High Tea, Downton Abbey Style

The beginning of 2016 also meant the start of the final season of the PBS Masterpiece Theater showing of Downton Abbey.  One of my Master Naturalist friends had recently been to England to visit Highclere Castle and had many wonderful photos and experiences to share.  A most appropriate way to do that was to host a high tea on the day of the first episode of the final season.  There was the option to dress-up in the styles of the 1920's.  Of course, all the guests were big fans of the show and it was fun to be part of that group of ladies, play dress-up, and have a "big girl" tea party!

The first thing to do was to get a hairstyle.  That was easy enough online as there were many how-to videos to choose from.  I choose the simplest finger wave bob.  I had practiced a couple days before and it was easy enough to get the look I wanted a few hours before the event.  I can understand the need for an "Anna" to fix the back as I just put in some waves and let it go at that!  The makeup was simple too as it was mostly about the "big eyes" and "Clara Bow" lips.

The dress I had was an old alfred angelo gown from my daughter's first wedding that needed re-purposed.  I added a few changes like the creme-colored top, lace gloves, pearl necklace and flat black shoes and hose.  The hostess of the tea party had a very lovely outfit she got in England.  There were many different hats and gloves provided by the hostess for all her guests, if wanted.  There was even a few gowns set out to borrow.

There were about a dozen ladies show up and here are the early guests.

The hostess set a beautiful table with cake, scones, tea sandwiches, nuts, candy, jam, and lemon curd.

Many of the tasty foods were recipes from England.

Of course there were many pots of hot water for tea!

Lots of interesting stories to share...

...from people of many experiences and travels...

                                                                               ...and more tea...

                                    ...and an author who wrote a book about her travels on Route 66!

I met new people and even made a new friend or two.

What a great way to start out the new year doing something new and different with interesting people!  I'm happy I came even though it seemed a little silly at first to have a dress-up tea party as an adult.  But it was nice and I'm glad I talked myself into it.  As the first episode of Downton Abbey began, I know this last season was one to be most remembered!