Downton Abbey Tea at Commerce Township Library: A gathering of old and new friends ("Then and Now")

Downton Abbey-inspired Tea at Commerce Library, with sisters Cecelia and Wendy Julien

Barb's Tea Service wrapped up its spring season of five events in less than four weeks at Commerce Township Library, hosting a Downton Abbey-inspired tea talk. Our staff included longtime BTS team member, Rob G., joined by the support and scones of great tea friend, Barb T.

BTS team Rob & Rachel, 2015

Rob G. serving tea for twenty years. . . 

              

We were thrilled to be asked to come back to the Commerce Library at the invite of Librarian, Alexis Shirk, who first reached out to us last year for our Jane Austen talk. We presented our "Austentacious Tea" April, 2024, where best-tea, Pam G. served up the Earl Grey and assorted tisanes.

Librarian, Alexis S, intro to DA tea

Alexis & BTS team member, Pam, Austen tea 2024

Last year, at the Commerce Library, we also met Jerry and Linda who were also among the guests at last week's Downton Abbey tea. Again, Larry was one of two winners of BTS' tea treat giveaway. Their humor and charm are always a delight!

Barb and Barb T. at this week's DA tea

 Barbs at Austentacious Tea, 2024

                   

We also were introduced to Cecelia and Wendy Julien, two lovely sisters who shared their family tradition of meeting every Sunday at their mother's house to watch Downton Abbey together. 

Linda and Jerry P. fun guests and frequent winners!

Jerry and Linda, last year's JA tea

The icing on the cake, or as we like to say, the "cream on the scone", was a beautiful cross stitch piece Barb gifted me at the DA event. Her needlework is incredible and I'm always in "awe" of her work. I've now added that to my dining room display.

"Cream on the scone":  beautiful cross stitch to add to my collection. Thank you, Barb T.!

And, in case you were wondering, it is always time for tea - especially when it includes old and new friends and a tenured tea server. 

More pictures below from the Downton Abbey-inspired Tea at Commerce Township Community Library. Thanks to all who joined us for this fun afternoon!

Among the tea, treats provided by guests, including Barb T.'s most delicious scones.

Rob serving Wendy & Cecelia, sisters with fond memories of watching DA with family every Sunday.

Guests ready for tea and treats at Commerce Township Community Library

A great group of old and new friends for BTS' Downton Abbey-inspired tea at Commerce Library