*by Renee Chaw

Chances are you’ve seen Downton Abbey or at least have heard about it over the past year and for good reason, the series is amazing! With its dramatic themes, incredible costumes, and absolutely gorgeous setting you can’t help becoming addicted. It’s really no surprise that with such popularity that this series is going into season 3 filming as we speak. To *try* and fill in the gaps between now and the season 3 air-date (sometime in early 2013) I thought it would be interesting to put together a Downton Abbey inspired “gift list.” What better time to do it than right before Mother’s Day, maybe all you folks who haven’t yet had the chance to buy something for your oh-so-deserving mom will get some great ideas!

One of the most under appreciated characters at the Abbey is Mrs. Patmore, the cook! Without her the Crawley’s would starve and not to mention Daisy wouldn’t know the flour from the baking soda.

Daisy, Mrs Patmore, and SybilPhoto from Itv.com

So what do you think, would modern-day Mrs. Patmore’s (aka our hard-working moms) enjoy this fantastic stand mixer with a boat-load of attachments? I have the feeling a few mom’s would go nuts over this, mine included.

KitchenAid Artisan Mixer (Color: Raspberry Ice)Photo from Amazon.com After mom’s finished cooking up a meal even the Dowager Countess would approve of she’s going to want to relax and what better way to do it than with a cup of hot coffee (or tea or cocoa or cappuccino) brewed in her new Keurig! I have it on good authority (*cough cough* Lori T., the big kahuna here at Radiant Lit) that mom won’t be able to do without her K-Cup in the morning once she’s tried it. Keurig Elite Brewing System Photo from Keurig.com If you’re on a tight budget why not consider making mom a meal Edwardian style? I found this great link on the ITV.com site for three easy recipes that are sure to please mom and the entire family. You can show off your culinary prowess by making mom a meat pie she’ll never forget! Go HERE for recipes

Steak and Kidney PiePhoto from ITV.com

Remember when Lady Edith took it upon herself to help the Drake’s with the field work and learned how to drive a tractor…

Lady Edith driving a tractor!Photo from tv.com

…Methinks today’s mom wouldn’t mind helping outside if she had a machine like this one.

John Deere X300 Lawn TractorPhoto Credit: 2012 Deere and Company

What mom doesn’t love shiny things? Personally I really love the costumes of the series but evening gloves and tiaras aren’t something one can wear everyday.

The Crawley sistersPhoto from Mirror.com

Check out the great jewelry I found on Etsy that was inspired by the show. I think it’s perfect for a night out!

From Juliana’s Creations store @ Etsy

From Vintage Touch Jewelry @ Etsy

From Cinsational Baubles @ Etsy

These are just a few of the pretty (or practical) things I found that I thought moms and fans of Downton Abbey would enjoy. If you have any other suggestions for Mother’s Day or just cool vintage inspired gift ideas to share feel free to do so in the comments section of this post. Also if your mom hasn’t seen Downton Abbey you might want to get Season 1 or 2 or both on DVD or Blu-Ray

Downton Abbey Season 1 DVDor Season 1 Blu-Ray Downton Abbey Season 2 DVD or Season 2 Blu-Ray

*Links and photos are provided for your convenience, no money or products were given to us from any of the sites/sellers/companies.*