Downton Abbey Inspiration

Downton Abbey Inspiration

The PBS series Downton Abbey began its fifth season (5th!), and we were eager with anticipation! We are big fans of the series and have loved following the activities of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them. Of course, as florists, we can’t help but turn a keen eye to the flowers in each scene. On the eve of the fifth season premier, it seems fitting to revisit the designs full of Downton Abbey inspiration we created for the International Special Events Society (ISES) gala inspired by the program. Working in collaboration with Select Event Rentals and Vintage Affairs, we created a scheme that featured looks inspired by life both upstairs and downstairs, a theme important to the show.

First we start upstairs, a life characterized by the Edwardian country house’s stately rooms and a life that includes things like horsemanship, fine lace, and taking tea. The first statement piece on this side of the ballroom was a long, dark wood dining table fitted with a lace runner. Silver candelabra and English garden inspired centerpieces in elegant cut glass containers and whimsical tea cups lined the length of the table. Paying homage to the eclectic elements one might find in that part of the house, we used stacks of books and other knick knacks to create a tablescape. A spring mix of lilac, veronica, lisianthus, anemone and roses in shades of purple accented with classic ivories and lush greens complemented the classic feel of the table linens.

Vintage Affairs had a particularly unique stepladder with shelves in its collection that we seized upon to use as a reference to the library. Each shelf displayed glass decanters, books, brass pieces, various tchotckes and loose floral designs in cut glass containers.

We finished the design “upstairs” with vignettes of books and horse sculptures, a typewriter, phonograph, and globe – elements that refer to plot sequences within the series.

Life in the downstairs of the house centers around the kitchen, a locus of activity where the staff not only prepare meals but also congregate, talk, and eat themselves. We took that as our primary inspiration for the tables. We topped our wrought iron octopus-armed candelabra with a bushel basket of fruits and vegetables. Copper pots hung from the candelabra arms, and copper bake- and cookware and fruit baskets surrounded the base.

A long table with a colorful and playful runner centered this side of the room.  We created a tablescape using antique yellowware bowls, berry baskets, and vintage milk bottles – mixing fruit, vegetables and flowers in the design. The flowers here were simpler and more rustic in feel – chamomile daisies, thistle, and Queen Anne’s lace among others. We chose pie fruits like apples and berries, and filled copper stew pots with stewing vegetables like carrots, turnips, and potatoes.

Other tables for the “downstairs” featured copper pots and pans with vegetables and tea sets with flowers.

Rounding out the room, we made use of some of Vintage Affairs’ unique props, such as coal buckets and egg baskets that might refer to other goings on at the house by the downstairs staff.

See more about using Downton Abbey as wedding inspiration in a feature of this event on United With Love.

Site: The Ballroom

Photographer: Evelyn Alas Photography

Floral Design: Petal’s Edge Floral Design

Rentals: Select Event Rentals

Decor Rentals: Vintage Affairs

Furniture Rentals: AFR Furniture Rental

Photo Booth: Booth-o-Rama

We're on Instagram!
Love in full bloom - rain and all ☔️ ✨ 

Tamari & Zach embraced the romance of a rainy day ceremony at the historic Tudor Place, saying “I do” beneath clear umbrellas. Then they celebrated in the cozy, intimate setting of the Tabard Inn - with a warm floral palette of corals and oranges, the dreamiest Cafe au Lait dahlias, and proof that a little rain only adds to the magic. 

📍 ceremony @tudor_place reception @tabard_inn 
📷 @emilyalyssaphotography
💐 @petalsedgedc

#tudorhousewedding #intimatewedding
#weddingceremonyflowers #floralurn #dcwedding
#washingtondcwedding #dcweddingflorist #virginiaweddingflorist
#washingtonianwedding #alexandriaflorist #leesburgflorist
#dmvweddingflorist
G is for greenery 🌿, L is for lush ✨… you get the idea! 

When it comes to statement-making florals, a well-placed garland can do it all—elevate long tables, frame a ceremony aisle, or even drape around a fountain for that effortlessly chic look. Who said greenery was just filler? 💅 

credits in tags

#outdoorwedding #tentedwedding #greenerygarland #dcwedding #washingtondcwedding #dcweddingflorist #washingtonianweddings #weddingreceptionflorals
#weddingcenterpiece #dmvweddingvendor
#stylemeprettyweddings #bridalguide #floristsofinstagram #washingtondcflorist
Industrial spaces have a beauty of their own, but the right floral design can take them from warehouse to urban garden. 🌿✨ 

For Laura & Michael’s Dock 5 wedding, we played with scale—tall magnolia branches to emphasize the height, lush florals to soften the space, and candlelight to add warmth. The result? An urban oasis that felt both grand and intimate.

1️⃣Go Big with Greenery – Tall magnolia branches brought height and movement to Laura & Michael’s Dock 5 wedding

2️⃣ Mix Textures – Lush, low floral arrangements softened the industrial edges while keeping the space dynamic

3️⃣ Layer Candlelight – Warm glows + metal details = a romantic urban oasis

4️⃣ Frame Key Spaces – A floral garland on the head table grounded the design and added intimacy. Trees flanking the table took it to the next level 

5️⃣ Contrast is Key – Pairing the raw, industrial elements with soft florals and organic details created the perfect balance

📍 @unionmarketdc Dock 5
📷 @juliette_fradin_photography @anne_scherrer
🍽️ occasionscaterers
@drapekings

#dock5wedding #dock5 #autoshopwedding
#unionmarketwedding #virginiaweddingflorist
#luxuryweddingflorist #springweddingflowers
#stylemeprettyweddings #washingtondcwedding
#washingtondcflorist #dceventflorist
#washingtondcweddingvenue #washingtonianweddings
We're Pinteresting!
Join Our Mailing List!
Categories

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *