Regency Trivia – House Parties

 

House parties were Polite Society’s entertaining themselves when not in Town for a Season. They were usually held in the summer and winter. They could be as short or long as the hostess wished. Although, a house party would probably not be shorter than a week or two if only because people had to travel, sometimes great distances, to get there.

Only the imagination limited what kind of house party it would be. There were hunting parties, parties where a mother or guardian would not wish a young lady to attend, house parties to which young ladies and eligible gentlemen were invited. There would almost always be an equal number of ladies and gentlemen. A single gentleman could only give a house party (or any entertainment) of gently bred mixed company (as opposed to a more ribald party of mixed company) if he had a hostess. The hostess could be his mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, grandmother, etc.

Arrangements would have to be made for the servants who accompanied the guests. They would vary in number but would most likely include, coachman, groom, outriders, valet and/or lady’s maid. Children in the schoolroom or nursery were not invited unless the lady hosting the party had children and wanted to make a point of getting them together. For example, a family gathering.

The hostess would arrange entertainment for her guests. Some of what could be offered depended on the season or what features the estate had to offer. Options included, rowing, fishing, shooting, archery, visits to historical sites, riding, visiting the nearest town or village, card and other games and a lot I’ve forgotten. For entertainments such as a ball or dances, the hostess would most likely invite any of the surrounding gentry or aristocrats.

House parties were known for people sneaking around during the night to someone else’s bedchamber. A mother of a young lady would have to be very vigilant.

 

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