The Candlelight Tour

G and I went on our annual candlelight tour of Holkham this afternoon. As always, it was wonderful. Their preparations start in January with a visit to the biggest xmas trade fair in Europe. Planning takes place throughout the year, and the dressing of the house starts as soon as the Halloween events are over. At least 11 rooms are fully decorated with different themes. The tour starts in the grand entrance hall where carols are being played on a piano. The room in the photo has been nicknamed the flock room as all the tablewear had been coated in red flocking. I've included a couple of extras as well of the hall reflected in a large bauble and gingerbread men amongst the copper in the kitchen. After the tour you get a mince pie and prosecco (or elderflower cordial in my case) in the restaurant, where more carols are being played on a keyboard. It's always a delightful event and we see it as the 'real' start to Christmas.