largess-ideas-msg - 11/29/00
Ideas for largess and gifts. Gifts for Royalty.
NOTE: See also the files: baby-gifts-msg, food-gifts-msg, merch-books-msg, 12th-nite-msg, Candlemas-msg, Yule-msg, holidays-msg, crown-cost-msg, holiday-gifts-lnks, Pennsic-gifts-msg, gifts-4-staff-msg.
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Stefan at florilegium.org
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From: Oriana <oriana at pacbell.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 12:31:18 -0700
Greetings one and all.
Our little group seems to have run out of ideas for gifts for
royals (well, we had LOTS of good ideas, but they all seem to
have occurred to other people has well!).
Any ideas?
What has been done so far (either by us or by others who did
it before we had a chance):
notecards with their devices printed on them
table linens with their devices
feastware/candlesticks/other table ware
handmade candles
postage
fabric/trims/etc
garb
'fruits of the valley' - pomegranites, persimmons, raisins, nuts, etc.
honey and honeycombs
jewelry
games and gameboards
scented bath salts
peacock feathers
lots and lots of chocolate
various foods: homemade cocoa mix, breads, cookies, etc.
various alcohol beverages
knives
chairs/benches
banners
So ... any other ideas?
Lady Oriana
mailto:oriana at pacbell.net
From: "Melissa Rogers" <Scott-n-Missy at worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: 24 Jun 1997 00:00:02 GMT
Our household has made a reasonably consistent effort at providing our
crowns with toys with which to gift the children present at an event. This
is a Meridien tradition and may not apply to your kingdom. We have been
able to purchase very affordable, surprisingly appropriate items such as
wooden reed flutes, rings with "gems", and various simple wooden
noisemakers, etc. These can be found from party supply stores or catalogs,
or, if you're fortunate enough to live where Mardi Gras is celebrated, a
supply house of that type will have _many_ options.
Along the same lines, a frequent gift to the crowns seems to be other small
tokens that they may give to a gentle as a form of appreciation other that
those deserving of awards. These might be hand-painted beads strung on a
cord, affordable rings, or homemade potables, mostly cordials in this
kingdom.
I think any crown would appreciate items that may enable them to play more
generously and encourage the courtesy that is so common among Meridiens.
Lady Eilidh nin Choinnich, Gleann Abhann, Meridies
From: XSimmons <"jls9" at MSG.TI.COM>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 1997 16:38:48 -0500
Organization: Texas Instruments
Oriana wrote:
> Our little group seems to have run out of ideas for gifts for
> royals (well, we had LOTS of good ideas, but they all seem to
> have occurred to other people has well!).
>
> Any ideas?
Charter scrolls in the King's/Queen's personna style. This is useful
long-term if there are lots of similar personnas thereabouts.
What about a tourney chest painted in the appropriate colors, with or
without the arms? (Or a wooden cover for the ice chest that could be
latched, so it can serve as a packing box for travel.)
Rope bed for luxury camping?
"Spices of the Orient" in calligraphy-labeled glass bottles (with
corks)? (Spices are usually reasonable these days, but would have been
a spiffy gift in period.) A wood storage box to protect them from
breakage would be nice. Whole spices and a tiny grater/mortar and
pestal would be fun, too.)
Book of Hours for the Queen (not a _real_ one, necessarily -- just a few
illustrated pages bound in tooled leather. I bet your group could put
together something pretty. . . .
Commission one of the SCA's famous cartoonists to do their portraits
(bambie-oidish or Tudor-Glitzie, or whatever).
Something ornate in marzipan (which can be "depicted" by the great
painter, Polaroid, and then shared out. No packing!)
A royal beast, like a chained cheetah or hawk. (There are lots of
realistic stuffed animals on the market these days. Alas, this item
would have to be packed.)
Rent/borrow a heavy horse and a white Arab cross and have the Royals
"depicted" on horseback in garb, with fancy halters, and maybe banners,
if the horses don't object. . . .). Give them 10 x 14s suitably
framed. (Do you have a photographer in your group? Might not break the
bank.)
Offer to sneak them away for a private picnic away from all the pomp and
complaints -- er, pagentry, late in their reign. (No, forget that one;
I'd probably be strung up by some irate _Blank_ocrat!)
Commission a set of praise poems/songs (suited to the Royal personnas)
from an SCA bard. Publicly reward said bard with lengths of fine cloth
or "spices of the Orient," or whatever.
Give the Royals copies of the praise series in nice calligraphy,
suitably rolled or framed.
Hope that helps. (Sure is fun thinking up stuff for _other_ folks to
do!) 8-)
With regard, Ly Meara al-Isfahani
From: "Sam & Bobbie Galyean" <GreenbriarAZ at worldnet.att.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: 24 Jun 1997 05:43:02 GMT
As a past Head Lady in Waiting I need to supply my Queen with a lot of
small gifts.
1. Some of the ideas I used were geared around the time of the year such
as home made christmas ornaments ( candy canes threaded through lace, pine
cones with painted highlights, lace angels, cinnamon sticks wrapped with
lace).
2. I also had some handkerchiefs with a painted or needle work symbol on them.
3. There are crafts stores in most larger cities that have wood craft
sections, You can get little wooden pill boxs, candel holders, needle
cases, stamp dispensors, egg holders (great for salt celler) with scoops.
4. Handmade soap ( with a surprise inside), Treasure candles.
5. The papermache department often times has some great small boxes
6. Make your own paper with fiber pulp you can buy at the craft stores.
(Add herbs and flowers) To make a small notebook press the cover in a ceramic cookie mold and buy a regular sheet of rough paper for the interior pages.
My best source for ideas often time came from all the craft show on the
cable channels or wondering the book isles at a craft store like "Ben
Franklins"& "Micheals". I could occasionally get some ideas from the
fabric store pattern books. They sometimes have knic-knacks and small
items you can make.
I hope this helps I know I did a lot of other things but for the life of me
my mind has drawn a blank at the moment.
Her Ladyship Waine Nogard of Greenbriar
From: Library Staff <betpulib at ptdprolog.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: 24 Jun 1997 19:14:07 GMT
Organization: Bethany Public Library
From the July/August Issue of Family Life magazine:
Soaps with "surprises" in them (simple enough for a children's craft w/
adult supervision).
(edited for relevance and to save bandwidth)
Ingredients:
1 bar clear, unscented glycerine soap
Beads, seashells, glitter, plastic confetti in shapes, other small
"surprises" and found objects.
Molds or mini loaf pans
Essential oils (lavender, rosemary and thyme are nice)
Directions
1. Put one bar of glycerine soap in a bowl and zap in the microwave for
60 seconds, or melt it in a double boiler (10 to 15 minutes). When done,
pour about 1/4 inch of melted soap into mold or mini bread pan. Let
harden slightly (3-5 minutes).
2. Scatter small toys or other found objects face down on top of the
hardened soap in the mold. Reheat the remaining soap. Add one drop of the
essential oil, and mix with a fork. Pour a second, thicker layer on top,
sealing the prizes inside. Let harden about 30 minutes. When done, have
an adult run a sharp knife around the edges and (may have to run the mold
under hot water to loosen) then let the soap maker smack the pan facedown
against the counter. The soap will pop out. It looks fine like this, but
can also be cut into small, chunky blocks.
Candy molds make the soap go farther and look prettier.
From: Greg Shetler <shetler at ti.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 1997 09:08:36 -0700
Don't know if anyone else has mentioned it, but a gift of a carved
and/or painted drinking horn goes over really well. The Rialto archives
include some pretty good instructions from a number of people on just
how to do this, and it makes for a really pretty, useful gift.
Mordock von Rugen
From: "Chatzie Massey" <admass at monsanto.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: 24 Jun 1997 18:42:46 GMT
Organization: Monsanto Company
I don't know what kingdom you are from, but here
are a few that the Shire of Arenal did for Meridies
royals:
Platters with the device on them for the high table at feast
Needle cases (done at a Pennsic for each of the Queens
in the Known Worlde)
Sheet wall for the Kingdom Pennsic camp.
belt pouches in kingdom colors (filled with "gold" choco coins)
Matching ceramic mugs for high table in kingdom device/colors
Tablecloth for high table
pillows for kneeling in court in the presence
drapes/throws for the bare-wood thrones (so they aren't "cold"
when they sit)
Lap shawl for wintertime for court
decorated fans on long handles for summer (for the court
attendants to fan their majesties with)
Matching Capes in Kingdom colors/devices
"Travel Fund" contributions in appropriate pouches.
Cloth in Kingdom colors for new majestic garb
Hope these spark some ideas for you.
--
Chatzie Massey
From: pwam1 at aol.com (PWAM1)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: 25 Jun 1997 11:15:53 GMT
One thing you might do would be to make blank scrapbooks with the
kingdom's arms on them. The Royals could then fill them in with pictures,
thoughts and autographs and keep them as a memento of their riegn. Of
course this assumes they have time to fill them in.
Agnes
From: excmairi at aol.com (EXCMairi)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Gifts - any ideas?
Date: 25 Jun 1997 15:51:53 GMT
Best gifts for Royalty? Stamps. And Her Majesty of the East, Moruadh,
recently mentioned Phone Calling Cards (the kind you can get with a set
number of minutes on them). What a great idea!
Mairi
From: Oriana <oriana at pacbell.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Gifts - any ideas - thanks
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 1997 13:34:28 -0700
Thank you to everyone who responded to my request for ideas for gifts.
At Their recent Coronation, Their Majesties received a great many gifts,
both very practical and perhaps not-so practical (but fun!). They
received stamps, calling cards, fast-food certificates, much fabric,
table linens, etc. Also, in this Kingdom, Their Majesties typically
have a substantial retinue of ladies-in-waiting, guards, advisors,
heralds, royal scribes, etc., so gifts of practical service are not
so terribly, well, practical (at least not while they are on the thrones).
We are looking for something unique and memorable for a special
occasion. We have a while yet, and so are still gathering ideas.
Thanks again,
Oriana
oriana at pacbell.net
From: maddie teller-kook <meadhbh at io.com>
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Thu, 07 Aug 1997 19:08:17 -0500
Subject: Re: ANST - largess
dentim at mail.myriad.net wrote:
> I was wondering if any of you had given or received some particularly great
> largess at any events? I would love to know the reason they were given or
> received, and at what event.
>
> Allysyn
As for largess, I usually put together some sort of 'cooking' treat to
give away. I have given little bottles of seasoned salt, for example. I
have also given some pretty beads on a ribbon. Largess is anything you
want to make it. I give mine (usually for arts and sciences) for work I
think shows excellent research and execution. Also, If I see someone do
something above and beyond that I think deserves recognition, I may
thank them or recognize them with a small token. Granted, I am a peer,
but that doesn't mean anyone can't do this. I think it is a wonderful
way to recognize someone in a special way and YOU will be remembered for
it. So.... If you want any ideas or suggestions for types of largess,
just let me know.
in service,
meadhbh
From: Lisa Carter <zkr26 at ttacs1.ttu.edu>
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Thu, 07 Aug 1997 20:26:31 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: ANST - largess
I been given items such as small pins, coins, beads and flowers. I have
given out pottery, pins, Apple butter, small boxes with tea, glass jars
with salt and pepper for feast table and a host of other items.
I was advised by HE Margaret - past Queen of the East - on largess - it
does not matter what it is - small, large, as long as it is given in
appreciation - it will mean a lot to the receiver. My most prized peice
is a piece of costume jewelry given to me by her Grace Mikaela - I wear it
as if it was made out of gold and diamonds.
Kayleigh Drake
Baroness of Bonwicke
The Western Region of Ansteorra
From: damaris <damaris at io.com>
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Thu, 07 Aug 1997 22:14:52 -0500
Subject: Re: ANST - largess
Lisa Carter wrote:
> My most prized piece is a peice of costume jewelry given to me by her Grace
> Mikaela - i wear it as if it was made out of gold and diamonds.
I once recieved a leather covered carafe with matching leather goblets
from Mistress Branwyn. Those of you who know Branwyn know that one of
her talents is finding valuable things in invaluable places. I thought
it rather appropriate for my display of mead, wine and beer.
I also recieved a necklace from her Grace Mikaela that I treasure and a
glass bead crafted by none other than Mistress Mara.
Damaris
From: "Eric Jackson"<jackser at okway.okstate.edu>
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Fri, 08 Aug 97 10:14:56 -0600
Subject: Re: ANST - largess
Allysyn said:
>I was wondering if any of you had given or received some particularly great
>largess at any events? I would love to know the reason they were given or
>received, and at what event. (Please don't feel you're bragging, because I
>just want to know!)
I have received many wonderful things for largess in the past. As a
server at feast, I was given a full salt cellar from Ragnar of Ragnars
Rock. I have also rerceived candle holders and some jewelry but my
favorite is a necklace that was given to me at a Guardian, when I was
working in the kitchen. This young Lady came up to me and said, I have
seen you working so hard this weekend so I wanted to give you this. I
have also been given quartz crystals for dying well at the last Gnomon
Vale Margrave event which I carry on my person all the time. IMHO I
think just letting the person know why you are giving them something
makes the item that much more special. Also on this note if you ever
eat at a feast and your server does a good job, at the very least
please tell them that you think so, and remember that something as
simple as salt can become a treasured item so if you feel up to it go
on and give your server at a feast a little largess. This will help
in making sure that there are plenty of experienced servers in our
fair kingdom.
Owen ap Aeddan ap Trahaearn
Eldest son of House Windbourne
One of the founders of Wyrmschlauger
Member of the Liondragon guard
Herald to the Shire of Mooneschadowe
From: mfgunter at tddeng00.fnts.com (Michael F. Gunter)
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 1997 10:43:48 -0500
Subject: Re: ANST - largess
When I was new to the SCA I fought the King's squire, Ian MacBaird, in an
Eldern Hills Championship. After our fight, Ian (now Sir Ian), asked me to
sit with him under the ROYAL PAVILLION and we talked fighting. He gave me an
uncut opal as a rememberance of a good fight. I still have that opal. Part
of the largess is the opal but another part was being given respect and honor
from an experienced fighter. For a new fighter that was very special.
I have also given largess both great and small. At one of Inman's Coronations