An Afternoon At Downton Abbey
These December afternoons are crisp, grey, and bleak. In a deep, solicitous, Adele-like tone, they beg for me to ignore errands and to enjoy the midday hours in the comfort of my own, cozy, abode. With the glow of the Christmas tree shining down upon the keys of my laptop and the fragrance of gingerbread in the air, I happily acquiesce.
There are many lovely ways in which one could occupy these hours, but few are so pleasant as a tea party with your favorite ladies. Of course, I do not refer to just any tea party - oh, no, nothing so prosaic. Rather, I speak of a Downton Abbey Tea Party, one that even the Dowager herself could not criticize.
At last, it is time for me to share my very own Downton Abbey Tea Party, and I am feverish with enthusiasm! Partially because it is Downton Abbey, and I need but to hear those two words and my heart begins palpitating, and partially, because it includes cake and tea - two of my greatest passions.
I awoke several mornings ago to greet December in her first, 2015 moments, and then began my baking. By 3 o’clock, the candles were lit, the kettle was whistling, and my jolly guests were arriving. The party had begun.
I love arranging and setting an elegant table, and World Market’s line of Downton Abbey dishes made this task especially pleasurable. I employed one of my favorite and most sneaky tricks - using coordinating wrapping paper as a table runner. Wrapping paper is often available in bolder prints than runners, it’s inexpensive, and it can be thrown away after the guests are gone, making your laundry load a little lighter. Their buffet napkins in Plum Wine were the perfect compliment to the pattern on the dishes. I love how they highlighted the amethyst in the
teapot.
I love that the little tea spoons came with tiny holes in the stems. I tied a bit of gold, curling ribbon through each one and they made lovely little ornaments.
As the last scones and sandwiches disappeared, the skies began to darken and it was nearly time for my dear friends to depart.
They left with fond goodbyes and tea cup favors, and I was left with a full heart and a stash of new memories of my afternoon at my very own corner of Downton Abbey.
The Downton Abbey Prize Package includes:
* Downton Abbey Teapot
* Downton Abbey Teacups and Saucers (set of 4)
* Downton Abbey Plates (set of 4)
* Downton Abbey 2-tier serving Stand
* Republic of Tea Downton Abbey "Downton Estate Blend" Tea Tin
* Downton Abbey Napkins
* Notecards
* Mrs. Patmore DA Apron
* Downton Abbey Tea Towels
A huge thanks to Cost Plus World Market for allowing me to be apart of this exciting campaign. This post was sponsored by World Market stores. As always, all opinions are my own.