Serendipi-TEA at The Whitmore Ranch Retreat

(photo by Cassandra)

The Downton Abby themed, "Serendipi-Tea" that Stacy Seely hosted for Karen, was filled with beauty. Of course, anything Karen touches is beyond FAB, and Stacy has a lovely setting to throw a party in.  The Whitworth Ranch Retreat is cottagey cute, and when it is gussied up with a Downton Theme to compliment Stacy's skills in whipping up British cuisine, you can't beat it. 

Stacy, her mom, and crew worked their bottoms off to create this atmosphere for us to play dress up in, and we sure took advantage of the stage they set for us. 

Guncle Randy, handsome as ever, wore this steam punk crystal pendant that my son had made for him, along with a debonaire, linen suit.  He looked so suave, I told him that I couldn't refer to him as just "Randy". He was his full name, Randall Paul to me all day.

See what I mean?

That boy cleans up well. As does his partner in fabulousity, Karen.  

Part of the group dressed for the current season of Downton, and were all flapper-y and sassy like Cousin Rose.

And some of us were making the most of the style of the earlier seasons.

I was so glad that my Sissy came along! We had the best laughs together.  It was good to have a carefree weekend to relax and be totally pampered.

Speaking of being pampered, Stacy made these apple roses I'd been dying to try myself after seeing them on Pinterest.  She'd posted a photo of them on FB, Sissy saw it and casually said she wanted some too, but without cinnamon (it causes a migraine for her), not knowing that Stacy was making them for our upcoming party.

And guess what? There they were, in all of their rosy goodness, waiting for us at our tea party. And a special plate of them with no cinnamon was on our table. 

I was so excited to see these in person.  Oh my, they were so pretty and so tasty!!

It was such a special treat to be fed so well, and to be treated so special. And to hang out with such a nice bunch of friends, old and new.  This was at our High Tea.

Then we had a second opportunity to dress up for our formal dinner.

And we had the perfect spot for posing, courtesy of Stacy.

Sara surprised us with this below stairs costume she whipped up.

Cute, isn't it?

Oh, there was LOTS of cuteness! Here is my new friend, Molly.  She was one of the teachers, I'll show some pictures of her pretty project later.

My pal, Linda made this for the night.  I always think of her as a rainbow  artist, she is very boho, and loves bright colors, I often wish I had her skill for creating with color.  And now, I have to be jealous of her touch with the neutrals too!

Everyone was just beautiful!

With this beautiful scenery behind us.

Info about the ranch is in my previous post, along with a nugget of an idea about concocting a get away to Texas. Contact me if you'd like to attend and we'll see about setting it up.

Of course, we won't be all Downton-ed up, but I'll bet we can throw on a cowgirl hat and some boots for a Texas style wingding!

Comments

[Stacy Seely]

Karla, you are just the sweetest person. Thank you so much for the blog entries, we certainly appreciate it. It's not hard to pull off an event like this when you see the enjoyment it leaves behind. Sissy is just the most adorable person. When I saw her post, I just had to make these for the event. I love to bring people happiness through the meals I serve.

Looking forward to your Texas Wingding! Mom has found some great antique markets not far from our place. There is always plenty to do!

[SuZeQ]

Beautiful post, Karla. Thank you for sharing with the world all about the goodness of Whitworth Ranch Retreat. Next time you're planning a retreat out there, I'm IN!.

Happy Mother's Day!
xo

[Karla Nathan]

Id love to see you there again, sue!

[Karla Nathan]

I swear, Texas has the best people and the best junking. I hope we can make it work, Stacy! I cant do any serious planning right now due to other commitments, but sure look forward to getting back down to whitworth paradise. Happy Mothers Day to you!

[Suzanne Wingfield]

You all look just "Downton Stunning" and the venue is just beautiful. If the dream of a workshop become reality...count me in!!

[Suzanne Wingfield]

...and Happy Mother's Day, Karla🌷💕

[Karla Nathan]

Thanks, Suzanne, you too!

[molly knox]

Karla, I love reading your posts about our weekend at Whitworth! I second everything you have said about Stacy and her family and their ranch. It is an unforgettable place. I so enjoyed getting to know you throughout the weekend. I have read your blog for so many years and meeting you was like a dream come true! You are just as beautiful and amazing and talented as I imagined you to be. I could sit and watch you create for hours. You are such an inspiration to me and to so many others in the art and blog world. I feel so blessed to know you and call you a friend. xoxo Molly

[Thamilton]

Oh my gosh, what fun! And, it reminds me of a show that I adore, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries from Australia. It is set in 1928. You should save your costumes and do a Phrynie Fisher party. You can see it on Netflix ($7 a month version). Worth every penny! It is becoming my friends' newest obsession (has been mine for over a year). So, for your next party, just an idea! This one, fabulous!! Love it!

[Karla Nathan]

That sounds like a fun show, thanks for the tip!

[Karla Nathan]

Molly, you were so much fun and I really enjoyed your class! Im glad we had a chance to get to be friends! I hope we meet up again soon. Karen thanks me for introducing her to Randy, now I owe her thanks for introducing me to you.

[Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions]

I love everyone's frocks, Karla! : ) You all look lovely and it seems like a great time. Guncle Randy looks so handsome and I love that steam punk pendant.

[Karla Nathan]

He always looks good, but he was sure extra handsome that day!