My post Downton Abbey party report.

Loved the beginning of Downton Abbey season six. A few minor threads started and resolved and even more began!

And the party–splendid!

My husband was told he looked like like Mr. Mason…but who was I? I’m claiming I’m Violet in her younger, Victorian years. LOL. I love Maggie Smith’s Dowager character!

We had a show of hats, including a Lady Astor felt hat.

Dressing for dinner, complete with long gloves.

As for my English dish…I would do things a little differently next time. A few shots of the process…

I cut my sausages because I wanted smaller servings for the party. However, this meant some apple chunks inside escaped during the extended braising, and burnt. In the future I would cut the sausages after cooking.

Despite the unappetizing-looking charred bits, the flavor was good, if a little sweet, due to the mild sausage I used.

So what did other folks bring?

We had sausage pockets,

pork and mushroom pasties (my favorite!)

and Shepard’s Pie.

One of the sides was presented on a turn of the century plate.

And for dessert, a traditional Victorian sponge,

and a beautiful vanilla cake with Elderberry liqueur in the icing.

A splendid time was had by all!