.Let Them Eat Cake:
tea with Marie Aintoinette
I ‘m always been fascinated by the story of Marie Antoinette.
She lived during the reign of Louis XVI, the last king of France before the French Revolution.
The monarchy and the aristocracy held immense power and wealth, while the common people often struggled with poverty and inequality.The French royal court at Versailles was a symbol of opulence and extravagance.
The courtiers engaged in lavish parties, gambling, and elaborate ceremonies, often emulating the king and queen’s behaviors.
Can you imagine how were those parties?
the food, the attires, the decor… everything except the smell.
I tend to imaging that regardless of being royalty the smell was kind of funky!!
If you think a Marie Antoinette theme party is up your sleeve, here are some tips and ideas:
Invitations
Design invitations that reflect the lavishness of the Marie Antoinette era. Use pastel colors, intricate patterns, and perhaps even include a portrait of Marie Antoinette herself.
Use formal language to set the tone for the event.
Venue & Decor
Choose a venue that exudes elegance and grandeur, like a historic mansion or a ballroom. Decorate with luxurious fabrics, chandeliers, candelabras, ornate furniture, and floral arrangements. Incorporate elements like feathers, lace, and pearls.
Attire
Encourage guests to dress in 18th-century French aristocratic attire.
Think elaborate wigs, powdered hair, corsets, breeches, and elaborate gowns.
Provide a dress code on the invitations to guide guests.
Entertainement
Consider hiring a live classical quartet or a harpist to provide elegant background music.
You could also arrange for a period-style dance performance or a mini masquerade ball.
Host activities that are reminiscent of Marie Antoinette’s era, such as card games, a croquet tournament, or even a mini faux gambling area. You could also set up a photo booth with props that match the theme.
Photo Opportunities:
Speaking of photo booths, create picturesque photo spots that resemble the Palace of Versailles or the gardens of Petit Trianon.
Use elaborate frames and backdrops for guests to take memorable photos.
Favors
Send guests home with small, opulent party favors like personalized trinkets, decadent chocolates, a nice box of macarons or scented candles.
Interactive Elements
Consider having someone portray Marie Antoinette or other historical figures to engage with guests and share anecdotes from that era..
Lighting and Ambiance:
Set the mood with soft and warm lighting. Candles in candelabras, chandeliers, and scattered around the venue can create an enchanting atmosphere.
Art and Culture:
Incorporate elements of art and culture from the era, such as displaying portraits of notable figures, playing classical music compositions, or having live painters capture the scene.
Etiquette and Manners:
Encourage guests to embrace the manners and etiquette of the era. You could even provide a brief guide to 18th-century etiquette to set the tone for the event.
Remember to pay attention to every detail to create an immersive experience for your guests.
An aphoteosic party indeed calls for a celebration of excess, beauty, and extravagance, reminiscent of the grandeur associated with
Marie Antoinette’s reign.
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