Downton Abbey Tea and Silent Auction
Sunday, May 8, 2016
PACC’S Downton Abbey Mother’s Day Tea And Silent Auction on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 8, 2016. was a smashing success! It was a monumental effort (it seemed!) to coordinate everything – food, tea cups & saucers, tea pots, decorations, the silent auction – but the results were incredible. Everyone who attended commented on how much they enjoyed the event, and asked if we were going to do this next year, to which “Lady Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham” replied diplomatically: “Well, that all depends upon how exhausted we are when we are done with this event!”
The Parish Hall was transformed into a lovely English tea room. Most of those in attendance dressed for the occasion, and some even sported Downton era costumes.
It was a delight to see nattily attired children (one little boy sported an Irish cap!) enjoying tea sandwiches with their Teddy Bears and Dolls! Our costumed maids and footmen, supervised by “Mrs. Patmore” in the kitchen and “Carson” the butler in the Hall, never stopped a moment as they served tea, sparkling juice, assorted tea sandwiches, tasty warm nibbles & sweet cakes and cookies to all. “Lord and Lady Grantham,” along with the “Dowager Countess” and “Cousin Isobel” (as portrayed by members of PACC) were also among those in attendance at this festive event.
A photographer (dressed in period attire as well) took wonderful black and white photos for those who wanted a souvenir of themselves in their tea party best. A table of hats and accessories for men and women provided an incentive for many to pose!
The Silent Auction featured English and Mother’s Day themed items that brought out the competitive instinct in many who attended.
Everyone came dressed up for tea, and many of those who attended created their own “Downton Abbey” outfit for the occasion. Click this Costumes link to see some of the smashing looks people sported at the tea!
The Downton Abbey Tea Planning team did a fabulous job transforming the Parish Hall into a charming English Tea Room – a few well chosen props, some floral tablecloths, large potted plants – click this Decorations link to see a few more photos of the entry and the hall before the crowds came in.
There will also be a silent auction held during the tea, click the Silent Auction link for more information about donating items and a sneak look at some items that will be in the auction.
We had a yummy assortment of food, with tea sandwiches, egg tartletts (aka mini quiches) and even scones with clotted cream. Click the Food link to see some of “Mrs. Patmore’s” hardworking staff .