Oh, So… Downton Abbey

Well, Season 4 is underway here in the States! What did you think? Can we recover from the end of Season 3? I thought Sunday night’s debut was pretty good… it satisfied my longing to see our familiar friends from the Abbey!

I thought I would pull together some of the Best of Downton… from fashion to printables and more! And, of course, a great quote from the Dowager Countess (what would the show BE without her?).

And, at the end of the post will be your chance to enter a giveaway for $475! I know… I have TWO giveaways going on right now. I just got super-excited, because I actually won a $300 giveaway right before Christmas, so I want you to know that there really ARE winners in these things.

And the next winner could be you!! Maybe your winnings could go toward a fabulous tour of the Highclere Castle in England!

While perusing a whole bunch of Downton Abbey sites, etc., I came across the Downton Abbey Unofficial Cookbook which includes the recipe for Apple Charlotte that was central to the plot of this episode: Season 1, Episode 5.

Cora had invited Sr. Anthony Strallan to dinner as a potential husband for Lady Mary, and to further entice him (the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach) asked Mrs. Patmore if she could prepare Apple Charlotte, a favorite of Sir Anthony.  Embarrased that she was unable to read the receipt (recipe) Cora presented, she protested that the provisions of the dessert for that evening had already been arranged.  We do know in the end her eyesight betrayed her anyway, resulting in the salting of the raspberry meringue pudding.  An embarrassment to the Crawleys, but no real harm done.  Luckily for Mrs. Patmore, this family is very fond of their servants, and dispatched Mrs. Patmore to London for an operation to correct the problem, and all was well. – Downton Abbey Cooks

 

And here’s a most delightful post from The Seasoned Homemaker on fashion of the day. Leslie even includes photos of vintage sewing patterns with a link to where you can get them!!

If you are planning a ‘Downton Abbey Viewing Party’, there are some fabulous party ideas out there! Like this invitation from My Sister’s Suitcase:

And this great quote from the Dowager Countess to slip into a frame and perhaps place on the sideboard next to all your great Downton dishes!

And, yes, there are real live Trips and Tours that common folks like us can take, perhaps the ultimate being a trip to see Highclere, the British Castle where the wildly popular television series is filmed.

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed this round-up of all things Downton! If you’re like me, you can’t wait till Sunday night!!

Good Day!

Now for the giveaways I promised:

I’m joining with these fabulous blogs to give away a LOT of money… $475… deposited right into your paypal account.

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Giveaway Primary Sponsors:
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And the other giveaway is HERE.

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