Christmas at Highclere: Recipes and Traditions from the Real Downton Abbey
Today I have launched ‘Christmas at Highclere: Recipes and Traditions from the Real Downton Abbey‘. 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 of 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 and 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.
To purchase, please go to Amazon.co.uk or visit any good book store.
In the US it will be released on October 25th but you can pre-order copies now on Amazon.com.
The German language version ‘Weihnachten auf Highclere Castle: Rezepte und Traditionen aus dem echten Downton Abbey‘ will be released on 4th October from Kenesebeck.
Additionally, special signed copies are available at the Highclere Castle gift shop.
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’.
Instagram
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I have already pre-ordered the book in Germany and I am already very excited! Thanks in advance for this pleasure. Maybe we will return to Highclere in December, to enjoy again a great evening with Christmas Carols and Champagne. And maybe another interesting chat with You. Warm Greetings from Germany. Lydia Rudolph
I hope you thoroughly enjoy it!
Lady Carnarvon, I have loved following your blog and everything Highclere since my visit to the Castle in May of 2016. I was spellbound by it and the history with your presentation on the Anniversary of the gardens by Capability Brown. Of course, like thousands of others, Downton Abbey took us there but the magic began when we began to realize the history embodied in the Castle during our visit. The property and generations of family who loved and lived there. my husband and I were spellbound. I look forward to your new book and hope to pick up my autographed copy in May when I hope to return,
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
in Germany your book will be released on 4.10.2019 on the market.
I‘m looking forward to it very much and I‘m very excited.
Have a good time, best wishes from Hamburg Alexandra Dobler
Let me know what you think!
We will be visiting Highclere on Oct. 23 of this year and looking forward to it very much. Will your book be available in the gift shop then?
Yes it will!
Dear Lady Carnarvon, I am looking forward to reading this book! I so enjoyed that I was able to tour your beautiful Highclere 2 years ago. Sending you warm greetings from US- Illinois!! Sharon
Thank you
It would be nice to get a copy of this book. Don’t you all have an event coming in December where Charles Sickens great grandson or relative will come to read his work? I thought it would be something to come experience it a Christmas at the castle……it would be a dream to have Christmas in the UK.
It is out in the USA in October – please do pre order
Will it be available in Australia?
So looking forward to adding it to my collection.It looks beautiful.
Thanks
Jenni
Yes! September 17 on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com.au/Christmas-at-Highclere-Countess-Carnarvon/dp/1848095228
Sounds wonderful! I’m ordering my copy today – Thank you for a magical day @ your stunning home on Sunday 25th August – a day my daughter & I will remember forever……
I never tire of sharing the beauty of the castle, I hope the book gives you a taste of Christmas here!
Boa noite lady carnarvon, será que vai existir o livro versão portuguesa _ “Portugal _ gostaria muito de o ler
Estou a gostar imenso do seu blog..
Thank you !!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I have just bought one for my friend in England from Amazon Uk. However I would like to also buy a signed copy for my husband for Christmas. I’m sure he is going love trying out all your recipes from your book. Could you please save one for us as I didn’t see them in your gift shop. I would hate to miss out. Thank you so much in advance.
Kindest Regards
Heather
Will do! They are available here on site, but soon will be in our online gift shop.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am delighted to see that you chose the beautiful image of Highclere Castle ,looking quite like the Santa’s House of my childhood storybook!Your picture is an open invitation for a private visit at your domains,from kitchen to living rooms,at the colorful and special Christmas time!I have ordered all your precious books tru Amazon and from yourselves and each one transports us vividly to other times and places,by the power of your accurate writer’s skills.Certainly this book still to be released will be a Christmas written treat to everybody!Thanks for honoring with your work,the stories of your ancestors within the realms of a very well explained History…Best regards from Brazil!
Your book arrived yesterday (it was to be a Christmas present to myself) but my darling husband insisted it’s a present from him.
It’s so beautifully and lovingly written and the pictures are stunning.
Thank you for writing with such love and passion about a subject very close to my heart – Christmas.
Thank you Lady Carnarvon,
I’ve just bought a signed for my husband for Christmas. I can’t wait to see his face!
Pss: Sorry forgot to tell you, my husband has surprised me and paid for us to see Downton Abbey the movie in the Gold Class section. Will raise a glass of bubbly to you and your husband when we do see it. Cheers to you both .
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Also looking forward to your book and living the dream of a white Christmas from Longreach, Queensland. Very best wishes. Thank you.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I’m absolutely excited to hear about your book and I can not wait to read it. Christmas is my favorite holiday growing up in Denmark, now I live in the US and I’ve brought all my traditions with me. Your Christmas tree is the prettiest one I’ve ever seen.
All the best and happy holidays to you and your family!
Thank you
Dear Lady,
The book looks like a gem and a true work of love. Thank you! I have pre-ordered a few copies for Christmas gifts and one for myself. I’m looking forward to reading all about Christmas at Highclere and trying some of your recipes.
Merry Christmas!
Mary
Thank you – I think it will make a fun Christmas present!
I rushed to Amazon.ca and discovered it’s available for pre-order now, to be released on October 29! Looks delightful!
I was privileged to visit your beautiful home this August while on a tour from Canada. Thank you for sharing with others the gardens and rooms inside as well as putting together the Egyptian exhibit. I love history so with the accounts of the 5th Earl’s adventures with Howard Carter, the 4th Earl’s contribution to Canadian Confederation and the two books about Lady Almina and Lady Catherine, I have hours of happy reading ahead. I”m going certainly going to order your Christmas book.
Thank you
Diane
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a lift to our spirits here on the US east coast as we wait for devastating weather from Hurricane Dorian to see that we can order your lovely tribute to the beautiful Advent and Christmas season with this cookbook. Thank you for sharing your steady hand as you write about the wonderful world of Highclere Castle through the years through the traditions of tastes and smells we can now see through pictures and recipes! Bringing some of your traditions into our homes is very dear to your followers.
Martha
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your new book looks marvelous! I shall be pre-ordering a copy for my dear friend (and myself!) as we plan to visit Highclere next spring. I know we shall both love it!
Thank you,
Deirdre
You are too kind – I hope you and your friend enjoy reading it.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you so much for creating this Christmas treasure! It will make a great present for a dear sister of mine and of course myself. Blessings to you and yours!
Tanya
Dear Lady Carnavon,
I’ve been looking forward to this day, since you announced you had written the book earlier in the year, I love Christmas, and will enjoy reading about Christmas at Highclere.
Best wishes
Lorraine.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I look forward to wonderful new inspirations from your book to add to my Christmas celebrations. While I have certain traditions, many from my Swedish mother, I always look for some new, intriguing additions each year. I know your ideas and style will inspire me for years to come! Amazon is my next order of business this morning!
Happy September & I hope you have a glorious autumn.
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
There is a section in the book about Scandinavian Christmas traditions, in particular Saint Lucy’s Day.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a magical Christmas treat! I’m or-ordering my copy for my own special present! I’ll also forward your blog to all my “Darling Downton Bookclub” friends! Will you make any cooking tutorials on any of the holiday recipes? I am hosting our December book club and am going to have us read “Christmas at Highclere “ and turn it into a party!
Thank you for all the extraordinary FUN!
Sincerely,
Che’rie Gould
I will be recording some more cooking videos of some of my festive favourites so look out for those. I love the sound of your Darling Downton book club
Dear Lady Carnarvon –
I’ve had the privilege of visiting your beautiful home twice now, once last summer and again during the Christmas month. What a gorgeous place to be for the holidays. I loved every minute spent inside the castle as well as on the surrounding grounds. It truly is a magical place. Thank you for opening your doors to the public. I can’t wait for another visit someday soon.
Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy holiday season.
Cindy
Thank you – please do come again as this Christmas is set to be particularly special.
I saw you on “This Morning” earlier, great interview, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the programme broadcast from the beautiful Highclere Castle next week. The book looks lovely and I have a feeling it may be in my “Christmas Box” this year!
Next week should be a lot of fun with the whole ‘This Morning’ family in the Castle.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
When will they be available in the gift shop? I would like to buy a signed copy.
Regards
Lorraine.
Yes, it is already available in the Gift Shop here at Highclere and will be in our online gift shop this weekend – once I have signed them!
Wonderful, I will buy on line this weekend. Already looking forward to receiving it.
Lorraine.
I love your books and have read them all!
I am a huge Downton Abbey fan and immediately fell in love with the series when it premiered on PBS in January 2010.
I am pre-ordering your new book and can’t wait to read it!
Thank you so much for welcoming all of us to your lovely home through your books, TV specials, and of course, through Downton Abbey!
Thank you so much – I do hope you enjoy this one, I had a lot of fun writing it.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Congratulations and best wishes on the launch of your new book. I tried to buy a book online from the Highclere shop, which simply re-directed me to Amazon.
Unfortunately, that was the Amazon. UK website and it said it is not delivering your new book to Australia.
However, although my hopes of buying an autographed copy were dashed, I nevertheless made my way to the Australian website for Amazon. It was there advertised that your new book will officially be released (at least through/on Amazon) in Australia on 19th September. So an order has been placed. My family and I await its arrival with eager anticipation.
Best wishes for every success with your books worldwide distribution.
Yours faithfully,
Jeffery Sewell
You can order from Australian Amazon here https://www.amazon.com.au/Christmas-at-Highclere-Countess-Carnarvon/dp/1848095228
Yes, that is what I did.
I also just noticed that the release date for Australia is 17th (not 19th) September.
I am looking forward to this. Our family loves Christmas and tends to focus on our faith and our heritage (Norwegian and German), but we will definitely include some of these delights as well! Wishing you the greatest of successes with this new book!
Ok….rushing off to Amazon to preorder.
I’m not much of a cook,( in my opinion, but my husband Robert, would disagree..) but I’m sure I’ll be inspired to give these recipes a try!
Thanks for your prolific creativity. Love your books!
Jan Hammersmith
Congratulations on your new book!!! I am still enjoying “At Home at Highclere”. Some books are read and you recycle them with friends, but your books are “Keepers” I like to call them.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Have already ordered this book in the US and an extra two for gifts. Cannot wait to read this. I so enjoyed the book I received “At Home at Highclere” when my sisters and I were there in June 2018. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed learning all about you and your lovely home. Amazing how much dedication and work you and your family have to do to keep Highclere going. It is appreciated! Good luck with the sale of your book.
Suzanne Rosenberg
Manassas, VA USA
Dear Lady C.
Yippie, I am so excited — Thank you for this. I can’t wait to have it in my hands and I love♥️ seeing the dogs on the cover in front of Highclere! Perfect!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I have been fortunate to tour Highclere in 2014 and in 2018. Both tours have been the highlight of each year and I never tire of talking about our visits and the wonderful tea! Next week I have tickets to a sneak preview of the Downton movie and eight days later to the opening of the movie in the US. To say the least, I cannot wait. And now for my third September event I will pre order your book on Amazon. Thank you for your weekly blogs and your dedication to the conservation of Highclere and sharing it with your readers and visitors.
Best wishes,
Lauretta McMillen
Hello!
The book looks just wonderful!! I will be getting mine when it’s available in the US.
Have a wonderful Saturday event!!!! I have a FB friend that will be there and she is so excited. She was there for the Summer concert too.
Lisa Cosgrove
Bolingbrook IL
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am absolutely thrilled about the publication of your Christmas book. Can’t wait to read it!
Do you offer special Highclere tours during the holiday season? Highclere must be magical at Christmas.
Kind regards,
Stacey Brown
The Woodlands, Texas
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I’m so pleased to hear about this book. I’m sure it’s absolutely beautiful. I thought I was coming to visit your home this coming spring, but a new roof on our summer cottage got in the way. So, I’m hoping for next fall. Congratulations on your new book and I look happy to reading about your wonderful Christmas traditions.
Lisa Jochim
Dear Lady Carvarvon, I’ll be ordering my signed copy, as well as one for my sister-in -law, we met you on Aug. 5th in the Eqyptian room. Thank you again for opening your home to us and being so gracious. The best to you and yours. To all Downton fans and history buffs – be sure to visit this estate when you are in the UK – you will not be disappointed! Karen Roman NJ
Thank you, Lady Carnarvon, this will be a treasured keepsake.
I would love to have it
I it available in Canada
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
WARM GREETING FROM BRAZIL.
THANK SO MUCH. BEST WISHES.
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO – SP
BRAZIL
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We are visiting Highclere for a tour one week from tomorrow! We are beyond excited to visit your home and believe that it will be the highlight of our honeymoon. With any luck, I will be able to get my hands on a signed copy of your new book. I can’t begin to thank you for allowing us this experience.
Sincerely
Jessica Desautel
Im so excited about this we will getting one for our family and one for my dad who in his 90s he spent many happys on the farm with cousin jess johhnie his nick name was dinks this means so much to us it keeps all our happy memories alive thankyou so much
How wonderful, I look forward to reading this one! I had the privilege to visit HighClere unexpectedly as part of a cruise in 2014. You were delayed and could not join our luncheon as part of our excursion and graciously allowed us to visit the castle instead. It was the highlight of our Baltics cruise!
Dear Countess,
We live in Chile, South America now. But we try to keep our British traditions, specially at Christmas. We can buy here almost everything, including mince meat, Christmas crackers and goodies. But this year, after pre-ordering it, your lovely book with add your writing skills and wonderful recipies to our menu. So thank you so much for sharing with all of us your Christmas secrets. Wonderful!
I ordered this today and my wife and I will have this out through the Holiday season.
I look forward to trying many of the recipes in the book. I’m sure it will bring fond memories of my childhood in England!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Will you be in the US anytime in the Fall discussing your book? I have already pre ordered but would love to hear you talk about it and Highclere.
Best wishes ,
Lauretta McMillen
MY DEAR LADY CARNARVON,
WARM GREETING FROM BRAZIL.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. BEST WISHES.
VILA ALEMÃ
RIO CLARO – SP
BRAZIL
Violet Young
LadyCarnarvon,
I am so excited! I received an email from Book Depositorya few days ago telling me my book ‘Christmas at Highclere’ has bee shipped and I will receive it soon.
I am looking forward to it and hope I can resist reading it before the Christmas season.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your book sounds wonderful! You had mentioned that there would be special signed copies available in the Highclere Castle gift shop. We be in arriving in England next week Friday Sept. 14 until Sept 28th. I would love to buy my copy in person at your gift shop when we are in the UK, but I imagine that the only time would be when you are open to public those couple of times a year? We were lucky enough to visit your beautiful castle about 5+ years ago. It was the highlight of our trip, we both enjoyed it so much! I remember seeing you riding up on horse with your dogs, and the lady in the gift shop had said ” Oh yes that is Lady Carnarvon.”
Jane Engelhart
Madison, WI
HI,
I JUST READ ABOUT THIS LOVELY BOOK AND CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT! {Note: Just in case…if the above intro is part of the book, please let your publisher/editor know that a typo is in the last paragraph, line 1: the preposition “to” was omitted after the word “dedicated”–although I am sure the proofreader caught it. [Sorry, once an English teacher…always an English teacher!]}
Thank you for putting such a special Christmas book together. I still love cookbooks over searching for a recipe on the web. This book looks like it will be a joy any time of the year. I can curl up in a chair and browse garden books in February and Christmas cookbooks in July. And I am already thinking of my friends who are Downton Abbey fans who will love it.
All the best for a happy book launch!
Thank you, good spot!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. Not only celebrating the birth of Jesus, but enjoying family and friends.
Your book sounds wonderful!!
Thank you,
Phyllis
Thank you!
Hei and thanks for a interesting blogg. I am a big fan of Downton Abbey. Hiclere Castle and english history. We visited your fantastic castle this summer. I collect Christmas balls all over the Word. In one of your stories you have a Christmas ball with Highclere Castle printed on. Is it possible to buy one of this?
Best regards Elisabeth from Åfjord, Norway
It is indeed – I will ask Sally in the gift shop to email you!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your new publication looks delightful! I am looking forward to the US release on the 25’th of October! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season.
Susan Davis
Thank you so much!
Hello Lady Carnarvon.
First, I wanted to thank you for being so accessible to those of us who are interested in hearing and learning about your perspectives on the many fascinating parts of your life.
I’ve recently joined your site. I am looking forward to procuring your books and continuing to read your blog.
Welcome! I hope you continue to enjoy reading about Highclere
Estimada Lady Carnarvon, seguro disfrutaré muchísimo este bello libro. Muchas gracias por compartir.
Saludos cordiales.
Thank you
Hello Lady Carnarvon!
I just caught up with my email and found this post! Drat!
I am so excited about this book! Christmas is my very favorite time of the year. This will be a treasure for me to keep forever! I know you said it will be available on Amazon in the US. But can we get a signed copy shipped from the gift shop? It would mean so much to have it signed. Especially for those of us who are dedicated Blog readers. I think I speak for all of us when I say, we love you! Knowing that you write from your heart means it will be wonderful. I have the previous books, but I bought them to read on my tablet. I have a difficult time holding a book because of arthritis. But this book…this one I must have a hard copy so it can be signed.
May I ask…are all of the upcoming events listed on the Highclere sight? My dream would be to visit Highclere at Christmas. I can only imagine how beautiful it would be!
Thank you so much.
Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida
You can indeed get it from the gift shop and I have also made some postcards etc for those who buy it in the USA
Hello Lady carnavon
I’m going to see Downtown abbey the movie tonight
From Tilda
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
We had the most wonderful experience visiting Highclere last month, your staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. We were made very welcome and enjoyed the day tremendously. It was such a pleasure to see the various rooms which we recognised from the TV show.
Looking forward to the movie and your latest publication..
Best wishes from Australia.
Kind regards,
Lillian Plummer, Perth.
Thank you
Dear Lady Carnarvon
my husband and I had a wonderful day visiting Highclere Castle in August for our 50th Wedding Anniversary, and also enjoyed Afternoon Tea.
Looking forward to reading your latest book for christmas, hopefully we shall visit again in the near future.
I am so glad you enjoyed your visit, I hope you also find some fun in the Christmas book.
Boa tarde
Procurei em portugal e não encontrei a versão deste novo livro em Português.
Será que não existe?
Not yet – the book is coming out in the USA and Germany
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
My husband bought me an early Christmas Present. Thank you for the wonderful book. It’s a pleasure to read it.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
I am so pleased you like it.
This is such a gorgeous book – really lovely to read,with beautiful pictures and one I will refer to constantly – especially round Christmas time, I can’t wait to get started with some of the recipes! Really felt the Christmas spirit when going through it!
Thank you so much Lady Carnarvon for producing such an exquisite book!
All the best.
Thank you – I am delighted that you like it.
Looking forward to your book in Canada will it be here same time as US on Amazon.ca? Thank You
yes ! I gather it will be
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
today it storms and rains in Hamburg, best condition to dedicate to myself your wonderful Christmas Book. Thanks so much for all inspiration !
My lists are almost done, today I ordered our champagne from Highclere Castle in your gift shop for Christmas.
Im always happy, when the package arrived.
I wish you and your familiy a good time
My dear Alexandra Dobler
Oh my goodness thank you – the book comes out in Germany on Oct 25th I think!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
her book was published on the 4.10. in Germany.
This morning I baked the Victoria bisquits, do not look as professionel as yours in the book, but are very delicious, with home- made blackberry jam.
Thanks very much, all the best
Alexandra Dobler
I am behind the curve – wonderful I should do a short German video !!!
Hello- we recently attended a behind the scenes tour of the castle and loved it. I am back in the states now and reading your book, Christmas at Highclere. I am thinking about making the slope gin recipe. In the states all I can find are dried sloe berries. Would those work or do you think I should just use blackberries?
Thank you,
Rhonda
Blackberries would work well but you probably wouldn’t need as much sugar as sloes are very bitter. I have never used dried sloes so can’t say whether they would be a success. Best of luck and I hope you enjoy the results – a great winter warmer.
I have a copy of this lovely book and let me simply say, it is magnificent. Thank you!!!
Thank you – please tell your friends ..
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Last month I bought a copy of your book and I absolutely love it. The recipes look delicious and now I’m trying to improve my cooking skills! 🙂
I hope you like the result: https://my.hidrive.com/lnk/Rhii09fV
Kind regards
Robert – The Hague (The Netherlands)
Amazing!
How many recipes are in the Christmas book?
About 100?
Lady Carnarvon,
When will your book be released in Canada? It is not available yet.
Thank you,
Adina Douglas
I had been told it was available throughout USA and Canada -amazon.com?
good pm
my phone has been out awhile – just now saw this blog — have ordered thr book – hope to rceive b4 the big day
with warmth
shirley taylor
Thank you!!!
I look forward to ordering your book! This autumn was a trying time for me because my dear mother was in hospital and then had eye surgery. She is much better now, though. She had different issues, but was taken care of by the amazing staff at Parkside Suite, Wexham Park Hospital.
I am so sorry – the book has so many photographs – perhaps nice for your mother to look at too!
I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful book when I toured the Castle in October. I am now reading Lady Almina And The Real Downton Abbey. A great read! By the way, we traveled all over England and your tour and tea was the highlight. All your staff is so wonderful and friendly.
I recently ordered this book for my sister’s birthday, and after browsing through it when it arrived, I immediately ordered myself a copy! I have now made the White Onion and Truffle soup and the Macaroni Cheese which were both great hits with my family! There are so many recipes in your book that I am going to try asap so that I can be familiar with the recipes before planning my own holiday menus. The photographs are beautiful and the stories you have told inspire me to add some new things in my family celebrations that may become traditions for us, as well! I love your blog and books about Lady Almina and Lady Catherine! I hope you have plans for another book in the future!
Thank you! I do have future plans..