Downton Abbey dining at the library | Pierce County Library

Downton Abbey fans and history buffs will explore the complexities of the formal dinner table—Downton Abbey style—during free events at three Pierce County Libraries in October and November.

Downton Abbey fans and history buffs will explore the complexities of the formal dinner table—Downton Abbey style—during free events at three Pierce County Libraries in October and November.

Food historian Tames Alan will demystify the manners, menu and accoutrements of a formal 12-course dinner as would have been eaten upstairs at Downton Abbey before the outbreak of World War I.

At the event—Dining at Downton: A Trial by Fork—people will travel to a time of forgotten elegance, when setting the table was an art and serving a meal was a well-choreographed dance.

Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W.

Monday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.

Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m.

Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 1 p.m.

Friends of the Libraries sponsor these free events.