Guest Picks: 'Downton Abbey'–Inspired Dining
I’ll admit it, I’m a bit obsessed with the PBS Masterpiece Theater series Downton Abbey. All the pomp and circumstance, the outfits, the glamour, the old-fashioned formalities — I totally fell in love with it all. When I finally discovered the series (about a year after everyone else), I spent a whole weekend watching the episodes back to back — I said I was obsessed, didn’t I?
While I may not love the show enough to give up my modern conveniences in the kitchen, I can appreciate all of the little design touches that make the kitchen, dining room and parlor so uniquely and deliciously aristocratic. The next season is due to start in January (in the USA anyway, England gets the pleasure of watching about 6 months earlier), and I’m more than ready to watch! — Liza from (a)Musing Foodie
While I may not love the show enough to give up my modern conveniences in the kitchen, I can appreciate all of the little design touches that make the kitchen, dining room and parlor so uniquely and deliciously aristocratic. The next season is due to start in January (in the USA anyway, England gets the pleasure of watching about 6 months earlier), and I’m more than ready to watch! — Liza from (a)Musing Foodie
Photos & Products
Gold Lacquer Charger - $4
Gold touches are one way to give your place settings the kind of glitz seen at Downton.
The Unofficial Downton Abbey Cookbook - $16.43
If you really want to be authentic, cook up a meal that would make Ms. Patmore scream with delight. Try a recipe from this cookbook, and keep the book on display when not in use.
Hillsdale Furniture Wilshire Antique White 7-Piece Dining Set - $1,799
This Downton-inspired breakfast nook set is suitable for the parlor, or in my case, the eat-in kitchen.
Royal Albert Le Petite 9-Piece Mini Tea Set, Old Country Roses - $89.99
No Downton-approved dining room is complete without a proper tea set.
Why wear a lace scarf when you can adorn your dining room table with one? Lace accents are so Downton, and two or three of these along the table would be very antique looking.
Traditional Artwork - $79.95
Old-fashioned tin tiles dressed up ceilings in days of old, but you can use them now as a backsplash — or even on your own ceiling.
Royal Albert 5-Piece Place Setting, Old Country Roses - $79.99
These place settings have vintage Downton floral flair!
Saiber Rug, Light Blue - $179.95
Area rugs scream Downton Abbey. This one has beautiful muted tones that won’t compete with other decorations you may have going on.
Elk Lighting Gloucester 5-Light Chandelier, Antique Bronze - $247
Here’s vintage charm for the dining room in the form of a chandelier. It may be a little understated for those living at Downton Abbey, but I like it anyway.
Eight-Drawer Sideboard - $1,895
The legs of this hand-crafted sideboard give it a Downton Abbey feel. Adorn it with all the perfect accessories, and it will make the perfect faux-vintage accent for the dining room.
Leeber Candle Holders, 5-Light Hampton Candelabra - $85
A candelabra is perfect for adorning the dining room table amid perfect place settings.
Balustrade Dining Table, Rectangle - $1,995
Cora and the rest of the Crawley family would be pleased to have supper around this grand dining table.
Bernice Side Chair - $450
Place these stately chairs in the main dining room.
Cape Fear Pewter Candlesticks - $84.99
Individual candlesticks for the dining room table, or even on a side table, are a Downton classic.
Tea Straining Spoon - $11.95
Ever wonder what the best way is to get the most out of your tea bag? Try this handy gadget for your next afternoon cup.
Antique Floral Jacquard Table Runner - $79.95
A beautiful antique table runner can set off everything from china to wineglasses to luxurious candelabras.
Westbury 5-Piece Place Setting - $39.95
Simple, distinguished flatware goes great with all of the Downton design flair. Just don’t forget those “extra” pieces!
Lodge® Cast Iron 12" Skillet - $32.95
No Downton Abbey kitchen would be complete without cast iron skillets — a bunch of them, I’m sure. If you’ve never cooked in cast iron, you should really give it a try.
Mendocino Rectangle Dining Table, Light Honey - $3,250
Don’t forget about the Downton Abbey staff! Here’s a charming farmhouse table for the downstairs kitchen.
Mendocino Bench - $995
And here’s a simple bench to go with a simple farmhouse table for the Downton staff.
Next: Add a Dash of Downton Abbey Style
Next: Add a Dash of Downton Abbey Style