A Downton Abbey Birthday Party…Welcome to the 1920's!

"One cannot have too large a party" -Jane Austen

I love parties, I do.

And themed, parties...oh goodness, all the better!

My friend Chelsea and I share the same birthday,

and for the last 3 years have hosted a joint birthday party together

{see our Mad Men themed party from last year, here}

This year, the theme was So EASY, as we are both head over heels for the show Downton Abbey.

England...swoon, 1920's...double swoon...

it was meant to be:)

But remember, Chelsea and I are RATHER intense when it comes perfecting the theme. 

Here are a few fun things we did to usher Downton Abbey and the 1920's into our party...

1. Costumes! We made everyone dress up, and it made all the difference:) Chels and I also made our own "head pieces" by buying elastic bands and feathers from Michael's, so easy! We also had a costume contest which was quite fabulous!

2. Dancing! One of our close friends is a professional dancer, and she came prepared to teach us the Charleston and a bunch of other moves! We had that Great Gatsby soundtrack on repeat, and honestly, it was so so much fun. Everyone was a gem and got into it!

3. Fancy Names! You can't be at Downton without an air of status, now can you!?! At the door, we had everyone fill out a piece of paper that helped them figure out their "Fancy name". You picked a title {Countess, Duchess, Princess, or Lady, or Count, Duke, Prince, or Lord for the men}, then wrote your middle name, the street you live on, and the city of your birth. So, my fancy name was "Duchess Emma Pound of Chico"! At the end of the night, I read everyone's fancy name off, and people had to guess who was who! It was so fun!

4. Guessing Games! I had two guessing games up on the walls. One was called "Who's Who 1920's" and I had printed out a bunch of famous people from the 1920's. Everyone had to guess who was who! The second game was called "Who Said It- Downton Abbey Style". I took a bunch of quotes from Downton Abbey characters and everyone had to guess who said it! Our avid Downton fans got really into it!!

5. Telegrams! Chelsea found a template for an old telegram, so we printed them out and had them around so people could write telegrams to the birthday girls:)

6. Downton Drinks! We set up a little "speakeasy" where you could order one of three drinks... the "Lady Mary", the "Lady Edith", and a "Lady Sybil". Our caption on the sign read "If you consider yourself beautiful {or handsome} with a sharp edge, you may enjoy the Lady Mary. If you're a bit bland but well intentioned, try the Lady Edith. If you're sweet through and through, delight yourself in a Lady Sybil". So fun!!

It was a fantastic night, and a few friends told me it was the most fun they've ever had at a birthday party! {score!!}  Chels and I were so grateful for the fun, the friendship, and the festivities!!

Happy Monday,

love Katie 

or shall I say, Lady Kathryn? haha

{It's a family affair…our brother and sister in law!} 

{Chels made these fabulous "Cruella DeVille" cigarettes for ladies to take upon arrival!}

 {voting for best dressed above, and the winner, sweet Amanda, below!}

Now on to my FAVORITE part!! The Dancing!!! 

{our AMAZING teacher Meki, below}

 {The Fun details and Games}

{fancy names, below}

{finishing out the night with good friends!}

  {love this last group shot, for those that hung in there until the end!!}