High Tea, High Drama

High Tea, High Drama
Narragansett Historical Society hosting 'Downton Abbey'-themed party Saturday

Courtesy photo illustration Members of the Narragansett Historical Society will dress as characters from “Downton Abbey” for a tea party modeled after the famous show.

Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON  The Narragansett Historical Society will host a summertime “extravaganza” Saturday that will see the society’s grounds and garden transformed for a tea party modeled after the hit PBS series “Downton Abbey.”

“It’s a whole, full-blown high English tea,” said Kerry Bettez, one of the organizing members.

Whether you’re a fan of the famed period drama or just want to watch a tea party, Ms. Bettez said there will be a wide range of activities planned for the afternoon. Guests can relax in the garden, take a free tour of the society’s museum, listen to jazz music, and even take in a game or two of croquet.

“We do regular teas through the summer, but we’ve never done one on this scale,” Ms. Bettez commented.

Planning for the “Downton Abbey”-themed tea began about a year ago, when Ms. Bettez began talking to other members who enjoyed the iconic “flapper”-style dress popular in the 1920s. Pairing the costumes with the television series, she realized, would be a great way to incorporate their interests and also get more people down to the society.

“It was the perfect time to do it,” she said. As the idea grew, more members became involved, and Saturday’s event, Ms. Bettez said, will feature a full cast of characters from the television show played by many of the society’s officers. President Brian Tanguay will be playing Robert Crowley, head of the household, while member Virginia Strahan dons the purple wardrobe of the stately Lady Violet, and Ms. Bettez takes up the apron and rolling pin of Ms. Patmore, who runs the kitchen with an iron fist.

“We’re not working off a script really, but we’ll all be in character,” Ms. Bettez said.

The event will also feature a large buffet, baked goods and, of course, all the tea you can drink. The party will kick off at 2 p.m., going until 4:30 p.m., with a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children. Guests are encouraged to track down period clothes and come in costume.

The society has several other tea parties planned this summer, including a Mad Hatter-themed tea on July 11 and a Beatles-themed event on July 18.