Feasting gear

Feasting gear or feast gear is an SCA term for a collection of plates, cups and and cutlery used while at feast. Since most events do not provide these things, it is important to bring them, whether eating on- or off-board.

The most basic set of feasting gear is plate or trencher, a drinking vessel of some kind, such as a tankard or a goblet, a spoon and an eating knife. All of these are available cheap at any Bargain Store. Effort should be made to purchase items which are not glaringly modern. You need at least one plate, bowl (or two different bowls), a knife, a fork (optional, but useful to modern people), a spoon (or better yet two) and a tankard or goblet. A beaker or drinking horn might more appropriate depending on your persona. Highly recommended are a tea towel (to wash/wipe your dishes at the end), a napkin (especially if you eat with your hands), and a candle or other form of period lighting(because feasts are not often lit with electric lights). It's good to have feasting gear that gives a medieval feel, i.e. using wooden or metal bowls and plates because plastic isn't period. Ceramic bowls are good too, but some designs look very modern, and others break very easily.

The longer one is in the SCA, the more elaborate and authentic the feasting gear tends to become. The basic items are augmented by table linens, goblets, candlesticks, saltcellars, jugs, flagons and other items. Often, households will band together and create a set of feasting gear for their whole house.

One important note: Bring a container to place your dirty feasting gear in for the trip home, since many events do not provide dishwashing facilities. Something as simple as a plastic bag will do, although for large amounts of feasting gear something sturdier may be in order.

External Links

• http://www.dragonslaire.org/Articles/feast_gear_article.htm
• http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/wsnlinks/index.php?action=displaycat&catid=737
• http://www.larsdatter.com/feastgear.htm