I was recently presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity whilst in London – An invitation to attend a formal banquet at Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. I was attending as a guest of my cousin, whose father is a liveryman with the Loriners of London. The event was white tie, and I had to find a floor length gown, because shockingly, that was not on my list of items to pack when coming over to study.
On the night of the event I set off with invitation in hand, feeling a bit like Cinderella. But instead of a beautiful magic carriage, I found myself navigating a bustling Underground while desperately making sure my slightly too long dress didn’t drag on the dirty floors or get caught in the train’s doors. I wondered bemusedly as to what people thought of the spectacle I was inevitably making of myself as I stumbled about in heels that were a good 2 inches taller than what I ordinarily find comfortable. Ah well, at least they weren’t made of glass…
With the tricky part out of the way, I arrived at the event. And what a magnificent event it was. I met my cousin and uncle inside the doors, and we made our way up a grand staircase with officers at every landing wishing me a “good evening, Madam,” or a “welcome, miss.” At the top of the stairs, I gave my name to a man at the entrance to the stately reception room who announced my arrival before I made my way down a line of elegant ladies and gentleman, shaking hands and exchanging evening pleasantries. At the end of the line, I was greeted with a parade of graceful gowns and debonair tuxedos. Champagne bubbled and a band played in the corner, accompanying the melody of cheerful chatter with its notes of brass.
Shortly, a stately man with a scepter made his way to the front of the room and positioned himself in front of a grand doorway. With a slight grin, he announced, “Dinner is served!” and the doors opened to the Egyptian Hall. Stained glass windows filtered the light of the early evening sun, illuminating the gilded Corinthian columns that lined the great room and stretched to the molded ceiling two stories above. Long white tables were adorned with a full place setting and our first course. We found our assigned seats as we waited for the room to fill. Once the Lord Mayor made his way to the head of the table, we sat down, the first wine was poured, the band took up their instruments, and dinner began. Each course was elegantly presented and positively scrumptious. Wine pairings with each menu item provided a sumptuous array of tastes, and conversation around the room was friendly and jovial. Throughout the dinner, I was constantly thinking about how amazing it was to be able to have such an experience, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity.