This weekend wasn't as nice as last, we had a slight covering of snow on Saturday, and Sunday was just damp and miserable for most of the day, so we were looking for somewhere indoors to visit, maybe with a christmassy feel to it. We've already been to see Chatsworth this year and a lot of places don't display their Christmas finery till December, so we decided to head to Hardwick Hall. We were a bit cautious as last time we visited at Christmas we nearly got snowed in, and had a dreadful journey home!
The festive mood starts as you approach the house with icy skeletal trees lining the path, and festive garlands of evergreens and baubles decorating the windows.
Inside, the decorations were based around Christmas carols and songs. In the huge entrance hall Herald Angels were singing on a table long enough for a banquet, over-looked by two enormous Christmas trees.
Walking round, we spotted ...
Three Ships Come Sailing In
Rudolph, an extremely old (3000 years) red-nosed reindeer
We Three Kings
Santa getting stuck in a chimney.
Dreaming of a White Christmas
This was my favourite though - Walking in a Winter Wonderland. Snow-covered trees and an icy lake on the table,
snowflakes falling
and wild animals silhouetted against a wintry backdrop
The house tour finished in the kitchens which were laid out with festive food, but the decorations continued in the gardens, though with cold drizzle falling, we decided it was too unpleasant to wander round outside. Maybe I'll have chance to get back one fine day before Christmas ...
It looks very imaginative, a lot of time and trouble taken!
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful - but I'm not sure I'd go to that much effort at home :)
DeleteMary you certainly get around! I am loving all these decorating inspiration and it is really get me in the festive mood. Thanks for sharing these visits with us, so wonderful to be reminded of the fabulous stately homes on our doorsteps. #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Jo. It's lovely to have so many festively-decorated stately homes within half an hour's drive. Another one planned for this weekend, and possibly next!
DeleteThat's a great idea to visit a very festive place to keep yourself from being dreary on a dreary day. It looks like a beautiful place! #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting Michelle. It's a far better way to spend Sunday than trudging round a shopping mall :)
DeleteI'm imagining all of the smells in that beautiful house too Mary. What a delight. Loads of festive inspo there! #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteThere was music too, Nicky - with the song/carol to match the room's decoration. A really lovely experience.
DeleteI am so envious of you getting around all of these stately homes. I am really going to get to some in the New Year - you have inspired me. I loved the ships on the stairs! Thanks so much for sharing with us at #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteGlad to have inspired you, Sharon. We're lucky to have quite a few within half an hour's drive - and all decorated for Christmas! We've a couple more trips planned if we can work them in around the necessary 'festive' shopping :)
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