A 1922 Vision of Spring: May Day Charm in Hospitality
In the quaintly titled yet insightful little hosting guide, Hospitality, published in 1922, a charming vision of a May Day luncheon unfolds. The following excerpt, brimming with the delicate spirit of springtime, offers a glimpse into the celebratory customs of the era and, surprisingly, still resonates with a certain vintage appeal today. We include this delightful description below:
May luncheons are particularly popular since the month of May offers such a wealth of materials and possibilities for table decorations. Flowers and ferns supply never-ending resources; they are so suggestive of springtime loveliness that it is a delight to arrange them for table decorations. A delightful table can be had by placing in the center of the table a May-pole two or three feet high; this can be made of a broomstick cut the desired length, with standards nailed on one end for supports. Wind this around with green ribbon, then dec- orate freely with daisies, and heap daisies at the foot or base of the pole until the standards are concealed.
Have a ring fastened in the pole at the top, and from this have daisy chains extending to each plate, ending in tiny May-baskets filled with daisies and ferns. Paste a row of daisies flat across the top of the place-cards or thrust a single daisy through a slit in one corner. White, yellow, and green should be the colors used in all appointments and courses served with this table scheme. White china with gold bands would be nice or white china decorated with a delicate green.
Oh, the simple joys of celebrating the arrival of spring. The central image here is a homemade Maypole, crafted from humble materials like a broomstick and adorned with green ribbons, along with an abundance of cheerful daisies. Daisy chains gracefully connect the Maypole to each place setting, culminating in miniature May baskets filled with more daisies and ferns. Even the place cards receive a touch of floral elegance with pasted or inserted daisies. The color palette is deliberately light and airy, featuring white, yellow, and green, suggesting a fresh and vibrant atmosphere that extends even to the china and, intriguingly, even the courses served.
To appreciate this celebration fully, it's helpful to understand the context of May Day. Celebrated on May 1st, this ancient festival has roots in pagan traditions, marking the midpoint between spring and summer. Across various cultures, May Day has been associated with themes of fertility, renewal, and the joy of nature's awakening. Common customs include dancing around a Maypole, crowning a May Queen, and gathering flowers and greenery. Hospitality beautifully captures this spirit of floral abundance and communal celebration.
Why bother with this century-old description of a May Day table today? The answer lies in its emphasis on several enduring values that we continue to celebrate. In an increasingly digital world, the desire to connect with the natural world feels more critical. Our May Day table features the simple beauty of flowers and ferns, encouraging us to bring elements of the outdoors into our homes and celebrations.
The instructions for creating a Maypole from a broomstick and decorating with foraged flowers reflect a kind of resourcefulness with DIY decorations that appeal particularly to those of us on a budget. This is truly a thoughtful and intentional approach to hosting that provides many opportunities for personalization. The effort put into crafting the decorations and coordinating the color scheme elevates a simple luncheon into a special occasion for lasting memories.
And yes, while elaborate decorations have their place, the focus here is on the understated elegance of natural materials and a harmonious color palette, which transcend fleeting viral trends.
The act of acknowledging and celebrating the changing seasons, as May Day does, provides a sense of rhythm and connection to the natural cycle. We should be particularly attuned to this as women; the symbolism of spring, in particular, is not lost on us. This practice can bring a sense of grounding and appreciation for not only the present moment, but for our connection to creation and fertility.
For May Day, Hospitality offers more than just a historical snapshot. It presents a charming (and achievable!) vision of bringing the joy and beauty of springtime to our tables. Natural materials, handmade touches, and a simple aesthetic inspire us to create meaningful and delightful gatherings, reminding us of the enduring power of nature, and the joy of shared celebrations. Just as it was in 1922, a table adorned with the freshness of May remains a delightful way to welcome the season of renewal.