Here Writer Comes A-Wassailing

Wassail is an old English drink and tradition. It is also a tradition to make for Writer. 


The recipe writer uses via The Silver Book of Cocktails by Carla Bardi:


1 qt. brown ale
8 oz. dry sherry
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
3 apples
finely grated peel of 1/2 lemon
1/2 tsp. each ground nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Peel and core two apples and cut in thick slices. Place in layers in a baking dish and sprinkle with the brown sugar. Drizzle with 2 oz. of brown ale. Bake until the apples are very tender, about 45 minutes. Chop the apples and their cooking juices in a food processor until smooth. Place in a saucepan over medium-low heat and add the remaining ale, sherry, lemon peel and spices. Simmer gently for a few minutes. Peel and core the remaining apple and slice. Add the slices to the bowl and serve while still warm.

How to Wassail:

Wassailing was also used in feudal times as for peasants to visit lords. Lords would give them money for a Wassail song which informed him of their coming.

The Wassail Song:

A Trio Lost

Writer enjoys a bit of texture to his life. He doesn't like to go mindlessly from task to task. No, writer enjoys a guide that keeps him on his toes. His guide? Etiquette.

Life is ever becoming more casual, though. Isn't it? Traditionalists say it's a shame. We're losing our link to a bygone era, and maybe becoming ever more conspicuous. If one is going to be conspicuous, one should be conspicuous for proper decorum.

Writer has chosen three almost lost etiquette practices.

1. Courtship

Writer's lady friends are always complaining about how their so called "Southern beaus" don't romance them. Some behave as if they simply don't care. Romantic gestures aren't a thing of the past. Courtship should be on-going throughout a relationship. It's about how one partner makes the other feel, and it isn't vulgar. Think about that for a moment.

2. Walking street-side

One concedes that the women's liberation movement has done a lot. One thing it did away with might have stayed. When a man escorts a lady on a sidewalk, one believes that he should walk street-side. This isn't taking away rights. It's precautionary. If a lady were to trip, she could be ran over! Be cordial, men. Make the sacrifice.

3. Not creating a registry

This is tough, but Writer doesn't believe one should create a registry no matter the event. Creating a registry is much like asking for a gift. Would one do this without the buffer of scanning gun?

Colonial Christmas

Writer has been preparing for the holidays. Writer isn't one of those people about whom everyone complains- the ones that start playing carols in October. But, one should think about decorations early, and be prepared. I say yes.

Writer did a partridge in a pear tree theme last year- a lot of green and gold; very folky. I'm not terribly bored with the leftovers either. Of course I don't purchase new decorations every year, but one doesn't want to bore guests either.

To be comprehensible, writer thinks one should have pieces one uses every year for holiday decoration- sentimental maybe or something one can pass down. Still writer has been very inspired for Christmas season on Pinterest and Tumblr. One does enjoy seeing all the creative ideas. Writer has started a "Holiday" board on pinterest.

Writer's favorite pin is a Carolyne Roehm design of a reinvented colonial holiday:

Note how easy; note the lovely paperwhite flowers. Writer usually raises a pot or two, but didn't buy bulbs in time this year. 

The picture got writer thinking- Wouldn't a colonial christmas be just lovely! 

Wouldn't a green garland be freshly colonial:

What about the same ingenuity applied to a fan board above a door- colonial, colonial:

Writer also is fond of how Two Fat Ladies spread walnuts and oranges on cutting board:

One can't forget about dried fruit ornaments:

Finally, Here's one of writer's favorite carol sang by a York Minster choir:

Needling News

Writer's friend Bittie has done needlework for ages. She so enjoys the activity, and writer has commissioned her work many times. 

Writer's grandmother did needlepoint, usually embroidering one of her hundred handkerchiefs. Bittie loves to sit down with a highball and go to work. "It's repetitive. It's relaxing," she says.

Bittie does a simple half cross tent stitch:


Bittie made this key fob for Writer's friends' engagement:

And, currently, Bittie is working on this belt for Writer; hoping to have it finished for holiday wear:

Click here- The College Prepster's guest blogger, Little V, explains wonderful tips and tricks for making one's own needlepoint belt (many of which Bittie's taking). 

Needlepoint is very en vogue. Garden and Gun tweeted about the, "obsession," recently. G&G says, "Southerners have always loved needlepoint—whether it’s a framed 'Home Sweet Home' sign in an entry hall, a piano bench, a personalized belt, or pair of loafers. The intricately designed handiwork is just about the most durable, long lasting heirloom you could pass on to your children and grandchildren."

Writer quite agrees! But, doesn't writer agree with everything G&G says! 

Eras' Etiquette

"Show your kindness by offering your guest every politeness," from 1946's Arranging the Tea Table.
Manners are surely a conservative issue in that they slowly, if ever, reshape. "Good manners," as the said quote indicates, center around one thing- making others feel comfortable. That's always in style and should forever be.

One does reckon that the way people interpret manners is debatable. Nevertheless, pretension should never be part of decorum. Writer does hope to make that point.

This is more the age of tech manners than tea manners. Emily Post recently published "Top Ten Cell Phone Manners." (Writer's favorite is, "Avoid talking about personal problems in a public place." However, Writer often forces his mum to break the rule starting with, "I don't care what you're doing, I'm in crisis!")

Emily Post chats surprisingly relaxedly:

Still, wouldn't it be pleasant to have yesterday's knowledge about such things as sipping soup. Holding such understanding informs one of where etiquette practices comes from. It's a bit esoteric, but, as aforesaid, a practice could have remained the same for centuries.

Writer loves scouring the internet for etiquette advice. (You can never have enough! Add to what you're family has taught you.) Writer has found a plethora of vintage knowledge, and uses the practices whenever possible teaching all who'll listen.

The following are a few videos that are not only entertaining but terribly useful and informative. These aren't the happy housewife clips you think.

The already mentioned Arranging the Tea Table- Debutantes watch this. You will more than likely be expected to throw a tea:



Writer's biggest peeve is not introducing. One must introduce! Learn from 1946's How Do You Do?:



The last is from Mrs. Post herself, 1947's Table Manners:

Writer, the Hunted

A case for Hunter:

I've been a delighted owner of Hunter boots for years. Writer's are sun worn and dirt clad black- the original tall rain boots. Writer wears them around his grandfather's farm, when it snows and, of course, when it is bucketing rain on campus. When one wears Hunter's, they feel . . . is brazen too dramatic? It isn't if one lives in America and is male.

The last time writer wore Hunter boots on campus, he felt hunted; like his face had gone Hunter green. On Southern campuses, rain boots are seen as cutesy, usually worn by girls. But, writer wants to shed light on the history of this courtly institution.

And, why writer has seen, in America, that the boots is a favorite among country people who enjoy taking part in Old Country customs . . .  just add Hermes scarf:

Hunter brand was actually started under the name North British Rubber Company by an American, Mr. Henry Lee Norris, in 1856. His company swiftly grew from Norris' original four employees. Norris was a sure reason that the Allies won the World Wars as his boots carried entire legions dryly into battle. One may not have known fashion could be so patriotic!

Since 1986, Hunter has held a royal warrant from HRH Majesty the Queen and HRH Duke of Edinburgh:

"Hunter's are great for apple picking," says writer:

Although Hunter boots are favorite trend among certain sets of American young ladies, they surely have more discreet and time honored origins. One is sure to spot out a pair at horse shows, fox hunts, shooting parties and activities that connect Americans to their British and more traditional roots. 

Social Primer shows us Hunter's worn at the Harriman Cup:

Traditionalist love Hunter's; because, the boots are indestructible. One can send damaged items back for repair- they're made in Edinburgh. They're no nonsense. 

The spirit of the boot:

On Kime

Whispers have always surrounded Charles, Prince of Wales. Less scandalously, he was said to have been a pick of the Queen Mother. Charles apparently inherited the Queen Mother's robust country attitudes. He is often photographed in kilt and sporran roving Balmoral hills. The Queen Mother enjoyed fishing and often called bones digested from a catch, "the salmon's revenge." 

An attitude, often shared by country people in the United States and Britain, is a regard toward an anachronous house. One has often seen Charles' appreciation of traditional design. He restored Dumfries House terrifically as showcased in Architectural Digest. 

Writer's favorite Dumfries room, the sitting room designed for Prince's use:

Prince isn't alone in renovating. He's hired top experts bringing to life royal times gone by. One designer, Robert Kime is a standout.

Robert Kime has been decorating for almost his entire life. Kime has worked with a good many royals- they must be the discreet clientele his website speaks of. 

Most notable he attains this symbolage:

Yes, Kime is royally appointed to the Prince of Wales. 

Kime's worked on such renovations as Clarence House for his majesty:

Kime is royal decorator by way of accrued knowledge. Kime is world traveler and antique doyen. He has leveraged his collected pieces from all over; his cultivated style into courtly positions. Still Kime is ever grounded. 

Kime told the Telagraph, "My belief is that provided the proportions are right, a room should work, whether it is for a gardener or the Queen of Spain." 

This easy sensibility is also a factor that's led to Kime's success. 

One can see it in his own home, an old village hall in Oxenwood, Britain:

One spots easily Kime's signature look- threadbare rugs, plaids, faded primary colors and pieces that have stories. 

That's a very integral and interesting part of traditional anything. Traditionalists love a story whether it be behind a gesture or a lamp. 

Kime expresses his flair for history in his fabrics, wallpaper, furniture, carpets and lighting- Kime has his own line. 

His designs always have a hint of Victorian; a hint of another world.

Now, isn't that so British of Kime!

Favorite Media Mums

Just as 'mums are added to gardens everywhere, writer gives a nod to their homonym as traditionalists know it.

3. Lea Hilfiger:

And, is that Gracie wallpaper? Lea and stylist Karl Templer apparently have faultless taste.



Laird + Partners created this marketing campaign circa 2010- Tommy Hilfiger's the family Hilfiger. The campaign is ongoing, and has new spin for fall/winter 2013. The youngest Hilfiger is off at University.

And, there's Lea showing her off:



Lea is mother- always sunglass clad; a cocktail always in hand. I'd say it's a gimlet. What's better than buzzed Mums?



And always dressed fantastically- stylized as traditional with a nod to the whimsical.

Tommy Hilfiger is reclaiming the brand for traditionalists searching for well priced goods. (Let's forget about the 90's TH hip hop sportswear.) Writer has put Hilfiger's brand where its mouth is. Writer owns a pair of navy khaki pleated shorts worn for six years and still kicking. Mummy knows best!

One guesses most families have matriarchs that shape the style of the rest of progeny, many times, the husband too. Lea's taught her family well. So, advise Tommy to stop overusing his logo insipidly, Mums.



2. Marilyn Truman

- William's mother from Will & Grace.

Who could play Marilyn better than Blythe Danner! She is the mother of Gwynie. And, Gwynie is the mother of Goop.

Marilyn is tradition at its most aloof. Will once recalled a near drowning. To save him, Marilyn offered her foot; so, she wouldn't get wet. Yes, most mother's do give children psychological hang ups. How could we fault such a terrific character!

Marilyn is a Connecticuter with all the parts of a traditionalist. Marilyn is always wearing something elegant, and dishing out her trademark advice- mostly telling Grace not to slouch. We all know the love of a mother veiled in almost comical critique.

1. Bunny MacDougal:

Bunny may not be as popular as she was the adversary of Charlotte York on Sex and the City. Bunny, played by Frances Sternhagen, was an antagonist of Trey, Bunny's son, and Charlotte's marriage. But, writer can't help but compare her to his own mother . . . in the best ways.

Charlotte explained to her divorce lawyer emphatically, "On Easter morning she would put chocolate eggs under his pillow. . . . She still buys his underwear!"

There are those mothers one would consider overbearing, but isn't that the way most mums show they care- by doing.

Alright, the bathside talks with Trey were a bit odd. But, look how she decorates a guest suite:

The mallard on the mantle, the chintzy blue and yellow; that bed! All by Bunny! Trey once explained to Charlotte that, "Mother does all of our houses." Bunny is learned on house- "You cannot not have a dust ruffle. It's unsightly." Yes, Bunny is definitely a traditionalist!

Don't think you'll get away with bad manners in front of Bunny, either. As she instructed Charlotte, "Don't hustle me; this is Chanel!":

Note keychain, smug look, and boucle. Bunny is, also, still wearing bows.  

Writer loves a traditional mum. They instill in their children what preserves our way of life.

Cin, cin, Mummies!





A Georgian Visit

On weekend road trip friend, Elizabeth, and writer travelled to Washington, Georgia. From Tennessee, Wallaby clad; Boat and Tote in hand, Beth and writer journeyed to antebellum land. Said journey was a bit taxing- lost twice. But, as the scenery turned to cotton and columns, arrival was unquestionable. The five of them rushed to greet- Robert, Douglas and their dogs (Kingston, Turtle and Winston). And, writer rushed to greet hosts (especially Winston- pick and goddog).  

These fur children boasted fantastic digs. Writer must refrain from running on about the doggies (corgis- a favorite and royal breed). This post is for house- a late eighteenth century farmhouse- handsomely decorated. Douglas, an equestrian, and Robert, an antique doyen, had bedecked it in a most traditional fashion. Beth and writer could only say, “1980s Martha Stewart!” That’s a commendation by the way.  Just take a gander, as we say in the South. . .

The living room:

Notice the profusion of needlepoint pillows, prints and paintings depicting country life and the Chippendale desk chair reclaimed from shed. Aren’t the red walls lovely!

Rugs, rugs; rugs:

Staffordshire and antler:

Hunt board with blue and white:

And writer with a miniature horse D takes care of:

Thank you D and R for a swell stay; hope writer wasn't too intrusive.

Exploring Hepplewhite

Considering a penchant for baroque style and classic cinema, it is no surprise that a bench caught the writer’s eye watching Father’s Little Dividend. The film, a sequel to Father of the Bride and inspiration for the 90’s Father of the Bride Part II, satisfied a recent Spencer Tracy kick. It also supplicated the underestimation of Hepplewhite. For one who knows antiques and the writer, this is inane. Writer is Chippendale groupie forever. Just look at this fretwork- Chinois, Chinois.

And, one wouldn’t discuss Chippy without applauding his fretwork being applied to bookcases!

Digression- below is said bench.

Father’s Little Dividend’s set is replete with 40’s traditional touches. Remnants of this design angle may be viewed at Grandmother’s house- especially Victorian settees and too lacy curtains. Though, above bench is strange, elegant and begged, “Who is Hepplewhite to create such inspiration?”

George and his widow, Alice, who posthumously carried on his business, were prolific Louis Seize à l’Anglaise designers in the latter eighteenth century- haute rococo. Hepplewhites never fashioned furniture themselves. Hepplewhite company rose as one of the big three cabinet designers in Britain. Still, some sources give Hepplewhite haughty critique disclosing a heavy Robert Adam and Angelo Pergolesi influence maybe implying hackneyed origins. Some even unabashedly equalize Hepplewhite and Sheraton!

Sheraton:

Obviously, one may become dizzied by Sheraton’s use of cherubs and rosettes- very Norma Desmond. Hepplewhite typifies a kind of restraint- so invents the case for a changed view on a timeworn style.

Marqueterie, inlay work, variations on Pembroke:

Notice tapered legs. Hepplewhite craftsmen usually used mahogany- the en vogue wood.

Pier table with substantial legs à la Chippendale:

Wing back with winding wings and tapered legs:

Tantamount with Hepplewhite- the shield back chair:

Delicate touches on chair- Hepplewhite craftsmen used composition ornaments made from a putty amalgam:

Wouldn’t this chair look attractive paired with something exotic (maybe a taxidermy leopard)- very Fornasetti! Neoclassicism is Hepplewhite mainstay:

Gouty Stool used to prop the gout inflicted:

Regal duchesse perfect for Duchess de Polignac:

Sectioned confidante:

Amply geometric sofa: 

Urn knife cases:

Cellarettes- usually placed under side table in dining room to hold wine and decanters: 

Secretary:

Lamps:

Wardrobe:

Bidet shaving tables and commode dressing table:

Night tables:

Fire screen:

Girandole:

Pier glass used to decorate large spaces between windows:

Bed:

The Français ornateness does strike some as comical. And, one does assume it the reason that Hepplewhite usually only refers to sideboards and pleasant side chairs. The furniture is a bit Frenchy, but one must concede that the pieces are easily appreciated. Cin, cin, Hepplewhites!

The writer owes images to T. Chippendale's The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, "being a large collection of the most elegant and useful designs of household furniture in the gothic, Chinese and modern taste," A. Hepplewhite’s The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, “repository of designs for every article of household furniture in the newest and most approved taste,” and T. Sheraton's The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing-Book, "recommended by many workmen of the first abilities in London who have themselves inspected the work." 

The writer owes more obscure information to J. Munro Bell’s, Arthur Hayden’s and Charles Messer Stow’s The Furniture Designs of Chippendale, Hepplewhite and Sheraton.