largess-ideas-msg - 4/21/20

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
I fought Talen and since the tourney was for those who impressed the new King
we presented roses to each others ladies and he joined me in singing "Shield
Wall" as we fought.  I was so impressed with his aplomb that I gave him a 
large chunk of pressed amber. I guess he liked it because he still mentions
it upon occassion.

I have given coins minted during the second crusade found in Jerusalem.

One thing I like to give largess for is when people help me in the kitchen.
In addition to those snazzy white plastic aprons everyone was entitled to,
we made up tickets for a free meal at Black Wolf Tavern for anyone we found
who had helped with the Coronation feast.

I think everyone, Peers most especially, should always carry some largess. 
It's not the trinket itself that's important but the "Thank you" that comes
with it.

Yers,
Gunthar


From: "Richard L. Rohde" <talen at microtutors.com>
To: 'ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG'
Subject: RE: ANST - largesse
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 1997 15:05:21 -0500
Organization: MicroTutors Technologies LLC

Sir Gunthar is correct.  I cherish that large piece of cherry amber, 
and many drool over it when they see it.  To the best of my 
recollection, it was my first largesse, my first piece of amber, and I 
made a necklace out of it and various other beads. When I dress for 
court or populace I almost always wear it.  It's as much a part of my 
"awards" as my comet or crane.  I also had a wonderful time in that 
fight, but only got to the beginning of the second verse of "Song of 
the Shield Wall"  before Sir Gunthar took my arm and I yielded.

Another piece of "largesse" that I cherish almost as much is my 
"doofus" that H.E. Master Korwyn and his Lady Silvan gave to me at 
Mikael & Mikaela's last Coronation.  I had been serving the head table 
at the time.  Though of little intrinsic value, it means a lot to me as 
I value their opinions.  It's true that the actual largesse is less 
important than the fact that it was received and who gave it.  Those 
times are the fabric of the tapestry called "the Dream".

Talen
--------
Centurion Talen Gustaf von Marienburg, Kriegsherr von Nordsteorra
Falcon, AOA, Comet, Crane, CSS
Personal E-mail: talen at microtutors.com


From: Elyh at aol.com
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 1997 22:21:19 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re:  ANST - Largesse

My favorite pieces of Largesse have been the pieces given to me for bardic
performances.  A baroness I could barely see in the dim firelight (and whose
name I  have never figured out) gave me a lovely bracelet once.  

The first largess I ever recieved was from a gentleman who simply thought I
was pretty.  My friends and I give each other little trinkets that on could
call largess.   Something like: "I was in this store and I saw this ________
that just screamed your name, so here it is."  

Speaking of largess and bardic performances, I would like to encourage all
bards going to Gothic this year to enter the bardic competition.  And I would
like to encourage all non-performers to be there handing out either largess
or words of encouragement to our bards.  I will be there handing out
largess....

Ghia


From: Brendan McEwan <brendan1 at airmail.net>
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Fri, 08 Aug 1997 21:37:10 -0500
Subject: Re: ANST - largess

Hand made quilt (beautifully done)       A&S display of lutes
10 yds of silk                           same
natural rock beads                       same different event
gold coin chocolates    I don't know except that they were very cool
1 foot of silk                           white scarf
ceramic feast gear                       rapier champion
squire&cadets 				     invitational
Handmade gauntlets are my specialty for largess.  	

	Brendan McEwan
	Steppes, Ansteorra
		
I've found that it doesn't really matter the largess, it's the thought
and intention that counts. I still have all of this, except for the
chocolates, but the flavor (pardon the pun) this can add is incredible.
It's just nice to be noticed.  


From: chiang at door.net (Chiang)
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Subject: ANST - Largess 
Date: Sat, 09 Aug 1997 03:46:41 GMT

Largess is nice. More than once I have returned to my A&S display to
see a bead or string of beads. It lets you know that your work is
appreciated.

   I also like to give it out. Once when a young lady danced in my camp
I gave her a small necklace. I know for a fact that she still has it. I
try to give out largess when I feel it is deserved, or when I feel like
it. It is neat to give a gift just to watch the expression on someone's
face when they receive it. 

   I carry a small backpack that I try to keep stocked with different
items for those occasions, 'sides that with my friends you can never
tell when I may need to ransom myself back.
    
    Chiang (not being formal tonite)
    Barony of Bonwicke
    Western region of Ansteorra


From: "J. Michael Shew" <jshewkc at pei.edu>
To: ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 1997 23:36:48 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Re: ANST - Largess 

	Ah, My favorite "awards" are those that the people give me, not
the crown.  (Not that I turn my nose up at a dubis from the throne,
but....well just read on...)
	I have a link from Syr Conn MacNeil's knight's chain, given to me
for my first tale in the SCA.
	I have a link from his mail, since he was paying attention to the
song I was singing and not the fight he was in, and that wicked snap-shot
rent his mail shirt....
	I have two Pensic coins from the same ten year old, two years
apart.  He wanted to "Pay the bard" for his nightly story...
	I have beads from a lot of folk, all strung together to make the
necklace for my Lily badge.
	And I have a glass drop from a woman who told me she wanted to
"give you this...It's from my son.  He would give it to you himself, but
his wheelchair can't roll this close to the fire..."  I wheeled him home
and sang and told stories to him for three hours!
	I have a handful of strange bits and pieces from children.
	I have perhaps a dozen earings.
	And one feather pen from a dear friend who died not three months
after.  He loved my tales, and swore I could write all the rest with that pen...
	I have coins from kings, Queens, Barons....Knives and toys from
Dukes, Counts.....Even books given to me as a gift.
	I have 17 household badges from the houses who felt I needed to be
a part of them, even if only for a night.
	It seems in Calontir, we believe in largess...
	
	I know, most folk think I sing for beer or other drink.  But my
real treasures probably wouldn't raise 2.50 at a good pawn shop
altogether.  You could probably replace them for twenty bucks...
	Well, replace the items...The meaning would take millions....

	Sorry.  I get maudlin late at night when I have a glass of port.
Forgive a fat old Norseman.  I'll go to bed quietly now...

	Mikal
____________________________________________________________________________
  Herra-Domr Mikal the Ram; an annoying Bard of no redeeming qualities


From: marilyn traber <margali at 99main.com>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: Mon, 08 Sep 1997 13:48:22 -0400

Don Hicks wrote:
> I need some ideas (a list) for largesse **other than** alcholic
> beverages and embroidery & crosstitich, etc. since I don't do hand
> work.
>
> Maridonna

   Go to a flea market, buy junk jewelry that looks ok, and is cheap
enough. I lucked out and found kids jewelry-30 wire bracelets on copper,
silver and gold that are sized for lreteens, they are great for kids. I
also find other goodies that can be used as is or taken apart and
recombinant gene splicing performed to turn them into more period stuff.

   Advent gelt[gold chocolate coins] in basic drawstring pouches or
scattered freehand into a crowd.

margali


From: mittle at panix.com (Arval d'Espas Nord)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: 8 Sep 1997 12:15:27 -0400
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and Unix, NYC

Greetings from Arval! Maridonna asked:

> I need some ideas (a list) for largesse **other than** alcholic
> beverages and embroidery & crosstitich, etc. since I don't do hand work. 

I bought several hundred reproduction coins from a Society coiner for about
a nickel apiece.  I give them out regularly to servers at feast and anyone
else who lends a hand.  It's really gratifying to see a newcomer's eyes
light up when I hand him a couple repro. 12th century silver pennies.  The
only drawback is that I usually have to explain what they are, which breaks
the mood.

Cariadoc avoid that problem by handing out silver armrings, which anyone
can understand.
===========================================================================
Arval d'Espas Nord                                         mittle at panix.com


From: mittle at panix.com (Josh Mittleman)
To: markh at risc.sps.mot.com
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997 09:52:53 -0400
To: markh at risc.sps.mot.com
Subject: Largesse list

> How big are these silver pennies? These are real silver right?

The proper historical size, about a half inch across and very thin, thinner
than a dime.  No, they are aluminum (and some are bronze, to simulate gold
coins).  You think I can afford to give away real silver!?

> I've considered casting some coins (I haven't tried making dies
> yet) for a similar purpose. 

These coins are stamped, which is apparently the standard method in our
period. 

	Arval


From: Holly Cochran <ulfaidan at flash.net>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: Mon, 08 Sep 1997 17:35:07 -0600

How about calligraphied/illuminated cards with a nice saying on them? I
also made belt favors-a 3" brass ring with a tassel in my heraldic
colors (you can buy premade tassels) or with a nice scrap of trim or
velvet ribbon in your livery colors?  Or several unique beads (bought or
made) in a little velvet bag?  Or a couple-three yards of nice fabric
(like if you find a killer sale of remnants of raw silk or something).
One nice one that I saw at Outlandish was small baskets with little jars
of herb bruise cream, smell-good stuff, etc. Or little wooden boxes
(bought or made) either empty or filled with Stuff. How about bags of
"gold coins"-those yummy chocolate ones.  Or baskets with fresh baked
herb bread? Or little ceramic bowls of appropriate colors? Or handmade
little wood covered blank books (tres cool).  

Just my 89 cents worth.....<G>

Ms. Aidan


From: powers at colon.cis.ohio-state.edu (william thomas powers)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: 8 Sep 1997 16:37:00 -0400
Organization: The Ohio State University, Department of Computer and Information Science

Silver is nice; 1 ounce ingots are not very expensive---close to $5
(not when compared with the time involved in X-stitch and other crafts)

Then the recipient can go get them cast or worked into something or
trade it for something else---the joys of specie

wilelm the smith---will work for silver, gold, negotiable debentures, land


From: powers at woodstock.cis.ohio-state.edu (william thomas powers)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: 8 Sep 1997 22:00:57 -0400
Organization: The Ohio State University, Department of Computer and Information Science

>> Silver is nice; 1 ounce ingots are not very expensive---close to $5
>> (not when compared with the time involved in X-stitch and other crafts)
>> Then the recipient can go get them cast or worked into something or
>> trade it for something else---the joys of specie
>
>Ooh! Good idea! Aren't copper and brass also pretty affordable, and
>useful?  Ooh ooh, ideas running rampant.....

Copper and brass are cheaper; however they don't seem to have the
same impact as an ounce of fine silver----unless you are presenting
them to an artisan who uses them.

Another suggestion: go to a pawn shop and ask to look through their 
"silver scrap"  I bought 10 oz this way once and had a gracious
plenty of rings, etc.  Also check with a coin dealer for old
silver coins, I got around 50 once for scrap price, (I was making
a cross out of 40 pieces of silver for a pastor who was moving away...)
some of them still showed Queen Victoria on their worn surfaces.

wilelm the smith


From: william thomas powers <powers at cis.ohio-state.edu>
To: Mark S. Harris
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: Tue, 9 Sep 1997 06:42:43 -0400 (EDT)

> Did you melt the rings down into ingots or present them as rings?

Yes; some of the jewelry I used as-is and others I re-cast.  
(a couple of rings became my wedding rings when I got married!)

> Interesting ideas.

I used to cast the "prizes" for our shire's events--usually a simple
object indicating the event: a sword for the tourney, an anvil for the
anvil toss, a spoon for the head cook of the feast, etc.  Not very large
but something different than a silverplate goblet...

wilelm


From: Kathleen Marshall <bookworm at u.washington.edu>
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 1997 18:09:31 -0700
Organization: University of Washington

On Mon, 8 Sep 1997, Holly Cochran wrote:
> > > I need some ideas (a list) for largesse **other than** alcholic
> > > beverages and embroidery & cross
> > > sttich, etc. since I don't do hand work.
  Are these items you want to *give away*? If so, although you specified
"other than ... cross stitch ..." how about giving skeins of that new DMC
metallic floss? Just because you don't do it yourself doesn't mean others
wouldn't like receiving raw materials.
                                        Saewynn Silfrhrafn
                                        Town Crier Herald, An Tir
mka: Kathy Marshall
     Seattle, WA
     bookworm at u.washington.edu


From: capncarp at aol.com (CapnCarp)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: 11 Sep 1997 16:21:28 GMT

Russ Gilman Hunt wrote:
>don't forget to ask for baby food jars, especially for ointments and
>beads
>and such.  

 Buy  a HUGE amout of Mineral Oil, which is the basis for baby oil, divide
it into smaller containers with lids(baby food jars?), add cloves, or mint
or other scents to macerate in the oil.  Result: massage oil!  

Note: this takes quite a bit of time, so start now.

Good luck,
Geoffrey Soulspeeder


From: tierna at agora.rdrop.com (Britt )
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: 16 Sep 97 10:29:26 GMT
Organization: RainDrop Laboratories/Agora(sm)

Maridonna requests:
> I need some ideas (a list) for largesse **other than** alcholic
> beverages and embroidery & crosstitich, etc. since I don't do hand
> work.

Beads, bells, colourful cords, trim, sewing accessories, recipes, 
music, get someone to strike a period-style commemerative coin,
marbles (some can be quite versatile and beautiful), impliments
of artistic use to the recipient (find out what materials they
use in their work), empty bottles of decorative bent (a local
Baron got a fish-bottle as a gift recently, his Baroness got a
necklace-perfume bottle), books, garb accessories (belts, pouches,
laces...), drinking vessels, candles, candle lanterns, oil lamps,
small containers (wooden or metal or bone boxes) or perhaps a nice
salt cellar.
Look for what the little, useful things the potential recipients employ
then try to find variants or decorative additions to them (a lady I know
wears several keys from her belt - and people are regularly giving her
more; she could use the ring as a cudgel by now).  One of my most
cherished gifts was from my lady mother upon my appointment as shire
A&S minister - a small metal mirror with an engraved back done in the
style of one found in Switzerland at an archaeologic dig.  It cost her
$5 at a local import shop.

- Teceangl  (who loves to give things to folks, whether they want them or not)


Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
From: bq676 at torfree.net (Kristine E. Maitland)
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Organization: Toronto Free-Net
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 15:41:59 GMT

Don Hicks (don-andrea-hicks at postoffice.worldnet.att.net) wrote:
: I need some ideas (a list) for largesse **other than** alcholic
: beverages and embroidery & crosstitich, etc. since I don't do hand work. 
: Can anyone help, please?
: Maridonna

I think I can, signora.  I went to my local linens shop (Ling's in 
Toronto) and bought a box of handkerchiefs (I get mine for $11.50 CDN for 
10).  They are handembroidered (some have crochet detailing) and are 
great for handing to people as small tokens/favours.

For something larger, I buy tablecloths (same store, though sometimes at 
other linen shops in Chinatown).  I can get a small tablecloth with four 
napkins for $10-15 CDN.

Another idea -- books.  Penguin sells mini-books for $0.99 US ($1.45 CDN) 
-- you can get Beowulf or an essay by Michiavelli etc.  Put them in a 
pouch and give them out.  Books were considered valuable in period and 
Penguin carries a wide variety of titles from throughout period.

sinceremente
Inez 
-- 
Inez Rosanera                           Kristine Maitland
cortigiana,cantana, pariole             branch assistant, lyricist, critic
Barony of Septentria                    Toronto, Ontario
Principality ofEaldormere               Canada


From: markh at risc.sps.mot.com (Mark S. Harris)
Newsgroups: rec.org.sca
Subject: Re: Largesse list
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 00:22:21 -0600
Organization: Motorola

Greetings unto Geoffrey,

capncarp at aol.com (CapnCarp) wrote:
>  Buy  a HUGE amout of Mineral Oil, which is the basis for baby oil, divide
> it into smaller containers with lids(baby food jars?), add cloves, or mint
> or other scents to macerate in the oil.  Result: massage oil!  

An interesting idea. If you used olive oil instead of mineral oil and
perhaps found some small bottles, instead of the glaringly modern
baby food jars, it would even be fairly period.

The same methods could be used to create flavored vinegars and oils for
cooking.

Stefan li Rous

> Geoffrey Soulspeeder
-- 
Ld. Stefan li Rous     Barony of Bryn Gwlad        Ansteorra


From: Kathi <britearrow at geocities.com>
To: markh at risc.sps.mot.com
Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 23:11:38 -0700
Subject: Largesse

Here's an idea for Largesse-  When an event is coming up, why not have
the Baron and Baroness(or King and Queen, if it's a Kingdom event), put
out a "proclomation" requesting donations from the craftspeople of the
Barony/Realm/Whatever?  That way, craftspeople get a chance to show off
their wares(a little free publicity), and there are some nice prizes and
such to give out.

Caitlinn Ingen Brigt/Kat


Date: Fri, 19 Sep 1997 11:00:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: lifitz at wco.com (Conny Fitzsimmons)
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Arts & Sciences Awards

<snip>
You can never go wrong with fresh water pearls, and they are really not very
expensive.

You can mail order pearls from Fire Mountain Gems in Cave Junction, Oregon.
they have a toll free number 800 4232319 ( no I don't work for them just buy
a lot of stuff).   They also have a lot of other beads that are period that
are not too expemsive.

Hope this helps.

Catherine Lorraine
Arts Officer Principality of the Mists
Kingdom of the West


Date: Wed, 1 Oct 97 13:03:42 -0500
To: <ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG>
From: <cward at awd.com> "C Ward, Software Support, x3115"
Subject: Re: ANST - kingdom A&S

Greetings from Gunnora,

As a note, in either Laurels' Prize Tourneys or Nobles' Prize Tourney, 
displaying artisans may give largess and constructive critiques to other 
artisans, and the populace is also welcome to give largess to those 
artisans whose works impress them.  That's one nice thing about this 
format: everybody can get into the act.  

And while traditionally LPT has had very high quality largesse hand-made by 
the master-craftsmen of the Laurels' Circle, not all largesse has to be a 
masterwork.  Some ideas for appropriate largess which I have seen given at 
past LPTs have included, but are not limited to:

hand-made bone needles (I gave out packets of 3 to 12 needles at last LPT)
hand-carved soapstone spindle whorls (another largess item I have given)
Viking random bead necklaces (I have given these at LPT as well as 
Lyonnesse)
home-made herbal soaps
embroidered pouches
leather pouches
bottles of home-brewed liquers, wines or beers
sword-length staves of rattan
home-made herbal bath salts
home-made herbal oils
home-made herbal bruise salve
inkle and tablet-woven trim or belts
two, three, four or more hand-made lampworked glass beads
actual medieval coinage, one of two coins gifted
a pouch containing tumble-polished stones
necklaces of semi-precious gemstones
SCA-style costume jewellry
a full place setting of basic wood and pewter feastgear
a hand-carved horn or wooden spoon
a small dagger with woodburned-decoration on the handle


Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 12:03:25 -0500
From: "Gray, Heather" <Heather at Quodata.Com>
To: "'sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu'" <sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu>
Subject: RE: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

How about _Latin for All Occasions : Lingua Latina Occasionibus Omnibus_
by Henry Beard / Hardcover / Published 1990
  or the sequel, _Latin for Even More Occasions_ ?

Has sections on compliments, greetings, small talk, and even things for
the Roman cutpurse, such as:

Catapultam habeo. Pecuniam totam tuam me date.   (from memory...)
"I have a catapult. Give me all your money."

Fun even if you don't know Latin. :)

Elwynne


Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 15:42:10 -0800
From: "J. Kriss White" <jkrissw at earthling.net>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

At 11:24 AM 12/10/98 -0500, Gwen wrote:
>I can think of a few things, but, they're not so interesting and yet
>generic that ANYONE can make use of them...

Bath salts.
Kitchen spices.
Fancy candles.
Assortment of colored cloth tapes. :-)
Blank a/v tapes.
Lantern batteries.
Propane gas canisters.

Lord Daveed of Granada, mka J. Kriss White,
Barony of Calafia, Kingdom of Caid
email - jkrissw at earthling.net  ||  AOL IM - jkrissw  ||  ICQ #1824702


Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 18:08:38 -0000
From: "Greg" <golsen at inconnect.com>
To: <sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu>, <SCA-ARTS at UKANS.EDU>
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

I have found shaped soaps to be a nifty giftie.  Also try medieval games,
like king's table or landsquenet.

Heloise


Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 19:19:48 -0700
From: "K. Stowe" <ladycaviar at unidial.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

>I'm a terrible gift shopper in general, and now I need to pick a grab bag
gift for the Canton holiday grab bag.

Buttons. Little daggers. Teeny bottles to put things in. Pouches. Feast
gear. Handkerchiefs. Nice tent stakes. More buttons. Yards of trim. A CD of
Renaissance music. Gloves.

Did I mention buttons? ;)
Ro


Date: Thu, 10 Dec 1998 23:18:13 -0500
From: "K. E. Reinhart" <keran at hancock.net>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

Gift maybes -
Baskets $1.00 - $3.00  Salvation Army & Goodwill
Jewellery  "      "       "       "
Bottles    $.50         $ Dollar store
Beads & Pearls    $.66      AC Moore
Ribbon reels  3/$1.00
Thread - gold, silver, etc.
Calligraphy pen, ink
Small bells
Blank books
goblets

Keran Roslin
AEthelmearc


Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 16:15:14 -0500
From: Carol Thomas <scbooks at neca.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

>I'm a terrible gift shopper in general, and now I need to pick a grab bag
>gift for the Canton holiday grab bag. What can I get that would be of equal
>use to fighters/service people/A&S types? Drinkers and non-drinkers?
>Carnivores and Vegans? Pagans and Jews and Catholics? That's worth about
$10?

For a few pennies you could get a piece of decorated computer paper with a
blue background and a scroll on it.  Looks nice; I use it for gift
certificates.

Approach a few local SCA merchants, and ask them if they will honor it if
you promise to pay when it is handed in.  List the merchants on the
certificate, PUT AN EXPIRATION DATE ON IT and print very small at the
bottom how to reach you so the merchant can handle it easily, and roll it
up and wrap it.  One size fits all.


Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 21:00:35 EST
From: <THLRenata at aol.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

Someone gave me a neat little giftie last night -- a cute package containing
7 flat chocolate mints. Each mint has a likeness of Henry VIII and each of his
wives.

I think my friend got it at Cost Plus.

Renata


Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1998 14:50:28 EST
From: <Gingen3 at aol.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

Hmmm... What about feast gear - napkin ring with napkin, candle holder with
candle (and matches), Salt Cellar (salt), ...   or maybe sewing kit for simple
repairs a piece or two of trim, duct tape for field repairs, thimble, small
scissors, needle and an assortment of threads...  or maybe a basket or bag or
pocket or pouch to tote things ... How about the makings for a medieval recipe
with the recipe of course and the offer to aid in its making if desired....
Gift certificate for something you can do for them (I do Seated Massages)...

Lady Geva


Subject: ANST - Fw: Only 1 week
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 98 01:18:21 MST
From: "Casey&Coni" <weed at sage.net>
To: "Southern List" <southern at Ansteorra.ORG>
    , "ansteorra" <ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG>

Merry Christmastime, everyone!

I had a dear friend of mine ask me a question about what would be a good
Yule Revel gift.  As I finished up the list of the things that popped into
my head I thought perhaps there might be others out there that could use it
as well.  Tempio- like many other groups out there- limits its gift limit to
$10, so I based my list on that price.

Dieterich- Black Belt in Shop Long Fu

>>I don't think I will be able to make anything but what kinds of 
>>things can SCAers use for under $10.
>
>Acrylic paint
>Material (esp white for veils/shirts)
>Feast gear
>Artificial sinew
>Duct Tape
>A hat
>Embroidery floss
>Needles
>Gesso
>Wood
>Books on art in the Middle Ages
>Embroidery hoops
>A belt blank
>Books on heraldry
>Books on armor
>A seam-ripper with the little light on the end
>Candles
>A lantern
>Knitted mittens
>Good paper (ask for 'elephant paper' at a paper shop)
>A piece of good leather
>Paint brushes (ten bucks can get the good ones rather than the cruddy ones)
>A length of trim
>A length of lace
>A basket
>Some ostrich plumes
>Some pheasant feathers
>A pair of good scissors (Ginghers on sale in Temple right now for half
>price)
>A tape or cd of dance music
>Sheet music for recorder
>A recorder
>A nine-mens-morris game
>Dice (no respectable late period persona would be without them)
>A nice period looking buckle
>Rivets for armor
>A strap-cutter
>A rawhide mallet
>A brick of beeswax
>A hydrometer
>A wine thief
>A package of corks
>Patterning paper
>Soap
>A nice brooch from your local Goodwill or Salvation Army
>A book on brewing or vinting
>A dremmel tool accessory pack
>A camp stool
>A deck of rennaissance style cards
>A yeast culture
>A period cookbook
>A book on basic sewing skills
>A pouch
>A body hammer
>Buttons
>Hooks and eyes
>Good thread
>Some antler
>A cows horn (for either a drinking horn or a hunting horn)
>A brass kickplate
>A yard or two of buckram
>A t-square
>A rosary
>A cross
>A cup or mug
>A sketchbook
>Tracing paper
>Blank tapes
>A brewers log
>A block of carving linoleum
>A draw knife
>A piece of rattan
>Some 550 cord
>Tentstakes
>A banner pole
>Seeds for different herbs
>Lamp oil
>Beads (especially pearls... you can get a strand or two of real freshwater
>pearls under $10)
>
>That should give you something to chew on.  BTW, with this list you can
>really do some neat things: imagine getting a nice brooch ($5.25) wrapped in
>a yard of nice heavy white cotton for an arming cap ($3.00) and tied off
>with a yard of trim left over from an old project ($1.50) and decorated with
>four nice buttons off a Goodwill shirt ($.25).


Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1998 23:05:14 EST
From: <SWRDBABE at aol.com>
To: sca-arts at raven.cc.ukans.edu
Subject: Re: Holiday Grab Bags [SCA]

Here are some cool gifts under $10 that we've used in our barony for gift
exchanges.

a set of hand-dipped candles
a lantern
a set of goblets
a salt cellar (great especially for cooks)
an SCA survival kit:
        roll of duct tape
        small first aid kit
        bottle of water
        little box of chocolates or hard candies

Daniela


Date: Wed, 24 Nov 1999 10:24:49 MST
From: Scot and Domino Eddy <domino7 at texas.net>
Subject: BG - MORE GIFT IDEAS
To: southern at Ansteorra.ORG,  bryn-gwlad at Ansteorra.ORG,
	         "'burg-eltz at egroups.com'" <burg-eltz at egroups.com>
	,         "ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG" <ansteorra at Ansteorra.ORG>

Ok folks,

We've added to the list somewhat. Here is an longer list of possible
Yule gifts for the Viking gift exchange. Some of these will be around
$10 soem will be significantly under cost. If that is the case consider
making a "gift pack". For instance, duct tape is only $2-3. So why not
wrap up 1 roll of duct tape, 1 roll of fiberglass strapping tape, and1
roll of black electrical tape. That should be about $10. Or the enamel
paints the enameling guild is using are a couple of dollars each. Throw
together 2-3 bottles of paint, 1 wide brush, 1 narrow brush, and some
patterning paper. Cool, eh? Is the fabric too expensive for several
yards as a gift? How about 1/4 or 1/2 yard of wool, silk, or linen plus
a pattern pack of coifs, pouches, or gloves. Hope this helps!

Jovian and Zaharra

Leather working tools
Wood working tools
Tape or CD of Medieval music
Books from Half Price Books
 e.g. Francis Gies books
        Arms and Armor book
        Art history
        Heraldry
        Medieval/Renaissance History
        etc.
Fabric (especially white for arming cap or veils)
Trim
A hat
Feast gear
Arificial sinew
Guache set - a few tubes
Oil set - a few tubes
Egg tempera set - a few tubes
Gesso
Enamel paint set (enameling guild) - a few tubes
Medieval looking glasses to paint
Paint brushes
Linoleum blocks for block printing
Lucet  for Lucet cord making
Drop spindle and wool
Wool or silk floss and needles
Embroidery hoops
Embroidery scissors
Strings of pearls or semipercious stones (yes, they can be found for
   under $10)
Mortar and Pestle
Lantern
Medieval/Renaissance Patterns
Length of ratan
Couple rolls of tape (make it a set 1 roll of each, fibreglass strapping
   tape, duct tape, black electrical tape)
Rivets
Belt blank
Set of belts (for armor, belts, etc.)
Good paper for illumination
A feast basket
Ostrich Plumes
Pair of good scissors (Ginghers)
Medival games (dice, cards, mancala (Walmart has this))
Rawhide mallet
Brick of Beeswax
A strap cutter
Hydrometer
Wine thief
Package of corks
Dremmel tool accessory pack
Auto body hammer


Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2000 08:21:50 -0700
From: "Karen O" <kareno at lewistown.net>
Subject: Re: SC - Princess favors

>>As Princess, you can drop all kinds of suggestions and put your name on
lots of activities, and encourage others to have these activities at their
events.<

I was thinking that Her Highness could distribute  small packets of
*Spices*  as favors/ tokens (long pepper, cubebs, saunders, grains of
paradise ).   those "different" spices that many people  can't find readily,
and may put them off cooking period recipes.

Coz someone encouraged me & my cooking by giving me a small bag (5-6
pieces) of long pepper a couple years back.

Caointiarn


Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2000 09:40:03 -0400
From: Elaine Koogler <ekoogler at chesapeake.net>
Subject: Re: SC - Staff rewards

In our barony, we have a custom of giving each person who helps with an event
"pilgrm beads"...I search the bead catalogues for a bead that seems somehow to
reflect the theme of the event...we just had an event, Le Defi du Coeur, wherein
the fighters vied to reclaim "the heart of Dun Carraig".  Each person helping with the event will receive a carnelian heart stone.  Not terrifically expensive, but a memento of an event where one served!  Many of our folks wear these beads with their garb with great pride.

I also try to give a memento of some sort to my kitchen help when I cook outside
our barony...I'm still thinking about the one coming up this weekend........

Kiri


Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2000 11:23:23 -0500
From: "sdrake" <steldr at home.net>
Subject: SC - RE: gold jordan almonds

I'm looking for gold-dipped Jordon almonds (not gold-foil wrapped);
does anyone know of a store in your area that carries them?  --If
yes, please send a phone # (with area code) or email address.

- --Mistress Cordelia/Midrealm

Try www.candydirect.com and look in the bulk candy section - you'll have to
scroll through 2 or 3 pages to get to the the j's.  I know it says gold foil
but these are dipped.  I have not ordered from this company - just something
I found on the web while browsing the other day.  They also sell 5 lb lots
of gold chocolate coins for around $34 - for those of you who utilize such
things.......

Mercedes


From: "willowdewisp at juno.com" <willowdewisp at juno.com>
Date: February 21, 2008 11:23:22 PM CST
To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: [Ansteorra] Largess ideas long

I do not know if you have thought of this but one of the duties of the petite nobility i.e.: Lords and Ladies, is to support our "ruling" nobles. All nobility are supposed to give out Largess. This is doubly true for ruling Baron and Baroness and Kings and Queens. 

Part of our personas is giving our nobles gifts so they can give them back out. This is how the Courtly Game is played. Just before Gulf War and big events are times when Territory nobles need things and I hope this list will inspire you.
Remember your territory B&B might like Baskets to give as gifts as much as your King and Queen 

Here is a list of things you might want to give your local and kingdom nobles. 
I combined list off Stefan's Florilegium  http://www.florilegium.org I have added ideas of my own. If anyone has any good ideas please send them to me to add to list.

Note cards with medieval designs or local or kingdom ensign on it or sometime that suggest the group
Table linens  
Feast ware/candlesticks/other table ware
Handmade or bought candles
Fabric/trims/etc
Garb
SCA-style costume jewelry
Pins with local group's ensign or Kingdom ensign
Scented bath salts, home-made herbal bruise salve, home-made herbal oils, home-made herbal soaps
Peacock or other feathers
Lots and lots of chocolate, candy coins are great
Knives
Chairs/benches
Banners
Handkerchiefs with a painted or needle work symbols on them
Engraved glass items with medieval designs and mottos
Platters and plates and bowls with designs that reflect local or Kingdom groups or jobs Herald's trumpets or bardic harps or 
Belt pouches in kingdom or local groups colors (filled with "gold" chocolate coins) these were called Alms bags and are period. Embroidered pouches
Leather pouches are also good
Period looking Bottles but please remember officially we can not give out alcohol
Matching ceramic mugs 
Candle holders (IF you like to wood burn or painting you can find wooden ones at craft stores 
Quartz crystals
Amber 
A small mirror
Books 
Book cover
Books that heralds or bards can put their papers in and read from. These can be made by getting a handsome book cover at a thrift store and decorating it. 
Hand-made bone needles last LPT) 
Viking random bead necklaces 
Sword-length staves of rattan or better yet spear length
Inkle loom 
Two, three, four or more hand-made lampworked glass beads
Actual medieval coinage, one of two coins gifted
A full place setting of basic wood and pewter feastgear
Hand-carved horn or wooden spoon
A small dagger with wood burned-decoration on the handle 
A hat
Feast gear
Artificial sinew
Gauche set - a few tubes
Oil set - a few tubes
Egg tempera set - a few tubes
Gesso
Enamel paint set (enameling guild) - a few tubes
Medieval looking glasses to paint or engrave especially if they have covers. 
Paint brushes
Linoleum blocks for block printing
Lucent for Lucent cord making
Drop spindle and wool
Wool or silk floss and needles
Embroidery hoops
Embroidery scissors
Strings of pearls or semiprecious stones (yes, they can be found for
   under $10)
Mortar and Pestle
Lantern
Medieval/Renaissance Patterns (If you want to make it seem to be a period gift make a decorated period folder to put them in) 
Length of rattan
Couple rolls of tape (make it a set 1 roll of each, fiberglass strapping
  tape, duct tape, black electrical tape)
Rivets
Belt blank
Set of belts (for armor, belts, etc.)
Good paper for illumination
A feast basket
Pair of good scissors 
A pair of period looking scissors .Many Asian grocery stores have them
Medieval games (dice, cards, mancala (Walmart has this)) (Thrift store sometimes have nice sets. Glass sets are period. You can wood burn or paint a nice board on wood. 
Brick of Beeswax
Little boxes
Wooden comb

Other things I have found useful is anything that starts someone off on a new craft or Art. Anything that opens someone eyes to the wonder of History. Something a persona can use i.e.: Norse drinking bowl, 

Things period nobles gave out
Ginger bread cookies Queen Elizabeth
Gloves
Fancy spoons 
Salt cellars. 
Glass items 
Brooches
Glass rings 
Rings in general 
Bracelets 
Early Period Arm bands 
Fur 
Cloaks (light dress cloaks are fun. 
Clothing 
Amour
Candles 
Candies (good to put in the boxes)
Golden sash and silken girdle, and samite, and other exotic goods to Peter of Bois 

One of my favorite things that Kings received in period are polar bears and elephants. 


From: george basore <murray_kinsman at yahoo.com>
Date: February 22, 2008 1:10:34 PM CST
To: ansteorra at lists.ansteorra.org
Subject: [Ansteorra] favorite largess

  I have a tale to tell, my favorite given.

  It happened at Red Tape, when his majesty Mahdi was
crowned for the second time.

  Let me digress, to explain that the favors I give
out to show affiliation with, membership in, or as a
sign of respect from my clan (Clann Haddock) is a
particular design of dagger.

  To show our respect for his Majesty, I presented him
with my personal dagger, explaining the I had carried
it at every event I had attended, in the then- 6 1/2
years in the SCA.  He was overwhelmed by the history
of the dagger, and was concerned the I would miss it,
so I explained that from then on, I wear the dagger
that was my mother's, before she passed from this
life.

  He does me great honor as he still wears it.

Ld Adm Robert Haddock:; Ansteorran Royal Navy, Ret.


Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:05:49 -0500
From: Michael Gunter <countgunthar at hotmail.com>
Subject: [Sca-cooks] Largesse
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

> I'm new to SCA- can someone explain largesse within SCA?
> Freda

Largess is basically a gift. It can be grand or as small
as a ribbon. "Largess" is primarily given from someone of
higher rank to one of lesser. "Gifts" are given from lower
or equal station.

Often Largess is given to someone who does something
to impress one of higher rank. It is often associated with
the Crown or Territorial Personages but anyone can give
largesse. So a Duke may give a ring or other momento to
a new fighter that impressed him on the field. A Baroness
my give a beaded ribbon to a young girl who has attended
her well.

Frequently Laurels bring little tokens to A&S competitions
to give to the entrants. This is Largesse.

Elizabeth and I just went to the Dallas Gem and Jewelry 
show this weekend and bought a couple hundred dollars
worth of stuff to hand out during our reign. Mainly rings
because we both love the history and cool factor of
the Crown removing a ring from His/Her own hand to gift
to someone. 

Gunthar
Prince Ansteorra


Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:29:16 -0400
From: "Kingstaste" <kingstaste at comcast.net>
Subject: [Sca-cooks] Largesse
To: "'Cooks within the SCA'" <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

Largesse is stuff you keep on hand to give away as gifts.  Kings and nobles
and peers will often give out largesse when someone does something that
pleases them.  In period, there are many references to Kings as
"ring-givers", meaning the king took a ring off of his hand and presented it
to someone for a noteworthy deed.  

When I go to A&S competitions, I take small trinkets (sometimes small
packets of period spices) with my card attached so that I can leave them for
the artisans that impress me.  When I had my Laurel's vigil, I had created
pins with a variation of my device on it to give to everyone that attended
my vigil room and my ceremony.  

You could draw a correlation between giving largesse and throwing out beads
at a Mardis Gras parade, I suppose ;)

Christianna


Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:40:53 -0500
From: "Sisuile Butler" <sisuile at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse
To: "Cooks within the SCA" <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

In the current context -

A reign being an expensive proposition, many people aid the Crown in this
gift-giving by providing the Crown (or barony) works. In addition to largess
given to members of the populace as atta-boys, the crown is also expected to
provide suitably cool presents for royal cousins whom they are visiting or
who are visiting their kingdom, or who they would like to bribe to fight
with them in the next war. The populace often helps with supplying materials
for these baskets. For example, I am starting to re-ramp up my largess given
to the crown, and so this reign I have a dozen small bottles of cordial and
am planning to braid a few yards of seal tags. I know that soap, jams and
jellies, herbs, woven trims, wooden toys, etc. have all been made and
donated to the Crown for distribution as They see fit.

-Sisuile Buitilier


Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:09:06 -0500
From: Michael Gunter <countgunthar at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

<<< So it would be appropriate for me to gift
some jars of jam etc to the Crown or my
local baron? >>>

Any kind of largesse is welcomed by people who
have to hand it out. Although I suggest that 
we have plenty of soap and candles
thankyewverymuch.

<<< How would I do this? >>>

Put it in nice jars or period looking pots. Make
sure it is sealed well.
Then you can do anything from making a big
presentation by your group to just going up
in person when they aren't busy and offering
the gift to just leaving it on the Thrones.

Another suggestion would be to contact their
Head of Entourage and giving it to them if you
don't want to make a big deal out of it.

<<< Freda >>>

Gunthar


Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:15:55 -0400
From: "Elise Fleming" <alysk at ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse
To: "sca-cooks at ansteorra.org" <sca-cooks at ansteorra.org>

To add to the comments that Count Gunthar gave Freda:

Be sure to include your name and address somewhere with the gift.  While
not every Crown is "wise enough" <smile> to write a thank-you note for
gifts, it is impossible to do so when the giver's contact information isn't
there.

And, yes, avoid soaps and candles!   You might consider avoiding perfumed
hand/body lotions unless you know that the recipient is out of that kind
and really likes it.  Kings don't get much of that but queens often do!

[Countess] Alys K., with too many soaps, candles and lotions!


Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:56:13 -0500
From: Colin MacNachtan <colin at mccr.org>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

On Tuesday 14 October 2008, tudorpot at gmail.com wrote:
<<< So it would be appropriate for me to gift some jars of jam etc to the ?
Crown or my local baron? How would I do this? >>>

Our local Barony sometimes holds a Land Court as a local event, where the 
Baron and Baroness give out (fictional) land to their subjects.  Then in 
subsequent years these subjects are encouraged to "pay taxes" with some bits 
of largesse the Baron and Baroness can then use as they find the need.

It is of course all done in fun and is a nice opportunity for some persona 
play, and is a nice way to keep the largesse coffers stocked.

Colin MacNachtan
Barony of Bryn Gwlad, Ansteorra


Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:22:36 -0700
From: Lilinah <lilinah at earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse
To: sca-cooks at ansteorra.org

sisuile wrote:
<<< Also, as was under discussion in this house last night, *Label Them*.
Contents, ingredients, and, if you would like, who from/who made it. >>>

Definitely label it - name of item, full list of ingredients, who 
made it (it's good for them to know for a variety of reasons - no 
false modesty here), and *when it was made*.

The date really can matter. Some things keep well. Some things 
improve with age. Some things need to be eaten within a comparatively 
short time.

Several of us once spent the night at a certain duke's house, and he 
and his lady took down a HUGE number of cordial bottles that they 
have been gifted with over the years, but not tried. They hadn't yet 
tried them because of some previous experiences when some they had 
tried were... how shall i say... less than delicious.

So the whole bunch of us guinea pigs sat around taking little sips, 
separating the ones that were worth trying again from the ones that 
tasted like medicine or worse, saving the duke and duchess from 
sullying their lips... and guts :-0 More than one person tasted each 
one, since different people have a different sense of taste and 
different preferences.

If it's something that should be used in a fairly short period of 
time, specify the dates as well. If you've made a cordial that is not 
yet fully aged, say so on the label and specify the date at which you 
think it will be worth drinking - that is month, date, and year - not 
just "in 3 months" since the royals may discover the bottle at a 
future time and not know 3 months from when.

And your name on the item is good, since someone may ask you for more :-)
-- 
Urtatim (that's err-tah-TEEM)
the persona formerly known as Anahita


Date: Sun, 19 Oct 2008 16:45:43 -0400
From: "Elise Fleming" <alysk at ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largess
To: "sca-cooks at ansteorra.org" <sca-cooks at ansteorra.org>

Daniel wrote:
<<< Hmmmm... while it would not do for everyone upon request of my Queen some 
years back I did hand tied rosaries with velvet bags and notes regarding the 
orginal reproduced. One for each of the kingdoms with the cords knotted in 
thier colors. That and some others in a different style for her to hand 
out. It seemed a period thing to do. >>>

Yes, you did, and I still have mine which I proudly wear with my
15th-century Flemish clothing!  I **love** it!

Alys K.


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 07:59:53 -0500
From: Judith Epstein <judith at ipstenu.org>
Subject: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

1. I LOVE feeding people, so I hate to say it, but avoid food items  
for largesse.

If someone comes to eat at your table, they can ask what ingredients  
are involved. Before they come to eat with you, they can ask if you  
keep kosher/halal/Hindu vegetarianism/vegan/other religious/ideology- 
based dietary practices. They can ask if your foods are gluten-free,  
nut-free, egg-free, or whatever allergies and sensitivities they have  
to honor. If you say "No, we're omnivores," or "I'm not sure what's in  
it anymore -- I made the basic spice blend a couple months ago from a  
recipe I found online, and I just threw it all together," then the  
person knows that, with obvious regret, they can't eat by you, so  
they'll explain, and no harm done.

But largesse is a gift from the heart, and one that would be very hard  
to refuse without hurt feelings for both the giver and recipient. Even  
something as simple as salt can be problematic for some. The same,  
unfortunately, goes for those beautiful wooden cups that came from  
Goodwill -- since they're secondhand, neither the giver nor the  
recipient knows what has been in those cups before, and someone's  
allergies could be activated in a dangerous way.

2. Religious items

Crosses and rosaries are a very Period gift, but avoid them unless you  
are certain that they are appropriate to both the persona and the  
modern person. For the religious Christian these are a marvelous gift.  
A person of a different faith might find them problematic, since  
bearing the symbol of another faith might be against the dictates of  
their own religious convictions. For the non-religious SCAdian, too,  
this could be an issue -- not for the recipient of the cross, but for  
Christians, who surely don't deserve to see the symbol of the faith  
they take seriously, being worn or used as a mere costume element, and  
possibly being worn (and the wearer being mistakenly identified as a  
Christian) in a situation that could cause embarrassment for those who  
do profess Christianity.

3. Modern items

Batteries will probably get used in modern life, but if the  
recipient's campsite is totally non-electric/Period, they won't be  
useful in the hobby that we share. Ditto for mini-propane tanks,  
replacement lantern bulbs, and so on. Of course, a mini-first aid kit  
or sewing/repair kit would be a very good exception to this rule, but  
for the most part, modernity shouldn't be part of what we do for each  
other -- unless, of course, the gift is a ride to and from the next  
event!

Other thoughts?


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:58:04 -0400
From: Gretchen Beck <grm at andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

--On Monday, August 10, 2009 7:59 AM -0500 Judith Epstein
<judith at ipstenu.org> wrote:
<<< 1. I LOVE feeding people, so I hate to say it, but avoid food items for largesse.

If someone comes to eat at your table, they can ask what ingredients are involved. >>>

Food largesse should be handled just like an item sold at the grocery
store. Always, always, always, list full ingrediants, and package it to
avoid cross contamination. Other than that (and that some people are leery
about eating something whose origins they don't know, I don't see a problem
with food based largese.

Now, one thing that is true -- don't give alchohol (most people feel it is
extremely foolhardy to drink from an unsealed container of unknown origin),
and don't give anything that can "go bad" without refrigeration.

<<< 2. Religious items

Crosses and rosaries are a very Period gift, but avoid them unless you
are certain that they are appropriate to both the persona and the modern
person. >>>

Again, why?  Often the purpose of largesse is not to give the royalty
something to where, but to give the royalty something they can distribute
to their people.  While I would not go overboard on these, I think rosary
beads (especially in some of the period variants) are lovely largesse.

<<< 3. Modern items >>>

See above. I've had royalty comment that some of the best largesse they
have received were little traveling toothbrush/paste kits (great for
handing out to their people, or for helping with last minute travel needs
for themselves or the folks traveling with them). If this is what the
given can provide, I don't see why they should be encouraged not to give it
if they like.  Same for stamps, gas cards, sewing kits (although I'll
admit, you can make some lovely period sewing kits), batteries, etc.

I asked some royals a few years back what they would prefer not to receive
in largesse baskets, and their replies were:

 1. Homemade alcohol (see above).
 2. Soap. By the 2nd week of the reign, soap in largesse baskets if like
zuchinni at the height of the season.
 3. Smelly things not well sealed in a bottle. Speaking of allergies, this
can be a big problem (imagine putting the rose scented incense in the
basket going to the queen whose eye's swell shut at the smell of
roses...and something like this will permeate the basket and everything in
it).

Anyhoo, that's my two cents worth.

toodles, margaret


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:13:42 -0500
From: Judith Epstein <judith at ipstenu.org>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

On Aug 10, 2009, at 8:58 AM, Gretchen Beck wrote:
<<< Food largesse should be handled just like an item sold at the grocery
store. Always, always, always, list full ingrediants, and package it to
avoid cross contamination. Other than that (and that some people are leery
about eating something whose origins they don't know, I don't see a  
problem with food based largese. >>>

As someone who lived vegetarian for a decade, keeps kosher, and  
regularly hosts family and friends with some serious allergies, I can  
tell you that even if someone lists what they actually put into the  
mixing bowl, they don't list everything that was being cooked in the  
room at the same time. Glutinous wheat flour dust, hanging in the air  
while someone makes biscuits on one side of the kitchen, CAN make a  
difference to someone with Celiac disease, if you're making them a  
"gluten free" item on the other side of the kitchen. For someone whose  
allergies could hospitalize them if they eat something that isn't  
certified gluten free/egg free/nut free/et cetera, a gift of food can  
be dangerous -- all the more so when it's carefully labelled with the  
ingredients (that go into the actual recipe) versus the possible  
contaminants (that were in the air, or that may linger in a cooking  
pot even after the pot is washed).

Too, the recipient may have other restrictions that the giver  
(firsthand or more distantly, as from the originator to the royal to  
the baron to the bard) won't necessarily be able to take properly into  
account. If someone says "I keep kosher," that still may mean  
something different, unless the item is certified by a reputable  
kashrut certification agency. For one of my family members, "I keep  
kosher" means that there's no actual pork or shellfish in the  
ingredients list; for another, it means that, plus no mixing of meat  
and dairy. For some it means that meat and dairy are cooked on  
separate dishes, but served on the same dishes (and the dishes are  
washed in the same sink, using the same sponge). For me, it's a LOT  
more extensive, so even if someone tells me "This is kosher," I am not  
always able to trust that statement to mean the same thing that I mean  
when I say it. Just listing the ingredients isn't always enough.

Judith / no SCA name yet


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:29:57 -0400
From: Gretchen Beck <grm at andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

--On Monday, August 10, 2009 9:13 AM -0500 Judith Epstein
<judith at ipstenu.org> wrote:
<<< I am not always able to trust that statement to mean the same thing that
I mean when I say it. Just listing the ingredients isn't always enough. >>>

Agreed. And for people with serious restrictions, it's not enough. But, for
the majority of the folks receiving the largesse, or their retainers, or
their friends (or the other folks likely to benefit from the content of the
largesse basket), listing the ingrediants should be sufficient...same as
listing the ingrediants going into a feast.

But, I don't see throwing out the baby because one person in a thousand
might have a problem with the bathwater.

toodles, margaret


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 08:01:24 -0700 (PDT)
From: avrealtor at prodigy.net
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

This is one reason why it is always a good idea for sitting Royalty (or Landed Baronage) to post any restrictions on the kingdom website. It can be explained more fully& in detail. 

A good example: We have our likes and dislikes posted on the Baronial page. My husband can't stand cheese (I know misguided fellow)? and I on the other hand don't like seafood in any form. So it is there for people to see. Now if one doesn't look, not much help I know.

Modern items, can be handy and not everything we do in the SCA is seen at events. Getting gift card for gas is always great, or postage stamps for thank you cards.? On occasion I have given very modern items that might have a special meaning to the recipient. Like A stuffed griffin for a new Baroness who also happens to own Griffin Dye Works.? Again this goes back to the "wish list" that can be maintained on a website.

As for alcohol: It is not allowed as an "official gift" from an officer. Nor can any SCA funds be used to purchase it, except for cooking. How we handle this in Caid is usually the alcoholic presentation is given outside of Court, as a personal gift. The SCA wide rules do exclude giving presentation as an official duty of an officer, but it was decided to handle it in this manner to avoid any confusion or problems.

-Muiriath


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:10:45 -0400
From: Audrey Bergeron-Morin <audreybmorin at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: avrealtor at prodigy.net, 	Cooks within the SCA
	<sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

<<< As for alcohol: It is not allowed as an "official gift" from an officer. Nor can any SCA funds be used to purchase it, except for cooking. How we handle this in Caid is usually the alcoholic presentation is given outside of Court, as a personal gift. >>>

Ah, yes. We usually officially give a magnificent empty bottle. What
is put in the bottle after it is given is up to the concerned parties
;-)


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:40:00 -0500
From: Michael Gunter <countgunthar at hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

I think it depends on what you mean by largess. 

Are you making gift baskets or items to be given to the Crown to use Themselves or for Them to give out?

BIG difference there.


Things to give a Crown for Them to hand out:

Nice trim, beads, strings of gems.
Elegant items that may reflect their personnas or devices.
Favors with their sigil that they can give to fighters or such.
Fans
Rings in their size. I personally loved to give people a ring off
my finger.

Nice daggers, axes, even swords for very special gifts.
Hand sewn items such as hankerchiefs.
Veils with nice veil pins
Perhaps spices or cooking utensils they can give to feast stewards.

(Things like period cooking tools, such as period knives or stoneware
are AWESOME!)

Silk or paper umbrellas.
Small items they can carry on their person or in a small basket.


Things to give for Them to use:

Gas Cards
White boards with markers
Wooden frames like used for wax tablets that fit their PDA's.
Silk or paper umbrellas.
Silk banners with their arms
A "medical pack" of things like baby powder, throat lozenges, asprin,
eye drops, sunscreen, etc...

Veils with nice veil pins.
Take up a collection and pay for a motel room for a night.
Every Queen loves Rose jewelry.

Items to enhance their personnas

Cloaks
Gloves
Pouches that have room for stuff.
Mini-flashlights.

All liquids or foods must be clearly marked as to what they are
and when they were made. And "House Targarvagen Cure-All" 
don't count unless said Royals know what the hell that is.

Hoods, veils, keffiyas, etc...to keep the sun and rain off them and
to hopefully curb their desire to wear sunglasses.

A little folding chair the Queen can sit on to watch the fighting,
even a mundane one is okay if her skirts conceal it.


Things to avoid:

Soap
Salt
Candles
Mystery food
Anything with the Kingdom Arms on it. That makes it Kingdom
Regalia and they don't get to keep it.

Animals unless you know they REALLY want it.
Heavily perfumed items. 
Stuff obviously from garage sales or second hand stores.
Poorly made items just because you think you have to give
them something. Trust me, most Crowns would rather get
nothing than be given stuff they would throw away.

Oversized items unless you know how they are going to 
get it home.

These are just some thoughts off the top of my head.

[Duke] Gunthar


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:58:19 -0500
From: Judith Epstein <judith at ipstenu.org>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

On Aug 10, 2009, at 10:40 AM, Michael Gunter wrote:
<<< I think it depends on what you mean by largess.
Are you making gift baskets or items to be given to the
Crown to use Themselves or for Them to give out?
BIG difference there. >>>

I was talking about an item for an individual to give to another  
individual. When the item is supposed to be donated to a largesse  
"pool" to be re-gifted by royals or nobles to others willy-nilly, I  
think even more caution is warranted, especially in the food category  
and the religious item category. It's a pretty horrid offense not to  
accept something given from the heart, like largesse, but for some  
it's just as bad to accept the gift and have others see you accepting  
it. (Yes, I'm thinking of myself, here -- I couldn't accept a  rosary,  
no matter how nicely offered, because I'm not religiously permitted to  
accept that type of thing. But because it's considered such a breach  
of etiquette to refuse a gift, I'd be stuck looking very rude, because  
I would give precedence to my religious principles over SCA etiquette.  
A person who has particularly severe allergies might be in the same  
position, with regard to largesse of foods.

I know very well that those who offer largesse are trying to convey  
gratitude, warmth, welcome, and appreciation. They're doing out of  
kindness and magnanimity, and wouldn't dream of offering something  
that could place someone (like me, but not limited to me) in a very  
uncomfortable or socially untenable position. They wouldn't make a  
gift that could be so problematic, if they only knew that it would be  
such an issue for the recipient. I mention this in order to bring it  
to attention that a gift of this nature could provide a great social  
stumbling block for someone whose religious or health issues could  
very well require them to refuse such a gift.

Judith / no SCA name yet


Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:13:19 -0400
From: Elaine Koogler <kiridono at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

Obviously I wouldn't give my spice mixture to someone as a
gift if I knew they were observing kosher or had allergies that might be
affected.  And I would have tried, as a landed Baroness, not to do this as
well.  However, if someone who does keep strict kosher receives a food gift
that was probably prepared in a non-kosher kitchen, they are perfectly free
to accept the gift then pass it on to someone who has no problem with this.
I know we receive gifts from friends all the time that we cannot eat as we
(my husband and I) are diabetic.  So...we accept the gift, thank the giver
and pass it on to someone who isn't.  I see no reason why this can't work
the same way.  To put a limitation of "no food" on folks creates a problem
of what can we give...I know it does for me!

Kiri


Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 07:54:39 +1200
From: Antonia Calvo <ladyadele at paradise.net.nz>
Subject: Re: [Sca-cooks] Largesse: What to avoid.
To: Cooks within the SCA <sca-cooks at lists.ansteorra.org>

Judith Epstein wrote:
<<< (Yes, I'm thinking of myself, here -- I couldn't accept a  rosary, no 
matter how nicely offered, because I'm not religiously permitted to 
accept that type of thing. But because it's considered such a breach 
of etiquette to refuse a gift, I'd be stuck looking very rude, because 
I would give precedence to my religious principles over SCA etiquette. 
A person who has particularly severe allergies might be in the same 
position, with regard to largesse of foods. >>>

Except that the person with allergies has the simple option of saying 
"thank you very much," handing the basket to a retainer, and *not eating 
the contents*.  If they were *really* worried, they could ask a retainer 
to take the basket without handling it themselves (although I've never 
heard of an allergy quite that severe, unless possibly the basket had 
been smeared with peanut butter, wiped, and put back into service).
-- 
Antonia di Benedetto Calvo


From: "Jenn Ratcliffe" <Jenn at JennGallery.com>
Date: July 1, 2011 4:31:32 PM CDT
To: <the-triskele-tavern at googlegroups.com>
Subject: RE: {TheTriskeleTavern} Re: Pennsic Gift

Hi everyone!  The Dunedin Manor House hosts a book case filled with “gifts” that the great people of Marcaster make.  The gifts are housed in the book case until such a time when gifts are necessary.  Whomever is the “basket maker” for a particular event comes over and “goes shopping” for items they think the recipient would like.
 
Columella (Deborah) will be coming to the Manor House to select gifts for the Kingdom gift basket.  Precious goods have already been delivered here, and I am more than willing to accept your Kingdom Gift and hold it separate for Columella.
 
I live in Dunedin near Clearwater.  As with Columella, you may mail your contribution, or give it to me in person.
 
In Service and Friendship,
Gwenhwyvar Thredegold
 
Jennifer Ratcliffe
1587 Mac Charles Court
Dunedin, FL  34698
 
 
From: the-triskele-tavern at googlegroups.com [mailto:the-triskele-tavern at googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Deborah Pettingill
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2011 4:47 PM
To: the-triskele-tavern at googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: {TheTriskeleTavern} Re: Pennsic Gift
 
I anticipate that we will be leaving for Pennsic sometime the last week of July although I do not have an exact date yet.  So how about we shoot for by Tuesday, July 26th?  I know I will not leave before then.

I would still greatly appreciate any contributions!  Please let me know if you have something coming my way so that I can plan accordingly.  Unfortunately, I will not be at any events between now and Pennsic, but I am sure we can make arrangements so that any donations get to the appropriate place.

If you need to send anything by mail, here is my address:

Deborah Pettingill
3671 High Bluff Dr.
Largo, FL  33770

If you mail anything please let me know so I can make sure it arrives.

I look forward to seeing all the wonderful work of great Trimaris!

In Service,

Baronesa Columella
On Fri, Jul 1, 2011 at 4:02 PM, Giuliana <guiliana2367 at yahoo.com> wrote:
Baronesa Columella

Could you please let us know when you need the gifts by?  I am working
on something and would like to get it to them....

YIS,
HL Giuliana
Apprenticed to Mistress Aspasia Jeanne Cartier/Aspasia Moonwind
and Member of House Sol y Mar, House Fitzgherald, and House Trisaumdra

----------------------------------------------

On Jun 16, 7:26 am, Deborah Pettingill <colume... at gmail.com> wrote:
> > Greetings Trimaris!
> >
> > I have been working on organizing Our Kingdom's gift for Pennsic.  Each year
> > a gift exchange is organized and this year we are assigned the West
> > Kingdom.  This is the big gift we give atPennsicand it is our time to
> > impress the Knowne World!  I am including some pertinent information for the
> > kingdom and TRM's of the West, please consider contributing something to the
> > effort. (snip)
 

From: Holly Cochran <hcochran at GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] CALONTIR Digest - 24 Jul 2017 to 26 Jul 2017 (#2017-127)
Date: July 26, 2017 at 9:45:16 AM CDT
To: CALONTIR at LISTSERV.UNL.EDU

Re: 12th Night Gifts

While not a 12th Night Gift, I would like to say that His Majesty (then His Highness) Damien giving entrants at this past Kingdom Arts and Sciences competition slices of his winning sword from Crown, along with an inspirational message, was by far one of the most treasured SCA gifts I have ever received. I cried. As a nervous, first time in nearly three decades entrant,it meant the world to me.

The other came from Karl Rorik and H.L. Mael Bridget of Dublin. Several Kris Kinder's ago they gifted me with a stunning cut emerald and (I think) pearl necklace! This came out of nowhere, and I shall never be able to respond adequately or in kind. 

Ever in Fealty and Loyal Service 
Aidan Cocrinn,  O. L.

<the end>
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