Barb's Tea Service In/Out List for 2019! Gilded, Sequels, Kilts and More (is More!)

Dining room at Chatsworth embraces the 2019 "Ins" of ornamentation and dark, moody colors

This year was one for the books for BTS: Royal Weddings, transatlantic cruise, road trip from Edinburgh to London (including stops at fancy estates, Chatsworth and Blenheim Palace), a spot on Fox news and, well, a book! Although it was an exciting year, like it's said of all good things, it has come to an end along with other fads and fashions of the last twelve months. As is our annual tradition at BTS, we have culled a variety of sources which have opined on upcoming trends for the new year to report on and, of course, add a few of our own.

Rachel and Barb Gulley of BTS excited to don their Gilded Age clothing again this year!

According to The Detroit News' On Trend in 2019, minimalism and "gray everywhere" is being replaced with ornamentation and dark, moody paint colors.  This plays well into what is sure to be an opulent-themed year, influenced by Julian Fellowes two new offerings:  The Gilded Age television show (expecting its debut in April) and the long-awaited Downton Abbey movie to premier in September. 

BTS is ready for both, our first Gilded Age afternoon tea will be at Birmingham's Townsend Hotel, Sunday, February 24th.  We'd love to see you there!

Outside Blenheim Palace this past May

The Gilded Age saga centers much on the crazy rich Americans in the late 1800's who sought to buy status by marrying off their daughters to European aristocracy. One of the most famous of the "cash-for-class" arrangements was between Consuelo Vanderbilt and Lord Churchill, which brought the former and all her father's money to Blenheim Palace. We were fortunate to visit said estate in May and, yes, minimalism, was not on trend at that time either.

Kilts may be come more mainstream in 2019, tartan dog scarves optional

Luxury and grandeur may not be the only Great Britain import to trend in 2019.  According to BBC News, lederhosen is making a comeback.  BBC notes that lederhosen and kilts are the most identifiably European attire worldwide. To that we say, let's also bring back the kilt!  BTS jumped on the bandwagon  as an early adopter- our family all received kilts for Christmas, souvenirs from our visit to Scotland  (matching tartan scarves for your family dog are optional).

Twelve Etiquette Essentials, part of the Steeper by the Dozen series

And, while it's true books never go out of style, we see a trend in the book series. BTS added to its "Steeper by the Dozen" collection, with this year's, "Twelve Etiquette Essentials:  Formal Dining and Tea Time" (available on Amazon!) and we're predicting more within 365 days.  Another author staying with this trend, is Ed Engman, who penned "Moby Dick II, the Seek-Whale".  Watch out other classic works (!) - Ed may have you in his scope for 2019 (maybe Brideshead Re-revisited?) and we can't wait!

Moby Dick II, better than Sharknado VI

After our long prologue, we are ready to unveil the Ins and Outs for 2019.  Hang on to your diamond tiara and fasten your bow tie, it's going to be a wild - and well accessorized - ride!

BTS' IN / OUT LIST 2019

Home décor and Gilded Age 

IN:  Ornamentation, dark and moody colors, "more is more"!  The Chatsworth Estate (aka Pemberley in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie starring Keira Knightley) is on trend with this room: dark red walls and stuffed to the gilded gills with furniture, paintings and shiny bric-a-brac.

Chatsworth parlor spot on with 2019 trend of ornamentation and moody colors

OUT: Minimalism, beige and "everything gray".  This parlor at Chatsworth is not compliant with 2019 fashion. But, with over 120 rooms, one can afford a few mistakes.

Anther Chatsworth parlor appears dated with minimalist décor and lots of beige

IN:  Gilded Age, Downton Abbey - the TV show, the movie, the BTS tea talk at The Townsend, February 24, 2019!  Polish your tiaras and let your hemlines go down! In 2019, we're backtracking a century (and a few scores) to meet up again with the Crawley family and learn a little bit more about Cora and her fellow American heiresses (like Consuelo V!).

BTS Gilded Age Tea coming this February

Book 'em, Danno

IN:  Book Series -  books are always in style, but you can kick it up a notch by adding to a series of books, like BTS' latest addition to its Steeper by the Dozen collection, "Twelve Etiquette Essentials" (available on Amazon, #shamelessplug).

IN: Book Sequels - many of us have been disappointed with sequels to much loved classics:  Death Comes to Pemberley, Little Men, Sharknado VI, but don't let that stop you from overcoming your white whale. We recommend Moby Dick II, the Seek-Whale by Ed Engman. (Call me Airmail). 

Pair a mug with text from 12 Etiquette Essentials

Match your socks with a fav book

IN:  Novel accessories -  We match a scarf to a sweater, a tie to a shirt, but why stop there? How about pairing a mug or, say, a pair of socks with your favorite book? Re-read Pride and Prejudice, but this time while wearing Jane Austen socks to enhance your felicity. Reinforce your protocol knowledge with a Twelve Etiquette Essentials coffee (or tea!) mug which quotes this treasured tiny tome.

Attire - wrap the new year up in a bow (tie) and go!

IN:  Kilts - not just for bagpiping (or Christmas morning) anymore. Like its German cousin, the lederhosen, kilts may become more acceptable for daily wear and family reunions. (Engman/Gulley 2019 Clan Gathering is sure to include "The Opera of Highlander Games". Bring your kilt and a few logs to throw).

Kilts - not just for Christmas morning anymore

OUT:  Cold shoulder tops and dresses - Enough of the passive/aggressive attire. Like Olaf the snowman, we like warm hugs and expect at least as much from our sweaters.

Cruise captains and trendy husbands rock the bow tie

Fascinator from Harrods paired with the Royal Wedding

IN:  Bow ties and fascinators - with the home décor trending towards grandeur, shouldn't the same be applied to our Sunday best attire? We say bow ties for the Gents and Fascinators for the Ladies. The former may require a few hours of YouTube tutorials, but the approving nods by fellow diners will make it all worthwhile.  Fascinators, on the other hand (or head), come in a variety of sizes (petit to obnoxious) and sources (Amazon to Harrods).  Wear these to weddings, tea or TV guest appearances.

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OUT:  2018

IN:  2019!

Beige, bold, 

new or old, 

comfy kilt or shoulder cold, 

Ring in the new year with a book or three,

Just be sure to join us for a cup of tea

You're always in fashion with BTS. Happy New Year one and all!

Fascinators are great to don for teas, weddings and TV appearances.