Tolson Dinner Party

The Tolson Dinner Party is an event that is taking place in game on April 19, 1811. It is being hosted by Marion Landon, Marchioness of Beningborough, and is being held at Beningborough House in London.

Guests of Honour

The dinner party is being held in honour of Thomas Tolson, Katherine Tolson, Edward Tolson and Charlotte Tolson, welcoming them back to London. It also serves as a platform from which to launch Charlotte into London Society.

Theme & Menu

The theme of the dinner is Indian. As such, Beningborough House has been outfitted to make one feel as if they have been transported to India through the use of fabrics and some furniture taken from the Tolson home. The menu also reflects an Indian theme, though there are some English dishes as well.

Decorations

Front Hall

The front hall of Beningborough House is lit up with dozens of candles strewn throughout the front entrance, raising the temperature of the hall considerably. The floor is covered with a number of Indian style rugs and a series of tall screens[1] partition off the rest of the house, allowing the guests to only mill about the front hall and the drawing room. Once dinner is served, the screens will be moved to allow guests into the dining room. A number of plants sit throughout the front hall, and footmen offer guests lemonade and Jal-Jeera[2] before dinner. A whiff of sandlewood can be smelt throughout the house.

Drawing Room

Tall silk screens depicting Indian scenery sit around the edges of the drawing room, giving the impression that one is outside. A variety of brightly coloured pillows have been strewn around the room, both on the plush carpets and on the furniture as well.

Dining Room

A long oval table is the centerpiece of the Beningborough dining room, and dinner begins with a red and gold tablecloth[3] covering it. For the second course, a purple and gold tablecloth[4] covers the table. For dessert, placemats are put on the table. The floors are covered in plush carpets, and a number of candelabras[5] sit on table, alongside elaborate centrepieces[6]. The best silver and plate has been laid out, with pristine linen napkins available for each guest. Dramatic swaths of orange fabric hang from the ceiling, over the windows and wall, giving the impression that one is eating in a tent[7].

Menu

Dinner was served a la francaise (more information on this style and dinner parties in general can be found here[8]). Only a few menu items were specified for each course.

First Course

Gentlemen speak to ladies on their left. The soup will be served by the Marchioness, the chicken carved by the Marquess.

Mulaga-Tawny Soup[9]

Roasted Chicken with Egg Sauce[10]

Second Course

Gentlemen speak to ladies on their right.

Saag Aloo (curried spinich and potatoes)[11]

Chicken Makhani (butter chicken)[12]

Dessert

Gentlemen speak to ladies on their right.

Saffron Cheesecake[13]

Fresh Strawberry Tarte[14]