Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Victorian Dinner Party

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Starting point is 00:02:39 Welcome to get sleepy, where we listen, we relax and we get sleepy. I'm your host. Thomas. Thanks so much for joining us. Just to let you know, we'll have a special bonus meditation episode for you tomorrow night, one that is particularly poignant for the upcoming flip of the calendar into a new year. It's focused on transition and experiencing change. So be sure to join me for that tomorrow night. As for this evening's story, we're heading to 19th century England, to the country home of Elizabeth Phillips.

Starting point is 00:03:32 We'll watch on as she hosts a marvellous dinner party with some of her closest friends to celebrate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria. It was written by Joe and will be read by. by Nadine. Thanks so much to both of you. Now my friends, the day is done and it's time for a good night's rest. So let's make space for that in both body and mind. Begin by making yourself comfortable, adjusting anything you need to reach optimum comfort. And just spend a moment mentally scanning your body, checking in with each section as you go, and noticing any tension or any excess energy that may be present.

Starting point is 00:04:52 If you do come across any areas of tension, just spend a moment reassuring yourself that you can now rest, that your body can release the energy that it's holding on to. and just breathe this sense of calming reassurance into each of those areas as your mind focuses on scanning through the body forming more inner awareness it too should begin to slow down and align with the stillness of the night and the opportunity to rest. There is no more that needs to be done today. Nothing left to solve, to complete, to even consider.

Starting point is 00:06:04 You've done what you can today, and the best thing you can do now, for both yourself and anyone that relies on you during your day-to-day life, is to rest peacefully and deeply. So, take one more deep, reassuring breath, absorbing calm and peace as you inhale, and then release it, letting go of any last bits of tension or excess energy. Now you can relax completely as you follow the sound of Nadine's voice. So let's begin our story on a warm summer's evening in 1887. We're visiting the home of Mr. and Mrs. Phillips. It's in the county of Hampshire in the south of England.

Starting point is 00:07:48 At around 7 o'clock, the day is still light, and the sweet scent of honeysuckle wfts in through the open windows. Elizabeth Phillips, the lady of the house, is seated upstairs at her elegant dressing table. She admires her reflection in the mirror, while her servant hat. Attempty attends to her hair. Hattie has already helped her mistress to dress for the evening. In the late 19th century, this is a complex process, including various layers of undergarments and fittings. Elizabeth wears a cotton chemise and silk stockings pulled up above the knee. her stockings are tied with frilly garter ribbons and she wears loose cotton drawers pulled up to her waist a corset has fastened around elizabeth's midriff pink lace has been embroidered across the top and bottom between vertical strips of velvet the corset's design has changed with the times not

Starting point is 00:09:18 only is it more colourful than those of the past, but it's much less restrictive. Elizabeth's corset is lightweight and flexible. She was able to fasten it herself, thanks to the clips running down its front. She's mastered the skill of pulling the lace at the back and tying a bow. The next garment is a structured bustle, fastened at the waist. It has a padded cushion that juts out at the back, creating a dramatic silhouette. Victorian ladies often wear large, bulky gowns that give them a striking figure. Elizabeth likes her padded bustle.

Starting point is 00:10:24 It's cushioned at the back, and made from a series of curved steel bands, so it keeps its elegant form even when she's sitting. She also wears an underskirt, including layers of frills and even more padding, while a cotton top covers the corset. Over all of these layers goes the dress itself. It has two parts, a skirt and a bodice.

Starting point is 00:11:02 Tonight, Elizabeth wears a brand new dress, made from the finest silk. It's ivory in colour with gold stripes, stripes and a frilled V-shaped neckline. Each layer of fabric is hemmed with lace. The skirt is rooshed and gathered in sections. It cascades to the ground like a flowing waterfall and sways as she walks. At present, the train. of the skirt rests neatly on the rug near the stool where Elizabeth sits.

Starting point is 00:11:56 Hattie steps around it as she carefully inserts a final hairpin. Elizabeth's dark hair has been elegantly styled. It's partly pinned up in a voluminous bouffant with the lower half loose in ringed. The hairstyle is complimented by her jewellery, pearl drop earrings and a matching necklace. Patty helps her mistress into ivory-coloured heels, embroidered with flowers across the front and sides. Next come the gloves of similarly coloured silk. The finishing touch to complete the outfit. Dressing for dinner is a daily ritual.

Starting point is 00:12:58 But today, Elizabeth has made even more effort than usual. It is the 21st of June 1887, the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Families across the United Kingdom will no doubt be celebrating her 50-year reign. And many, like the Phillips, will host a dinner party to remember. The Victorians love their etiquette and ceremony, and every evening meal has the feel of an event. Tonight's dinner promises to be something extra special. Elizabeth has been planning it for the best part of a month. It's the most exciting event that she's hosted so far

Starting point is 00:14:05 since marrying her husband and moving out into the country. She's keen to show off her talents. as a hostess. Two other couples have been invited to dinner, both recently married like Elizabeth and George. The ladies are Elizabeth's closest friends. They're people she can laugh with and be completely at ease. She knows that they'll tease her for going to so much trouble

Starting point is 00:14:44 when they see the dishes brought out at dinner. But they'd make a similar effort if she were dining at their homes instead. All three friends are fans of Mrs. Beaton and her book of household management. It often gets a mention in their letters, and certainly it's been useful in preparing for today. Elizabeth herself has been busy in the kitchen alongside the cook and the one kitchen servant.

Starting point is 00:15:25 Between them, they've been testing different recipes, planning a menu that befits the occasion. Keen to check on this menu now, Elizabeth stands and thanks Hattie for her efforts. She squirts a little perfume on her wrists and neck and leaves the room, dress trailing behind her. The Philip's home is not quite a mansion, but it's large and opulent. There are carpets in fashionable floral patterns, while the walls are part-panelled in richest mahogany. Elizabeth carefully descends the central staircase across the wide floral carpet fitted down the middle.

Starting point is 00:16:30 Her left hand rests gently on the walnut banister, while her right lifts the fabric of her gown. The wall beside the staircase is beautifully decorated, the lower third, paneled in wood with concentric rectangles. Above the wood is light red wallpaper with a print of ruby velvet in the foreground. Much of the wallpaper is hidden from sight behind the many paintings in all shapes and sizes. There are individual portraits of Elizabeth and George, and also a larger one which they posed for together.

Starting point is 00:17:30 They'd only been married a month when it was painted, and you'd only be married a month when it was painted, and you'd only you can see their contentment. Other paintings display scenes from nature as a young couple enjoying a boat ride and another of horses running wild. In one, a young woman sits reading beneath the parasol, surrounded by the colours of a summer garden. Among the larger paintings, there are photographs of loved ones in small oval frames. Elizabeth smiles as she steps down the stairs and heads towards the kitchen. She follows the scent of meat roasting and more smells too that cause her mouth to water. They lead her to cook, staring soup on the hob.

Starting point is 00:18:40 She hums a melody as she gazes into the pot. Soup will be the first course, followed by fish battered in breadcrumbs. The main course is a dish of roast partridge, accompanied with French beans and buttered cauliflower. Elizabeth has also planned for another main, this being such a special occasion. Cook or serve, curried lobster with carrots and spinach. The final course, dessert, has been left to the care of the young kitchen maid. Sally Ann has spent the last few weeks making. various recipes with the help of Mrs. Beaton's book.

Starting point is 00:19:41 She's made cakes and custards and tarts and trifles, her skill growing over time. Elizabeth is impressed with Sally Ann's efforts. Though she's only young, she's proving to be quite the confectioner. Elizabeth had thought about buying dessert from one of the high-end confectioners, just a train ride away. But having seen Sally Ann's gorgeous layered jellies, it seems far more sensible to leave it to her. Three such jellies are currently resting, the result of the maid's previous effort. They've been left to set in their elaborate bronze moulds, placed in bowls of icy water. Now Sally Ann is busy with the pastry, which will form the base of a scrumptious treacle tart.

Starting point is 00:20:59 Elizabeth chats to the ladies in the kitchen. everything of course is going to plan a range of fine wines have been brought from the cellar and will later be paired with the dishes happy with what she sees Elizabeth leaves the kitchen and makes her way towards the dining room this is one of her favourite rooms

Starting point is 00:21:32 with its bright floral wallpaper and thick yellow curtains. The windows look out onto the back garden and flowers displaying every shade of the rainbow. The dining room almost feels like an extension of the garden with its warm colours and floral motifs. Yellow curtains glow like honeyed sunshine, swaying gently in the breeze from the open window. More light falls from a gorgeous chandelier, positioned above the table at the centre of the room. It reveals a table that's been expertly dressed with the Philip's best,

Starting point is 00:22:30 cuttlery laid out on a tablecloth. Each place setting has three knives, four forks, and a spoon for soup. To the left of the cutlery, there's a small bread plate with a napkin folded on it. A goblet of water sits to the right, alongside glasses of finest crystal. Elizabeth lights the candles on the mantelpiece above it, which are held by bronze candlesticks. Between the candles is a decorative garland, one arranged by Elizabeth herself.

Starting point is 00:23:21 It includes summer flowers picked from the garden. Sunflowers, buttercups and that sweet fragrant honeysuckle. The blooms of these flowers match the decor of the room and bring the sense of the summer indoors. The green leaves and bright yellow petals stand out beautifully on the marble mantelpiece. From a cabinet, Elizabeth picks up

Starting point is 00:23:59 two smaller arrangements of the same bright flowers and uses them to decorate the dining table. They're placed on either side of the golden candelabra. Then she opens a drawer in the cabinet and retrieves the name cards that she wrote out earlier. She moves around the table setting down the cards and admiring the elegance of her own penstroke. It's customary for guests to have set place settings

Starting point is 00:24:42 with the host and hostess at opposite ends. Couples are generally seated apart so as to encourage fresh conversation. As Elizabeth sets down, the final name card. A noise from outside catches her attention. She recognizes the sound of horses' hooves and wheels on gravel slowing to a halt. Everything is ready and her guests are arriving. She remembers something from Mrs. Beaton's book of Households' about the half hour ordeal before a dinner party begins. The mistress, says Mrs. Beaton, will either pass with flying colours or lose many of her laurels.

Starting point is 00:25:47 Elizabeth smiles, feeling calm and capable. She can only think that Mrs. Beaton would be impressed, was she to see how everything had been handled so smoothly. With that thought, Elizabeth goes to the drawing room, where her guests will be greeted. There, she finds George, in his finest black dinner suit. It includes a white shirt and waistcoat with a white silk bowtie. The couple exchange a warm embrace, and Elizabeth is complimented on her lovely new dress.

Starting point is 00:26:39 George is cheerful, even more so than usual. He's excited at the prospect of an evening with friends. Two such friends are beckoned into the drawing room, followed by two more. only minutes later. All receive the most informal of greetings, a clap on the shoulder between men, and a kiss on the cheek between ladies. The six of them make a very merry bunch,

Starting point is 00:27:19 handsome too, in their best formal wear. They're instantly relaxed in each other's presence, and ready for an evening of good food and company. When it's time for dinner, the men hold out their arms for their wives to take. George and Elizabeth lead the way to the dining room, where the ladies sit first, followed by the men. A servant appears to a tray in hand,

Starting point is 00:27:58 He carries six crystal glasses filled with sherry. He works his way around the table, allowing guests to take their drink for the toast. Meanwhile, the maid brings in a large ceramic bowl. It's beautifully hand-painted in a blue floral design. The maid serves the soup to each person in turn, before bringing out the freshly baked bread. These little rolls are one of cook's specialities, and nearly always an accompaniment to dishes like soup. It's typical to begin dinner with a toast to the sovereign. And today, the day, today,

Starting point is 00:28:58 of the queen's golden jubilee, this toast is even more special. To queen and country, says George, long may she reign. The guests raise their glasses. Hear here, some say, before taking their first sip. Now the meal can officially begin, with napkins unfolded and laid across laps. Once the hostess begins eating, the others follow. The rhubarb soup served in a bowl of fine china. He's thin and delicate. It's a soft shade of pink beneath a sprinkling of croutons.

Starting point is 00:29:53 The guests eat slowly, savouring each mouthful. It's considered impolite to eat too much or too fast. And instead of dipping bread, one should break off small pieces and eat them with a spoon between mouthfuls of soup. It's also important to be restrained from complimenting the food The conversation shouldn't be too focused on the meal Elizabeth herself thinks the soup is delicious It's sweet and tangy the perfect first course

Starting point is 00:30:45 The conversation too is equally pleasing, as her friends regale her with stories from their lives. One couple lives in the centre of London, not far from Elizabeth's childhood home. Their tales remind her of old memories and the excitement that comes from living in the capital. Freddy describes a spectacle he saw recently, the human cannonball. Everyone is captivated by the description of a woman being shot high into the air. And the ladies are particularly relieved to hear that she landed safely on a large net. After soup comes the fish course.

Starting point is 00:31:49 It's typically quite light as the meal builds up to the main. The cod has been battered in egg and breadcrumbs and sits beside a dollop of bainanais sauce. Everyone eats politely at their knives and fish forks, continuing the conversation with barely a pause. The man especially are keen to talk business, sharing developments in their respective industries. There's some talk of politics and the conservative government. The Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, is said to be a favourite of the Queen.

Starting point is 00:32:42 Talk has turned to the subject of sport. by the time the guests are dining on the first main course. This is a plate of golden roast partridge with French beans, cauliflower and a rich claret wine. There's talk of the boat race, which took place on the Thames a few months ago between rival clubs from Cambridge and Oxford University. This year, Cambridge were the winners. Football also gets a mention.

Starting point is 00:33:27 Recently, Aston Villa won the FA Cup for the first time. And with more and more clubs joining the competition, who knows what will happen next year. The ladies are more excited about the Wimbledon tennis tournament due to take place next month. They decided they should meet and watch a game together. The second main is a course of curried lobster, an exotic dish in honour of the queen.

Starting point is 00:34:08 In addition to being queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Victoria is known as the Empress of India. She's very fond of Indian culture, everything from artwork to clothing. She's even said to be learning Hindustani under the tutelage of her Indian servant. The Derbar Room, in the Queen's residence on the Isle of White, has been beautifully designed in an Indian style. And it's said that the chefs at Buckingham Palace prepare curries every week. Naturally, as monarch, Victoria is a trendsetter. Where she goes, the British public follows. Thanks in part to the Queen's influence,

Starting point is 00:35:15 curried dishes are now popular, with Indian-style recipes becoming commonplace in cookbooks. To the modern palette, curried lobster might seem a long way away from being authentically Indian. but to these people dining in England in the late 19th century it's a taste of exotic faraway lands perhaps it's for this reason that talk turns to travel as Freddie's wife Emily describes a trip to the coast

Starting point is 00:35:56 the couple spent their honeymoon in Brighton around 50 miles south of their townhouse in London. Emily's eyes light up as she talks of the aquarium with its cafe, conservatory and rink for roller skating. Though Elizabeth is more interested in the many tanks filled with all kinds of sea creatures, George too must like what he hears, because he's soon suggesting a fortnight in Brighton.

Starting point is 00:36:37 There's nothing more soothing than the salty sea air or walking on the promenade besides the ever rolling waves. The table is cleared before the final course and the dessert spoons and forks set out. Then the desserts are brought in, one tray at a time, they are as fine if not finer than anything from a shop the jellies especially are quite a feat they've been made using moulds of castles and palaces

Starting point is 00:37:19 one is so impressive that emily lets out a gasp it looks just like the brighton aquarium with its stonework arches and gothic detail. Her gasp is a break in etiquette, but easily forgiven. A lady shouldn't strive to be too perfect after all. George says that he hopes the real aquarium is less wobbly, which leads to laughter around the table. One of the jellies is red and green

Starting point is 00:38:01 with thick inner layers of rich yellow custard The other two jellies have fruit set within them There are grapes in one and raspberries in another The jellies are brought round from person to person Alongside a cake stand of gooey treacle tart. The ladies are served first, then the men, until they all have portions of each dessert. This course is paired with a sweet wine and a helping of cream poured over the puddings.

Starting point is 00:38:49 There's a lull in conversation as the guests enjoy their treats, absorbed by the tastes and textures. Once dessert is over and appetites are fully satisfied, the guests wait for the signal from their hostess. When Elizabeth stands, the others also rise from their chairs. The men offer their arms to the ladies and follow behind Elizabeth and George. The group returns to the cozy drawing room, now lit by a roaring fireplace. The flames are reflected in the windows, and the garden beyond is now blanketed in darkness. The guests find seats on chairs and sofas, continuing their conversation to the crackling. of firewood.

Starting point is 00:40:01 Meanwhile, they brought coffee in fine china cups with milk and sugar to each person's tastes. The ladies are sitting together so they can share a loud thing, usually written in letters. It's so comforting being able to. to discuss matters of the household from shopping habits to homemade medicines The spirits are warmed by the fresh

Starting point is 00:40:39 hot coffee and their faces glow in the golden firelight As she looks through the window Elizabeth sees the twinkling stars and a burst of colour

Starting point is 00:40:55 far in the distance. The others soon notice the fireworks and the group gathers around the windows. They must be part of some Jubilee celebration, perhaps held at a grand stately home. The fireworks are far away enough that they're barely audible. This only makes them more dreamlike and magical as they appear in silence painted across the night sky It's a touch of fate that Elizabeth hadn't planned for And the perfect end to a wonderful evening

Starting point is 00:41:52 The couples move to stand side by side and fall into silence while gazing at the sky Elizabeth is proud of how she's handled the evening and so grateful to her staff Their combined efforts have paid off beautifully. It's been a night to remember, full of good food and friendship. You know, you know,

Starting point is 00:42:48 Thank you. ...you know, ...toe... ...that... ...with... ...that... You know, you know,

Starting point is 00:43:50 Thank you. Thank you. You know, Thank you. You know, You know, You know, You know,

Starting point is 00:47:20 Thank you. You know, you know, Thank you. Thank you. We're going to be. We're going to be. You know,

Starting point is 00:48:57 I'm going to You know, I'm going to be able to You know, I'm going to We're going to be able to be. You know, you know,

Starting point is 00:50:03 Thank you. You know, you know, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories - A Dreamy Victorian Dinner Party

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