Recipes and traditions from the real Downton Abbey

Christmas at Highclere

A fully-illustrated and covetable gift book that goes behind the scenes at the festive season of the real Downton Abbey

Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is always bustling with activity, but it is never more alive than at Christmastime. 
 
CHRISTMAS AT HIGHCLERE invites you into the magic of the festive season in one of the most famous historic houses in the world. The 8th Countess of Carnarvon shares stories of the traditions and rituals that take place every year, through Advent, Christmas, Boxing Day, all the way to New Year’s Eve. 
 
See how the manor is transformed by decorations, from the raising of a twenty-foot tree in the saloon to the gathering of holly and mistletoe from the grounds. Learn the secret to melt-in-your-mouth turkey, deliciously spiced mulled wine and perfectly flaky mince pies. 
 
Discover stories of Highclere Christmases past and present – of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after long journeys home through the snow, unexpected knocks on the door, and the joy of bringing family – and staff – together after a busy year. 
 
CHRISTMAS AT HIGHCLERE is Lady Carnarvon’s guide to the perfect traditional Christmas, from crackers to carol singers. Packed with stories, recipes and festive inspiration, this rich compendium will guarantee you and your guests a Christmas to remember.

Highclere Castle, known as 'the real Downton Abbey' bustles with activity at the best of times, but it is never more alive than at Christmas. 
 
Christmas at Highclere is a look behind the scenes at the routines and rituals that make the castle the most magical place to be throughout the festive season. 
 
Lady Carnarvon will guide you through Advent, Christmas preparations and Christmas Eve all the way through to the day itself, and beyond. Learn how the castle and grounds are transformed by decorations, including the raising of a twenty-foot tree in the saloon, the gathering of holly and mistletoe from the grounds. All the intricacies of the perfect traditional Christmas are here: from crackers and carol singers. The festive feeling is carried through to Highclere's Boxing Day traditions, the restorative middle days and the New Year's Eve celebrations. 
 
This book also tells the story of historic Christmases at Highclere - of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after a long journeys home through the snow, unexpected knocks on the door, and, always, the joy of bringing family - and staff - together after a busy year. 
 
As well as telling the stories of Highclere Christmases past and present, Lady Carnarvon provides recipes, tips and inspiration from her kitchen so that readers can bring a quintessentially British festive spirit to their own home. Lady Carnarvon divulges the secret to perfectly flakey mince pies, the proper way to wrap presents so that you and your guests are guaranteed a Christmas to remember. 
 
Lavish, celebratory and utterly enchanting, Christmas at Highclere is celebration of one of the UK's most beloved historic houses and is the perfect gift for any Downton Abbey fan.

The Countess of Carnarvon

Gardening, Growing, and Cooking through the Year at the Real Downton Abbey

Join Lady Carnarvon as she opens the gates to Highclere Castle, the 'real Downton Abbey', and discover how the iconic British landmark celebrates and changes each season. 
 
This book reveals the treasures within Highclere Castle's land and estates: Georgian architecture, follies, secret gardens, the monks' garden, wildflower meadows and the woods of enchantment. Alongside history and anecdotes, this book also details sumptuous recipes for dishes inspired by local, seasonal produce, such as Heritage Tomato Tart, Highclere Baked Figs with Goats Cheese, and Honeyed Winter Vegetable Salad. 
 
Beautifully illustrated with full-colour photography, Seasons at Highclere is full of gastronomical delights, the stories of the treasures within Highclere Castle's grounds, untold secrets from the castle's archives and much more. This is the perfect gift or keepsake, and a book to be cherished for years to come.

The Countess of Carnarvon

Seasons at Highclere

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