The Feast is by far one of the grandest and most formal events of The Order. Great detail should be observed to make each feast a memorable event.
The Room
The room should be elaborately decorated with banners, shields and weapons. Each table should be covered with a medieval style tablecloth and the lighting is strictly candlelight.
The tables should be set similar to the illustration below. All seating is on the outside only. Obviously, sufficient tables should be placed for the expected number of guests. Remember that a feast is an ideal event to invite those who might be interested in The Royal Order of Chivalry. Seating should follow the illustration below.
The Meal
The meal can be handled in any number of ways. It can be catered covered-dish, or it can be prepared "in house" by members of the household. However it is prepared keep in mind that it should reflect medieval style foods.
The meal should be served by the household pages. This is part of their training and a requirement for advancement. They should carry bowls of food and serve each person individually. (The pages can place portions on their own plates at their seats, but are not allowed to sit and eat until the entire meal has been served.)
A fun way of presenting the meal is as follows;
- 1. The Court Herald enters and gets everyone's attention. He announces that dinner is served, and then describes the first course.
2 . The pages enter carrying the food. They march in a single file and stop in front of the head table. They face the head of the household, bow slightly, and then serve the course. It works well to have pages assigned to serve specific tables so that each course is served quickly.
- 1. All members locate their seats.
2. Herald enters and announces the household Nobles. He announces them by title as they enter and take their places. The head of household enters last. All remain standing until he seats his wife and takes his seat.
3. Head of Household welcomes all and has prayer.
4. Herald announces dinner is served and the first course.
5. Simple entertainment begins. (mimes, jesters, jugglers, etc.)
6. Herald announces each meal in sequence.
7. Specialty entertainment is presented. (poetry, songs, ballads, etc.)
8. The Head of Household holds court upon completion of the meal and entertainment. This is an ideal time to have the advancement of Pages to Squires.
9. A devotion is given and the feast is concluded.
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