FESTIVE CASTLE HOWARD

Anyone who remembers Brideshead Revisited will recognise the stunning location of Castle Howard, set in stunning countryside between York and Scarborough.

Anne H has visited previously at Christmas, but this was a first for me, though we have spent many a sunny summers day here - including a memorable occasion at a Porsche Show which was hubby's passion at the time!

But on a crisp and sunny Winter's day just before Christmas, I can honestly say it was a lovely festive day out and we had the opportunity to buy a few treats at their pop-up stalls, as well as marvel at the stunning Christmas decorations.  What an amazing place it must be to live there (though I would dread the bills as it was lovely and warm inside the house!)

I wrapped up warm in a red wool oversized coat from Kaleidescope bought some years ago but a similar one from Jaeger here, which I decorated with a white faux fur scarf from ebay to keep it Christmassy. My black trousers and red leather gloves are from M&S, favourite black suede boots from Primark and black mock-croc handbag from a stall at a summer fair.

Anne H wears a coat from COS which is the classic navy Crombie style that never seems to date.  Her scarf was purchased at a Christmas Fair at Ripley Castle a couple of years ago. The tan suede boots are from Kurt Geiger Miss KG range, called Spider, and are also available in black.  Jeans are from 7 for all Mankind and the trusty black handbag is from Loxley.  

Chatting to one of the friendly volunteers, she told us that planning the Christmas decor takes all year, with the decorator poring over colour schemes, coloured balls and whatever is de rigueur in the Christmas world! Then the actual decoration is completed by a veritable army of helpers, armed with several thousand baubles, candles and lights.  The result is a stunning array of beautifully decorated trees, table centre-pieces and arrangements - all of which of course can be purchased in the shop!

Not quite a Christmas tree - but using bare branches decked in seasonal baubles can be really effective.

A single candle in a glass candle holder or lantern, placed in a plain holly wreath makes a wonderfully simple decoration for a hall table or console.

Something a little more elaborate - especially if you have a beautiful historic stone statue to dress up!

Bags of dried oranges (available to buy at Castle Howard), together with dried cinnamon sticks or cloves can create a wonderfully fragrant decoration.  The candles in this shot are mostly actually battery operated, but look just as effective as the real thing - and are probably much safer, especially if you have young children or small animals about.

This beautiful brass electric lantern is transformed with some simple white ferns and artificial berries.

Real tealights in special holders look stunning on this branch - good to see it isn't on a real fir tree as the branches could be a fire hazard.

We loved this sturdy tree with its tea cups and saucers - all in matching blue and white Delft pottery or Willow pattern.

Simple is always effective - a long gallery of plain Christmas trees with just a string of lights for decoration. Perfect.