Jane Austen Fest in Mount Dora: Why we're already planning for next year's visit!

Jane Austen Fest in Mount Dora last weekend - we're already planning for next year!

Regency fashions, afternoon tea, and a deep dive into Jane Austen’s enchanting cousin, Eliza, were all part of a delightful three‑day weekend in Mount Dora celebrating the famed author of six novels, including Pride and Prejudice.

This weekend, the charming central Florida town once again hosted the Jane Austen Fest, now in its sixth year. The Fest is a non‑profit organization that awards scholarships to young women while offering the community and its guests three days of Regency‑themed events. Board President Margaret Anderson, a lifelong Austen devotee, oversees the festivities. Her passion and dedication—supported by a team of tireless volunteers—result in an incredible, and incredibly full, weekend of activities for Austen fans of every level.

The marketplace is Regency shopping in Annie Donnelly Park.

As luck would have it, we were vacationing in Florida for the month and, even better, staying only forty minutes from Mount Dora. During an afternoon of sightseeing with family two weeks ago, we spotted banners for the Jane Austen Fest, and I signed up immediately. Although the afternoon teas at the town’s Victorian jewel, the Donnelly House, had sold out early (note to self: book ahead next year), there were still plenty of activities to enjoy. The marketplace offered a variety of vendors—dresses, crafts, and tea, including a special Jane Austen blend that will be featured in an upcoming blog. There were also fashion shows, a Regency ball, and a central gathering spot—an "Assembly Room" —where guests could chat, browse books, or work on a communal jigsaw puzzle.

Margaret Anderson, JA Fest President

Claire Saim, author, discussed Jane's "almost French cousin".

                       

But one event on the weekend schedule truly captured my attention: a lecture on Jane Austen’s engaging and cosmopolitan cousin, Eliza de Feuillide, presented by French author Claire Saim. Saim wrote Jane Austen: A Visual Encyclopedia (yes, also to be featured in an upcoming BTS Tuesday Tea & Tomes).

In the City Hall Auditorium, conveniently just steps from Mount Dora’s Annie Donnelly Park, the home base for the Fest, Saim shared slides chronicling her Austen research throughout France. Granted rare access to the former home of Eliza and her husband—now a very private residence—Saim even visited what is believed to be the actual bedroom of Jane’s cousin.

Divine Jane tea

More Regency shopping.

BTS’ Austentacious Tea Talk has often mentioned Eliza and her jet‑setting life (before jets existed), including her time at Versailles, where she met Marie Antoinette. We like to imagine the two sharing a cup of tea, perhaps using the fine china the French queen helped design. (We have a reproduction from Bernardaud which we share at our tea talks.)

Mount Dora, a charming town, offers a variety of shops & dining during the Fest and all year.

There was so much to enjoy at the Jane Austen Fest and having it set in Mount Dora only enhanced the experience. After the presentation and a stroll through the marketplace, my husband and I explored the town on foot and ended our visit with a tapas lunch on a sunny outdoor patio.

Next year, we’ll be back—and afternoon tea will definitely be on our itinerary.

Goodwill Hunting: Treasures - and treasured memories - of thrift shopping!

Thrift shopping at Goodwill brings treasures and treasured memories.

 

Like a rags-to-riches movie drama, thrift shopping offers hope, promise, and, on occasion, a hodgepodge of memories.  In the thrill of the hunt, we've also learned, a few bad apples don't spoil the whole bargain barrel.

Last year I was introduced to thrifting—the art of scouring second-hand merchandise at mostly charitable retailers, where big-ticket treasures hide among piles of oddities and miscellaneous clutter. It’s a trend fueled by sustainability, quirky fashion finds, and the thrill of deep discounts.

Limoges tray among Goodwill finds.

Other Thrifts have books from the past.

I’ll admit it took a few outings before I embraced the experience. On my first visits, staring at counters of cast-offs and rifling through racks of items I would have readily placed at the curb, I found myself plotting an early exit. But after scoring a few major deals, I discovered an unexpected perk of bargain hunting: the memories tucked between the shelves.

My most recent thrifting adventure unfolded over two days in central Florida, where our family gathered for a mid-winter break. The temperatures were unseasonably cool, but the deals at Goodwill were undeniably hot. With my son and daughter-in-law in tow, we explored not only the charity shop but also thrift-adjacent haunts—flea markets and lower-end antique stores (think decidedly non-Sotheby’s).

String owl - I made one in the '70's.

My Grandma's Autunm Leaf dishes

                       

My haul was impressive: a mint-condition Limoges ceramic tray, a lusterware teacup and saucer, and two Wedgwood jasperware dishes—all for just over $20. For the cost of two and a half Starbucks Frappuccinos (and zero calories), I walked away with more than beautiful bargains. I found myself surrounded by echoes of my childhood and early adulthood. Though I lingered down those aisles of nostalgia longer than I realized, I’m fortunate to have a daughter-in-law who also leaves no gem-stone unturned, and our timing at checkout was perfectly in sync.

Wood Burning kit for children: The 1960's - early 70's were a different time for kids' toys. Watch out!

Among the cherished items I spotted: a stringed-owl craft kit I completed as a young teen; teacups from my grandmother’s pantry in the Superior Hall Autumn Leaf pattern; a series of famous-battles books my dad once owned; and a children’s woodburning set my brothers received one Christmas. The latter included a heated pen tool meant for decorating wood—though one brother used it to create an unwanted design on my parents’ mattress. (It was a different time. We grew up with ovens that melted plastic goop, klackers, and jarts.)

Wedgwood Jasperware mini dish set.

First everyday dishes, Corelle

                                      



                 

I even came across the first two sets of “everyday” dishes my husband and I owned: the blue-and-white Corelle, followed by our upgrade to Pfaltzgraff’s Village pattern. When I lifted a Pfaltzgraff piece to show my son, he smiled and said, “I remember those.”

How do we like those apples? We like them and we got their number! Pfaltzgraff memories complete with apple.

                                                                                                                                                 

By the end of my thrifting tour, I had gathered treasures that would brighten my dining room and, according to my antiques identifier app and a quick eBay search, if I chose to resell, I'd gain a net a profit of roughly $50. But the strolls down memory lane? Those were, as you might guess, absolutely priceless.

How do I like those apples? Like Good Will Hunting, I like them a lot and I got their (discounted) number!

Tuesday Tea and Tomes: The Secret Book Society - Women who read can be dangerous, especially in Victorian England

 

United by a passion for reading, four women in Victorian England form a clandestine club in The Secret Book Society.

There’s no greater luxury than a good book and a hot cup of tea. Today, that indulgence costs little more than a fragrant Earl Grey and the modest price of a novel. But for a lady of society in Victorian England, reading came with a far steeper price—one that could damage her reputation or even lead to permanent confinement. For women whose passions stretched beyond household guides and etiquette manuals, a simple gathering over tea and gossip could become the perfect cover for a clandestine club devoted to the pleasures of poetry and fiction.

That’s exactly what inspired the women of The Secret Book Society.

I hadn’t heard of this book until a recent stop at Novel, a newer bookstore–slash–sandwich shop in Rochester, Michigan. A particular section called to me, and after reading the back cover of this blue-and-gold–toned tome, I was hooked. Honestly, it had me at “forbidden.”

I found this book at Novel, a book/sandwich shop in Rochester, MI.

Written by New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin, the novel follows four women—each trapped by the rigid expectations of their era and the pressure to maintain appearances. Martin weaves their seemingly unrelated stories into a seamless tapestry strengthened by support, compassion, and ultimately, the deep bonds of friendship.

These four women are at very different stages of life—widowed, long-married, newly married, and single—but all have endured merciless scrutiny. The consequences for stepping out of line were severe. Writing a poem or speaking an honest opinion could land a woman in an asylum without judge or jury.

If that still prevailed today, I’d be in lockup.

And what authors are they secretly reading? Poe, Brontë, and Austen.

Yes—by those standards, I’d be labeled a lunatic without hesitation.

While the injustice is infuriating, the balm is the way these women lift one another up—thinking not only selflessly, but ingeniously. Each has also known the sting of betrayal from a so‑called “friend” who sought to elevate herself at someone else’s expense.

We’ve all had those encounters—the sadness and frustration when someone breaks a confidence or lies to get a better place in line. But when you find your tribe, their friendship becomes all the sweeter. The joys are shared, and the struggles become a team effort rather than a solitary fight.

We’re lucky to have the bookstores and libraries we love, the freedom to choose what we read, and the chance to find our own special tribe.

And, we're crazy for this book!

We give The Secret Book Society two white‑gloved thumbs up.

Barb's Tea Service's In/Out List for 2026: A return to comfort, calm and moore!

Smart snuggies and celery vases are in for 2026.

We love January—a month to exhale after the holiday hustle, indulge in a bit of self‑care, and look ahead to new opportunities, focus, and adventures. It’s also the perfect moment to shed some clutter, release tired habits, and embrace what’s next. As always, BTS is here to help guide the way, scouring respected media (Washington Post, New York Times, Variety) and adding our own humble opinions to create our annual In/Out List.

For those keeping track, this marks our 16th In/Out List, and a theme has clearly emerged from all our sourcing and (admittedly) biased commentary. Many of this year’s trends—some still tied to our 2025 list—lean into tranquility, comfort, and calm, with a nostalgic nod to life before smartphones and AI. Think granny hobbies, cozy décor, and accessories that soothe the soul. Bonus: savvy thrifting makes it all easier on the wallet. So wrap yourself in your warm snuggie, pour a cup of tea, and rest easy—you’re already trending.

IN/OUT 2026

Hue knew?

In: Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Color of the Year. Pantone describes it as “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence… encouraging true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe.”

We may need a bigger paint bucket. And although I’ve never met a shade of white I didn’t like, I’ll miss last year’s scrumptious hue.

Out: Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s 2025 pick. Chosen for its nurturing qualities and hints of chocolate and coffee (we added “tea”), it answered our collective desire for comfort. Our vote: welcome Cloud Dancer in, but save a little Mocha Mousse for dessert.

Some have only 3 more podcasts to go.

BTS podcast merch - very in!

Fashionable fashions

In:  Snuggies with a message. Remember the original blanket with sleeves, the pop culture phenomenon from 2008? Well, it's back, but with meaning. While sitting back with a good book, don't lose an opportunity to let the world know, you're not just resting, but you're communicating. We particularly favor the Jane Austen "upscale" version - more of a sweater slanket than an oversized hospital gown - that is emblazoned with quotes from the author of Pride and Prejudice. 

And for those who are passionate about their snack time, snuggies are not only still available, but come in assorted prints featuring Cheetos, M & M's and Snickers. *caution, wear only indoors if concerned about swag gap.

Out: Baggy jeans. According to Hello! Magazine, it's time to hang up those grunge-inspired slacks and replace with cigarette pants.  With a turn to a more polished look, the cigarette pants have the flattering look of skinny jeans without discomfort. Make room for these roomier pants in your closet and we think you'll be, like the Mask, sssssmokin'!

In:  BTS Podcast Swag: This year, BTS Podcast upped the ante with its coffee mug only merch to include five-time guest hoodies. Customized by Honeywood Embroidery, our first recipient was special guest, Rob Gulley.

Out:  Swag gap. One of the last gasps at relationship inequity call outs - which previously included large age differences or "cutability" mismatch - is the "swag gap". This occurs when one member is always dressed on pointe, while the other shows up in sweat pants (and, perhaps, a Cheetos snuggie).

Granma hobbies, a break from digital overload

Granny chic

In: Grandma hobbies. Needlecraft, puzzles, and baking are back, embraced by a whole new generation. Southern Living notes these activities “foster mindfulness and reduce anxiety by activating our senses.” A welcome break from digital overload and doomscrolling.

My millennial daughter, Rachel, who just took up cross stitching, recently hosted a “craft night.” Her friends brought projects, conversation, and plenty of tea to spill. 

Out: Cell phones at restaurants. At least one establishment is enforcing this. Hush Harbor in Washington, D.C., requires guests to check their phones before seating. The owner told the Washington Post he wants diners to rediscover “the magic of being present with others.” For selfie withdrawal, Polaroids are available for rent.

Celery vase thrift find.

Recent thrift store excursion.

                   

Retail therapy

In: A shift to the thrift. Bargains, unique finds, and planet‑friendly shopping—all wrapped into one experience. We embraced this trend last year (see May’s Substack, A Shift to the Thrift), and it’s only gaining momentum. Our latest treasure? A celery vase (another trend!) that felt like a casino win. Instead of three‑of‑a‑kind, we scored one‑of‑a‑kind—for under $10.

Out: Getting Sak’d? Saks Global recently filed for bankruptcy, citing online‑shopping growth, a debt‑financed Neiman Marcus acquisition, and declining luxury purchases. Our daily lives will continue uninterrupted.

Matilda, dressed as Santa, will change outfits to reflect season/occasion. 

Gone Afoul

In: Porch geese. As noted in last month’s blog, They’re Back: The Return of the Porch Goose, these faux fowls are once again dressing for every season and occasion. From Santa suits (see Matilda) to sports‑team gear to a judicial robe and lace collar for RBG‑inspired days, they’re back and delightful.

Out: The Bird Test. A viral TikTok showed a woman telling her husband she saw an interesting bird. He didn’t ignore her—but he didn’t engage either. One million views later, the question stands: is noticing the mundane the true test of compatibility?

A Washington Post article notes that couples who share the ordinary as well as the extraordinary tend to have longer lasting relationships.

I told this story to my husband. He replied, “Sorry, wasn’t listening.” (We celebrate 43 years this May.)

Muppets are coming back!

Looking more like Statler and Waldorf

           

  

The Arts

In: Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and The Gilded Age (see BTS blog for upcoming schedules).

In: More classics‑to‑screen adaptations—Wuthering Heights among them. Will Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have us asking more of the moors?

In: The Muppets. The beloved puppet menagerie returns to TV in February. We’ll be watching for Statler and Waldorf; since the last airing, we relate to the balcony duo more than we’d like to admit.

Detroit Lions cakes at Home Bakery

Be a Good Sport

In: Winter Olympics and Mountain Skiing. The Games arrive in Milan this month with new events, including “skimo”—athletes climb a mountain (sometimes with skis), then switch gear and ski down. We propose another new event, combining Emily Bronte with cross-country skiing across the countryside. Of course, we'd call it Ski-moor. 

Out: The Lions—at least for this the remainder of the season. We expect Jaymo(re) things in 2026. In the meantime, let them eat cake at Rochester’s Home Bakery.

Celebrating 60th podcast with fellow podcasters. Hard at work?

Mixed Media

In: With Love, Barb’s Tea Service Podcast and its special guests. We hit episode 65 this month and have even more guests lined up for the year. As we like to say—stay tuned.

Out: With Love, Meghan Markle. Netflix and the Duchess of Sussex are parting ways after a low‑energy lifestyle series with disappointing ratings. At Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, Meghan noted, “Eight episodes for two seasons—it’s a lot of work.” Don’t we know it (see above “In”).

BTS banner year of tea events. Ready for 2026!

Barb's Tea Service Tea Events

In:  Barb's Tea Service Tea Talks and more! After a near record-breaking year of tea events, we're ready for 2026. Our most popular:  Downton Abbey, Gilded Age, Bridgerton, Jane Austen, Tea Customs Around the World and Tea and Chocolate Pairings. Contact us at barb@barbsteaservice.com or check out our website, barbsteaservice.com  for more information:  

Last Word (but you know, we’re never quite done!)

In: Barb’s Tea Service friends and family—including those we’ve yet to meet. We are grateful for your support and patronage. You’re all trending, and we raise our teacup (clink) to toast to you and to both a wonderful 2026 and a continued holiday era! 

Celebrating the holiday era all year!