Livin' the Dream Downton

Bring the popular PBS show into your own home

photo The hand-painted Stode Stafford Flower set, used by Cousin Isobel at the Crawley House.

If the Downton Abbey Season 3 finale left you wanting more, it's never too late to set an abbey inspired table or emulate your favorite Crawley with a piece of Victorian-style jewelry. Locals itching to live a little more like the Dowager Countess or even Cousin Isobel can get their fix before season four airs next winter by visiting Fischer Evans in downtown Chattanooga.

The luxury homegoods and jewelry retailer has a Downton display where customers can view a tablescape much like the ones at the abbey and select some of the same items used by actors on the show.

"Downton Abbey parties are becoming more and more popular," says Fischer Evans sales associate and Downton display designer Brooke Larm. The program has taken on a life of its own, earning praise and props from viewers far and wide. Guinness World Records has awarded Downton the "highest critical review ratings for a TV show" designation and the show was the second-most watched TV program the night of the Super Bowl. Celebrities from Martha Stewart to Clay Aiken to Rosanne Cash have all professed their love for Downton via Twitter.

Now, die-hard Downton lovers can purchase the Herend coffee pot that O'Brien uses to serve Lady Grantham breakfast in bed, or the hand-painted Stode Stafford Flower set Cousin Isobel uses for tea at Crawley House. Those who have a fortune the size of Cora's can also set their table with bud vases or open salt cellars and spoons from Fischer

Evans' selection. "These items have the craftsmanship, beauty and grace that you just don't see these days. Most people don't consider this something they have to have anymore but it's something beautiful in the world and it can be had," says Larm.

Dig Into DowntonDownton Abbey is a British period drama that details the experiences of an aristocratic English family and their household staff while living at a fictional Yorkshire country estate.Beginning with the sinking of the Titanic, the series showcases both historical and social changes that occurred in the early twentieth century through the lens of the Crawley family and their servants.

The Downton trend hasn't limited itself to fine china. Crystal drinkware inspired by the 1920s and Victorian era jewelry are also popular right now, in part thanks to the show.

"Antique jewelry styles have always been around and been popular but people have been really into the antique look lately," says Fischer Evans appraiser Taylor Watson. A special selection of antique and Victorian jewelry styles has also been set up at the downtown retailer. Watson says brides have been especially interested in the trend, but ladies don't have to be wearing white to enjoy the selection and look a little bit more like their favorite lady on the show.

Fans feeling like they might be a better fit with those living downstairs at Downton may be out of luck. With Stode dinner plates starting at $210 per piece, the abbey life definitely comes with a cost. It may be wise to take a page out of Matthew Crawley's book and make sure the estate is in order before investing in any of these luxurious items.

For more information about Fischer Evans' selection, call the shop at 267-0901 or visit fischerevansjewelry.com.

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