I am trying to figure out what to use to set an Elizabethan table for faire (Queen's table). My mom has some old china probably from the 1930's with lots of gold edging and flowers on it. I was wondering if it would be passable? I am trying not to spend any money and use what is around. I did a google search for Elizabethan tableware but there was a lot of stuff with that label not necessarily historical. I will try to post a pic later. Thank you!
I have the honour to play QE1, and I scrounged around thrift stores and picked up shiny silver platters. I filled a picnic basket up with them, and metal goblets, and cutlery and napkins. If the basket gets dropped, there is a mighty clatter, but no breakage. Extra napkins (or plain dishtowels) mean that we can wrap up the dirty plates and wash them after faire!
I don't know when China became the norm for tableware - and for faire - you want it to look like it belongs - so you can fudge on some details if needed!
Hmmm, never thought about the dropping part! Thanks.
maybe find someone who has Armetale (sp?)
I absolutely second the thrift store idea. Flea markets or swap meets (depending on what you call them, lol). You can find nice things for little money. The dollar store has nice silver looking plates/platters. We have some of them but don't scratch them with a knife or the rust when you wash them. just my two cents worth.