I once was a guest at a wonderful Renaissance Party. For those of you who have enjoyed the Renaissance Festivals across the country, you already have a clue what the atmosphere should be. The Renaissance spanned the 14th century through the 16th. It was a time of rebirth and rediscovery of the arts. Craftsman displayed and sold their wares. Classes of nobility and peasants clashed often, but they had one thing in common, the love of a good celebration. When days of celebration were upon them, the feast was amazing and the ale flowed freely. Peasants were often allowed to take part in these celebrations and though their food portion was less in quantity and quality than that of the royal court, it was fun, with music, and dancing.
This time period lends itself to a variety of settings and costumes. The party we attended was held at my daughter's apartment. For her party, the apartment became an inn.
I was a foster mom at the time and my whole household were dressed as members of the royal court, There was the king and queen, jester, executioner, huntsman who provided the 'beasts for the feasts', a knight, and a magician.Costume variety is endless, each befitting the person's role. Other travelers were present at the inn such as a monk, and peasants. Then there were the innkeepers themselves, one who claimed powers of the tarot and palm reading.
The key with costumes is to provide at least one item that is immediately identifiable. An example would be a crown for royalty, a lance for a knight, the black hood and ax for the executioner. You get the idea. Latitude of style and design can be given if the costume immediately announces the role you wish to portray. Fabric is very important in creating costumes. Rough cloth, burlap etc. would be suitable for the peasant, but not royalty. Fake furs, velvets, silk, brocades is what their costumes call for, but use what you have and embellish them with shiny sequins, pearls, glitter, ribbons. I have found whenever creating costumes for females, I should raid old lingerie. It usually has shine and shimmer and lends itself well to gowns. Blankets, old bathrobes, coats, sheets, tablecloths are good starting points for men's costumes for there sheer size. Black men's socks pulled up over shoes make terrific boots for kids as well as adults. All manner of weaponry can be made from cardboard sprayed with gold and silver paint. the non-seamstress can create costumes by folding, draping, pinning, lacing with ribbon, or in some cases stapling.
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