Written By: Bec | Last Updated: 10.02.2024
As Mr. Carson says, 'the business of life is the acquisition of memories’. Fuelled by mystery and vintage charm; this Downton Abbey themed party is sure to make you many! From lavish multi-course meals to dramatic escape room experiences; all the ideas you’ll need to host a party for the history books can be found below. This article probably contains affiliate links. This means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link below. Please see our Disclaimer for more info :) Related: 90+ Impressive Hen Do Theme Ideas Related: Tea Party Favor Ideas Downton Abbey Inspired Party (Quick Overview)
Bring your Downton Abbey-esque event to life with vintage ambiance aplenty! Venues inspired by the roaring 20s, period homes, stunning gardens, actual castles or even some creative decorating will create the ideal setting. An exquisite high tea, luxe dinner party or elegant cocktail soiree will pair perfectly with this theme. As will activities such as card games, vintage dance classes, costume sketches, mysterious escape room experiences, a retro photo booth, or a screening of the series/film itself. And finally, what would this theme be without some fabulous outfits? Immerse yourselves in this wonderful era with 1920's inspired outfits, or by dressing as your favourite Downton Abbey character. Overall, this celebration is sure to be one for the history books!
Check out our favourite Downton Abbey party ideas on Etsy!
★ Click here to view our hand-picked collection ★ 'I Should Hate to be Predictable' - Lady Violet Crawley What is a Downton Abbey themed party without a little drama? Add just the right amount to your day with a DIY 1920s murder mystery escape room kit. The one we used can be played from any location (perfect for hen parties and bridal showers alike!).
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And finally, finish off your 20th century style table with a delicious assortment of food.
You can either focus on serving meals with a Downton twist (such as roast beef, oysters and Yorkshire pudding), or create your own combinations of dishes (such as a mix of the bride-to-be's favourites - adding a sweet and personalised touch to her day).
Handy Tip:
Serving various courses at your party will mean a great deal of cooking for the host. So it's important to think about the night and how involved you want to be in this part of it.
Would you like to take it all on yourself? Ask for help from the bridesmaids? Book a catering company? Organise a private chef? Or even coordinate a pot luck dinner?
You could also hire a (topless) waiter to help with serving! A bit of cheek for your royal affair.
ELEGANT COCKTAIL SOIREE
Set a glamorous scene indoors with candles (both in mason jars and on tiered stands), flowers, pearl draped centrepieces, and fabric bunting. You might also like to add some vintage mirrors, large rugs, peacock feathers, Crawley family portraits (Google is your friend here) and cocktail stations.
Hosting outside? Keep it light, bright and fun with floral garlands, fabric bunting and twinkle lights. If your budget allows, large, white tents were oftentimes found at these wonderous occasions.
Handy Tip:
For those setting up cocktail stations, make sure they are overflowing with martini glasses, champagne coupes, shakers, gin, champagne and an assortment of mixers.
Can you spot the sneaky Escape Room clue within our cocktail station below?
After More Décor Ideas?
The following items draw inspiration from the early 1920s (as well as the Downton Abbey series itself):
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Once you’ve transformed the space, guests will be forgiven for thinking they’ve arrived at the real Downton Abbey, ready to party with the Crawley family themselves!
Handy Tip:
When it comes to sourcing decorations, we recommend asking before purchasing. You never know what treasures your friends and family have hiding in their homes. No luck with this? Many of the items mentioned above can also be found at op shops, garage sales and in antique stores.
DIY QUOTE DECORATIONS
We used quotes from the TV series in our decorating (see images below).
These were lovingly created with Canva, using one of their vintage backdrops and a vintage font.
Not only were these signs cheap and easy to make, but they were also great for hanging on the wall, placing on food/drink tables, and for using as photobooth props!
We used quotes from the TV series in our decorating (see images below).
These were lovingly created with Canva, using one of their vintage backdrops and a vintage font.
Not only were these signs cheap and easy to make, but they were also great for hanging on the wall, placing on food/drink tables, and for using as photobooth props!
SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE QUOTES (& OTHER SAYINGS) THAT ARE PERFECT FOR THIS:
- 'Are you here to help? Or to irritate?' - Dowager Countess of Grantham
- 'I never argue. I explain' - Dowager Countess of Grantham
- 'Don't be defeatist dear, it's very middle class' - Lady Violet Crawley
- 'I should hate to be predictable' - Lady Violet Crawley
- 'At my age one must ration one's excitement' - Dowager Countess of Grantham
- Keep calm and ring Mr. Carson for tea
- You don't watch Downton Abbey? How middle class of you.
If you'd rather not design your own, Etsy has a great selection of themed printables (such as this one).
Add a Touch of Drama
Downton Abbey is all about the romance, style and drama. We’ve got the romance and style covered – but what about the dramatic twists?
This is where a DIY escape room activity comes in.
This is where a DIY escape room activity comes in.
Based on the roaring 20s, Lock Paper Scissors' 'Envy' kit makes the perfect addition to this theme.
Not only is it fun and exciting, but it also adds some fabricated mystery and drama to the day (which, I’m sure you’ll agree, is much better than any real scandals).
See the images below for some of the ways we included this kit in our Downton Abbey themed party (no clue spoilers, we promise!).
Fun Tip:
We hand delivered 'telegrams' to each team to get the escape room started (the perfect way to surprise guests if they didn't know about the activity beforehand).
See the images below for some of the ways we included this kit in our Downton Abbey themed party (no clue spoilers, we promise!).
Fun Tip:
We hand delivered 'telegrams' to each team to get the escape room started (the perfect way to surprise guests if they didn't know about the activity beforehand).
OTHER ACTIVITY IDEAS
The murder mystery escape room was a hit, but you still want more? This list of themed games and activities has got you covered:
The murder mystery escape room was a hit, but you still want more? This list of themed games and activities has got you covered:
- Quizzes: Downton Abbey quiz (click here for a FREE pre-made option)
- Sketching: costume or wedding dress sketches (Downton Abbey style, of course!). You may like to print off a sketch of a person/face to get everyone started (guest's can then add the outfits). Hand out prizes for funniest design, most creative design, and the design most likely to be worn by the cast
- Card games: popular in the 1920s, your bride-to-be's favourite card games would make the perfect addition to her special night
- Movie night: Host your own Downton Abbey movie or TV show viewing party (alternatively, just have it playing on low volume in the background at your event)
- Photobooth: complete with your favourite quotes from the series, plus a range of vintage props (those pictured below can be found in your Escape Room kit)
- Dancing: vintage dance class (such as the Charleston)
- Quotes: Downton Abbey ‘Match the Quote’ game
- Charades or Pictionary: where teams can act out or draw the bride-to-be's favourite part of the series/movie
And Finally... The Outfits
The final touch to your sophisticated soiree. Are you ready to don your favourite vintage attire?!
For guests who aren’t quite sure what to wear, we suggest the following:
FABULOUS 1920'S FASHION:
Formal gowns, drop earrings, evening shawls, stockings, bejewelled head pieces, tiaras, drop waist dresses or skirts, and strands of pearls are just some of the glamorous outfits and accessories worn proudly in this era. For a full outfit guide, click here.
FAVORITE CHARACTERS:
If a Downton Abbey character truly resonated with you, why not dress the part? Martha Levingson, Cora Crawley, Daisy Mason, Lady Mary Crawley and Violet Crawley, just to name a few, all had their own unique style that is just waiting to be replicated.
For guests who aren’t quite sure what to wear, we suggest the following:
FABULOUS 1920'S FASHION:
Formal gowns, drop earrings, evening shawls, stockings, bejewelled head pieces, tiaras, drop waist dresses or skirts, and strands of pearls are just some of the glamorous outfits and accessories worn proudly in this era. For a full outfit guide, click here.
FAVORITE CHARACTERS:
If a Downton Abbey character truly resonated with you, why not dress the part? Martha Levingson, Cora Crawley, Daisy Mason, Lady Mary Crawley and Violet Crawley, just to name a few, all had their own unique style that is just waiting to be replicated.
Related to These Downton Abbey Themed Party Ideas
RETRO HEN DO IDEAS:
Has your best friend requested a retro themed hens party? Or perhaps you know she will adore such a theme, but aren’t quite sure where to start your planning? From cheeky soirees to relaxed afternoons, here are some fun vintage inspired party options to inspire you! |
EPIC HEN PARTY THEME IDEAS:
From outrageous fancy dress to beautiful bold colours, there are bound to be hen themes that suit your bride-to-be’s personality perfectly! Check out the options in this article for instant inspiration. |
Bringing a Little Bit of Downton to Your Celebration
It's time to whip up some finger sandwiches and a delicious cup of tea (or perhaps something a little stronger); you're about to pick your favourite ideas from above and turn them into one sophisticated, stylish, and dramatic plan.
The result?
A Downton Abbey-themed party that takes guests straight back to the Jazz Age itself.
Whether it be held at an old-world castle or at your kitchen table, evoke the right mood and you're guaranteed to have a great time!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
(AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
P.S. There is a lot of inspiration above, and not all of it needs to be followed. Work with your budget, venue and the items you have on hand. If you think outside the box and, at times, get a little crafty, the result will be a celebration that's unique and fabulous in its own right!
The result?
A Downton Abbey-themed party that takes guests straight back to the Jazz Age itself.
Whether it be held at an old-world castle or at your kitchen table, evoke the right mood and you're guaranteed to have a great time!
Much love, keep smiling - Bec x
(AUS Facebook Group | Worldwide Facebook Group | Pinterest)
P.S. There is a lot of inspiration above, and not all of it needs to be followed. Work with your budget, venue and the items you have on hand. If you think outside the box and, at times, get a little crafty, the result will be a celebration that's unique and fabulous in its own right!
P.S. THE BELOW IMAGE IS PERFECT FOR PINTEREST... GO ON & SHARE THIS FABULOUS DOWNTON ABBEY THEMED EVENT INSPIRATION WITH FELLOW FANS - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO! :-)
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