Embedded Files
Use the Menu to see ALL the Resources
My experience setting up 16th C "Salons"
My experience setting up 16th C "Salons"
by Viscountess Genevieve de Vendome, OL (MKA Toni L. Whyte)
by Viscountess Genevieve de Vendome, OL (MKA Toni L. Whyte)
Between the years 2001 - 2009 I set up/hosted several 16th C European playspaces (“salons” for lack of a better word) which took place at West Kingdom events. The goal of these events was to celebrate, educate, and (hopefully) raise interest in exploring 16th C culture within the West Kingdom and its populace.
Between the years 2001 - 2009 I set up/hosted several 16th C European playspaces (“salons” for lack of a better word) which took place at West Kingdom events. The goal of these events was to celebrate, educate, and (hopefully) raise interest in exploring 16th C culture within the West Kingdom and its populace.
These salons were open to all. Publicity for the event always stated that 16th C attire was admired but not required. In addition, salon publicity asked for food and drink donations, again stating that 16th C food was appreciated and encouraged but not required.
These salons were open to all. Publicity for the event always stated that 16th C attire was admired but not required. In addition, salon publicity asked for food and drink donations, again stating that 16th C food was appreciated and encouraged but not required.
Salon Activities
Salon Activities
My hope was to showcase 16th C cultural offerings, so I tried to organize a spectrum of activities, including:
My hope was to showcase 16th C cultural offerings, so I tried to organize a spectrum of activities, including:
Music - I was able to tap into a local madrigal group and our active musical community.
Music - I was able to tap into a local madrigal group and our active musical community.
Games - I collected a variety of 16th C games for people to play, and volunteers also brought games
Games - I collected a variety of 16th C games for people to play, and volunteers also brought games
Food - Volunteers brought 16th C food, and I brought some as well. This offering was always meant as a sampling and not really as party refreshments.
Food - Volunteers brought 16th C food, and I brought some as well. This offering was always meant as a sampling and not really as party refreshments.
Writing station - not at every salon, but as time progresses writing letters with calligraphy pens and ink proved to be very popular.
Writing station - not at every salon, but as time progresses writing letters with calligraphy pens and ink proved to be very popular.
Group discussion - I remember only trying this once (on the question of “What is Beauty”, or something like that. At the time it was tough to get going and so I didn’t repeat it.
Group discussion - I remember only trying this once (on the question of “What is Beauty”, or something like that. At the time it was tough to get going and so I didn’t repeat it.
16th C European bibliography (“Would you like to learn more?”) - I created this handout for the first few salons, but I don’t think anyone ever picked up a copy.
16th C European bibliography (“Would you like to learn more?”) - I created this handout for the first few salons, but I don’t think anyone ever picked up a copy.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure
Salon space was either provided by a volunteer or volunteer group, or using my sunshade (more often the former than the latter, due to space considerations). Table space was also a combination of volunteer and personal tables. I had acquired a set of 16th C European-passing dishes and servingware and tablecloths, and attendees were asked to bring their own cups and eating gear. Some chairs and benches were usually available to the public (again, volunteer contributions and personal), but people could also bring their own chairs.
Salon space was either provided by a volunteer or volunteer group, or using my sunshade (more often the former than the latter, due to space considerations). Table space was also a combination of volunteer and personal tables. I had acquired a set of 16th C European-passing dishes and servingware and tablecloths, and attendees were asked to bring their own cups and eating gear. Some chairs and benches were usually available to the public (again, volunteer contributions and personal), but people could also bring their own chairs.
Keys to Success
Keys to Success
My Personal Opinion...
Mimosas. To be 100% honest, mimosas and champagne went a long way to bring people in to the salon in the first place. No one was charged, and we did not serve minors.Most of the time I personally bought the champagne and orange juice.
My Personal Opinion...
Mimosas. To be 100% honest, mimosas and champagne went a long way to bring people in to the salon in the first place. No one was charged, and we did not serve minors.Most of the time I personally bought the champagne and orange juice.
Disposable Income:. At the time, I had the disposable income to support these salons. Many people did bring contributions, but I remember spending about $300 - $350 per salon for food and champagne / orange juice.
Disposable Income:. At the time, I had the disposable income to support these salons. Many people did bring contributions, but I remember spending about $300 - $350 per salon for food and champagne / orange juice.
Acceptance that the Salon was going to take on a life of its own once started. My personal experience was that once I’d done what I could to create the salon, once it started I was not in control and the event was going to take on a life of its own. These salons never got “wild and crazy” out of hand, so this was never a problem. The salons were always in the daytime while other West Kingdom activities were going on, and I think that helped.
Acceptance that the Salon was going to take on a life of its own once started. My personal experience was that once I’d done what I could to create the salon, once it started I was not in control and the event was going to take on a life of its own. These salons never got “wild and crazy” out of hand, so this was never a problem. The salons were always in the daytime while other West Kingdom activities were going on, and I think that helped.
Page updated
Report abuse