The Encaenia Garden Party

John and I felt so honored to be invited to the Encaenia Garden Party held at Worchester College yesterday afternoon.   It was one of those "pinch me" moments as we strolled about the gorgeous grounds of the college and watched the tutors and fellows, the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor, the recipients of Honorary Degrees, and other members of Oxford University and guests, most in full academic dress. It was a venerable wizards party.Tents were set up with refreshments: tea, scones and clotted cream, elegant sandwiches, and strawberries and cream.  There was a 20-piece band that played soft jazz.  Best of all, it was a lovely afternoon – not a hint of rain.

It was fun to see so many different robes, hoods, caps and hats.  It’s easy to see where J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for wizard attire.  She must have attending an Encaenia garden party.

My favorite wizard

White tie is generally worn under academic robes at Oxford

Worcester College is the only college with it's own lake. It is stunning.  

The Encaenia is the only time robes from other colleges are worn at Oxford.  For all other occasions, one it supposed to wear Oxford robes dressed with the hood and cap from one's own college or university.  

I've been told the reason for that is that the Vice Chancellor robes are from Cambridge and no Cambridge robes are allowed at Oxford. 

Some of the outfits made me smile.  This gentleman's cap looked like a lampshade with fringes.

Wizards, wizards everywhere.

Worcester College is spectacular.  My pictures just don't capture the grandeur  

of the beauty of the grounds.  

My favorite wizard is getting a hood and cap for his birthday so he can look like all the other wizards here.