To get in the spirit for Downton Abbey's first episode of season V last night, I attended a Downton Abbey tea at the Farmington Hills Community Library at 1:30 yesterday afternoon.
A tea friend e-mailed me to tell me about the tea [thanks Laura Lee!] and I registered for the free event promptly. It was lovely!
As we entered the library auditorium we heard the theme music from the television series playing softly in the background.
The focus of the program was fashion through the ages [but also included automobiles], and we were encouraged to dress in our historical best. Several people - including me - did just that! I got permission to photograph this lovely group of five ladies representing the three Crawley sisters, Lady Cora, and Lady Violet. How fun!
The event began with tea and light refreshments.
I selected Bigelow's Red Raspberry herbal tea.
~ Two vintage dresses were displayed ~
~ L-R: Lynn, Fashion Curator and Program Presenter, and Colleen, Library Staff ~
~ The big screen was ready for the PowerPoint presentation ~
~ After Colleen's opening remarks the program began ~
~ Lynn was excellent. She was dressed in an authentic Edwardian walking suit and hat. ~
[Elaine]
These little girls were adorable! Lynn said sailor outfits for children became very popular after WWI.
Victoria [on the right below] was modeling a "Piano Shawl" ensemble. Lynn said in the 1920's women literally wore piano shawls that had been designed to adorn pianos. I have one of the repro garments, but I didn't know it was called a piano shawl until yesterday. Live and learn!
~ A bit of humor ~
The program was over before 4:00 o'clock, and what a delightful afternoon. I'm so glad I was able to attend.
Lynn told us that the Smithsonian channel was airing a new series called, Million Dollar American Princesses last night at 8:00 p.m., preceding the airing of season V's episode I of Downton Abbey. It was a very informative program hosted by Elizabeth McGovern who plays Lady Cora Grantham, and is about the real women behind the creation of her role - American women who married British aristocrats trading "cash for class."
Last night featured Jennie [Jeanette] Jerome born in 1854 in Brooklyn, New York who married Lord Randolph Churchill, parents of Winston Churchill, and another heiress and socialite from New York City, Fannie [Frances] Work [1857] who married James Roche, the great-grandparents of Princess Diana. I'll definitely be tuning in again next week!
When episode 1 ended, I watched the 1 hour documentary of The Manners of Downton Abbey, which pertained to both upstairs and downstairs residents. It was hosted by Downton historian, Alastair Bruce and was very interesting.
It was definitely a Downton Abbey kind of a day! Did you tune in to Season V, Episode 1?
When episode 1 ended, I watched the 1 hour documentary of The Manners of Downton Abbey, which pertained to both upstairs and downstairs residents. It was hosted by Downton historian, Alastair Bruce and was very interesting.
It was definitely a Downton Abbey kind of a day! Did you tune in to Season V, Episode 1?
