June 25th, 2017

I am Preparing to Host a Downton Abbey Type High Tea Party for my Pottery Friends.

I have not had a fancy Afternoon High Tea since I made one for our Daughter's Bridal Shower in 2013 would you believe.
Having been ill for such a long time with my injured arm ...I haven't dared to take on such an endeavor.
But now as I am getting a little stronger ...I have asked some of my friends at my Pottery class if they would like to come along to my home and I would host a Downton Abbey type Afternoon High Tea for them.
They all ask me about being British and all of our customs and about the Queen and the Royal Family, etiquette etc...that what could be better than showing them some of our traditions inside of my home.
I am not able to work for hours on anything these days as it I get tired so easily but I look forward over the coming weeks to make items for it in dribs and drabs ...to eventually get to the finish and host the tea.
I first intend to design some cute invitations to send out to them, within my craft room.

It will be so great to select some of my favorite teacups and saucers from some of the ones I have photographed above.
Pretty Linens, plates, silverware etc...from my collection,
Floral arrangements, 
Fabric shabby chic flag buntings that I have hand made and sewn,
Gorgeous perfumed candles with English garden flower scents, 
All that make a great High Tea so special.

My guests (those that I have spoken to so far about the subject) look forward to dressing up in 1920's
 clothes or just wearing an afternoon tea hat ..it will be such fun.

This collection of Downton Abbey cookies are adorable but too detailed for me to ice these days with the weakness in my arm and hand

My 1920's clothing choice is very simple for me as I bought this charcoal one above for our daughter's wedding ...I just am sorry it's grey now ...it was great for the theme of the wedding but I prefer something pastel and pretty ..perhaps I can add a lovely peach or green scarf ..I will have to look and see what I have in my collection of scarves.

This is one of my favorite teacups I intend to use on the day ..it's Royal Albert 'New Country Roses'

My Grandmother gave me a full tea set of this Colclough 'Wayside' teacup and saucer, with the templates,bread and butter plate etc..

Here is a cute invitation I found on Pinterest

I could make these cute 'Teabag' Cookies.
I will make the food in advance and keep it in the freezer so it's easier for me on the day.
Dainty sandwiches, cookies,rock cakes, wedding cookies etc ..can all be made in advance along with delicious Sultana (Golden Raisin) scones to be served with Devon clotted cream and homemade Strawberry Jam.

These are some of my teacup collection I will use on the day

I don't think I will be wearing white gloves for the occasion but wouldn't it be nice.
We need a butler don't you think ??

As you may already know I won't be using tradition vases for my floral table decorations.

So that is some exciting news I have .
Here I am at the Bridal Shower Tea in 2013 ...that was a buffet; 
But for the Downton Abbey Tea Party we will be doing it properly; 
And will all sit down at the tea table just as if we were in Downton Abbey.
I hope they aren't expecting a castle instead of our humble abode !!
I can't reveal too much more to you before the day as it will not be a surprise to my guests.
I do however promise lots of photo's and a full posting of how the party went.
After the event.
I am expecting anything up to around 12 guests in all 

Happy Days to you all 

Janet