By Gabrielle Pantera
For Downton Abbey fans, whether they be Brits or Anglophiles, a Downton-themed gift may be the perfect solution this holiday season. Julian Fellowes’ iconic British drama has received so many awards that it’s already been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series. Since its debut in Britain in 2010 it has become a cultural touchstone on both sides of the Atlantic. Season five debuted in September in Britain and will air on PBS in the USA on January 4th. Here is our selection of the best Downton gifts…
Gift Basket:
The Downton Abbey Holiday Gift Pack includes wine, a candle and tea to enjoy while perusing the Downton Abbey books or viewing last season’s episodes to get ready for the 5th season. The gift basket from www.wine.com includes: Downton Abbey Blanc and Claret Wines from the famed Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, by Dulong Grand Vins, a 130-year-old family-owned vineyard. The white is a blend of 70% Muscadelle and 30% Semillon Blanc, pale yellow in color with notes of tangerine and apricots. The claret is a classic deep purple in tint with hints of wild blackberries, raspberries and black currants on the nose.
For the non-drinker the Downton Abbey Tea is a caffeine-free ruby-red tea of rose, raspberry and hibiscus. Fruity, floral notes are promised with a touch of sweetness from stevia. And to set the mood, enjoy the French Claret candle scented with blueberry and concord grapes fused with violet and maple sugar.
Blu-ray
If you’ve been hankering for a marathon catch-up session or just want to enjoy the splendid country house interiors in all their glory, then the Downton Abbey Blu-ray/DVD box set of seasons 1-4 is just the ticket. Perfect preparation for January’s next season. 11-180 minute discs, region A/1. Priced at $109.99 from PBS.com
Books
A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey: Seasonal Celebrations, Traditions, and Recipes by Jessica Fellowes and Julian Fellowes. A new book for the Downton Abbey fans features beautiful photos and behind the scenes details. Hardcover, 320 pages, Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (October 28, 2014), Language: English, ISBN: 9781250065384 $29.99
Tea at Downton – Afternoon Tea Recipes From The Unofficial Guide to Downton Abbey by Elizabeth Fellow has recipes from the golden age of England. Shows how to throw the perfect Downton Abbey tea party. Paperback: 64 pages, Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 24, 2014), Language: English, ISBN: 9781500367411 $ 9.99
Downton Abbey: Rules for Household Staff by Carson. This is Carson’s handbook for the Downton Abbey staff. It details how to set a table, how to care for the wardrobes of the ladies of the house and much more. Contains instructions for a footman, lady’s maid, housekeeper, groundsman and more. There are also pointers for new staff. Hardcover: 128 pages, Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin (November 25, 2014). Language: English, ISBN: 9781250066329 $14.99
Calendars 2015
The Downton Abbey 2015 Page-A-Day Calendar boasts full-color photographs, quotes, characters, and 1920s trivia and history, as well as archival photos. Includes On This Day, Scandals and Sensations, and memorable words. Publisher: Workman Publishing Company; Page edition (July 21, 2014), Language: English, ISBN: 9780761179382 $14.99
Downton Abbey Engagement Calendar 2015, a weekly datebook full of color photographs with quotes and dialogue from the show. 128 pages, Publisher: Workman Publishing Company; Egmt Spi edition (July 21, 2014). Language: English, ISBN: 9780761179153 $ 14.99
Music
Christmas at Downton Abbey, the official 2-CD holiday collection of well-known carols and hymns. New recordings of traditional carols from Downton Abbey cast members Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Cora) and Julian Ovenden (Charles Blake) and a spoken word Christmas story read by Jim Carter (Mr. Carson). Downton Abbey theme music by composer John Lunn. Released November 17, 2014, Warner Bros. $20.99
Game
Downton Abbey, The Board Game, start in the servants hall where you’re give a task you need to finish in a specific destination as fast as possible collecting as many bells as you go. The more bells on the destination card the harder the task. With a roll the dice to reach your next destination, a Carson Card could be good or bad news. 3 years old and up, $49.99
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