I'm thinking of having a Burns Supper in my home

[Alan H]

It wouldn't be the usual thing with pipers and everyone dressed to the nines and every part rehearsed out. Instead....

I'd invite about 6-8 people, probably four couples. I'm the only one who is a regular kilt wearer, and two of the other men never wear kilts. I'd be kilted. Some other folks wouldwear tartan of one type of another, I expect. Most wouldn't.

It'd be a pot-luck. I expect Doreen would whip up the haggis, as she does one or two every year for other reasons. I might invest in a bottle of decent single-malt for the occasion.


The featured activity would be reading from ANY Scottish authors works. It doesn't have to be Burns, though it might be. Everybody that signs on (except my wife, who'll flat-out refuse) has to read for 30 seconds. Aside from that it'd just be a time to get together for good talk and good times with friends.

So whatcha' all think? Is this an acceptable Burns Supper or does it really need to be "done up right"?

[Alan H]

BTW, looking for Scottish Authors?

http://www.slainte.org.uk/scotauth/scauhome.htm

Note that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is there (Sherlock Holmes) As well as Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island) and Alistair MacClean (The Guns of Navarone).

Personally, I'd read a bit of John Muir, probably from "My First Summer in the Sierra".

[Freelander Sporrano]

Here's a site that might help I know Cajun has a few good ones too
http://www.auldlangsyne.org/planning.html

[macwilkin]

It wouldn't be the usual thing with pipers and everyone dressed to the nines and every part rehearsed out. Instead....

I'd invite about 6-8 people, probably four couples. I'm the only one who is a regular kilt wearer, and two of the other men never wear kilts. I'd be kilted. Some other folks wouldwear tartan of one type of another, I expect. Most wouldn't.

It'd be a pot-luck. I expect Doreen would whip up the haggis, as she does one or two every year for other reasons. I might invest in a bottle of decent single-malt for the occasion.


The featured activity would be reading from ANY Scottish authors works. It doesn't have to be Burns, though it might be. Everybody that signs on (except my wife, who'll flat-out refuse) has to read for 30 seconds. Aside from that it'd just be a time to get together for good talk and good times with friends.

So whatcha' all think? Is this an acceptable Burns Supper or does it really need to be "done up right"?

I know of several folks who have had "in home" Burns Nights because the town where they lived didn't have one, or they wanted to have a more intimate gathering to celebrate the birthday of the Bard. Might I suggest, however, that you do attend the local Scottish society's Burns Night before you hold your own, so you can experience first-hand the traditions of the Burns Supper. There's just something impressive about the fact that on the same night that you're celebrating, fellow Burnsians around the world are celebrating as well in a very similar way! :mrgreen:

One comment: Let Burns have his night. Whilst I'm all in favour of promoting the works of other Scottish authors, if you are doing a "Burns Supper", then focus primarily on Burns -- and since it is your first time, you don't have to go with the "hard stuff" -- focus on the more well-known (and easy-to-read) of Burns's works.

As far as your guests not wearing a kilt -- neither did Burns! He was a Lowlander from Ayr. ;)

I'll try to dig up some web sites to post here, Alan, and I can recommend several titles as well, two "DIY" guides to Burns Suppers and of course, you'll need an edition of his poems.

I'll also recommend a DVD to watch, http://www.robertburnslive.com.

Cheers,

Todd

[Graham]

For years we taught out children at home, we continue to hold church in our home, why not the Burns Supper? great idea!

[Bob C]

That does not sound much like a Burns supper, but it sounds like a very nice dinner party. Go for it.

[GMan]

I do like that idea Alan, really is a personal touch.

[Planopiper]

I once piped for a Burns' supper that the Dallas Mensa club has every year. It's in someone's home. People were spread out through the house, so it was fairly informal, but it still had most of the Burn's Night components. They even had someone come in and do a whisky tasting. I was also at a real casual Burns' Night put on by a bunch of guys in Amarillo. They got the banquet hall of a resturant. I think they still managed to make it a pot luck. There was the toast to the Haggis, some piping. A lot of fun. I also play with the Fort Worth Scottish every year for a very formal Burn's night at a country club. You absolutley can have one at your house and definitly should invite any friends that will show up, but if it's a Burns' Night, then you really should focus on Burns. At least for the Address to the Haggis and one other poem. Otherwise it's not so much a Burns' Night as a get together. Even that, though, is something people don't do enough. Good luck. I hope you have a great evening with friends.

[Macman]

Alan, we have done a very similar thing to what you're suggesting for many years. While we don't have a formal Burns supper, we still celebrate the bard's day informally with close friends. Most of the people attending would not be interested in the "full meal deal", so we keep it an informal pot luck dinner. People usually wear something tartan and bring Scottish dishes and libations. We supply the home, the fireplace and the haggis. A fine time is had by all.