The Garden Party
The Garden Party
Imagine the sun is shining, the rolling parkland looking perfectly deep green, distant white sheep settled underneath the shade of old majestic trees, the narrow drive winding up the main drive whilst the top spires of the castle appear and disappear from view.
This was of course the arrival story as guests arrived two days ago for the Garden Party. Was the Downton Abbey theme tune playing in cars and taxis as they arrived? I do hope so!
Ironically, despite the predictable vagaries of the British weather, we do have a fixation for creating events outside in the fresh air and the green but fortunately this time, luck was on our side and the sun shone.
Apparently, despite their popularity in the UK, the history of garden parties’ dates back to France in the late seventeenth century when the French nobility introduced the concept of a “fête champêtre” or rural party. The Gardens of Versailles were landscaped with follies, temples and pavilions to accommodate such celebrations which in turn were reflected in paintings by artists such as Lancret and Watteau.
In fact, the creation of Versailles initially began with work on its park and gardens leaving what was originally Louis XIII hunting lodge untouched. Later, the architect Le Vau added two detached service wings and a forecourt creating a château. This was then subsequently encased on three sides and given a new Italianate façade. Over subsequent decades it became ever more impressive but the gardens are as much a wonder of the world as is the palace.
The English soon followed suit not just in architecture and gardens but also in terms of culture. On a very much smaller scale but inspired but these trends from abroad, Geordie’s 18th century ancestor, Robert Herbert, built 12 assorted temples and grottos, created woodland walks with statues and garden glades in which to host his own garden parties. They were perfect places for musical 
performances or settings in which to put on plays, especially the little theatre in the park. In between, delicious food was served in the gardens.
A century later, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert would host the grandest of summer garden parties at Buckingham Palace inviting all of society. They were an opportunity for the royals to connect with their subjects and to showcase the gardens. The tradition continues today with three garden parties held each summer at Buckingham Palace in London and one at Holyrood House in Edinburgh
The American novelist Henry James stayed at Highclere and I often think the opening of “A Portrait of a Lady" could belong to Highclere: “Summer afternoon — summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” It is a very fine novel although it brings together the themes of misguided choices and the manipulative agendas in life neither of which produce happiness. Nevertheless, the ending allows each of us to imagine the character’s future and hope for some happiness in later years.
Perhaps it could be possible to remember and reposition a quote from another exceptional author Scott Fitzgerald: “And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow fast in movies, …. that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with summer”.
A summer garden party is a framed moment in life, about living and enjoying each present moment. It is about looking forwards to it, celebrating being there and remembering the golden hours and laughter to look back upon. A moment captured in a portrait, a photograph, words and memories, a moment which extends always.
Nothing is of course more English than an afternoon tea party: pots of tea, scones, cakes, finger sandwiches, a band, a stately home, wonderful guests and Labrador puppies.
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46 Comments
It sounds like it was a lovely day and I am sorry I could not attend. I would have enjoyed seeing Stella’s puppies and enjoying a sunny day with you all. Hope to see you soon.
Who doesn’t love a Garden Party, with a traditional Afternoon Tea!?
Whether it be in a grand setting, like HIGHCLERE, or a modest
garden of one’s own, or a friend!
Beautiful description- and I am in love with the puppies!
Christine
Lovely the pictures of the garden party Downton Abbey had a garden party when they played cricket l lovely to visit highcelere castle and lam fan of Downton Abbey did you and lord Carnarvon have a nice weekend the weather was lovely sunny
Sounds amazing! Wish I was there! Have a great summer and keep the blog coming. I look forward to it on Monday mornings.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you, I enjoyed your blog very much - interesting & informative as always.... & I absolutely ADORE your Labrador puppies!!
Have a wonderful Summer everyone at Highclere, love Caroline xx
Oh how I would love to join you all at your lovely home for a Summer Garden Party - especially with those sweet and precious Labrador puppies!! Who is their mother?
Beautiful pictures and great article. The puppies are so cute!
Thank you so much for your postings. I read each with such enjoyment. A collection of them would make a delightful book…..Happy Summer from Eugene, Oregon….
Just beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. I love love reading your posts. Beautiful lab pups as well. Nice looking.
Lady C, are all the original temples and grottos still there? I am wondering what design elements should be included for an historically-based woodland grotto.
Oh, the puppies are precious!
What a lovely read. Hope you all had a great time. Beautiful photos too..
What a wonderful afternoon!!!!
What a lovely day for a party. The location is magical. The history all encompassing. The hosts are wonderful.
Lady Carnarvon,
A lovely look at your summer garden party! New colors, new dresses, a clear sky, and new puppies! Thank you for another perfect day at Highclere.
Martha
Lovely picture of the garden party and downtown abbey had a garden party when they did the cricket and lovely to visit highcelere castle and fan of Downton the weather is beautiful at the weekend and did you and lord Carnarvon have a lovely weekend thank you for send me the email and very kind of you
The day was wonderful and the afternoon tea was delicious. I would like to have learned more about the Castle and the Estate.
So beautiful. I'd sale my soul for one of your pups
fondly Jenny
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I love reading your posts! What a lovely garden party! And those puppies are just too cute!! Bundles of joy!
I babysit my three grandchildren every Thursday during the summer and am always planning fun things for them and your garden party gave me the perfect idea!! Thank you so much!!
Wishing you, Lord Carnarvon and your staff all the best always!
The Downton Abbey theme was definitely playing in my head as I looked at the picture of the drive to the castle. Your gardens are truly beautiful! And the puppies! Absolutely adorable!
One of my favorite Downton episodes is the garden party that Cora arranges so skillfully. A lovely tradition.
Here is a snippet of poetry from American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar — it stays posted on my fridge year round: ‘Tis wealth enough of joy for me, in summertime to simply be.”
Thank you for sharing your wonderful garden party, and thank you for glimpses of your ridiculously adorable puppies!
Happy summer from Vancouver Island, Canada.
Such a delight to wake up on Monday mornings and find your post waiting for me. There is nothing that brings more joy than beautiful flowers and adorable puppies!
How you must enjoy your walks!
Fondly,
Diana
Absolutely stunning pictures of the flowers and puppies . Afternoon tea is exactly what I had sat in your beautiful grounds I was in my element,I felt so calm peaceful and relaxed. I am so looking forward to coming back as I just love being there .
Lovely! Thank you so much for bringing us there!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am sure Highclere Castle's garden party was a big success. I am so glad the weather was on your side. The history of the Party is very interesting. I think the guests of honor, Labrador puppies, made a huge impression. They are growing so fast. The Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador holds a garden party every year. It is always well attended. Who wouldn't enjoy a party with delicious eats and a beautiful garden with good weather. Take care
Susan
Labrador puppies are the best! Lovely post, thank you.
Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for the beautiful pictures.
You have come up with so many ways to preserve the heritage of Highclere.
Your work will be appreciated by generations to come!
Congratulations on the new additions to your family! Dogs bring a little summer into every day.
Jacqueline N.
Lady Carnarvon: I so look forward to receiving your e-mails every Monday. Your gardens are beautiful and those precious puppies. I'd love to have one, but don't think my cat Daffodil would like that too much. I'm sooooooooooo excited. I just got off the phone with my travel agent a few minutes ago and I'm planning a visit to your lovely home next June. I absolutely can't wait, it will be the trip of a lifetime that I know I'll always treasure. Keep sending your marvelous e-mails and photos, I so enjoy them. Health to your entire household.
When can I pick up one of those puppies? I am in love! (A bit tongue-in-cheek!)
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
BONSOIR, DU BRÉSIL.
QUELLE MERVEILLE, YOUR " GARDEN PARTY ". OH ! ! ! ! LÁ LÁ. LES CHIEN SONT TRES PRECIEUX. J'AIME LES JARDINS ENFLOURIR. LES ROSES, QUELLE BELLE COULEURS.
LE TEMPS C' EST TRES BON.MERCI BEAUCOUP.
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO - SP
BRAZIL
Your blogs are always a Monday treat. This one is especially fun! I love the garden parties at Highclere as you really know how to throw a fantastic garden party that is so fun, congenial, and inclusive! ....and the puppies!!! OMG! What a bonus. They are beyond precious!! It looks like Lord Carnarvon has already claimed one. I can't wait to meet them. Looking forward to seeing you all and all the Highclere team in September! It will be a blast!
xxPatsy
Thank you
Perhaps 6 are left?
Beautiful puppies, beautiful gardens, I love looking forward to your weekly blog, I enjoyed High Tea at Highclere, beautiful place, Thank you.
Puppies,gardens and sunshine! Thank you for brightening my day.
Are visitors allowed to visit the follies Lady Canarvon?
Lovely article as always!
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday's blog and for sharing the history of the "Garden Party".
afternoon teas at the Castle sound like such a wonderful event. So good to hear that the weather cooperated.
Very nice pictures of the Garden, including my favorite - the rose(s), and the fast-growing, ever active puppies!
Until next week, continue to enjoy those afternoon teas.
Perpetua Crawford
P.S. What will become of Stella's puppies? Are you and Lord Carnarvon keeping the one he is holding in the picture? Have you decided on their names? If so, please share with your readers. Thank you.
Thanks for the Garden Party story and pictures - and Stella’s puppies! Perfect setting for it all.
Lovely day last week (June 13th) when my husband and I were there for a tour. We felt so familiar with the house after watching Downtown series and movies.
Thank you for sharing your home with so many.
Sibyl
Your gardens are in full bloom and must be so lovely to walk through each day, especially with your adorable puppies! I would pick your gardens over Versailles any day because they are smaller and more intimate as well as beautiful. You would lose your puppies in the gardens of Versailles!
Thank you - there will be more pupdates!
Some are within the gardens..
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for your reply e-mail.
Look forward to receiving the puppy updates.
Yesterday evening, we attended a garden party at the Henry Ford Estate (a/k/a Fairlane - Home of Henry and Clara Ford [Est. 1915]). This particular event celebrated the Summer Solstice with light snacks and a champagne toast at 09:13 p.m. EST. Even though it was 86 degrees F, the breeze along the Rouge River cooled the air. Enjoyed watching the Canadian geese, deer, and wild (tom) turkeys roam the Meadow. A good time was had by all.
Until next week, may you have a good weekend.
Perpetua Crawford
Blessings.
Lady Carnarvon,
Beautiful garden party. And I love the puppies.
Beautiful event, and isn't it nice when the weather actually cooperates? The perfect bonus to it was the puppies, I'm sure - cuteness overload from the rolly polly furbabies. ❤ So glad the event went well.