How far in advance do you start
preparations for Christmas at Highclere?
We plan our events in the summer and
start making our decorations in October
along with the Christmas pudding and
Christmas cake. Then in late November the
trees and the decorations go up.
Tell us more about the huge
Christmas tree in the saloon.
It is usually 6 metres tall and is cut from a
local farm. On the appointed day all the
staff help out as it has to be carried in by
hand and raised using a series of ropes
and pulleys. It takes another two days to
decorate so it is a team effort from all the
Highclere elves.
How many other trees do you
display around the estate?
We have around another 40 trees, some
which line the drive and offer a twinkling,
festive entrance for visitors. We have others
in the courtyard and then about eight inside
in the Dining Room, Library, Music Room,
Drawing Room, Smoking Room and hall.
Do you have any favourite family recipes?
So many! I absolutely love the traditional
Christmas Day lunch of roast turkey with
all the delicious accompaniments and a
large ham to slice hot or cold. But I also
enjoy using up leftovers in dishes such as
turkey rissoles or frying slices of Christmas
pudding gently in butter. After Christmas I
crave something lighter such as fennel,
blood orange and walnut salad.
Can you tell us a bit more about
your Christmas Day?
Usually we start with a dog walk, then it is
back to the castle for a breakfast of
scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, porridge
and toast. Then we all head to church for
the Christmas service before sitting down
to a fantastic Christmas lunch. After lunch
we open our presents and watch the
King's speech – much like many families
around the country.
And how do you celebrate
Boxing Day and New Year?
On Boxing Day, we have a traditional shoot
followed by a warming stew or pie for
lunch. On New Year's Eve, we have a party
with traditional Scottish reeling. Our guests
are welcomed by a piper in immaculate
white spats, swinging kilt, a bearskin of a
hat and a warm jacket. The first reel is
inevitably the Dashing White Sargent in
which guests have to line up in groups of
three. It is the most enormous fun and no
one is left out, whatever their age.
Left to right:
Highclere Castle
in the snow;
Lady Carnarvon
welcomes you in
Preparing for Christmas at Highclere Castle
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