How to Have a Mini Landestrachtenfest at Home!
I don't know about you Erika, but I'm a little bummed about the upcoming weekend. We were supposed to be together in Cleveland for the Landestrachtenfest, but... leider nicht. #thanks2020
My favorite part of the weekend is seeing my friends from all over the country, listening to German music, polkaing with my husband and wearing my dirndl all weekend.
But you know what?! Let's not let this pandemic get us down, we Schwobs are as resilient as it gets!
Below are some easy ideas you can use to have your own DIY Trachtenfest!
1 | Plan an Authentic Menu – Authentic doesn’t mean complicated! Something like Leberkase sandwiches, Gurkensalat, grilled wurst, would be easy and delicious. If you are more culinarily inclined how about a goulash with spätzle! Here are some links to my favorite recipes from dirndl kitchen and Just like Oma.
2 | Bust out your steins and some German beverages – While any German beer will probably quench your thirst, Oktoberfest beers are starting to pop up, but even if all you can find in your local store is Sam Adams Okotberfest, that’s better than Bud Light. Some of my favorites are Weihenstephaner Festbier, Ayinger Oktoberfest Märzen, and Erdinger Oktoberfest Weissbier. You will also want the proper glassware. Glass steins are preferable in my opinion, but we probably all have some of those plastic steins from a Labor Day around somewhere. Also don’t forget to get an Edelweiss Wrap Bracelet to use as beer markers… very important considering our beer sharing days are OVER!
3 | Wear a Dirndl or Leiwl – It's time to open the ol' dirndl closet and get out one of your favorites! However, if find that your dirndl has shrunk in the closet (which they are notorious for doing), you have 2 options. #1 CLICK Here for alteration instructions or #2 Check out our newest Dirndl designs! If you order today... we can probably have it to you by the weekend!
4 | Get your Polka on! You gotta have a solid Trachtenfest playlist. No need to research it though. Nowadays there are Oktoberfest Pandora stations and pretty good Spotify playlists. Or you can ask around... maybe someone has some CDs from local bands (I know my dad has some Phenix CDs lying around somewhere).
Once you've got the music playing, you can't help but dance. Whether its a personal polka-party or a kitchen polka party with the family. It's sure to be a great time!
5 | Participate in the Trachtenfest Challenge on Social Media! I'm starting it today using #trachtenfestchallenge
- Post 1 or more of your favorite photos from previous Trachtenfests
- Be sure to use #trachtenfestchallenge
- Tag and challenge 5 of your schwob besties to do the same!
- If you are wearing a Rare Dirndl be sure to tag @raredirndl or #raredirndl too!
6 | FaceTime or Zoom with your fellow Schwobs There is no doubt that the best part of any Trachtenfest is seeing all your friends from all over the country. You can't quite recreate that on your own, but there is plenty of technology out there like FaceTime and Zoom etc. Hit up some of your friends from different clubs and try to arrange time this weekend to chat and catch up!
I know this DIY Trachtenfest is never going to be as fun as the real thing, but it's the best we can do at this moment in time. I CANNOT WAIT to see your pictures for the #trachtenfestchallenge!
All the best - Stay Safe
🖤 Erika 🖤
Looking for more Dirndl Style tips & tricks? Click the link to get access to our official style guide! >> https://bit.ly/dirndlstyle