Blogging Woolf

Peter, Peter,” cried Clarissa. “My party to-night! Remember my party to-night!

Here is another addition to #DallowayDay events, this one in Princeton, New Jersey. Woolf enthusiasts there will hold their 4th Annual Dalloway Day Garden Tea Party on June 10. Time and location will be announced later.

This year’s event will feature background music from the 1930s, songs from “Permit me Voyage,” which includes lyrics from Woolf’s diaries, by Dominick Argento, and a Woolf trivia quiz.

The usual menu includes Battenberg Cake, Empire Biscuits, Victoria Spongecakes, Melting Moments cookies, Stilton and poppyseed Sables, with Coronation-style chicken, cucumber and mint, and watercress and egg salad tea sandwiches.

Previous observances in this American college town by an ever-growing circle of Woolf enthusiasts have included brief readings by guests in period attire, music and torch songs from the 20s and 30s, and British nibbles —  with toasts via tea and less sober drinks including Sloe Gin Fizz and Temperance Punch.

Organizers Pat Hyatt and Alexandra Radbil say they are “delighted” to hear the third Wednesday in June has at last been officially sanctified as #DallowayDay on both sides of the pond and will align their event with that date in the future.