Costumes & Accessories (42)

Renaissance Party

Table of contents

Introduction

Did you know that the word "Rennaisance" means "rebirth"? It comes from the Italian "Rinascimento", meaning "again" and "nascere" meaning "be born". It was one of the most influential periods in European history and gave rise to many aspects of modern day life. As such it would only be fitting to have a renaissance themed party, where all the cognoscenti of similar mind can spend the evening together in style. Below you’ll find all manner of tips which you’ll be able to use to add to your party. But first, a little more about this interesting period.

 

The rennaisance movement was one that spanned the length of three hundred years, from the 14th to the 17th century, and had its roots set firmly in Italy before spreading to the rest of Europe. Its effects were especially noted in the arts as well as on the academic front, where intellectual pursuits were based on knowledge of a classical nature. The most noted figures of the renaissance were Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, both of whom contributed to the term "Renaissance Man".

 

It is suspected, however, that the advent of the renaissance can be contributed to the work of three individuals. These included Dante Alighieri (1265 - 1321), Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374) and Giotto di Bondone (1267-1337). And even though these three figures are cited as the most influential causal factors for the beginning of the renaissance period, it is unclear why or exactly in what capacity. Though it must be said that the beginning of this period coincided with a sharp increase of previously forgotten classical texts such as those Plate, Aristotle, etc., and the collapse of the universities of the Ottoman Turks, which resulted in a European influx of Greek scholars who carried with them texts and knowledge from ancient Greece.

 

 

The spread of the renaissance was in fact aided by the invention of the printing press which allowed for the swift reproduction of academic and cultural materials. This in turn meant that information was more widely accessible and that existing ideas could be built upon to create new ones.

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Renaissance Party Invitations

As with all parties, you’ll first need to get the invitations in place to ensure that your friends know they are invited, but also that you may know who will be attending. As such we’ve put our heads together to come up with a couple of ideas for renaissance-themed invitations. Do note that should you require any of the materials or items mentioned, you’ll be able to buy them from the appropriate retailer in your area or from the internet. Also remember to include the details below to ensure that your guests have all the information they need.

  • Party Name: Do some research for a couple of ideas for a party name. Think in terms of “John’s Academici Feast”.

  • Salutation

  • Date & Time

  • Venue/Location

  • Dress Code

  • Contact Details

  • Additional information…

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The Italian Scroll

This is a simple party invitation that will simply require a parchment for each of the guests that you wish to invite as well as a seal and sealing wax. All these items should be available from your local stationary retailer.

 

Once you have all the items, use the computer to design your invitations. Remember, the font of those need to reflect those used during the renaissance. Remember to include all the above details to ensure that your guests have all the information they need.

 

When all’s done, simply print the invitations onto the paper and roll them into a scroll. Using the sealing wax and seal (and some ribbon for that official look), seal your party invitations and get ready to deliver them.

 

For added authenticity, dress up like a 15th century clerk and hand deliver the invitations to your guests.

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The Vitruvian Man

Similar to the invitation above, but with a bit of da Vinci feel to it. Most of us know the image of the Vitruvian Man, and as such it will make an excellent gift as well as party invitation.

 

What you’ll need to do here is buy a couple of prints of the Vitruvian Man, one per guest or at least one per couple. These can easily be bought off the internet or from the appropriate local supplier.

 

Now, the next step will take a bit of practice first. Using a quill and ink, you’ll need to copy da Vinci’s famous handwriting style. Use some ordinary paper to get the feel of it to ensure that your invitations are as authentic as possible. Once you have the hang of it, carefully write the details of your invitation on the back of the print in da Vinci’s handwriting style. For that authentic look, be sure to use dark brown ink instead of black or blue.

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The Letter Opener

A simple invitation to have done, yet one that requires a slightly higher budget – the renaissance letter opener will make the ultimate gift to persuade your guests to come.

 

What you’ll need for this invitation is of course a letter opener, preferably one reminiscent of the Renaissance style. Get one for each guest or one for every couple.

Once you have your letter openers, you choose any of the following two ways to complete your invitations:

  1. Have the details of the invitation engraved on the blade of the letter opener.

  2. Write a little note in the appropriate hand and put it in an envelope. Seal the envelope with sealing wax and a seal. Once done, deliver the sealed letter containing the invitation along with the letter opener.

Be sure to use aged paper and envelopes for that authentic renaissance look.

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Renaissance Party Dress Code

As the renaissance era had their own clothes, you’ll simply have to inform your guests that the dress code for your renaissance-era party is of course “Renaissance” or even “Medieval” in some cases. Here are a couple of things worn by the gents and ladies respectively:

 

For men:

  • Breeches

  • Renaissance-style shirts

  • Vests

  • Doublets

  • leather boots

 

For Women:

  • Blouses

  • Bodices

  • Long flowing skirts

  • Gowns

  • Dresses

 

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Renaissance Party Decorations

For your renaissance-themed feast, you'll need to use the according decorations. First off we'll suggest either making or purchasing a backdrop for all your walls that resembles a stone wall like those seen in the renaissance period. If you don't have the time or skill to make them, simply buy them online. In addition to the stone wall backdrop, you'll need a couple of torches as electricity was still a bit nonexistent in those days. Additional wall decorations include swords, shields, tapestries, etc.

 

In addition to decorating your walls, you'll also have to pay attention to the table where you'll be having your meal. In the renaissance days plates were made of wood and people used goblets to drink from. Tables were usually plain wooden tables perhaps draped with some cloth.

 

Additional renaissance decorations which can be placed at strategic places throughout the room include old books, art prints from some of the artistic giants of the time, globes, etc.

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Renaissance Party Guest Arrival & Announcement

Going to host a royal renaissance feast? Well, if so, then you’ll be well served to have a chamberlain or a guard as well as a jester at the door. As your guests arrive, they should be announced with the following simple line:

 

“The Duke & Duchess Williamson!”

Renaissance Party Favors

As for renaissance party favors, well, the skies are the limit. Here you can give your guests anything from renaissance art prints to swords engraved with the party name and date. Additional items include renaissance collector boxes, bookmarks, gargoyle statuettes, etc.

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Renaissance Party Activities

Renaissance Feet Painting

Ever paint with your feet? If you have, then you know it’s not easy at all; if you haven’t, well, prepare for an interesting and fun event. Although the renaissance masters didn’t usually paint with their feet, painting was nevertheless done. As such, this idea will fit in right with the theme of your party.

 

For this game you’ll need a number of easels – one per guest – or anything against which you can rest the canvasses or sheets of paper – two or three per guest. In addition, you’ll need paintbrushes and paint. And, perhaps most important of all, you’ll need to cover the floor and furniture of the area where you and your guests will be painting.

 

Once you have all the items and your guests are waiting for your instructions, simply tell them to paint, with their feet. Should you wish, you can use one of the children or even one of the guests as a model for this activity.

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Renaissance Trivia

Think you know as much as the academici of the renaissance period? Well now’s the time to find out! Get your hands on a general trivia set which you can purchase from your local toy store or on the internet.

 

Once your guests have arrived and everyone’s ready to play, group your guests together by pairing some of those who might do better in the game with those capable of being much better at something else. This is a game that will keep you and your guests occupied for hours at a time.

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The Flying Machine

Ever thought of inventing your own flying machine? Well, Leonardo da Vinci did, and there weren’t even airplanes around in his time to provide him with some inspiration.

 

For this task you’ll need to get any amount of items needed to build small scale flying machines. Typical items that would have been available in the renaissance period include lightweight paper, wooden rods, glue and string. Also remember to have some tools handy.

 

Now here’s how the game will work: Divide your guests into groups, pairing them appropriately. Once that’s done, set them a time limit (and hour to 90 minutes) to design and build their own custom flying machine. As host you’ll have to walk around and help each team with a bit of intellectual input or help them build their flying machines. But remember, keep your eye on the clock!

 

Once the time’s up, all guests have to stop their work because now it’s time to test their inventions! Ensure that you have a prize for both the best flying machine and the worst flying machine.

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Medieval Acronyms

Quite an easy game to play and oodles of fun, medieval acronyms will have you crying with laughter in no time.

 

For this game you’ll only need your minds. Have the guests sit in a circle the appoint one person to start. He or she must say a four letter word out loud which will be assumed to be an acronym. The person to their immediate left must then immediately name a noun starting with the same letter as the acronym. Following that, the next person should name a verb that starts with the same letter as the second letter of the acronym. After that the third person should name an adjective starting with the third letter of the acronym. The fourth person should name another noun to correspond with the last letter of the acronym. It is important to note that people have to say the first things that come in to their minds.

 

Repeat this game as many times as you like so that everyone gets a chance to think of a four letter word.

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Food & Drink

In case you’ve been wondering what you’ll give your guests to eat and drink, well, it’s simple: as for drinks you’ll simply have to invest in copious amounts of wine and perhaps even ales as these were the most prominent drinks during the renaissance period.

 

For food, well, we could fill a book with all the recipes out there. Simply log on to your favorite search engine and lookup “renaissance cuisine” for some good recipes. Here are a couple we’ve found to be worth while:

  • Cheese pie with herbs

  • Goat Kid Pie

  • Eggnog

  • Fritters

  • Rice with almond milk

 

Other than that, be sure to make use of your jester to provide a show while your guests are eating.

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