Steampunk Soiree

For the Young Man's birthday this year, we thought we'd push the boat out and have a party. And my house is small, so it could only be for a select few - hence the Soiree, but Steampunk?
Steampunk is a re-imagining of the Victorian era, celebrating the fashion, the technology, the craftsmanship - but without the poverty, dirt and disease! It's what the Victorians would have been like if Jules Verne and HG Wells had been true - computers run by clockwork, Her Majesty's Martian Colonies (reached by steam powered space ships), and goggles (to keep the steam out of your eyes).
The Young Man looked very dashing in his bowler hat and goggles, with a waistcoat and pocket watch (and lots of knives - his Steampunk persona isn't called 'Cutter' Conway for nothing). He took over the bar, where we had collected some speciality real ales, and the careful preparation of the absinthe (though one couple did bring some wine).
I was hostess Miss Amelia Harper, in a black lace corset and military jacket. We also had the 'Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder' Fairy and a Dirigible Conductress, and two Goths in costume.
There was good conversation - and opposing viewpoints on windfarms and tattooing.
About halfway through the evening, two of our guests had to leave and a couple more felt the need to indulge in nicotine on the front doorstep - which is when two other good friends came by, having just come out of the Globe from a poetry evening. And having just started a detox, they polished off the fruit punch that the Young Man had prepared.
It was great fun, and I think that everyone enjoyed themselves - so I might be tempted to try something similar again, for the people who couldn't come this time.