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Christmas at Highclere
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.
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.
319 pages, Hardcover
First published September 5, 2019
About the author
Fiona Carnarvon
10 books225 followersNote: This is the Goodreads listing for the 8th Countess of Carnarvon.
A former auditor for Coopers & Lybrand, Lady Carnarvon is the wife of George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon. Today, she manages affairs at Highclere Castle, home of the worldwide television drama Downton Abbey, including overseeing its grounds and gardens and many special events such as the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars of the Castle.
Fascinated by Highclere’s history, Lady Carnarvon has written four books. The first two are about the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb with Howard Carter in 1922. Her latest are New York Times Bestseller Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere, and Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey.
A former auditor for Coopers & Lybrand, Lady Carnarvon is the wife of George Herbert, 8th Earl of Carnarvon. Today, she manages affairs at Highclere Castle, home of the worldwide television drama Downton Abbey, including overseeing its grounds and gardens and many special events such as the Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars of the Castle.
Fascinated by Highclere’s history, Lady Carnarvon has written four books. The first two are about the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb with Howard Carter in 1922. Her latest are New York Times Bestseller Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere, and Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 23, 2020
The Countess of Carnarvon has invited all of us to see what it takes to prepare for the holiday season at Highclere Castle. As all of us Downton Abbey fanatics know, this is the castle upon which Downton Abbey was based.
This book is full of photos, and includes the history of the traditions kept throughout the years at Highclere. It takes a great amount of planning to usher in the holidays at Highclere.
Also included in this beautiful book are recipes for some of the foods traditionally served during the holiday season.
This book is full of photos, and includes the history of the traditions kept throughout the years at Highclere. It takes a great amount of planning to usher in the holidays at Highclere.
Also included in this beautiful book are recipes for some of the foods traditionally served during the holiday season.
October 5, 2020
A wonderful pictorial book of Highclere throughout the entire Advent/Christmas season. There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make all the festivities, both public and private, a joyous celebration. The pictures are gorgeous, and recipes sumptuous, with a soupcon of history thrown in as well, a treat for all the senses. I enjoyed reading and gazing at the photos as any Downton Abbey fan would!
February 3, 2020
What a treat this book turned out to be. When I picked it up, I wasn't sure what to expect from it and thought it might end up feeling superficial and commercial, capitalizing on the success of Downton Abbey. This couldn't be further from the truth.
What I liked about Christmas at Highclere:
It was a full-on feast for the eyes - The photographs were outstanding, both in composition and effect. There were recipes and anecdotes and it was all just so well-executed that every page I turned was a delight to discover.
Beautifully written - The Countess of Carnarvon puts words to paper in such a personable way. She painted pictures in my mind to go along with the aforementioned photos. It was all such a perfect balance of history and cultural tradition and personal stories. I learned as much as I felt privileged to "peek" in at the full holiday preparations and celebrations -- from the start of Advent through Candlemas -- that take place at Highclere, both those that are more public and those that are privately held with friends and family. It made me want to live there, not just during the holidays but year-round, as I absorbed the way the Countess spoke of what she values in her life, which was evident between the lines on each page.
What I didn't care for:
Not a darn thing. It was even edited perfectly.
This book is a lovely gift. It is cookbook and history book and coffee table book. You can page through browsing photos or dig into the words. There is something for nearly everyone within its pages and I'm so glad I took the time to venture inside.
What I liked about Christmas at Highclere:
It was a full-on feast for the eyes - The photographs were outstanding, both in composition and effect. There were recipes and anecdotes and it was all just so well-executed that every page I turned was a delight to discover.
Beautifully written - The Countess of Carnarvon puts words to paper in such a personable way. She painted pictures in my mind to go along with the aforementioned photos. It was all such a perfect balance of history and cultural tradition and personal stories. I learned as much as I felt privileged to "peek" in at the full holiday preparations and celebrations -- from the start of Advent through Candlemas -- that take place at Highclere, both those that are more public and those that are privately held with friends and family. It made me want to live there, not just during the holidays but year-round, as I absorbed the way the Countess spoke of what she values in her life, which was evident between the lines on each page.
What I didn't care for:
Not a darn thing. It was even edited perfectly.
This book is a lovely gift. It is cookbook and history book and coffee table book. You can page through browsing photos or dig into the words. There is something for nearly everyone within its pages and I'm so glad I took the time to venture inside.
December 31, 2020
Given the size and quality of this book, I thought it'd be all pictures. I was pleasantly surprised to find a good amount of interesting text and a ton of recipes and seasonal ideas.
The eighth Duchess of Carnarvon has made a windfall of living at "the real Downton Abbey." She's published several books about Highclere Castle, and Julian Fellowes was evidently inspired by some real-life things that happened there. However, she gives real value, and not just a voyeuristic glance into life inan abbey a castle in Yorkshire Hampshire.
What I, of course, adored was that Carnarvon walks us from Advent to Epiphany, giving brief historical/religious explanations for each season, and then detailing how the seasons are observed at Highclere. Recipes abound, some of them more feasible for suburban life than others. Highlights that I'd like (my husband) to make are the brie and cranberry quiche, salmon en croûte, and the fennel, blood orange, and walnut salad. Of course, classic recipes for mulled wine and Christmas pudding are here too, if you're in the mood for a traditional, English feast.
A lovely coffee table book to set out for the holidays!
The eighth Duchess of Carnarvon has made a windfall of living at "the real Downton Abbey." She's published several books about Highclere Castle, and Julian Fellowes was evidently inspired by some real-life things that happened there. However, she gives real value, and not just a voyeuristic glance into life in
What I, of course, adored was that Carnarvon walks us from Advent to Epiphany, giving brief historical/religious explanations for each season, and then detailing how the seasons are observed at Highclere. Recipes abound, some of them more feasible for suburban life than others. Highlights that I'd like (my husband) to make are the brie and cranberry quiche, salmon en croûte, and the fennel, blood orange, and walnut salad. Of course, classic recipes for mulled wine and Christmas pudding are here too, if you're in the mood for a traditional, English feast.
A lovely coffee table book to set out for the holidays!
December 1, 2019
What a gorgeous Christmas/New Year themed book. It includes entertaining stories, charming photographs and some mouth-watering recipes. This is certainly not just for the fans of Downton Abbey, it is for anyone who enjoys the festive season and/or reading about stately English houses.
December 23, 2019
This is a lovely book. I enjoyed it immensely reading through its pages whilst listening to carols from Kings College, Cambridge.
Wonderful recipes some of which I will definitely have a go at. Historical facts about Christmas traditions and about Highclere.
I learnt the origin of ‘humble pie’ that the 12 days of Christmas song if you add up the presents makes 364, one for each day after Christmas. The origin of tinsel, the Christmas tree, wreaths, and so much more.
I would describe the book as sumptuous.
Wonderful recipes some of which I will definitely have a go at. Historical facts about Christmas traditions and about Highclere.
I learnt the origin of ‘humble pie’ that the 12 days of Christmas song if you add up the presents makes 364, one for each day after Christmas. The origin of tinsel, the Christmas tree, wreaths, and so much more.
I would describe the book as sumptuous.
December 24, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book in the lead up to Christmas. It may be meant to read over time or read occasionally as a cookbook (which it certainly is in part), but it was such a treat to read it straight through chapter by chapter. So many lovely photos and recipes. My favorite part, however, was the nonfiction element, in which Fiona investigates the origins of our present day Christmas traditions. In this way, this isn’t only a gorgeous and heartwarming book, it’s also illuminating for Christmas/history lovers like me.
December 28, 2022
Fun to look through, but I didn't feel inspired to cook anything out of it.
December 10, 2019
History, recipes galore, photos in abundance, and even quizzes! This wonderful work has everything you would expect from the 8th Countess of Carnarvon. I desired this book for my wife's personal historical research into Christmas traditions, history, etc. I just had to read it and I found this work of immense interest and inspiring.
This work is a wondrous resource for the cook, researcher, Christmas lover, and the enthusiasts who savor a variety of topics. The only drawback I found was being able to live long enough to enjoy all the recipes contained in this great work!
This work is a wondrous resource for the cook, researcher, Christmas lover, and the enthusiasts who savor a variety of topics. The only drawback I found was being able to live long enough to enjoy all the recipes contained in this great work!
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December 7, 2019This is an absolutely dazzling book! Written by Fiona, 8th Countess of Carnarvon, this volume is a festive and intimate look at how Highclere Castle (where DA was filmed) celebrates the holiday season, from Advent to Epiphany, and including Christmas and Boxing Day. The focus is more on Highclere than on Downton, so if you weren't familiar with the show, but still had an interest in cooking, baking, and Christmas decorating, you would still appreciate this book. The photos are gorgeous, and this book is packed with recipes, history, legends, and lore. A nice companion to a long winter's night.
August 20, 2023
I cannot even begin to imagine the life of living in a castle. I cannot imagine the parties and the work that go into maintaining such a home. This book was just delightful to me and I feel as though I have been given a glimpse of what goes on behind those huge massive doors during the holidays. Most of the recipes I have never heard of yet alone eaten. Maybe I'll try a few.
September 7, 2020
Beautiful book, expensive book. In this year of pandemic stay-at-home and dream of travel and holiday companionship, this is a calm look at a different life. It is 96 here in Flodia so it is also chilling. I read a couple of Golden Age of Mystery books that fit right in, especially Karen Menuhin's.
February 29, 2020
What a joyful read! The history, architecture, food, decorations all are so interesting and fun. The author loves her home and genuinely cares about others so they can join in her enjoyment too.
December 8, 2020
This is a gorgeously put together book and it got me right in the Christmas spirit!
December 30, 2020
I REALLY, REALLY enjoyed this special Christmas present from my husband! It is a beautiful book full of stunning photographs of both the recipes presented as well as the grounds of Highclere Castle, the famous setting for Downton Abbey. For those of us who grew up west of the Atlantic reading British literature stories featuring mince pies or Christmas puddings but having no experience with them, this will give the history behind each as well as tempting recipes. For fans of Downton Abby curious about the "real" house behind the story or logistics behind how a great house functions during the holidays, the current Countess of Carnarvon shares preparation details, fascinating history and pictures. I never before considered that the logistics of getting an 18-20 foot Christmas tree into a historic home with walls covered in priceless embossed antique leather would require more than a dozen men!
I did not expect to enjoy every detail of this book as much as I did. Exploration of the history of the castle, its lands, the holiday traditions from ancient as well as relatively modern times in addition to the food traditionally served and often raised on the land is featured throughout. I learned quite a few Christmas tidbits that I didn't know before. The Countess goes well beyond the basic historical details that come up every Christmas, focusing on fascinating history and traditions that have become a part of the modern holiday celebration at Highclere Castle. I appreciate that she did not back away from the Biblical foundations of the season. History all the way back to the Romans is included but, unlike so many modern explorations of the subject, the Countess displays a respect for the Christian traditions and how they came to be a part of the current culture.
My husband and I had the pleasure of spending a day at Highclere Castle a couple of years ago. It is one of the most beautiful places we've ever been, surrounded by peaceful countryside, all a part of the extensive estate. The photographs sprinkled throughout this book do an excellent job of conveying the stunning beauty of Highclere and its extensive grounds. The well-written text brings insight to the modern workings of a great country house focusing on the build up to Christmas beginning with pre-Advent planning all the way through New Years and beyond to the Feast of Epiphany in early January. This is a book I plan to pull out and reference again and again. Highly recommended for traditional Christmas as well as Downton Abbey lovers.
I did not expect to enjoy every detail of this book as much as I did. Exploration of the history of the castle, its lands, the holiday traditions from ancient as well as relatively modern times in addition to the food traditionally served and often raised on the land is featured throughout. I learned quite a few Christmas tidbits that I didn't know before. The Countess goes well beyond the basic historical details that come up every Christmas, focusing on fascinating history and traditions that have become a part of the modern holiday celebration at Highclere Castle. I appreciate that she did not back away from the Biblical foundations of the season. History all the way back to the Romans is included but, unlike so many modern explorations of the subject, the Countess displays a respect for the Christian traditions and how they came to be a part of the current culture.
My husband and I had the pleasure of spending a day at Highclere Castle a couple of years ago. It is one of the most beautiful places we've ever been, surrounded by peaceful countryside, all a part of the extensive estate. The photographs sprinkled throughout this book do an excellent job of conveying the stunning beauty of Highclere and its extensive grounds. The well-written text brings insight to the modern workings of a great country house focusing on the build up to Christmas beginning with pre-Advent planning all the way through New Years and beyond to the Feast of Epiphany in early January. This is a book I plan to pull out and reference again and again. Highly recommended for traditional Christmas as well as Downton Abbey lovers.
June 23, 2022
I had very low expectations for this book -- I just wanted to look at festive photos of the Downton Abbey castle. But wow! This book is packed with fascinating information about Christmas and old timey British customs. While the lifestyle is beyond weird, I have to admit this book is well written and wonderfully art directed. I might even buy a copy?
November 21, 2020
This is a genuinely beautiful book. Which is, to be honest, one of the main reasons why I bought it. It would be gorgeous in hardback, but I bought the kindle version especially to read on my computer so that I could see the photographs properly.
Highclere is a star itself, descriptions of people and events, with some of the family history thrown in, make interesting reading and, the other main reason for my purchase, it has some really good recipes in. I am going to make Epiphany tart this season :)
Highclere is a star itself, descriptions of people and events, with some of the family history thrown in, make interesting reading and, the other main reason for my purchase, it has some really good recipes in. I am going to make Epiphany tart this season :)
January 23, 2021
This is the most beautiful book I have ever read. It is well worth the $50 cover price. It is filled with information, photos and recipes. There are also some quizzes about Downtown Abbey. If you are an Anglophile or Downton fan, you will love this book.
November 12, 2020
This was a beautiful book! I’m a fan of Downton Abbey and always wondered about the history behind it plus I love Christmas so this book combines the two in the best way possible. Also includes some lovely festive recipes.
January 11, 2020
Es war ein schönes weihnachtliches Buch mit vielen spannenden Kategorien und toller Gestaltung, aber mir war es zu religiös.
November 24, 2021
Excellent. Christmas at Highclere was everything I hoped it would be. Gorgeous photography, stories, traditions, recipes history. Lady Carnarvon gently leads you through the festive season weaving tales of life at Highclere during Christmas, her own childhood memories, religious traditions and so many other interesting tidbits as well as little snippets about Downton Abbey.
Beautiful book. I ordered mine in the Spring and put it away for the Autumn. The book was significantly cheaper in the Spring. But having now read it, the book is well worth the value of full price if you can't wait. One to keep and bring out each year.
Beautiful book. I ordered mine in the Spring and put it away for the Autumn. The book was significantly cheaper in the Spring. But having now read it, the book is well worth the value of full price if you can't wait. One to keep and bring out each year.
December 28, 2022
This is a gorgeous book full of history, Christmas customs, beautiful pictures and recipes of the Carnarvon family and their estate. Their huge manor home is the house in the PBS series "Downtown Abbey". The Carnarvon family still reside there. If the name strikes a chord with you, it is because one of the previous Lord Carnarvon was the man who financed and found the tomb of Tutankhamen. I am sure this is a very expensive book, but I was able to borrow a copy from my local library. It is a lovely book to peruse next to the fireplace on a cold winter night.
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April 22, 2023Cute, Non-fiction, Christmassy.
I know this definitely not the time of the year for a Christmas book but I’m catching up on reviews so here is a Christmas book review for Easter.
I am a very big fan of Downton Abbey so when I saw this book on BorrowBox, I thought it would be a nice book to read at Christmas time.
I’m not quite sure what I thought it was going to be like but I felt it was hard to get through. If you really enjoy books with recipes for Christmas you might enjoy it.
I enjoyed the pictures of Highclere where Downton Abbey was filmed.
I know this definitely not the time of the year for a Christmas book but I’m catching up on reviews so here is a Christmas book review for Easter.
I am a very big fan of Downton Abbey so when I saw this book on BorrowBox, I thought it would be a nice book to read at Christmas time.
I’m not quite sure what I thought it was going to be like but I felt it was hard to get through. If you really enjoy books with recipes for Christmas you might enjoy it.
I enjoyed the pictures of Highclere where Downton Abbey was filmed.
January 2, 2022
This is a beautiful book with wonderful photographs and recipes intertwined with stories past and present about the castle and surrounding countryside. The author also provides the origins of many Christmas traditions. I learned so much about Christmas that I wasn’t even aware that I didn’t know. You also learn how much work it takes to keep this castle up and running. I enjoyed reading this book over my Christmas break.
January 4, 2022
Varázslatos könyv, melyből árad az igazi karácsonyi hangulat. Olyan világot mutat be, mint amilyenre mindannyian vágyunk az ünnepekkor. Az angol konyha nyilván nem a kulináris zsenialitásáról híres, így a benne lévő recepteket nem kell feltétlenül megszívlelni, de ennek a csodás kiadású könyvnek a lapozása mindenképp emeli a decemberi hangulatot.
January 3, 2024
That was fun. It’s a little mind-boggling to me that a family still lives at Highclere but it was so enjoyable to read about Christmas past and present in this lovely piece of England. Gotta love the British phrases and spellings (I suddenly want to use “whilst” a lot more).
If you enjoy British things and/or Downton Abbey, you’ll want to look into this book.
If you enjoy British things and/or Downton Abbey, you’ll want to look into this book.
December 3, 2021
This is a lovely volume not just for Downton Abby fans, but also for anyone who wants to learn more about Christmas traditions and other bites of holiday lore (for example, where humble pie comes from!) I can't wait to make some of the recipes!
August 27, 2020
Great Book Great stories . Cant wait to see this in person in five years.
February 13, 2021
A lovely festive read!
December 26, 2021
Lovely photos throughout. I plan to make some of the recipes included (there are a lot, for it not being a cookbook!).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews