It took some time before cocktails were served at grand country houses. You may recall that Mary once warned Sir Richard: “I could ask Carson to make one for you, but I can’t guarantee the result.” It wasn't until Season 5 when Rose brought the cocktail party to … [Read more...] about Toast Your Favorite Downton Characters on New Years Eve
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The Downton Year Ends with Hogmanay
While Christmas in North America is a month long buildup of festivities, reflecting a melting pot of religious, cultural and secular traditions, New Years is more of an after thought, one last party before getting back to business. In Scotland however, Christmas is a low key … [Read more...] about The Downton Year Ends with Hogmanay
Fun Food History of Egg nog (eggnog)
Egg nog (or eggnog) means “egg in a cup” and traditionally is served in small cups, so you can save some calories simply by taking a smaller portion. Egg nog was a preferred holiday drink for English aristocracy who spent Christmas at country homes where estate dairies provided … [Read more...] about Fun Food History of Egg nog (eggnog)
Have Yourself a Very Downton Christmas
The rendering of a snowy Highclere Castle is the perfect image for a Christmas card, a tradition which dates back to 1843. Sir Henry Cole, a Victorian A-lister, was in the unenviable position of having to answer the stacks of Christmas letters he had received. In desperation to … [Read more...] about Have Yourself a Very Downton Christmas
Fun Food History of the Yule Log
If you missed Stir Up Sunday this year so no homemade Christmas Pudding or Fruitcake on your holiday sweets table, you can always impress your family and guests with another English tradition, the Yule Log cake or bûche de Noël as it is known to the French. Essentially it is a … [Read more...] about Fun Food History of the Yule Log