Have a Victorian Evening at Home

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

08 Oct 2008 02:12 PM

When we look back at the Victorian era we see it as a romantic and nostalgic time. While the people who were living it might not have thought so, there is still something magical about that time period, with its emphasis on children, family and togetherness.

I recently watched the videos of a show originally produced in Great Britain called The 1900s house. In it, a modern family becomes a Victorian family, living as the Victorians did in a house that was period perfect. While I might not want to go on such an adventure with my family, a Victorian evening at home might be just the thing, just for fun. The kids could learn a bit about the time period, and we could pass a pleasant evening together as a family without the modern distractions such as television and video games. Here are some ideas I had for this evening that I would like to share.

First, turn off all of the lights and other electricity. Use oil lamps or candles to set the mood, keeping them safely out of reach of children, of course.

Light a fire in the fireplace for both warmth and ambiance. The fireplace, other than the cookstove, as usually the source of warmth for the house, and the family naturally gathered around it.

Print out some paper toys ahead of time. The toys can be cut out and assembled together as a family with just a little glue. You can also print out paper dolls. For more information about paper toys, including a link to many quality ones, read this blog: Printable Toys.

Pop some popcorn or try a real Victorian era meal or snack. We have been having a great discussion about a dish called toad in the hole over in the frugal blog in a post called "Breakfast for Dinner." Go and check it out.

What would you include in a Victorian evening at home?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog and caring for little ones in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Courtney Mroch (9169) 08 Oct 2008 02:48 PM

I loved the 1900 House, Mary Ann! What an awesome article!! Such great ideas.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 08 Oct 2008 06:19 PM

Aw thank Courtney. I just took the movie out from the library for three whole weeks, so I am sure I will watch it more than once.

Courtney Mroch (9169) 09 Oct 2008 10:06 AM

I'd like to see it again, so you just gave me an excuse to pop into my library and see if they have it. I got a kick out of that show, then they did another about life even earlier...regency times maybe? That one was more about dating and etiquette...hmmm, you just gave me an idea about a blog I could do over in Marriage. THANKS for sparking the muse engine!!!

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 09 Oct 2008 02:20 PM

Ooh great. I love those history pieces in your blogs. Do you remember the name of the earlier show?