Downton Abbey

 Strawberry tea at Downton Abbey
 

 How will we ever wait for Season 3 of Downton Abbey after last night's finale? That is the big question. At least there was resolution to the Lady Mary-Mathew question.
 

Did you know all this intense interest in English country houses was ignited in 1974 with the Roy Strong exhibit at the Victoria and Albert museum? Before that most grand houses were neglected and left to the demolition ball - hundreds of them.

 There has been a great flurry of activity leading up to yesterday's finale.
 

 Ralph Lauren has embraced DA without reservation.
 

 Frankly I can do without Ralph Lauren's interpretation of valet Mr. Bates outfit easily.
 

 On the other hand these paperdolls by illustrator Kyle Hilton are simply adorable. You can download them at New York Magazine.
 

 Also adorable is the BBC's parodie of 'Down Town Abbey'
 

 Don't miss it!
 

 For total immersion sans PBS/Netflix get your paws on The World of Downton Abbey.
 

 It's really quite terrific and second best to the best escape around(DA) other than eating gelato.
 

 Did you know before big houses installed the bell-board system (in the 1820s) 'footmen had to sit on hard chairs within earshot of the family' waiting for the call to attend. Horrors. The World of Downton Abbey is full of useful trivia like that. Plus how DA came in to existance at all.

 *Spoiler alert. I'm certainly glad we have Lady Mary's wedding to look forward to after so much war, devastation and several funerals. We're overdue.

I like this advice DA author Julien Fellowes said his father once gave him:

“If you have the misfortune to be born into a generation which must earn its living, you might as well do something amusing.”

Tea at Downton Abbey

 Are you a Downton Abbey addict too? Who is not enthralled?
 

 Have you considered the three Downton sisters fit the classic sibling trio parfaitment?
 

 Eldest daughter, Lady Mary, of whom much is expected, is bossy, a tad arrogant and the most privaledged of the three.
 

 Middle daughter, Lady Edith is certainly neglected. Her parents have chosen her to look after them when they're old, but Edith has other ideas...ahem
 

 Youngest daughter, Lady Sybil is wild, free and tempted to cavort with the household Socialist chauffeur, Branston - typically naughty. By the way, did you know the British version of DA is longer? You can watch the original uncut version on Amazon.
 

 But on to other things like tea in London - I'll be there 3 days in March and much ground must be covered. I'm fond of Tea & Cake/London, though I waited till I got home to order it...silly me.
 

More than 70 tea salons in mouth-watering photos + vital info. I haven't been to Peggy Porschen's Parlour at 116 Ebury Street, Belgavia SW1. Have you?
 

 I just finished cover artwork for Peggy's newest book, Boutique Baking, out in the Spring.

A few preparatory doodles.

 My other favorite go-to guide for London is, Shop Image Graphics In London.
 

 Design has to play a part where you go in London doesn't it?

 Peyton and Byrne never disappoints for ultimate Englishness both visually and taste bud-wise.
 

 Thank you PBer Karen for sending me a shot of menu art I did for Maison Blanc patisseries.
 

 Do you long to immerse yourself in Downton Abbeyness? Just hang out in front of Fortnum and Mason's windows. Or better yet go inside and pretend to be a Duchess.
 

 My fav go-to gouter/snack in London is eaten sitting on a bench not in a fancy tea salon. To-die-for Ottolenghi take-away lemon/passionfruit tarts...sigh
 

Art by ?

I wish I knew where I shot this picture in London, but very adorbs no?

Bon Weekend PBers!