I received a link to Lady Carnarvon’s blog yesterday, giving us an update on how the contest judging is shaping up. They have had some marvellous entries, going by the pictures, and everyone looks to have had a ton of fun putting their dinners together. I particularly like the photo showing the participants in the same pose as the cover of the Downton Abbey DVDs, complete with maids’ costumes, It’s terrific.
None of our pictures are featured in the update, however. Nada, zip, nothing. I noticed that there was repeated mention of how several of the entrants had used the dinner as a fundraising activity, which we did not. Hmmm. I was immediately cast down. Clearly, our entry did not even tickle the interest of the judges; we are finished, kaput. My huband, Glenn, is made of sterner stuff. It’s good news, in his estimation.
Only time will tell! The winner will be announced on March 31. Until then, it’s anyine’s guess.
What’s your opinion? Eliminated, or do we still stand a chance?
I’m sharing this post with Between Naps on the Porch.
Lady Helen,
They are obviously saving the best for last.
Take a closer look at those place settings.
Close, but no tiara !
I’m with Glenn on this one. Better to soften the blow with photos of the wannabes before the March 31 announcement.
Fingers, crossed, Kathi! And I love “Close, but no tiara!” Hilarious!
Surely they wouldn’t show the winning entry in an update. Of course you still stand a chance!
Thanks, Dyanne! Very encouraging.
Based on the fact that they included a picture from people who didn’t dress up at all, and another with a cellphone on the table, I wouldn’t read too much into it!
Good points, Adam! Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Good points, Adam! Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Well I looked at the pix, and your table and home looked much more sophisticated. Fundraising allowed them to put far more resources towards their parties–people tend to think one can win anything with enough money. Of course they could hire “downstairs help” and such. As to judging, this is a PBS contest: They are interested in an affair that can grab attention and focus it toward that end (and justifiably so, given the cuts in funding). They may be thinking of using aspects of the entries and winner in some way, maybe a show. Anyway, the decor of yours was far superior. I’m also miffed on your behalf that the costumes that seem to appeal to the judges (if the pix are to be believed) were period and more sober. In reality, the family would have occasionally gotten silly and dressed more daringly whilst at home with friends. I would still remain optimistic that the overall feel of your party was more genuine. It would be interesting to read the rules again now, using hindsight. All the best!
Thanks for the very thoughtful response, Beatrice. It’s hard to judge from the pictures exactly what they are going on, isn’t it? I must admit the fundraising aspect has me puzzled. Time will tell! Thanks again!
I think that if individuals raising money was a important criteria in their choice they should have made that really evident from the start that only those who made contributions or fund raised would be considered. The pictures at the link showed mostly costumed people and your guests and you were at least as well turned out as any of the others. But the few tables and food that were shown were not nearly as fabulous as your table and food. It would be interesting to see how many parties were entered and if there were some rankings beyond the winners–a top ten list or some honorable mentions, that sort of thing. I think that you are still in the running. I think that you deserve to win.
I’m dying to know how many entries they got, too. And also, how they got my email address. I have visited Highclere, and also attended a charity event hosted one of the members of the cast of Downton Abbey (Carson, for try Special Olympics). Could be either, or neither! Let’s hope our mutual curiosity is satisfied in the end, Lorri! Thanks for weighing in! It helps :).
You never know with these contests…maybe they want to appease the Legacy contributors by using their photos early on…whether they are chosen to win based on their Legacy status is another question. It’s not that only those who raise funds would have a leg up–that would be too bald-faced–it’s that those folks who raised funds could use a portion to pep up their entries. Actually, my first thought was that they just wanted to recognise some important contributors and leave the best for best! Good luck, Helen!
Ms. Kain,
You and your guests clearly had fun and so did we in reading about it. I’d count that as a win.
Elizabeth Speicher
That is absolutely the best way to look at it, Elizabeth! Thanks for that! (and please do call me Helen ).
I wouldn’t read too much into the selection of shots. Seems to me they were simply trying to show the range of entries from the very simple to the more elaborate. As for the fundraising aspect, that was a nice gesture on the part of some, but surely will not be a deciding factor in the judging. Had they been after funds, they should have charged a fee to enter the contest, all proceeds going to PBS. But honestly, Helen, your table was fabulous with attention to detail that cannot go unnoticed by the judges. And the blending of new and traditional dishes in the menu added freshness to the whole idea of a Downton Abbey dinner. Carson may have frowned but I’m confident her Ladyship would have found your dessert delightful! I’m with Glenn on this. It’s not over until the well-endowed lady sings.
Thanks Lynda! Those are all very encouraging words. And yes, good point about an entry fee. That would have been a great way to go I’d fundraising was indeed the purpose.
We are all waiting on the well-endowed lady!
You deserve the win Helen. Still fingers crossed for you. Your public is anxious to hear!
Thanks, Becky! We shall have to see how this all plays out. Not too long now! Thank you so much for all the support. It means a whole bunch :).
Your dinner and theme were entirely original and focused on the real castle versus its use as Downton Abbey. You honored the history of Canada’s connection to the castle. I am with Glenn and remain very optimistic that you will win! Original, classy and relevant!
Thanks, Mary! I really enjoyed reviewing Lady Carnarvon’s book. She delved deeply into the role of Highclere in hosting six significant visitora, one of whom was John A MacDonald. As a child studying Canadian hiatory, one never stops to think of the people involved, or even view them as real humans, dining, having friendships, pursuing causes for good or bad, with unpredictable outcomes. It was a fascinating perspective.
It’s an odd period of time; after two weeks of busyness, we send the video off into the abyss, aaaannnd…wait :). Not long now, though!
I noticed that none of your pictures were in there either when I first saw her post. No way to know if this is good news or not. However, I thought your post was stunning and you should be very proud no matter what happens and hopefully you had lots of fun doing this. Look at the memories you made!! Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks, Jennifer. That’s the perspective we’ve decided to take, as well. The whole thing was a hoot. I had so much fun, and all the guests got right into the spirit of the evening. Besides, if nothing else, I learned that my kids adore crab cakes and we need to serve those more frequently.
Hi Helen,
I loved your entry, photos, video and all the comments you have been getting, such fun to read them. My partner and I also entered the contest (we live in Montreal) , so I know how you feel “wondering” about all the other contestants, and the continuing excitement for the outcome next Saturday. To be honest I find it a little distracting trying to get day to day work done! LOL.
Although we raised a little money for PBS with our party, Lady Carnarvon wrote in her earlier blogs that it is not in any way a criteria for winning….and not necessary to win. She even mentioned that for those entering the competition in Europe, it would be nice for them to donate to their favorite charity, any charity. From what I understand many of the entries did not include how much they raised so they would have no idea how much was raised by individual parties. we are still receiving checks from our party so our total amount raised was not even included in our entry form.
It also sounded from her earlier blogs that they received hundreds of entries (she mentions that her and the other two judges were overwhelmed). So like you, let’s hope that because our groups were not shown in the previous pictures that they are saving them for the next reveal! Best of luck!
Thanks so much for the encouraging note, Gary. Getting to chat with people like you is the best part of the blog. Isn’t it great to have a community of entertainers/tableware fans?
I’m curious about how you came to find out about the contest. Had you visited Highclere in the past, or were you a Downton Abbey fan who subscribed to Lady Carnarvon’s Blog? Inquiring minds want to know! 🙂
Wishing you the best of luck with your entry. I’d love to see some photos of what you submitted if you get a chance. It’s great to hear that Canada was well represented in the entries.
Thanks so much for the encouraging note, Gary. Getting to chat with people like you is the best part of the blog. Isn’t it great to have a community of entertainers/tableware fans?
I’m curious about how you came to find out about the contest. Had you visited Highclere in the past, or were you a Downton Abbey fan who subscribed to Lady Carnarvon’s Blog? Inquiring minds want to know! 🙂
Wishing you the best of luck with your entry. I’d love to see some photos of what you submitted if you get a chance. It’s great to hear that Canada was well represented.
Thanks again!
Hi again, Gerald and I attended Lady and Lord Carnarvon’s garden party at Highclere in 2016, also a fundraiser. I received an email on February 14th from the Highclere office informing us about the Competition. I’m not sure why we received it so late, but we had only 8 days to put our party together! But, like you, we had a great time and it was a special evening. I’d love to show you a few pictures, but I only have them on my Facebook. I’ll add the link below and if you’d like to see them and can friend me (you can get rid of me after 😉 you will have access!
https://www.facebook.com/grae.phillips.9
Gary
PS: Actually you can see a few of the pictures on the FB page without being friends as well.
Are you in Instagram or Pinterest? Would love to stay in touch…
Gary, do you create Murder Mystery games for parties? Oh my goodness! How fabulous is that?
I was only able to see the picture at the top of your Facebook page (I’ve deleted my Facebook account, after much consideration; won’t go into it, as I like this blog to be about fun, not heavy political statements:) But I’m so impressed by what I saw! Highclere in the background, guests dressed to the nines in the front. Marvellous!
I too received my email on February 14, and we attended a charity event a couple of years ago hosted by “Carson” of Downton Abbey, in aid of the Special Olympics. The event was at the Landmark Hotel near Marylebone Station in London.
Thanks for all the information on the fundraising aspect of the contest, too. That was really helpful.
So great! I can’t wait to hear more, when we know more. Until the 31st, then!
I do have an Instagram account, just started it, but I don’t think I have any pics on it yet…. its called
“Printable Murder Mystery Games”.
I found another contest entry on Utube.
Linda Whittlesey – Come and Dine.
Its fun to see what others are doing. Here is the link:
Ooooh! Thanks. I will check that out. I’ll add your Instagram account to my feed and look forward to your pics as you add them. What fun!
Yes, thank you, that is a picture of our Come and Dine group on the top of my FB page. I was so fortunate that they were all available on such short notice.
I began created Murder Mysteries dinner party games 15 years ago, and have loved it!
It gives Gerald and I a chance to travel more with the excuse of research! LOL. This September we will be visiting the filming locations for Game of Thrones in Croatia for a future game.
When this competition is all over, I would be happy to send you a game, with your lovely table settings, the two would go hand in hand!
My travel blog is at the link below, and the fifth entry is our trip to Highclere. I’ll put an entry next week with our Come and Dine party pictures.
https://www.printablemurdermysterygames.com/blog-1
Have a wonderful weekend!
Yes, getting the guests lined up was the challenge for me, too, on such short notice Food and table setttigs? No problem. In my sleep. :).
I’d love to receive a game, and would be happy to send you pics of the dinner. I’m beginning to enjoy these themed dinners. The Robert Burns one was my first, just this past January.
I’m heading over to your travel blog now.
So pleased to meet you, Gary!
Hi Helen, I may have found another Video entry, it was uploaded on the final day, hence why I think it may be an entry. I’m using my sleuthing skills since we aren’t getting many updates. LOL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15-aDCpCKmc
I hope you’ve had a nice weekend!
Gary
What a cute video! Good for them 🙂 I love to see the imagination people are using. The last video link you posted was really great, too. The arrivals in the vintage car were especially good, and the husband’s speech about winning the jackpot with his wife was very touching.
Great sleuthing, oh Murder Mystery Dinner Man! You’re living up to your reputation.
Not long now until we find out! This week… (queue the music)…
Have a great week. Let’s celebrate or commiserate when we get the news.
Thank you! I enjoyed watching your video too, especially with the extraordinary china collection. I was also delighted to see you are a Cliveden fan. We stay there every year as I am continually fascinated with Lady Nancy Astor.
We very much enjoy Cliveden, Linda. Yes Nancy Astor was quite the woman, wasn’t she? She seems to have been an indefatigable entertainer, as well as a skillful politician. A real tour de force. Thanks so much for dropping by!
Best of luck to you tomorrow!
It’s been a distracting couple of weeks,
but connecting with you made it all the more fun!
I’ll send an email to your info address (info@entertablement.com)
so that you’ll have my email and we can stay in touch.
Gary Laliberte
I was just thinking about you, Gary! Best of luck to you guys, too, and thanks for offering to send the email. I’d love to stay in touch.
No word, yet, which is a bi disappointing. It’s 4:00 pm English time. I do hope they’re still planning to make the announcement today.
They just posted that they will be announcing the winner next Thursday, April 5. Apparently it’s been a tough decision. So we continue to wait. lol!
OMGosh! Ok, well now I can get on with today and Easter dinner with my family! Thank you sooo much for the update! Where did they post the news? I cant seem to find it on her site.
Thanks again, Gary
If you go to the home page, the slider shows a Come and Dine update dated today. Also, if you search “Come and Dine”all the blogs and updates show on one page.
Enjoy your day with your family. Happy Easter!