth Night ball and it was so beautiful! Getting to see the house all lit up at night and decorated for Christmas was so cool. There was a light supper, which was delicious and used period recipes - and two sets of dancing. So many people had really great costumes too. Overall, the event was really cool and I would definitely go to one there again.

Doug came along. I actually bought most of his outfit because I didn't have the time or expertise for men's wear.

Gloria helped me out with a pattern she had for a late 18th century waistcoat (straight lower edge) that works for 1780s/90s. I made it out of green dupioni (not super period) from the stash. I used it because the coat I had bought him on etsy had a green lining so it matched perfectly! Thanks, Gloria, for the tutorial and all the help!



I bought drop-front breeches from this seller. Gloria has bought from them too for her husband and this seller is reliable and makes really nice breeches. Quality is good, fit as expected.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/colonialclothing

I bought the coat from this seller. I'm really happy with it. https://www.etsy.com/shop/Verdanta

Gloria gave me an extra shirt she had that didn't fit her husband, though I really need to make a cravat for it. Oh well, next time.

I wore my black sari gown - it was sorta new since I wore something over it for the pumpkin tea.


Since I had the time (I spent the day finishing the waistcoat), I spent the day in curlers, with this result:


I pinned the hair up in the back and wore my deco tiara.






Fan by Gloria. It has my girl Mrs. Russell on it. https://www.etsy.com/shop/inthelongrun


Here's Riversdale House all lit up with lanterns! So pretty!









 

 





























The musicians for the ball:




The closet where everyone stored their tophats:














Supper! Beef pies and mac & cheese and salad. Period recipes! It was really tasty!






Dessert - a pear spice cake and cream. yum!




Mrs. Calvert, our hostess:






Gloria's photos: