What's on the table at Downton Abbey?

The Grand Finale of Formal Dining: A Look at the State of High Society and its Culinary Traditions

As the world outside continues to evolve, a certain type of formal dining experience has been on the rise - and just as quickly fell from favor. With families dusting off grandma's treasured china and couples trying their hand at multi-course menus, it seems that people are once again embracing the art of fine dining.

However, with great form comes great practicality. Not everyone has the time or space to polish silverware and lay a table for ten. One writer reflects on how their own modest space is often cluttered with household chores and pets, making fancy dinners a rarity. But thanks to period dramas like Downton Abbey, viewers can live vicariously through characters who have staff to prepare dinner and wash the dishes afterwards.

The latest installment of Downton Abbey, The Grand Finale, follows six seasons of TV and three feature films that depict servitude as a benevolent state, often verging on jolly. This time around, the Crawleys are facing financial woes, but the spread at the grand finale is still fabulous. The gang's all here, with special guests like Noël Coward, who gets treated to Coquilles Saint-Jacques and Gressingham Duck.

But what really caught the writer's eye was a tray of elegantly fluted scallop shells. Meanwhile, in another TV show, Only Murders in the Building, duck is used as a wealth indicator, symbolizing the changing times. In one episode, Charles-Haden Savage invites a suspicious-looking guest to dinner and serves him a dish of duck à l'orange.

This got the writer thinking about how much they've been missing out on - the thrill of preparing a multi-course meal, the joy of entertaining friends. They recall watching Julia Child's episodes of The French Chef and remembering the simplicity of St. Julia's technique for making duck à l'orange.

The writer concludes that while we may not be earls or billionaires, we can still eat like them - with elegance, sophistication, and a little bit of flair. Break out the nice plates, dress up a space, and make the duck. It's time to rethink our abandonment of extravagant dinner parties and rediscover the joy of fine dining.

The writer notes that society has changed much over the past century, but some things remain sacrosanct - like enjoying a well-cooked meal with friends and family. As they reflect on their own life, they realize that it's never too late to start again, even if it means taking small steps towards reclaiming the art of formal dining.

Ultimately, The Grand Finale of Downton Abbey is more than just a TV show - it's an invitation to revisit our love of fine dining and entertaining. With its elegant decorum and exquisite cuisine, the series reminds us that sometimes, all we need is a little bit of flair to make life worth living.

I gotta say, I'm loving this revival of formal dining ! I mean, who doesn't want to dress up their space and whip out some fancy dishes? It's like we've lost touch with our inner fancy folks . But for real, it's refreshing to see people getting back into the swing of things – not just for the sake of Instagram-worthy pics, but because, let's be honest, food is a big part of life and joy!

And I'm totally down for revisiting old-school cook shows like Julia Child's (that duck à l'orange though !). And honestly, who needs a bunch of fancy china when you can just get creative with your own kitchen decor? It's all about making memories and having fun with food!

I'm loving how people are getting back into formal dining vibes! It's so true, with our busy lives, it can be hard to keep up with fancy dinners and entertaining. But honestly, who says you need a huge space or staff to host an epic dinner party? You don't have to break the bank or polish silverware all night just because you want to try something new. Even simple dishes like Coquilles Saint-Jacques can be total show-stoppers! And I'm totally with the writer on rewatching Julia Child's episodes - she's still the OG, right? Plus, it's amazing how much we're missing out on by not having dinner parties. Like, what's more fun than chatting with friends and family over a delicious meal? It's time to dust off those fancy plates and get cooking (or ordering in, let's be real)!

I'm low-key obsessed with how fancy dinners are making a comeback ! I mean, who doesn't love the idea of whipping up a multi-course meal and serving it on fancy china? It's like, totally Instagrammable . But for real though, there's something so satisfying about taking the time to cook something special and sharing it with loved ones.

I think what really gets me is how relatable the writer's post is - I'm all about that DIY dinner party life too . Watching period dramas like Downton Abbey just makes me want to set a table and serve up some Coquilles Saint-Jacques . And don't even get me started on Julia Child - she's the OG cooking inspiration .

It's funny you mention how society has changed over the past century, but still values things like fine dining and entertaining. Like, I think we need more of that in our lives . So yeah, let's all just take a page out of Downton Abbey's book (or Julia Child's cookbook) and make dinner parties happen again!

I'm literally sitting here eating a takeout dinner from 5 years ago I know it's not exactly fancy, but I feel like I'm missing out on something. Those fancy dinner parties in Downton Abbey always looked so much fun! Do people still have those? What's the deal with them being expensive and stuff? Is it just about having nice plates and decorations? Can you make a nice meal without all that extra drama?

I'm not sure why they're bringing back this old-school formal dining thing . Like, who has time or space for that? My flat is already a mess with just me and my cat . And don't even get me started on the state of some people's dishes... all those extra courses and plates are just unnecessary stress . Give me a good ol' simple roast chicken any day over this fancy-schmancy Coquilles Saint-Jacques . Not to mention, period dramas like Downton Abbey can't compare to the reality of dealing with household chores and pets... at least that's something I can relate to .

I'm soooo down for fancy dinners again! I mean, don't get me wrong, everyday meals r gr8 2o, but there's somethin special abt setting a nice table & servin up some fancy food. It's like, u can feel the elegance & sophistication, u know? Downton Abbey is def makin me wanna try my hand at cookin like St Julia . I mean, who doesn't love duck à l'orange?! The writer's right, it's never 2 late 2 start again. Even if its just a small dinner party 4 friends, it can make all the diffnce. So yeah, bring on the nice plates & fancy wine , I'm ready 2 get this formal dining party started!

The resurgence of formal dining experiences is a fascinating phenomenon that speaks to the human desire for refinement and connection . As someone who has always been fascinated by the intersection of culture and cuisine, I must say that I'm thoroughly entertained by the opulent settings and lavish feasts depicted in Downton Abbey's final season .

However, what struck me most was the writer's lament about the lack of time and space to indulge in such elaborate dinner parties. As someone who values simplicity and practicality, I can totally relate to feeling overwhelmed by household chores and responsibilities . But the joy of cooking and entertaining is not just about the food itself, but also about the social connections and memories that it creates .

I'm loving the idea of rethinking our relationship with formal dining and rediscovering the art of making meals a special occasion . Who says we need to be wealthy or aristocratic to enjoy fine cuisine? With a little creativity and effort, anyone can create an elegant atmosphere and delicious dishes that bring people together .

The way Julia Child's technique for making duck à l'orange was referenced is also a great reminder of the simplicity and elegance of classic French cuisine . It's amazing how something as simple as a well-cooked meal can evoke such emotions and memories .

I'm loving this revival of fancy dinners! It's so easy to get caught up in our busy lives and forget how much fun cooking and entertaining can be. I mean, who doesn't love the feeling of watching a dish come together and knowing you've created something delicious for your loved ones? And yeah, it's not like we all have to break out the fancy china and silverware or anything... but even just setting the table with nice plates and glasses can make a big difference. I've been trying to cook more often and experiment with new recipes, it's amazing how quickly things can get messy when you're in the zone! But seriously, I think fine dining is all about enjoying good food and company, and it's not just for the rich and famous anymore

I totally feel like we're ditching fancy dinner parties for Netflix binges . I mean, don't get me wrong, it's comfy at home with my squad but when was the last time we all got together and had a multi-course meal? . I've been thinking about Julia Child and how she makes cooking look so effortless... maybe we can take some cues from her! . It'd be lit to have dinner parties again, even if it's just with a few close friends.

I'm totally down with bringing back those fancy dinner parties! I mean, who says you can't have elegance in a small space? I've been living with my cat and plants as guests for years, so I know how hard it is to keep things tidy . But seriously, there's something special about cooking up a storm and serving your favorite dishes to loved ones.

I love how Downton Abbey always makes fancy food look so approachable . And I'm totally guilty of missing out on Julia Child vibes - her duck à l'orange is still my go-to recipe for when I want to impress! Who needs formal dining when you can just create your own magic? Time to get cooking, break out the fancy plates, and make those dinner parties happen again!

Ugh, I'm so over this idea that fancy dinner parties are making a comeback . Like, who has the space and time for it? I'm still trying to get my tiny kitchen organized without feeling like I'm in a cluttered horror movie . And don't even get me started on the drama and stress of hosting an elegant dinner party - can we just have a chill night in with some good food and wine instead? .

And what's up with all the fuss over fancy restaurants and period dramas like Downton Abbey? It's just TV, folks! Can't we focus on something more practical... like how to cook a decent meal without breaking the bank or killing yourself in the kitchen? . And those scallop shells at that fancy dinner party? Please, I can make a mean duck à l'orange from scratch without needing any special equipment .

I'm all for enjoying good food and company, but let's not forget about the everyday people who are struggling to make ends meet. We shouldn't be romanticizing a lifestyle that's out of reach for most of us . Can we just have a more realistic conversation about food and dinner parties instead of getting all fancy on us? .

I'm so with this writer! Formal dining might not be for everyone, but it's those special occasions that bring people together . I've got a friend who's super into cooking and always makes these amazing multi-course meals for dinner parties . It's all about the company, not just the food . And can we talk about how fancy Noël Coward gets treated in Downton Abbey? Like, who wouldn't want to dine on Coquilles Saint-Jacques and Gressingham Duck? #DowntonAbbeyForever #FineDiningForAll #FoodieFun

I'm loving this throwback vibe ! Fine dining and fancy parties are definitely making a comeback, and I couldn't be more here for it . But you know what's even better? The nostalgia factor . Watching period dramas like Downton Abbey and Julia Child's cooking shows is like stepping back into a bygone era – the music, the fashion, the food (oh, the food!) .

I mean, who doesn't love a good Coquilles Saint-Jacques or duck à l'orange? And I can totally relate to feeling like you're missing out on the art of fine dining – trying to cook for friends and family without breaking the bank or having the space to set up an elegant table .

But what really gets me is how society's values have changed over time, yet some things remain timeless . It's all about finding that balance between practicality and whimsy – you don't need a huge budget or a mansion to host a fabulous dinner party . As the writer said, it's all about breaking out the nice plates, dressing up your space, and making the duck .

I'm totally down for rethinking our abandonment of extravagant dinner parties and rediscovering the joy of fine dining . Who knows? Maybe I'll even bust out my old cooking skills and host a fancy dinner party (or two, or three...)

you know what's wild about fancy dinners? they always seem so formal, but what about when you're actually doing it? like, i had this one dinner party where we were serving these tiny sandwiches and scones, and our neighbor was just chillin' in his suit, not even bothering to take off his shoes . anyway, back to the article... i loved how they talked about those tray of scallop shells , that's some next level presentation right there! but seriously, have you ever noticed how fancy food can bring people together? like, my aunt and uncle are super traditional when it comes to food, but when we had a family dinner party last year, we ended up having this huge discussion about the best types of pasta sauce . it was actually really beautiful to see everyone just sitting there, enjoying each other's company over a plate of spaghetti...

I mean, who needs fancy china and staff when you can just have fun with it? I've been feeling so guilty about never hosting dinner parties, but now I'm thinking, why not?! It's all about embracing the art of fine dining in your own way. Like, who says you need to make 10 courses if you're serving up some delicious grilled salmon and roasted veggies? And that tray of scallop shells was MIND-BLOWING! I'm definitely gonna start experimenting with some new recipes and see what kind of elegance I can bring to my own table.

so like what really got me thinking after watching this finale was how much I've been missing out on in my own life ... I mean, I'm not exactly rolling in dough or anything, but the writer's right - we don't have to be millionaires to eat fancy and enjoy good food . it's all about making time for the things that bring you joy, whether that's hosting a dinner party or just cooking up something nice at home.

I also loved how Downton Abbey showed us that even when times are tough, there's still room for elegance and sophistication . and omg, those scallop shells? ... I need to get myself into making more elegant dishes ASAP! but seriously, it's all about finding the joy in cooking and entertaining - not just for special occasions, but every day .

I think we've been a bit too focused on convenience and simplicity lately, but it's great to see people embracing the art of fine dining again . maybe I'll even break out my grandma's china and give multi-course meals a try... who knows?

The old-school vibes are back! I'm so over Netflix and chill, let's bring back dinner parties with real china and candles . I remember watching MasterChef Junior and being amazed by those tiny pastry chefs making intricate desserts. Now, I'd love to see more of that level of creativity in everyday meals. The way they made duck à l'orange on Julia Child's show looked so simple yet elegant... maybe it's time to dust off my old cookbooks?

I'm so over the whole "we're too busy" excuse for not hosting dinner parties . Like, what's wrong with spending an evening cooking up a storm and sharing it with loved ones? It's not like you need a mansion or a staff to do it. I mean, Julia Child made those fancy French dishes on her own, and she didn't have a team of sous chefs waiting for her at every turn .

And don't even get me started on how much I miss the ritual of setting the table . There's something so satisfying about polishing the silverware, ironing out those fancy napkins, and arranging the flowers just so . It's not just about eating a meal; it's about creating an experience that brings people together.

Of course, I get that life gets busy, and sometimes dinner parties feel like more work than they're worth . But that's why we need to find ways to make them more accessible and less intimidating. Like, what if you could whip up a fancy meal in under an hour? What if hosting a dinner party was as easy as cooking up some soup or stir-fry and inviting over your friends for a cozy night in ?

I think that's the takeaway from The Grand Finale of Downton Abbey – that fine dining doesn't have to be reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. It can be something anyone does, anytime they want . So let's start taking small steps towards reclaiming our love of fancy food and entertaining. Who knows? We might just find ourselves enjoying a lovely dinner party every now and then .

come on, who thought 6 seasons of watching other people clean up after dinner parties would inspire me to host one myself? i mean, i love julia child as much as the next person, but can't we just order takeout and be done with it? not my thing, and if you're gonna do fancy dinner parties, shouldn't you at least have a decent wifi signal so everyone can scroll through their phones while they wait for food to arrive?