The Dining room from Kirtlington Park

Dining room from Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire, 1742–48 Designed by John Sanderson (English, active from 1730, died 1774) Wood, plaster, and marble H. 20 ft. (6.09 m), L. 36 ft. (10.97 m), W. 24 ft. (7.32 m) Fletcher Fund, 1931 (32.53.1). The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

One of my favorite period rooms at The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the Dining room from Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire.  This room was designed mid-18th century, and walking through is really a transporting experience.  The details in the panels, stucco, and chimney-piece are beautiful. The lighting and decoration are thoughtfully done.  The wooden floors are original, and believed to be from trees from the owner's estate!

It's a Royal Wedding Weekend!

As we gear up for a Royal Wedding, I thought it would be a great time to take a look at all the fun festivities at royal weddings in 18th century France!

PS- Feel free to go into princess / prince-mode this week!

18th Century Royal Wedding Ceremony: Marie Antoinette

I found this excellent account of the wedding ceremony between Marie Antoinette and her Louis (soon to be King Louis XVI!) This is not about the festivities, which are no doubt fun, but the actual ceremony that took place.

Marie Antoinette and Louis: Wedding Festivities

"The fireworks were less beautiful than had been hoped because the smoke obscured the general effect: but the illuminations, as well as the spectacle of the ball were of the greatest and most superb magnificence."

Mdm. du Deffand to M. Walpole


Younghusband, Helen Augusta Magniac. 1912. Marie-Antoinette: her early youth (1770-1774). London: Macmillan. 54.

The Pleasures of the Seasons, Snowed In

Johann Georg Platzer, Winter [The Pleasures of the Seasons]. Early/mid 18th Century, oil on copper. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

What do you do on a snow day?

The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking Spotlight + Book Giveaway!

Not long after I started blogging here I came across Lauren Stowell's blog on historical costuming. A long time follower, I was delighted to learn that Lauren, teamed up with Abby Cox, has recently published a book on 18th-century dressmaking.  Let's dive into the book and see what it is all about!

I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own, of course.  Read on for a chance to win a signed copy of the new book!

18th Century Mothers Know Best: Where to Find True Happiness

Another bit of advice from Marie Antoinette's mom!