Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at Addison Township Library

Jaema Berman, Library Director (middle) with Rachel and Barb of BTS

With record-high temps last Saturday, a warm welcome to our Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at Addison Township Public Library took on an additional meaning. Library Director, Jaema Berman, invited Barb's Tea Service to present last weekend and we were delighted to see such a wonderful turnout, with many guests wearing attire of the Downton Abbey period.

DA tea at Addison Twp library, with outdoor temps as warm as the tea 

Addison Township Public Library is located on Rochester Road across the street from Lakeville Lake. A scenic setting in Leonard, Michigan, the window views are charming whether you are looking inside or out. The staff had the sills of the large windows filled with tea-themed vignettes, including an adorable frog and turtle tea party set upon a table made from books.

Our library connections, Anita and Carol, holding prized tea cups, with Pam of BTS

Our friends, Anita K. and Carol D. were our Addison Library connections and they both participated - and won - beautiful tea cups in the silent auction that was also part of the Downton Abbey tea event. BTS member, Pam, (our logistics tour de force) joined in for a cuppa after we concluded the program.

Guests arriving at Downton Abbey afternoon tea at the library

While the stuffed animals enjoyed their tea parties on the window sills, BTS set up their tea service, (featuring the Republic of Teas, Downton Abbey teas), in a cozy corner of the library.

Setting up our tea table with Downton Abbey teas

Rachel-Rose stands center stage to introduce teas being served.

After the presentation and tea, guests were given some extra time for picture taking with a selection of the library's decorative doors as a backdrop.

Carolyn, Barb and Deb in 1920's attire.

Guests Carolyn and Deb joined me for a photo shoot with our 1920's attire. If we changed the tone to sepia, who would guess it's 2016?

Carolyn in Deb, 1925 or 2016?

Another group of attendees donned tiaras. Note, they correctly did not add feathers or high comb - a fashion faux pas of the day.

Ladies donning tiaras only, no fashion faux pas here!

Most of the items in the silent auction were tea cups donated by a library patron. It was an absolutely exequisite collection, and, yes, most assuredly, BTS put in a bid. Good fortune again came to us as we won the bid for our Paragon tea cup.

A beautiful day enhanced by Spring-like weather, delightful guests, amazing library and librarians and all new and old friends of BTS!

Apres tea, lunch at nearby  Celtic Knot