Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle Christmas Holiday Traditions
By Ellen Easton
“You’ve either got or you haven’t got style”, wrote the great songwriting team Sammy Cahn/ Jimmy Van Heusen.
Now, just in time to prepare in advance for the holiday – Christmas season comes the release of The Official DOWNTON ABBEY Christmas Book by Regula Ysewijn, which perfectly compliments CHRISTMAS AT HIGHCLERE by The Countess of Carnarvon.
Some pairings are just meant to be together as a hand in a glove, so to is the on going “partnership” if you will of Lord Julian Fellowes and the Countess of Carnarvon. They’ve got style!
Highclere Castle’s rich history combined with the ideation of Julian Fellowes masterful story telling has captured the imagination of millions worldwide.
To say these two books are more than run of the mill recipe tomes would be an understatement. Both are beautifully produced with remarkable research, scrumptious recipes and to not sound too effusive, glorious photography. You can’t have one without the other.
Fiona, the 8th Countess of Carnarvon has included delightful tidbits of how the traditions as we now celebrate Christmas began. From the Victorian origins to parlour games and fun quizzes that incorporate Downton Trivia with real life, to party planning and recipes the book is user friendly. No worries if you do not have Mrs. Patmore and Daisy in your kitchen, even the home cook will be able to prepare these mouth-watering dishes. I, of course, especially liked the afternoon tea Christmas Eve segment.
The festive table settings, decorations and delectible recipes in both books should inspire one, if not for a gathering in 2020 and only for oneself on a smaller scale.
If inclined during the holiday’s to share the spirit of the season with others go ahead and indulge full scale to prepare as many recipes as you wish to bring to those who may not be able to cook for themselves, first responder and healthcare worker sites. Your efforts will be greatly welcomed by all.
I could not wait for Christmas and have already made and eaten the Christmas Cake and Hazelnut Cake. My review is a double Yum!
If not able to share the gift of foods then by all means send the books!
Stay safe and be well during the holidays and the years ahead. Ellen Easton
Christmas at Highclere: Recipes and Traditions from The Real Downton Abbey: The Countess of Carnarvon: 9781848095229: Amazon.com: Books
and The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook (Downton Abbey Cookery): Ysewijn, Regula, Fellowes, Julian: 9781681885353: Amazon.com: Books
Copyright Ellen Easton.
Ellen Easton, author of Afternoon Tea~Tips, Terms and Traditions(RED WAGON PRESS), an afternoon tea authority, lifestyle and etiquette industry leader, keynote speaker and product spokesperson, is a hospitality, design, and retail consultant whose clients have included the Waldorf=Astoria, the Plaza and Bergdorf Goodman. Easton’s family traces their tea roots to the early 1800s, when ancestors first introduced tea plants from India and China to the Colony of Ceylon, thus building one of the largest and best cultivated teas estates on the island.
Ellen Easton, author of Afternoon Tea~Tips, Terms and Traditions(RED WAGON PRESS), an afternoon tea authority, lifestyle and etiquette industry leader, keynote speaker and product spokesperson, is a hospitality, design, and retail consultant whose clients have included the Waldorf=Astoria, the Plaza and Bergdorf Goodman. Easton’s family traces their tea roots to the early 1800s, when ancestors first introduced tea plants from India and China to the Colony of Ceylon, thus building one of the largest and best cultivated teas estates on the island.
Thanks Ms Easton for this wonderful review. Downton Abbey is a family favorite. series. Your background and understanding of the series and its historical background adds to your insightful review. Along with the amazing photographs with the traditional recipes , you have convinced us to purchase the book that will be a must for our holiday celebration with your vast knowledge of the program and your expertise, you have written the ultimate review. You should be a part of the team that creates this program and film. Kudos!
Thank you for your very kind remarks. Flattered but I think the Downton team has been doing A-OK without my input thus far. Glad you enjoy their efforts as much as I do.
Dreamy fabulous cakes in a castle !
what else could you ask for!
Perfect sophistication ?