Nicola here, wishing everyone a very happy festive season! Last week I had a gorgeous time visiting Basildon Park, a stately home that has featured in many a costume drama from Downton Abbey to Pride and Prejudice. At this time of year many British historic houses are “dressed for Christmas” and you can wander through the rooms seeing how the inhabitants celebrated during eras gone by.
Preparing the “big house” for Christmas is a major job. Often plans for Christmas are made in March, eight 
months ahead, and a huge band of staff and volunteers come together to set up the whole show. In some houses one time period is chosen as the theme throughout. In others, each room represents Christmas in a different era. At Standen House, built in the Victorian period, they have a mixture of rooms decorated to reflect the late 1800s through to the present day. One of their favourite decorations is a Christmas card dating from 1882 – people donate their own historical Christmas decorations to dress the house. In the 1960s themed room the emphasis seems to be on cocktails, especially a Christmas tipple called Gin and French, which was popular at the time!
At Corfe Castle they go back to Tudor times with traditions that include the Lord of Misrule and the mummers performing plays and masques. Visitors can partake of mulled wine and mincemeat, join in the story telling around the fire and make traditional Tudor pomanders and holly wreaths with oranges and pine cones. A Tudor Christmas was a riotous affair where all the social classes mingled and a great deal of merriment warded off the dark days of Winter. There are plenty of re-enactors in costume in all the historic houses to show how it was done!
I loved everything Christmassy about Basildon Park. There was a "winterlight walk" up to the house, lit by tiny white lights strung through the trees. The house smelled of Christmas with a mingled scent of pine and spices. Each room looked magical with decorated trees, cosy log fires and candlelight. In the dining room there was the most elegant 
table decoration of holly, pine cones and fresh flowers. Out in the hall we all joined in singing Victorian Christmas carols around the grand piano. It made us all feel as though Christmas was just around the corner – which it is!
What is your favourite way of “dressing the house” (or yourself!) for the holiday season?
Here in the United States the Biltmore House, still owned by descendents of George Vanderbilt (but not lived in), is wonderfully decorated each year for Christmas. If you are ever near Asheville, NC in December, you should be sure to visit it. As for my decorations, they are much more modest, but we do get a fresh-cut Fraser fir from the NC mountains, and I supplement that with artificial greenery on the mantelpiece. Scented candles play a part, too. Merry Christmas to all the Wenches and their faithful readers and commenters!
Here in the United States the Biltmore House, still owned by descendents of George Vanderbilt (but not lived in), is wonderfully decorated each year for Christmas. If you are ever near Asheville, NC in December, you should be sure to visit it. As for my decorations, they are much more modest, but we do get a fresh-cut Fraser fir from the NC mountains, and I supplement that with artificial greenery on the mantelpiece. Scented candles play a part, too. Merry Christmas to all the Wenches and their faithful readers and commenters!
Here in the United States the Biltmore House, still owned by descendents of George Vanderbilt (but not lived in), is wonderfully decorated each year for Christmas. If you are ever near Asheville, NC in December, you should be sure to visit it. As for my decorations, they are much more modest, but we do get a fresh-cut Fraser fir from the NC mountains, and I supplement that with artificial greenery on the mantelpiece. Scented candles play a part, too. Merry Christmas to all the Wenches and their faithful readers and commenters!
Here in the United States the Biltmore House, still owned by descendents of George Vanderbilt (but not lived in), is wonderfully decorated each year for Christmas. If you are ever near Asheville, NC in December, you should be sure to visit it. As for my decorations, they are much more modest, but we do get a fresh-cut Fraser fir from the NC mountains, and I supplement that with artificial greenery on the mantelpiece. Scented candles play a part, too. Merry Christmas to all the Wenches and their faithful readers and commenters!
Here in the United States the Biltmore House, still owned by descendents of George Vanderbilt (but not lived in), is wonderfully decorated each year for Christmas. If you are ever near Asheville, NC in December, you should be sure to visit it. As for my decorations, they are much more modest, but we do get a fresh-cut Fraser fir from the NC mountains, and I supplement that with artificial greenery on the mantelpiece. Scented candles play a part, too. Merry Christmas to all the Wenches and their faithful readers and commenters!
A good friend is an executive director of an historic home in New Orleans–thought you all might enjoy her post. https://www.facebook.com/HermannGrimaGalllierHistoricHouses/posts/1073288719460339
Happy holidays to all the wenches!
A good friend is an executive director of an historic home in New Orleans–thought you all might enjoy her post. https://www.facebook.com/HermannGrimaGalllierHistoricHouses/posts/1073288719460339
Happy holidays to all the wenches!
A good friend is an executive director of an historic home in New Orleans–thought you all might enjoy her post. https://www.facebook.com/HermannGrimaGalllierHistoricHouses/posts/1073288719460339
Happy holidays to all the wenches!
A good friend is an executive director of an historic home in New Orleans–thought you all might enjoy her post. https://www.facebook.com/HermannGrimaGalllierHistoricHouses/posts/1073288719460339
Happy holidays to all the wenches!
A good friend is an executive director of an historic home in New Orleans–thought you all might enjoy her post. https://www.facebook.com/HermannGrimaGalllierHistoricHouses/posts/1073288719460339
Happy holidays to all the wenches!
I haven’t bothered since the children grew up. My husband’s birthday is on Christmas Eve and so we tend to put the emphasis on that day rather than Christmas Day.
I haven’t bothered since the children grew up. My husband’s birthday is on Christmas Eve and so we tend to put the emphasis on that day rather than Christmas Day.
I haven’t bothered since the children grew up. My husband’s birthday is on Christmas Eve and so we tend to put the emphasis on that day rather than Christmas Day.
I haven’t bothered since the children grew up. My husband’s birthday is on Christmas Eve and so we tend to put the emphasis on that day rather than Christmas Day.
I haven’t bothered since the children grew up. My husband’s birthday is on Christmas Eve and so we tend to put the emphasis on that day rather than Christmas Day.
Lights. I love lights. I especially love those battery powered little ones that can be placed anywhere. I hate the short winter days and crave light to drive them away.
Lights. I love lights. I especially love those battery powered little ones that can be placed anywhere. I hate the short winter days and crave light to drive them away.
Lights. I love lights. I especially love those battery powered little ones that can be placed anywhere. I hate the short winter days and crave light to drive them away.
Lights. I love lights. I especially love those battery powered little ones that can be placed anywhere. I hate the short winter days and crave light to drive them away.
Lights. I love lights. I especially love those battery powered little ones that can be placed anywhere. I hate the short winter days and crave light to drive them away.
I used to go all out, with swags and the big real pine tree and lots of home-made and bought ornaments, and a wreath on the front door, etc, but these days I’m much more minimalist. A bunch of silver painted twigs, or a small, sometimes tiny “tree” made of a few springs of pine bound together — it’s the smell as much as anything. And since I make tiny things and jewelry, I make tiny decorations to go with the tiny tree.
I also have lights — the sort that are strung on a long cord and are incredibly easy to use — just drape them wherever and switch on. I can see I’ll be getting more, because I enjoy them so much.
I used to go all out, with swags and the big real pine tree and lots of home-made and bought ornaments, and a wreath on the front door, etc, but these days I’m much more minimalist. A bunch of silver painted twigs, or a small, sometimes tiny “tree” made of a few springs of pine bound together — it’s the smell as much as anything. And since I make tiny things and jewelry, I make tiny decorations to go with the tiny tree.
I also have lights — the sort that are strung on a long cord and are incredibly easy to use — just drape them wherever and switch on. I can see I’ll be getting more, because I enjoy them so much.
I used to go all out, with swags and the big real pine tree and lots of home-made and bought ornaments, and a wreath on the front door, etc, but these days I’m much more minimalist. A bunch of silver painted twigs, or a small, sometimes tiny “tree” made of a few springs of pine bound together — it’s the smell as much as anything. And since I make tiny things and jewelry, I make tiny decorations to go with the tiny tree.
I also have lights — the sort that are strung on a long cord and are incredibly easy to use — just drape them wherever and switch on. I can see I’ll be getting more, because I enjoy them so much.
I used to go all out, with swags and the big real pine tree and lots of home-made and bought ornaments, and a wreath on the front door, etc, but these days I’m much more minimalist. A bunch of silver painted twigs, or a small, sometimes tiny “tree” made of a few springs of pine bound together — it’s the smell as much as anything. And since I make tiny things and jewelry, I make tiny decorations to go with the tiny tree.
I also have lights — the sort that are strung on a long cord and are incredibly easy to use — just drape them wherever and switch on. I can see I’ll be getting more, because I enjoy them so much.
I used to go all out, with swags and the big real pine tree and lots of home-made and bought ornaments, and a wreath on the front door, etc, but these days I’m much more minimalist. A bunch of silver painted twigs, or a small, sometimes tiny “tree” made of a few springs of pine bound together — it’s the smell as much as anything. And since I make tiny things and jewelry, I make tiny decorations to go with the tiny tree.
I also have lights — the sort that are strung on a long cord and are incredibly easy to use — just drape them wherever and switch on. I can see I’ll be getting more, because I enjoy them so much.
The Biltmore House sounds wonderful, Linda. I would love to see that one day! Love the idea of fresh fir mingling with the scent of candles.
The Biltmore House sounds wonderful, Linda. I would love to see that one day! Love the idea of fresh fir mingling with the scent of candles.
The Biltmore House sounds wonderful, Linda. I would love to see that one day! Love the idea of fresh fir mingling with the scent of candles.
The Biltmore House sounds wonderful, Linda. I would love to see that one day! Love the idea of fresh fir mingling with the scent of candles.
The Biltmore House sounds wonderful, Linda. I would love to see that one day! Love the idea of fresh fir mingling with the scent of candles.
Thank you for sharing the link, Joanna. It made me want to go and visit! Absolutely gorgeous houses and wonderful decorations.
Thank you for sharing the link, Joanna. It made me want to go and visit! Absolutely gorgeous houses and wonderful decorations.
Thank you for sharing the link, Joanna. It made me want to go and visit! Absolutely gorgeous houses and wonderful decorations.
Thank you for sharing the link, Joanna. It made me want to go and visit! Absolutely gorgeous houses and wonderful decorations.
Thank you for sharing the link, Joanna. It made me want to go and visit! Absolutely gorgeous houses and wonderful decorations.
I often think that if you have a birthday around Christmas it’s a shame to miss out so this is really nice. I hope you have a very happy day, Shelagh.
I often think that if you have a birthday around Christmas it’s a shame to miss out so this is really nice. I hope you have a very happy day, Shelagh.
I often think that if you have a birthday around Christmas it’s a shame to miss out so this is really nice. I hope you have a very happy day, Shelagh.
I often think that if you have a birthday around Christmas it’s a shame to miss out so this is really nice. I hope you have a very happy day, Shelagh.
I often think that if you have a birthday around Christmas it’s a shame to miss out so this is really nice. I hope you have a very happy day, Shelagh.
Lights are both practical and celebratory, aren’t they. It as one of the reasons I loved the winter walk at Basildon – all those sparkly little lights in the trees! I can imagine our ancestors were just the same with fire and light festivals to banish the darkness.
Lights are both practical and celebratory, aren’t they. It as one of the reasons I loved the winter walk at Basildon – all those sparkly little lights in the trees! I can imagine our ancestors were just the same with fire and light festivals to banish the darkness.
Lights are both practical and celebratory, aren’t they. It as one of the reasons I loved the winter walk at Basildon – all those sparkly little lights in the trees! I can imagine our ancestors were just the same with fire and light festivals to banish the darkness.
Lights are both practical and celebratory, aren’t they. It as one of the reasons I loved the winter walk at Basildon – all those sparkly little lights in the trees! I can imagine our ancestors were just the same with fire and light festivals to banish the darkness.
Lights are both practical and celebratory, aren’t they. It as one of the reasons I loved the winter walk at Basildon – all those sparkly little lights in the trees! I can imagine our ancestors were just the same with fire and light festivals to banish the darkness.
Gorgeous, Anne! I love the idea of a tiny tree decorated with tiny ornaments!
Gorgeous, Anne! I love the idea of a tiny tree decorated with tiny ornaments!
Gorgeous, Anne! I love the idea of a tiny tree decorated with tiny ornaments!
Gorgeous, Anne! I love the idea of a tiny tree decorated with tiny ornaments!
Gorgeous, Anne! I love the idea of a tiny tree decorated with tiny ornaments!
I must visit Basildon Hall sometime, preferably in spring or summer when the gardens are blooming. Thanks for the thumbs up!
Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire is one of my favourites at Christmas. This year I believe that they have decorated with an 18th century twist … will re-visit sometime in the Christmas period.
For decorations at home we use a fibre-optic tree, a little holly and mistletoe and string the dozens of Christmas cards around the walls and on the many book cases.
Wishing a Merry Christmas to the wonderful wenches and their even more wonderful readers.
I must visit Basildon Hall sometime, preferably in spring or summer when the gardens are blooming. Thanks for the thumbs up!
Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire is one of my favourites at Christmas. This year I believe that they have decorated with an 18th century twist … will re-visit sometime in the Christmas period.
For decorations at home we use a fibre-optic tree, a little holly and mistletoe and string the dozens of Christmas cards around the walls and on the many book cases.
Wishing a Merry Christmas to the wonderful wenches and their even more wonderful readers.
I must visit Basildon Hall sometime, preferably in spring or summer when the gardens are blooming. Thanks for the thumbs up!
Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire is one of my favourites at Christmas. This year I believe that they have decorated with an 18th century twist … will re-visit sometime in the Christmas period.
For decorations at home we use a fibre-optic tree, a little holly and mistletoe and string the dozens of Christmas cards around the walls and on the many book cases.
Wishing a Merry Christmas to the wonderful wenches and their even more wonderful readers.
I must visit Basildon Hall sometime, preferably in spring or summer when the gardens are blooming. Thanks for the thumbs up!
Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire is one of my favourites at Christmas. This year I believe that they have decorated with an 18th century twist … will re-visit sometime in the Christmas period.
For decorations at home we use a fibre-optic tree, a little holly and mistletoe and string the dozens of Christmas cards around the walls and on the many book cases.
Wishing a Merry Christmas to the wonderful wenches and their even more wonderful readers.
I must visit Basildon Hall sometime, preferably in spring or summer when the gardens are blooming. Thanks for the thumbs up!
Hanbury Hall in Worcestershire is one of my favourites at Christmas. This year I believe that they have decorated with an 18th century twist … will re-visit sometime in the Christmas period.
For decorations at home we use a fibre-optic tree, a little holly and mistletoe and string the dozens of Christmas cards around the walls and on the many book cases.
Wishing a Merry Christmas to the wonderful wenches and their even more wonderful readers.
Since the grandchildren have become parents, we don’t decorate our home anymore. Getting old will do that to a person (or couple).
I have found memories of the trees my parents had, as well as the trees my children and I shared in their early years. I was teaching then, so I bought a tree for the classroom, for the children there to decorate as they wished. When school closed for the Christmas break, that paper decorated tree came home and the children and I added lights, and ornaments. Each year I bout 3 new ornaments. When the children moved out they took their personal ornaments with them.
It was always our family tradition to decorate as a family (helping Santa) as opposed to have Santa to the tree. So a shared tree didn’t bother my children at all. When I moved to editorial work, we no longer shared the tree, but we still decorated it at home, adding new and familiar ornaments each year.
Since the grandchildren have become parents, we don’t decorate our home anymore. Getting old will do that to a person (or couple).
I have found memories of the trees my parents had, as well as the trees my children and I shared in their early years. I was teaching then, so I bought a tree for the classroom, for the children there to decorate as they wished. When school closed for the Christmas break, that paper decorated tree came home and the children and I added lights, and ornaments. Each year I bout 3 new ornaments. When the children moved out they took their personal ornaments with them.
It was always our family tradition to decorate as a family (helping Santa) as opposed to have Santa to the tree. So a shared tree didn’t bother my children at all. When I moved to editorial work, we no longer shared the tree, but we still decorated it at home, adding new and familiar ornaments each year.
Since the grandchildren have become parents, we don’t decorate our home anymore. Getting old will do that to a person (or couple).
I have found memories of the trees my parents had, as well as the trees my children and I shared in their early years. I was teaching then, so I bought a tree for the classroom, for the children there to decorate as they wished. When school closed for the Christmas break, that paper decorated tree came home and the children and I added lights, and ornaments. Each year I bout 3 new ornaments. When the children moved out they took their personal ornaments with them.
It was always our family tradition to decorate as a family (helping Santa) as opposed to have Santa to the tree. So a shared tree didn’t bother my children at all. When I moved to editorial work, we no longer shared the tree, but we still decorated it at home, adding new and familiar ornaments each year.
Since the grandchildren have become parents, we don’t decorate our home anymore. Getting old will do that to a person (or couple).
I have found memories of the trees my parents had, as well as the trees my children and I shared in their early years. I was teaching then, so I bought a tree for the classroom, for the children there to decorate as they wished. When school closed for the Christmas break, that paper decorated tree came home and the children and I added lights, and ornaments. Each year I bout 3 new ornaments. When the children moved out they took their personal ornaments with them.
It was always our family tradition to decorate as a family (helping Santa) as opposed to have Santa to the tree. So a shared tree didn’t bother my children at all. When I moved to editorial work, we no longer shared the tree, but we still decorated it at home, adding new and familiar ornaments each year.
Since the grandchildren have become parents, we don’t decorate our home anymore. Getting old will do that to a person (or couple).
I have found memories of the trees my parents had, as well as the trees my children and I shared in their early years. I was teaching then, so I bought a tree for the classroom, for the children there to decorate as they wished. When school closed for the Christmas break, that paper decorated tree came home and the children and I added lights, and ornaments. Each year I bout 3 new ornaments. When the children moved out they took their personal ornaments with them.
It was always our family tradition to decorate as a family (helping Santa) as opposed to have Santa to the tree. So a shared tree didn’t bother my children at all. When I moved to editorial work, we no longer shared the tree, but we still decorated it at home, adding new and familiar ornaments each year.
Love the tiny tree idea I have a friend who uses a twiggy branch in a pot, just the right size to sit on a side table. It is adorned with rustic decorations in keeping with its charm. Merry Christmas 🎄
Love the tiny tree idea I have a friend who uses a twiggy branch in a pot, just the right size to sit on a side table. It is adorned with rustic decorations in keeping with its charm. Merry Christmas 🎄
Love the tiny tree idea I have a friend who uses a twiggy branch in a pot, just the right size to sit on a side table. It is adorned with rustic decorations in keeping with its charm. Merry Christmas 🎄
Love the tiny tree idea I have a friend who uses a twiggy branch in a pot, just the right size to sit on a side table. It is adorned with rustic decorations in keeping with its charm. Merry Christmas 🎄
Love the tiny tree idea I have a friend who uses a twiggy branch in a pot, just the right size to sit on a side table. It is adorned with rustic decorations in keeping with its charm. Merry Christmas 🎄
We’re pretty low-key. We decorate our tree (which is not real) and put a cloth wreath (made in kindergarten by our daughter) on the front door. We do enjoy playing our collection of Christmas CDs throughout the month.
Happy holidays to you all!
We’re pretty low-key. We decorate our tree (which is not real) and put a cloth wreath (made in kindergarten by our daughter) on the front door. We do enjoy playing our collection of Christmas CDs throughout the month.
Happy holidays to you all!
We’re pretty low-key. We decorate our tree (which is not real) and put a cloth wreath (made in kindergarten by our daughter) on the front door. We do enjoy playing our collection of Christmas CDs throughout the month.
Happy holidays to you all!
We’re pretty low-key. We decorate our tree (which is not real) and put a cloth wreath (made in kindergarten by our daughter) on the front door. We do enjoy playing our collection of Christmas CDs throughout the month.
Happy holidays to you all!
We’re pretty low-key. We decorate our tree (which is not real) and put a cloth wreath (made in kindergarten by our daughter) on the front door. We do enjoy playing our collection of Christmas CDs throughout the month.
Happy holidays to you all!
I’ve always wanted to visit Hanbury Hall so will definitely make sure I get over there before too long. A very Happy Christmas to you too!
I’ve always wanted to visit Hanbury Hall so will definitely make sure I get over there before too long. A very Happy Christmas to you too!
I’ve always wanted to visit Hanbury Hall so will definitely make sure I get over there before too long. A very Happy Christmas to you too!
I’ve always wanted to visit Hanbury Hall so will definitely make sure I get over there before too long. A very Happy Christmas to you too!
I’ve always wanted to visit Hanbury Hall so will definitely make sure I get over there before too long. A very Happy Christmas to you too!
What a great idea to have a classroom tree! I love that it started the season in one venue and then moved to another!
What a great idea to have a classroom tree! I love that it started the season in one venue and then moved to another!
What a great idea to have a classroom tree! I love that it started the season in one venue and then moved to another!
What a great idea to have a classroom tree! I love that it started the season in one venue and then moved to another!
What a great idea to have a classroom tree! I love that it started the season in one venue and then moved to another!
And to you, Kareni!
And to you, Kareni!
And to you, Kareni!
And to you, Kareni!
And to you, Kareni!