The Jane Austen Picnic: A Recap

"He was a blessing to the juvenile part of the neighborhood, for he was for ever forming parties to eat cold ham and chicken out of doors."

Sense & Sensibility, on Sir John Middleton

And that is just where we (my mother and myself) seemingly found ourselves when attending the P.E.E.R.S. Jane Austen picnic, at one of Sir John's delightful parties! Only, instead of in the country surrounding Barton, we were in Lincoln Park of Alameda, California. One would certainly be hard-put to find a difference between the two settings by merely examining photos from that delightful event, for nearly all it's attendants were attired in empire gowns or wool frock coats and breeches, and our lunches laid out on china plates with silver ware.

See for yourself!:

The festivities began with the eating of "cold ham and chicken" out of doors at eleven o'clock, and lasted until two, when the dancing began.

Our own picnic spread, complete with tea, cookies and juice. 

(For a detailed list and period recipes from our menu click here.)

Cold chicken pies and salmagundy

When most of us gathered had finished our luncheon, the announcement came that the dancing was  to begin!

Our excellent band 'Bangers and Mash'

Many in attendance regularly appear at P.E.E.R.S. and other re-enactment events, and are experienced dancers.

It was delightful to see men who took such care in the period details of their dress!

Yours truly in the lavendar spencer jacket.

There were a good many waltzes, which would put us in the late Regency, I suppose.

Dancing the famous "Sir Roger de Coverley"

Here I am again.

Some more examples of the lovely gowns and smart suits in attendance:

A very smartly dressed group of gentlemen!

A charming group of ladies we were introduced to.

Even some of the youngest gentlemen were dressed in their smartest attire!

And the young ladies in their loveliest!

A stroll in the shrubbery with the dancers behind.

The festivities ended at four o'clock or thereabouts with one last waltz. We then expressed our appreciation for the musicians, packed up our plates and "called for the carriages" before heading home.

For more pictures visit the P.E.E.R.S. album.