Preface Publishing Christmas at Highclere: Recipes and traditions from the real Downton Abbey

A wonderful book about Christmas past and present at the Downton Abbey castle, filled with great stories, recipes and facts - even Christmas quizzes. Fantastic quality too, it must weigh over a kilo. Would make a classy Christmas present.

Had a quick look at the book and the contents look fantastic really looking forward to reading it but just disappointed that the book has arrived and the cover is damaged. As a massive Downton Fan it’s very disappointing as I really wanted to keep the book out on show I did think of taking the paper cover off but the book itself has a plain cover. I’m was also tempted to send it back for a replacement but want to read the book too much and can’t be bothered.

🎄 ‘Recipes & traditions, from the real Downton Abbey: Christmas at Highclere is a look behind the scenes at the recipes and traditions that create the most magical time of the year at the most famous house in the world.’By the author: Fiona, the 8th Countess of Carnarvon:🎄 ‘My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”.Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last seven years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world.ooOooI bought this as a Christmas gift and, after a sneaky flick-through, kept this gem for myself and had to buy another copy…and I have never seen Downton Abbey!The current LOOK INSIDE facility above is disappointing but the product description gives an indication of the CONTENT, along with an idea of some of the recipes included.Also, by the author:🎄 ...'I hope you will adore reading this as much as I did writing it; it is dedicated to my and Geordie’s parents who in their lifetime created the most wonderful Christmases for their families.As Winnie the Pooh put it so beautifully:📝 "We didn’t know we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun"...'ooOoo~ CHRISTMAS AT HIGHCLERE: RECIPES AND TRADITIONS FROM THE REAL DOWNTON ABBEY~ FIONA, THE 8th COUNTESS OF CARNARVON~ 2019ooOooA sumptuous presentation, the chunky, beautifully illustrated tome measures roughly 25 cm x 20 cm. The dust jacketed, hard cover opens to 320 high quality, shiny pages that has a collection of all sorts of gems as well as a selection of well laid out recipes.Also from the author, who describes her work far better than I can put into words:'…I have absolutely loved writing this book and am delighted to be able to finally share it with you. It has been a challenge and, as with every book I write, took two years to research, and compose. Yet, when I sent it off, I felt it was complete. It comes from my heart, from my memories and is for all of us to enjoy as we celebrate together. I will take you behind the scenes and share the history and the rituals that make my home ~ Highclere Castle ~ the most magical place to be throughout the festive season.Join me on a tour through Advent with all its delightful preparations right up to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and beyond into the New Year. You will learn how the Castle and grounds are transformed by decorations, including raising our enormous tree in the Saloon and the gathering of holly& mistletoe from the grounds. All the intricacies of the perfect traditional Christmas are here: from crackers and carol singers to turkey and trimmings.This book also tells the story of historic Christmases at Highclere ~ of distinguished guests warming themselves by the fire after long journeys home through the snow, unexpected knocks on the door and, always, the joy of bringing family, friends, staff and animals together after a busy year.As well as telling the stories of Christmas at Highclere past and present, I have also included recipes, tips and inspiration from the Castle kitchen and my own family kitchen so that each reader can bring a quintessentially British festive spirit to their own home. I hope that you enjoy learning the secret to perfectly flaky mince pies, the best way to wrap presents and how to prepare ahead of time so that you and your guests are guaranteed a Christmas to remember.'

A must have on your Christmas book list! The Countess has the gift of bringing the reader into her Christmas family circle.

Full of recipes, history (and ghost stories!) and insights into how the owners and staff get this incredible house ready for Christmas, i love this book. There are some great recipes to try, although some have ingredients that require you to be as rich as the castle owners, and the section on ‘how to wrap presents‘ was a bit grandmother/sucking eggs, but all in all it’s charming, with gorgeous photos to get you feeling Christmassy all year round.