I remember seeing the trailers for Downton Abbey Season 1 and thinking I would watch it simply for the costumes. I missed the first few episodes though, and with not enough desire to find the shows and catch up, I never really got into it. But I heard the buzz – people were obsessed.
Then in the middle of last year I was invited to a fancy-schmancy Afternoon Tea at the Sir Stamford to celebrate the Downton Abbey Season 2 DVD launch. While I was not familiar with the intricacies of the cast and plot line I do love a High Tea, so who was I to say no.
If you’ve been around for a while you may know that I’ve spent quite a few years in the Advertising industry so seeing things like launches and campaigns come together always interests me.
The premise and execution for this event was lovely, a High Tea fitting of a Downton afternoon.
I chatted with Michelle Milton, from The High Tea Society, enjoyed sweets and savories from recipes developed for the occasion by Clare Press of Mrs Press, and swooned over elegant illustrations by one of my favourite one-degree of separation bloggers – Alexandra Nea from The Art of Afternoon Tea.
The predominately female audience swanned around sipping bubbles and tea, partaking in delicate nibbles, and heading home with a goodie bag that included a Mrs Press room spray and Downton Abbey Season 1 and 2 DVDs.
So why tell you this now? Well Downton Abbey Season 3 is about to hit the Australian airwaves and I figured it was about time to finally share these lovely recipes with you!
Unfortunately I haven’t made it through 1 and 2 yet so watching 3 will depend on what is – or isn’t – competing with the on-air time, but I’ll get there one day…
Will you be glued to the TV for the Downton Abbey wedding and do you have a favourite proper Afternoon Tea? As a side note, mine is still the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, it was stunning.
Pear Upside-Down Cake
Recipe by Clare Press, artwork by Alexandra Nea, published with permission from Universal/Sony
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Yorkshire Scones
Recipe by Clare Press, artwork by Alexandra Nea, published with permission from Universal/Sony
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Afternoon Tea Sandwiches
Recipe by Clare Press, artwork by Alexandra Nea, published with permission from Universal/Sony
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I attended the Downton Abbey Season 2 DVD launch as a guest of Universal/Sony but was under no obligation to post about it.
This looks like a very elegant and civilized afternoon JJ!
terribly ;D
How cute! I’ve actually just signed up for a cooling class in San Diego where we’ll be making an upside down cake! Can’t wait though I’m sure the recipe card won’t look as pretty.
Oh how fun! No doubt your cake will be gorgeous though!
Very fun post, JJ! Very pretty stuff 🙂
I think I am now 100% convinced start watching it. They have a translated version on the French CBC but that would be wrongtown. I’ll hire it.
Good work JJ!
F xx
beautiful. i don’t really watch many shows like that nowadays.
Lovely – I can’t resist high tea either. I loved Season 1 of Downton Abbey, but managed to let season 2 slip right past me. Not sure I have the energy to catch up before season 3.
It does get a bit like that doesn’t it 😉
I haven’t watched Downtown Abbey yet. I would love to, as I have heard such good things about it, but I haven’t found the time.
My best afternoon tea experience was a The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. Very elegant! My favourite afternoon treat is scones.
Ohh, I’ll have to add that onto the list, thanks for sharing!
I love Downton Abbey, what a fun event!
I feel like a bad English person, having never watched an episode of Downton. You have inspired me to maybe give it a go though!
Lovely post about a fun outing, JJ. And how gorgeous are those illustrated recipe cards? I must admit I’ve never watched Downtown Abbey though – to be honest, I rarely watch TV as I find it such a time-sucker! 😉