Renaissance Faire...an evening of merriment

During my summers in high school, I couldn't wait to go to the Renaissance Faire! The food, the drink, the scene! The California August heat didn't bother us. I'm sure it would've been another story if we had dressed in period clothing, with all the velvet and layers! Although I did wear a dried floral wreath in my hair, my main participation was enjoying the food, and what a feast of fare it was!

Food, feast and fun...I couldn't think of a better theme for Phil and my upcoming Great Eight Dinner. Picturing the medieval style of the Renaissance period, I had the look I wanted in mind, from the invitation to the decor.

Wood and brushed metal was the plan! Being in the craft industry, I am at Hobby Lobby on a weekly basis. I knew I'd find what I needed and I sure did...on sale! Mini trunks for the invitations, with a few embellishments, a little inking with Tim Holtz' distressed inks, I was able to create an old style scroll. All rolled up and laid on dark red velvet and closed up in the mini trunk, they were ready for delivery! Ding dong...check your porches!

The menu was set and all the "Lords and Ladies" were given their "tasks"! The fun for me begins when I've chosen the theme. Once the invitations are decided, the decor is next. The "family crests" I made adorned the front entry, and the table was set with place cards being even mini-er versions of the invitations.

Now what did they imbibe back then? Mead and shrub were available for Phil to use as he created his themed cocktail for the evening.

As the doorbell rang, homemade soft pretzels with Sir Kensington's spicy brown mustard, homemade dill pickles, cheeses, meats and fruits started us off.

Phil was busy at the grill monitoring the giant beef ribs slowly cooking alongside the roasted turkey legs.

Eating like kings and queens, we laughed, we drank and we "strolled through the shire"; enjoying it all just as I did as a young high schooler back in the days of the "Renaissance"!

Be sure to check out the recipes that the royal court contributed to the meal: Lord and Lady Salvatore's Artichokes Braised in Lemon and Olive Oil; Lord and Lady Streit's Sausage, Cheese and Onion Bread; and Lord and Lady Van Boom's Fruit Hand Pies.