Decorating for the Holidays, Regency Style

As the season in which it is traditional to gather with family and friends continues, I cannot help but reflect on the similarities in decorations in the many countries where I have spent some or all of the season. From evergreen, faux, or real, to twinkling lights and windows decorated to look like a wrapped present, In Europe and the Americas, it is no surprise to see extensive decorating schemes, no matter one’s station. But I was surprised to see that decorations lined the streets during the season in Africa and even the Middle East. In reading many Regency novels written exclusively around the holidays or including holiday scenes in a part of the book, there are many similarities and marked differences. I wondered how my house differed or echoed what was done in the Regency.

“For many people, Christmas was reinvented by the Victorian/nineteenth-century society. It is a popular misconception that Christmas in England was eradicated by the Cromwellians in the seventeenth century and was only reinvented by the Victorians. Although the customs went underground, they remained solid traditions celebrated by all who wished to do so.” Jane Austen’s Christmas: – Jane Austen articles and blog

One thing I have never hung is a kissing bough. While it is easy to guess that mistletoe is included in its construction so a young man might take a berry to exchange for a kiss, it was also made of holly, ivy, and rosemary. They became popular in the late 1700s and were quite the thing; the one time a kiss between two people not betrothed was considered not scandalous! I also did not know that it was considered unlucky to drape the house in evergreen before Christmas Eve. My rational mind runs directly to the fact that trees, when not watered, were a fire hazard, and the houses had candles everywhere. Perhaps that is why—they could be promptly removed after the Twelfth Night celebration, and the fallen needles swept up.

Another tradition was the Yule log, a large log of wood wrapped in hazel twigs to burn in the blazing fireplace as the center of every family Christmas. Many kept a Yule log from the previous season to burn at the start of the season the following year.

Dinners were as decorative as the halls covered in evergreen. Dishes of many colors and flavors were prepared for feasts shared with family and friends. There were lavish centerpieces, a goose, mince pies, plum pudding, and black butter. Invitations were not often turned down, and none would likely have missed a chance to sit at a holiday dinner if planned by Mrs. Bennet! People dressed to the nines for balls and nights of celebrations, too.

As I look around my house, I can see the remnants of decorating traditions in my home, though I prefer faux evergreen as I have swept up enough pine needles to satisfy me for life. But one thing I especially like decorating the table is the festive drink Wassail. Mulled wine or brandy, garnished with apples and cinnamon, would be a perfect and colorful addition to each place setting at the dining table during our festive holiday dinner.

For happiness, prosperity, and good fortune during the holiday season, I wish you a merry yule.

Sources for Decorating for the Holidays, Regency Style:

Vic “Regency Era Christmas Evergreen Decorations” Jane Austen’s World December 23, 2018, Regency Era Christmas Evergreen Decorations | Jane Austen’s World (janeaustensworld.com)

Dodge, Rachel “Party Like the Musgroves” Jane Austen’s World December 18, 2021, Party Like the Musgroves | Jane Austen’s World (janeaustensworld.com)

Johnson, Ben “A Georgian Christmas” historic-UK April 1, 2015, A Georgian Christmas | A Regency Christmas (historic-uk.com)

Boyle. Laura “Jane Austen’s Christmas” Janeausten.co.uk January 12, 2001, Jane Austen’s Christmas: – Jane Austen articles and blog

Grace, Maria “Regency Christmas Traditions: The Christmas Feast” Random Bits of Fascination December 5, 2015, Regency Christmas Traditions: The Christmas Feast – Random Bits of Fascination