Edgar Allan Poe is one of the 75 authors our Reading Addicts have said would be a dream dinner guest. The difficult and strange aspects of his life would have produced some fantastic stories to entertain the diners, I’m sure! Obviously because Poe lived around 200 years ago, and life was very different back then, his idea of a good party was probably not in line with yours or mine. I’m not sure he would enjoy a game of Cards Against Humanity with a frozen mojito, and a bowl of pretzels.
This got us thinking about parties based upon our favourite authors and poets, and finding creative ways to pay homage to our favourite writers.
If you have a birthday to plan for a fan of Poe, take a look at what we found on our internet travels…
An Elegant Welcome
Our guests will knock upon a door adorned with a gothic-inspired wreath of silken, black roses with a smart taffeta bow… (Credit to Ms Stewart)
Then warmly welcomed with a raven-black(berry) cocktail to make them feel right at home.
The Raven Cocktail
What you need: Makes 1 cocktail
- 6 fresh blackberries
- fresh mint leaves
- 1.5 fl oz. shot white rum
- 1/2 cup cranberry juice
Directions:
- In a cup or shaker, mash 3 blackberries (just enough to get the juice) and mix with mint leaves.
- Add shot of rum and ice, then shake.
- Pour into wine goblet. Add cranberry juice and sugar (to taste).
- Put 3 blackberries on a bamboo pick, and lay bamboo pick across the top of the goblet.
- Garnish with mint sprigs.
(Via Smarty Had A Party)
The Decorations
The darkly romantic feel to Poe’s works inspires a decor that would not be out of place at Halloween.
I particularly like this literary-gothic display from The Refeathered Roost on Hometalk.
The Tableware
On the dinner table there will be a Poe-ish plates and poetry inspired place-settings that would make any gothic romantic’s dark heart soar.
The image to the right is gorgeous (thanks to Addapinch) but with a black, indelible pen and some plain, cheap plates we could produce our own Poe dinner plates just like these on Pinterest…
The Centrepiece
I would find it difficult to choose a centre piece for the table from the ideas we have found on Pinterest. Many are inspired by The Raven, and Poe’s dark romanticism.
Party Favours
The night will end with the guests going home with a selection of Poe-ish party favours from Etsy… A keyring, or a brooch, a Poe mug for their morning coffee?
Perhaps all snuggled up in a Poe-ka dot bag courtesy of our very own shop at Reading Addicts.
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