Adapting to social distancing: Keeping as calm as I can and drinking lots of tea

It's a world of unknown right now and we're all doing our best to pay attention to rules and comprehend the data overload.  What is okay today might not be tomorrow, so aside from being vigilante, mindful, and  helpful, I also have to  remind myself to "keep calm" while the tea kettle spout screams like an angry clap-back on Twitter.

In the semi-isolation the quarantine has imposed on our lives, I've seen where many are, pardon my platitude, making lemonade out of lemons. Family and friends have texted, or shared on Facebook, pictures of a remarkably clean house, books they are reading or TV shows they have been binge-watching. (Like Meatloaf's resounding chorus, my personal experience, "two out of three ain't bad").

March tablescape - small "accomplishments" can improve one's mood.

Last weekend, with appointments wiped out and venues closed, I did find things to do at home that brought me both comfort and joy.  I set out a Spring tablescape (keeping up with my goal of posting one a month!), started another book from my "classics library" ("To Kill a Mockingbird" - see next "Tuesday Tea and Tomes"!)  and sat in front of the big screen TV for several hours. I watched everything my remote control landed on, from an old movie on TCM ("News Hounds" starring local television personality, circa, 1960's -70's, Bill Kennedy) to a more recent film on Prime Video, "Tea with the Dames", featuring Eileen Atkins, Jane Plowright, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.  But, the latter wasn't the only gem I found on Prime starring Maggie Smith - I hit  pay dirt when I found Season One of "Downton Abbey"!  

Binge watching Downton Abbey - as reassuring and affirming as an old friend.

Although, I'm connected to that Masterpiece drama in some form or another year round, I haven't binge-watched the series in awhile. It's like getting reacquainted with old friends, reassuring and affirming. It's a good place to hang out for a few while the breaking news alerts stir us from our comfort zone.

Aside from providing deep depressions in my living room recliner, I've found other things to occupy my time in this pandemic. When I'm not at my 9:00 to 5:00, I've been "facetiming" with the kids, texting and emailing friends, and, even in small ways, contributing what I can to help our community.  With my  husband, we're  setting aside a few days a week to get carry out (more than we usually do!),  we've given blood to the American Red Cross and we're ordering books from local bookstores that need a boost while their storefronts are closed.  

Dark chocolate, fresh fruit and flowers and a cup of tea:  this weekend's Rx

And, of course, we're trying to stay healthy with long walks in the neighborhood and drinking lots and lots of tea.  Also throwing in  some fresh fruit and dark chocolate (great source of antioxidants!) to balance the comfort food of pasta and. . . well,  more pasta.

It's an eerily strange time in history, where we're secluded yet connected more than ever to so many via social media. To quote our favorite U.S. Congresswoman from Michigan in a recent TV interview, "we're in The Upside Down now" and, as with crises in the past, we do need to - and we will - come together to get to the other side of this, whatever and whenever that will be.  

In the meantime, I'll remind myself with every breaking news update, every notice from family and friends of a temporary job loss or pay cut, every frustration and barricade to life as we knew it - just one month ago! - to keep (as) calm (as I can) and drink lots of tea.  

Oh, and move on to Season 2 of Downton Abbey. . .  

Virtual hugs to all!

BTS is always interested in what friends of BTS are up to, especially during these times. Send us an email, text us a picture  or comment on how you are spending your time. We'd love to hear from you!

Roaring Twenties Downton Abbey Afternoon tea at The Towsend Hotel

Barb and Rachel Gulley present A Downton Abbey-inspired tea talk in "Roaring Twenties" fashion

Downton Abbey in the Roaring Twenties came to The Townsend Hotel March 1st, reflecting the time period of last year's Downton Abbey movie.  And, like the Crawley family in the feature-length film, The Townsend provided their special guests with the royal treatment (as the always do!).

Barb's Tea Service (Barb and Rachel Gulley) presented "A Downton Abbey-inspired Afternoon Tea" talk which covered the "lifestyles of the rich and famous" British aristocracy from the late Edwardian period to the Jazz Age.  As the Downton Abbey movie revealed, the upstairs and downstairs staff of the English country estates were experiencing not only improved methods of transport and communication, but radical changes in women's fashion where ladies trimmed inches off both hair and hemlines.

Guests were seated in The Townsend Hotel's afternoon tea lobby

The central theme, however, of the Downton Abbey movie, is the visit of the King and Queen to the Crawley estate - a not uncommon practice of the day.  Much preparation went into executing a flawless dining experience for the royals: contracting expert chefs, setting an elegant table and serving it all with a professional staff.  The parallels to afternoon tea at the Townsend are uncanny!

Afternoon tea sweets

Rachel with Afternoon Tea Director, Marsha Clark

Guests at The Townsend were seated in Birmingham's luxury hotel's tea lobby which features crystal chandeliers, velvety couches and, at the center of it all, the inviting fireplace with a warm and cheery glow that emanates from its glass doors.

Local Downton Abbey fan and guests

A quick poll of attendees found that most of the guests were Downton Abbey fans, but a few came as invitees of those passionate Downton Abbey-ites.  Visitors came from not only the tri-country area, but Canada as well.

Downton Abbey fans from Windsor (Ontario!)

Barb's Tea Service is always thrilled to present a Downton Abbey-inspired afternoon tea at The Townsend. We've done several over the years and typically our dress reflects the era of the current Downton Abbey season. We can tell you, it's always a treat to have afternoon tea at The Townsend whether it be Gilded Age, Edwardian era or Roaring Twenties (both 1920's and 2020's).

A special thanks to Afternoon Tea Director, Marsha Clark and her staff and to Rachelle of Derby Hats by Rachelle for the beautiful headband worn by Rachel.

DA tea in the Gilded Age (2019)

Downton Days at Meadow Brook Hall: Afternoon tea and talk

Downton Days at Meadow Brook Hall - we've left the Edwardian era for the Roaring 20's.

Last week, Barb's Tea Service presented a Downton Abbey-inspired tea talk at Meadow Brook Hall - our fourth year at this beautiful venue. This year, we replaced our full-length Edwardian gowns for "roaring twenties" fringe and higher hemlines to reflect the times-they-are-a-changing for Downton Abbey.

Replacing long gowns for fringe and shorter hemlines

Roaring 20's at MBH's roaring fire in the great hall

A sold-out event of almost ninety guests, the dining room was filled with Downton Abbey-enthusiasts, many dressed in period attire.

Sold out event with almost 90 guests who received the royal treatment from Meadow Brook Hall's expert staff.

After the guests were treated to a sumptuous afternoon tea, which included both sweets and savories, Barb's Tea Service presented the story of Downton Abbey, providing a quick summary of Seasons One through Six of the television series to land firmly in 1927, the time of  last year's feature-length movie. 

The theme of the movie involves the Downton Abbey residents, both  upstairs and down,  preparing for a visit from the King and Queen of England. Guests at Meadow Brook Hall could relate as they were given the royal treatment from this elegant venue's staff.

Afternoon tea table set with Carson and team precision

Dining tables were set with fuchsia flowers in silver vases and silverware was placed with the precision of Carson and his team. Although a full array of utensils was not required for afternoon tea, we did spot the whole set of serving ware from Matilda Dodge Wilson's collection on display in the hallway, including a fish knife and fork (covered in detail in Twelve Etiquette Essentials: Formal Dining and Tea Time).

Silverware from Matilda Dodge Wilson's collection, with fish fork and knife (for more see BTS's book on dining etiquette)

After the tea talk, guests were given a tour of  Meadow Brook Hall by a team of expert docents, one of whom shared a photo of Lady Edith which could be a twin of Matilda Dodge Wilson, whose portrait hangs in MBH's entryway, in the late 1920's.

Barb's Tea Service was thrilled to see old and new friends in attendance and enjoyed meeting so many Downton Abbey fans!

Barb T and friends!

Daneen R. and friends attend DA afternoon tea at Meadow Brook Hall

There's a lot of buzz about a second Downton Abbey movie and, like many of the Meadow Brook Hall guests, we're hoping it materializes. It may indicate what we'll be wearing to Downton Days next year. Hope to see everyone back in Rochester's own Highclere Castle in 2021!

A special thanks to special tea friend, Barb Tabb, for the photos of her group and the dining room!

                                                                Tea time photo at MBH featured in British Tea Magazine