The Crawleys are back on TV and you know what that means—time to throw the perfect Downton Abbey dinner soiree! Don’t disappoint Granny with a poorly set table or offend Mr. Carson with the wrong type of wine. Here are all the tips you need to host a perfectly proper party.
Appropriate Attire
Let’s face it…it’s not actually the early 1900s in Great Britain, so requiring your guests to get completely decked out in gowns and tuxedos may be a tad much. But having them don period-appropriate hats and tiaras is totally fine! The options are endless, as evidenced by a quick search for “Downton Abbey Hats” on Pinterest.
Setting the Table
Three forks may seem excessive for one meal, but no Downton dinner party is complete without an elegantly set formal table. If you are lost when it comes to utensil placement, look no further than the etiquette queen herself, Emily Post. Find out where to put your plates, glasses and more with this in-depth tutorial.
Dinner Service
Show creator Julian Fellowes revealed in an interview with The Daily Mail that the show often includes recipes from a Victorian-era cookbook called Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management, first published in 1861. The book features an extensive list recipes for every course, including sections on soups, fish, meat, sauces, puddings and desserts—all of which are available for viewing online. Take your pick, get cooking and make Mrs. Patmore proud!
The Right Wine
The drinks never cease to flow during mealtime on Downton and your party should definitely follow suit. This Downton-themed duo from Dulong Grand Vins vineyard will accompany your meal perfectly and impress diehard fans of the show.The Claret, a classic Bordeaux red blend, should be served with cheeses, game, grilled red meats and hearty stews while the Blanc, a Bordeaux white wine, pairs well with goat cheese, fish and shellfish.
Dessert
Finish the evening off right with some adorable Downton Abbey cookies from Le Baker’s Dozen in Montclair, New Jersey. Seriously, could they be any cuter? Or, if you’re feeling creative, whip up a dessert from Mrs. Beeton! The Everton toffee and red-currant jam look especially delicious.
Lastly, I got a personal tip from Downton Abbey director Brian Percival during a recent interview I conducted for the film The Book Thief (check the interview out here). When asked what his biggest piece of advice for throwing a proper Downton party, he said, “Make sure all the cutlery is in exactly the right place.” Wise words. Cheers!
- Cookie Collection: Le Baker’s Dozen
- Table Setting Chart: EmilyPost.com
- Downton Abbey TV Stills: Masterpiece Theater
