Tea Time at Downton Abbey

For our latest PennyWise Downton ideas pop over to our post Ring Carson for tea!

Will Mary and Matthew go through with the wedding? Will Bates be set free? Will Cora's mother be a match for the Dowager Countess?

If any of these queries have kept you on the edge of your seat these many months, then you might be just as smitten with Masterpiece's Downton Abbey as I am. So in honor of it's long awaited return for season 3, (or 4 if you're across the pond) I thought I'd celebrate with a Downton inspired tea and viewing party! Never seen the series? Not to worry, many of these tea time ideas can be adapted to other festive Anglophile occasions.

Of course with no Mrs Pattmore to bake crumpets or Carlson on hand to oversee the tea service, this fete might be a tad scaled down by Downton standards; and since my "downstairs" is a basement consisting of storage boxes and a dusty treadmill rather than a bevy of well dressed footman and kitchen maids, I kept things easy to make with a staff of one (me)

Please note, this is just a fun cheeky nod to the formal tea which was considered an important ritual in the Edwardian time, so excuse the glaring historical inaccuracies and leniency with proper etiquette; so put the kettle on, grab gloves and a fabulous hat, Tea is Served.

For wonderful authentic recipes and fun historical facts, this is a wonderful website: http://downtonabbeycooks.com

       Downton Votive                            

Be lord or lady of your own grand but scaled-down estate with an easy mini Downton votive. 

Print out this, or any preferred image of the Abbey, to appropriate size. Using a craft knife carefully cut out several windows. Tape discreetly onto clear candle holder or vase and pop in a flameless votive or two! I liked the way this square container worked with the architecture and the unusual orange color (It came from a fall flower arrangement) gives the light a warm glow. I used two identical printouts to wrap completely around votive.

on our Printables page

Earl Grey Tea Spoon Cookies

I just love these cute little shortbread spoons I see around from time to time, and thought an Earl Grey  version would be a perfect addition to the tea table. Serve with a dollop of clotted cream and lemon curd or as is with assorted teas, small tea sandwiches and other store-bought or homemade confections. These have a lightly sweet distinct Earl Grey flavor.

There are several good recipes online but I'm partial to this flavored shortbread from FoodNetwork.com, easily adapting the shape from a simple round cookie to a cute little spoon! 

Ingredients: 
flour
confectioners sugar
vanilla
salt
butter 
loose tea leaves.                                                           

Get the yummy Recipe here

 Make sure to let the butter come to room temperature

 I cut open 4 Twinings teabags yielding about 2 tablespoons of loose tea

 Here's where I stray from the recipe. 

Instead of rolling the dough into a log shape, flatten it between two sheets of plastic wrap to about 1/3 of an inch before chilling. I couldn't find my rolling pin but happily my Costco thermos worked really well in a pinch!

Once chilled and firm, cut out shapes. I didn't have a spoon shaped cookie cutter so I roughly cut around a small iced tea spoon with a sharp knife, simply making the stems shorter.

Let them cool well before removing from sheet as they are fragile while very warm. They will have light golden brown edges.

Painted Tea Chest

Of course tea was a prized commodity in Downton days, and every respectable household had an elegant tea caddy. You can find them in many wonderful gourmet or antique shops and online but here's a DIY version that repurposes a flea market or tag sale find on a commoner's budget.

You'll need:

Box with lid -from craft store or old jewelry box (mine was $2 at a yard sale)

Suitable paint
Stencil Initial if desired
Decorative Label -if desired
 *This East India Tea seal is on our printables page and was found at  http://www.columbia.edu
Modge Podge
Scrap velvet or satin if desired for lining

I found this old jewelry box ages ago and was waiting to do something fun with it but if you don't have a flea market treasure on hand, another option would be an unfinished wooden box available at most craft stores very inexpensively.

First I gave it a good clean and then removed the eagle hardware.

I taped off a square area on top and painted it a basic black with gold edges and painted the knob.

Using a small stencil, I opted for my own last initial on the front but a G for Granthem or C for Crawley would work if you wanted to go authentically Downton. I quickly freehanded a mini crown and some swirls.

Then I decoupaged the seal on top and once dry gave it a quick coat of sealer.

I popped some scrap velvet into the bottom drawer and filled with tea and tea time accessories.

Character Masks 

 Images of Downton characters are easy to find online. Simply enlarge whomever you choose, print out  and using spray adhesive attach to sturdy paper. 

Glue on a craft stick and some flair if desired and get into character!

Mixing and Matching

 No formal matching tea set for twelve? Me neither.

 Mixing a variety of yard sale and hand me down teacups and saucers with some silver for sparkle can look surprisingly elegant

Ivy from the supermarket and some faux flowers brighten a winter afternoon

I don't know where the candelabra came from but because it is a little dramatic for my taste it is usually reserved for Halloween, covered with cobwebs and topped with a raven; so it's nice to use it in a more dignified setting.

Extra Touches

During commercial breaks why not test your knowledge and play Downton Trivia?

 Fun questions (and answers) here:

 http://www.funtrivia.com/en/Television/Downton-Abbey-20591.html

You can offer small tea related prizes for the winner if the thrill of victory isn't enough.

*

Have a selection of easy instant "costumes" from second hand or party stores: plumed hats, white gloves, derbies, fans and faux pearls for guests to sport to get into the spirit.

*

And if all else fails:

Auld Lang Syne: Happy New Year

Champagne Bubble Tablescape * Noisemakers Makeover

I admit it: I happily slept through the last few New Year's Eves, blissfully unaware of the frenzied countdown to midnight in Times Square; but just because you're not wide eyed and bushy tailed at the stroke of twelve doesn't mean you can't enjoy some New Year's Spirit with a few easy and festive touches that won't start next year's budget in the red.

For these projects, much of what I used, I had on hand. Sometimes in the spirit Christmas creativity I overdo the craft and dollar store runs. So comes December 26th, it's not unusual to find myself with a few extra (meant to get to them) unused craft supplies: clear glass ornaments, pearlized garland, silver tinsel - still in packages. Fortunately many of these items in a crystalline or white palette translate perfectly into New Year's decor. Don't have leftovers? No worries, most of these, or similar items can be found at after-holiday sales for mere pennies on the dollar.

I'm so thrilled- this post was chosen as one of Rooted in Thyme's Friday Favorites!

Many Thanks!

http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com

Bubble, Bubble
Champagne Bubble Centerpiece

You'll Need

Aforementioned "leftovers": glass globes, beaded garland, anything sparkly
Fishing line or clear beading string

Clear Pearl effect  or sparkle paint (if desired)

Chandelier, overhead light, or ceiling hook

Since Champagne can quickly go flat, why not create a flurry of unbreakable bubbles over your dining table or buffet. Those glass globes which crafters reinvent a million ways over the holidays: fill with snow, paint like a snowman, etc - make perfect light catching "bubbles" when unadorned, just as they are. Of course, if desired you can simply swirl some clear pearl effect paint inside and let dry for added luminescence. Throw in some soft white or champagne colored balls and simply hang your bubbles amid any garlands or tinsel in whatever design catches your fancy. You can also set some globes on your centerpiece to continue the effervescent effect.

For this display I cut varying lengths of clear monofilament attaching a globe at both ends of each string. Then I draped the line over the different curves in the light fixture. This saves a lot of knot tying directly onto the light fixture- especially when you're precariously perched on a dining room chair. Also this allows an easy adjustment in the length of the line once they are hung- simply gently pull one globe longer- the other will shorten- but it beats tying and untying.


I added some smaller white "bubbles" and other sparkle for interest. Pop a bottle of bubbly display some noisemakers and you're ready to ring in the next 365 days.

 I painted a Dollar store tray with chalkboard paint and wrote MMXIII

(yes I had to look up the Roman numerals)

The "clock" is from the printables put into mini frame ornament

Disclaimer: That's Prosecco in the glass stand, a wonderful italian sparkler and great alternative to more pricey bubbly. The good stuff on the table was a gift!

Make some Noise

They say the tradition of noise makers dates to ancient times as a way to chase off evil spirits. Though these aren't guaranteed to transcend the spiritual realm, they look fun displayed on the table and will make a good clamor come midnight.

You'll Need:

Party noisemakers (run about a $1 a pack)

Clock and music Printables (on our Printables page), or scrapbook, wrapping paper or stickers

tinsel and streamers

odds and ends

glue or hot glue

Though these noisemakers scream "party", I thought I'd give them an easy makeover to highlight the vintagey  New Year's theme and toned down color scheme. I simply cut images and doilies and hot glued over the existing noisemaker, then cut out accents like the clocks and added with ribbon or tinsel accents, or whatever you have on hand.

I found this vintage free art online. The music is "Auld Lang Syne" which apparently loosely translated means "the good old days"

The fun part is making each one unique.

before and after

Wishing everyone A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

great vintage images from: http://alteredartfun.blogspot.com

Chance of Flurries

Edible Snow Globes

There is something truly magical about a snow globe. Who hasn't gazed wistfully into one, mesmerized by the miniature perfect frosty world contained inside? Originally designed as paperweights in the 1800's, snow globes, (or waterdomes or snow shakers) have literally taken the world by "storm"; from plastic souvenirs to high end crystal spheres complete with music and flashing lights.
I thought it might be fun to create an "edible" version and although these treats are not completely true to their highly popular inspiration, they are a whimsical dessert that looks fun on the table for kids or kids at heart.

These are similar to the little oceans (gummy sharks swimming in blue jello) you might see at a child's birthday party but use a clear gelatin, snowman peeps and coconut "snow"

You'll Need

marshmallow Peep Characters (frozen until hard)

gelatin or vegetarian alternative

shredded coconut

sprite or clear soda or juice
blue sugar or coloring

wine glasses or globe shaped glassware

I followed the recipe on the knox gelatin label for knox bloc, using clear soda (sprite) in place of the water and fruit juice and reducing the packets of gelatin to three, but depending on the brand you may need to experiment. I also added a dash of blue sugar sprinkles as I was out of blue food coloring, to give it a pale blue cooler hue and to counteract the natural yellowy cast) There are also several vegetarian alternatives to gelatin I am dying to try.

Pour a small amount of gelatin in bottom of cup adding a generous amount of coconut. Let chill (about an hour).

 Press snowman peeps firmly into firm gelatin base, cutting a slit in surface if necessary. Once frosty is standing steady, carefully pour in a bit more gelatin mixture (don't cover completely as snowmen will float to the top. I lost a few that way) Chill again and repeat process continuing to add layers of gelatin mixture and sprinkles of coconut a bit at a time. I kept the gelatin mixture at room temperature during this process
Once jelled, sprinkle with more coconut and enjoy!

These were a bit tricky to photograph and are clearer in person. They have a light lemon lime coconut taste. Serve on a silver tray to catch the light.
Would love to try a "grown-up" version with Champagne!

Wishing you the Happiest of New Years!

Not a creature was stirring....

Pet Projects

Ginger Dog Treats in a Jar 
 Kitty Silhouettes

I recently read that Americans spend an average of $5 million dollars on their pets over the holiday season! Santa's list includes personalized Christmas stockings, a variety of toys and treats, not to mention spiffy new holiday outfits! 

Although Fluffy and Fido are worth every penny, here are some budget friendly ideas to celebrate our furry friends this season.

Ginger Dog Treats in a Jar

Recipe from Rachel Ray
http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipe/gingerbread-biscuits/

While your baking human cookies, why not throw in a batch of yummy holiday dog treats as well? This is also a fun and easy gift for any of the dog lovers on your list.

There are also other great recipes to try at this site (peanut butter pictured above)

http://www.lovescool.com/archives/2005/03/29/boneappetit/

Please Note: the original recipe continued cinnamon but a reader mentioned this could adversely affect dogs so I removed it. Ask your vet to be sure!

You'll need:

 Mason jar or decorative container (must hold 3 cups)

3 cups Wheat flour

1/2 tsp ground ginger-
tag with baking instructions (we have one on our Printables page)
dog bone cookie cutter- or any holiday shapes (a cat cookie cutter would be a riot)

ribbon or twine

Directions

Simply mix dry ingredients in jar, attach a fun cookie cutter and recipe tag! 

*Make sure to check with your vet if your dog has any dietary restrictions

Kitty Silhouettes

Everyone has digital photos of their pets but why not turn those pics into a classic silhouette. Of course this centuries old portrait technique originally used candlelight (and lots of patience) but we'll do more modern easy DIY versions.
These can also be done for dogs (or birds, or guinea pigs or humans for that matter) but since cats are known for demanding adoration from their owners, honoring them with their likeness to be prominently displayed seemed a fitting tribute. 

You'll Need:

photos of subject in profile 

(this can be more difficult that it would seem-even with an infinite collection of cat pics like mine)

sturdy paper or card stock

assorted paints

mini canvases

old jar lids- spray painted solid color
scrapbook paper

ribbbon, trim, glitter, odds and ends 

Once I found photos to use I sized them to scale and printed them out on sturdy paper

 The model, overseeing the creative process

 with a dark pen, I outlined the subject, taking license with the fur around the neckline to create a pleasing portrait

The photos don't have to be great light or focus-wise, more important is the angle of their cute little heads. Once outlined, carefully cut out silhouette.

 I flipped them over to tell how they would look in a solid color. These were fine but I added on the second ears, just feeling they looked more feline.

                                   

 There are several techniques you can use to create your pet portrait.

Using the silhouette as a template I placed it firmly on a mini canvas and painted the background black using a dabbing motion- like sponge painting. Once removed, the negative silhouette is created in white.

 I touched up any imperfections in the outline carefully with a small paintbrush and added some wispiness to the fur in places and "Le Chat" in white. Then I topped with a ribbon hanger and Voila!

I then finished painting the template cutout black and was able to create another portrait

                                       

I chose traditional black for these but any color combo will do.I lined the lids with scrapbook paper and glued the cut out portraits in the center. I also tried to match the color and style to the pet's personality: one loves sitting on books so I used the script the other fancies herself a princess so the pink damask.

 I then covered with a coat of Diamond glaze, let dry thoroughly and added trim, accents and ribbon hangers.

Wishing All Creatures great and small a Happy 2013!