You are invited...

... to a weekend party at Mrs Greville's country house at Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham, Surrey.

If you arrive before 11am, head for the stables, where the hard working servants have prepared coffee and warm scones. Then it's a gentle stroll down the drive to the main house where you will be warmly welcomed into the great hall. The Christmas tree is already in place, reaching almost up to the first floor ceiling, and glittering in the candlelight. Pop your head round the door of the dining room - the table is ready and waiting for a marvellous Christmas feast later on, before heading down the long corridor to the billiards room. There you will find parlour games to fill your time until tea in the morning room, a room normally bathed in sunlight, but today warm and cosy in candlelight. Finally, join the party in the Saloon: the chandeliers have been lit, and their light is reflected round the large room by the mirrors on every wall and gold gilding. Someone is tinkling the ivories on the grand piano in the corner, and the seasonal music wafts through the house.

A brisk walk round the estate in the bright sunshine rewards you with views over the Surrey Hills, still showing pockets of frost in the shadows. In the rose garden one of the gardener's is busy making Christmas holly wreaths - you can help if you wish. Meanwhile, the noise of sleigh bells echo round the grounds as the coachmen entertain the younger members of the party with carriage rides.

... just what one needs after a long week at work ... the Christmas shopping can wait for another week!