Late December in summer, in the tropics, in the worlds driest desert, is not
really the sort of time or place where one wants to put on stays and stockings
and chemises and petticoats. A swimsuit feels more appropriate.
But I pulled out my linen-iest 1750s ensemble, and put on my Christmas mitts and my Christmas hat and went down to the beach!
A placemat is a good budget option for a bergere, but doesn't have any crown.
It isn't going to sit on the head like a hat with a crown, and for these earlier
decades of the 18th century, where there weren't masses of hair to cushion
one's headwear, the difference will be noticeable.
But if you're wanting a quick and easy seasonal hat that looks brilliant from 100 paces and still pretty all-right up close, a a placemat is FUN!
