Downton Abbey Evening Tea at Walled Lake Library

Downton Abbey tea at the Walled Lake Library

Last week, Barb's Tea Service presented a Downton Abbey-inspired evening tea at the Walled Lake Library. The turnout was fantastic and necessitated set-up at the Fire Station meeting room which is just across the library's parking lot.

Barb with fellow tea enthusiast & DA fan, Barbara Tabb

Guests came dressed for the event, many donning hats and gloves. We were excited to finally meet up with Barbara Tabb, fellow tea enthusiast and Downton Abbey fan.

We shared our stories of our visit to Highclere Castle and Bampton Village, our interview with Lady Canarvon (both featured in the January/February issue of Tea Time Magazine) as well as the lifestyle of the British aristocracy in the Edwardian era.

We served up several pots of tea, and much to our delight, many attendees stayed after the program to visit and share their stories.

Adult Services Librarian, Carrie Crossman with Rachel-Rose

A big thank you to all who came out last Tuesday and a special thanks to Adult Services Librarian, Carrie Crossman, for inviting us to the Walled Lake Library. A wonderful time at Walled Lake!!


Downton Abbey fans - we still have more DA teas coming in May. Check Barb's Tea Service's event page for more details!

Downton Abbey-inspired Afternoon tea at the Townsend: Luxurious setting and delicious treats perfect for celebrating!

Rachel-Rose & Barb surrounded by the luxurious ambiance of the Townsend tea lobby

With a luxuriously appointed tea lobby befitting of the Crawley estate and outstanding service that would make Carson jealous, Birmingham's Townsend Hotel is the perfect place for a Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea. Barb's Tea Service was delighted to present our Downton Abbey program last Sunday to over forty guests.

Guests arrive and find their seats under the crystal chandelier

Attendees were seated at the long table under the crystal chandelier or one of the round tables along the decoratively painted walls. Many guests, in addition to being Downton Abbey enthusiasts, chose the event to honor special occasions as well. What a fantastic way to celebrate and what a  treat to be part of that!

Roses and fruit plates on the table, ready for guests' arrival.

Some guests had called us before the tea, after seeing the 'Say Good-bye to Downton with a proper afternoon tea' article in the Detroit Free Press which featured BTS. We were so happy to see that Daisy Lucente and her good friends, Susan Cash and June Whittled were able to make it!

June Whittled, Susan Cash and Daisy Lucente celebrate at the afternoon tea

As we discussed the Edwardian influences on the British aristocracy, our visit to Highclere Castle and the importance of dress to both the upstairs and downstairs families, guests were treated to delicioius scones, savories, sweets and never-ending pots of finely brewed tea. A few who were celebrating birthdays were served up an extra dessert.

Ruth Mayhall with Illene Lipiski

A great time with Downton Abbey-ites: a fun afternoon with girlfriends, husbands and wives and mothers and daughters.

Sandy Dionsi & Anne Dunlap. Anne not happy with the series' finale.

Although all who were at the event shared a solidarity in being Downton Abbey fans, there was some lively discussion after the formal presentation as to whether the series ending met expectations.

Another fabulous tea at the Townsend Hotel. A thank you to Tea Director, Laura, and all the amazing ladies and gents who attended!!

We're not quite done saying farewell to Downton. See our events page on Barb's Tea Service's website for more upcoming tea events!

Downton Abbey Farewell Tea at Otsego County Library: BTS Great Time in Gaylord!

Who's a Downton Abbey fan? Just about everyone!

 Almost two weeks ago, on a bright, sunny Sunday in March, Barb's Tea Service had the great pleasure of presenting to a wonderful crowd at the Otsego County Library which hosted a Downton Abbey Farewell Tea. The events room held over 50 guests and with pastel linens, fine china teacups and scones and sweets on every table, it transformed into a charming tearoom for the afternoon.

Beautiful day and wonderful venue! 

Sharing a cup of tea with Deb Johnston of Otsego  Library

We were invited to present by Deb Johnston, Adult Programming Coordinator at Otsego Library. Like most of the guests, she's a fan of Downton Abbey.  Deb raffled off some amazing Downton Abbey-themed treasures and tea gifts to guests who scored highest on the DA quiz.

Rachel helps with handouts.

Afternoon tea fare ready to be served.

Scones, cookies and tea were served to attendees. Presentation was as beautiful as the treats were tasty!

Scones and other treats were served with freshly brewed tea.

Downton Abbey decor turned events space into a lovely tearoom

The events room was accented with Downton Abbey-inspired decor. We especially loved the silver tea set.

We shared our visit to Highclere and Bampton Village as well as some behind-the-scenes tales from Jessica Fellowes. We also discussed fashion of the area and the advantages of the Edwardian tea gown. Some guests came dressed in period attire which added to the fun.

Melanie McDougall of Gaylord dressed in period chic

Rachel-Rose  takes a quick scone break before  book sales.

A great thank you to Deb Johnston, the Otsego Library staff and all the guests who attended. We had a delightful time and enjoyed the fabulous turnout.

We are in Gaylord often, so we hope to see you all when we next visit!

And, we've got a few more Downton Abbey-inspired teas coming up. We'll be at Birmingham's Townsend Hotel on April 3rd and the Walled Lake Library the evening of April 5th.

In May, we'll be at the Schoolcraft Library in Kalamazoo County and Sweet D's Tea Room in Linden.

For more information, check out the events page of Barb's Tea Service website.