Waddesdon Manor Reader Event
This year, Period Living has kicked off our Christmas celebrations with a reader event at the grand and historic Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury. It's the second year we have held this event and it was wonderful to see people who came back to Waddesdon again, as well as to meet new readers and their friends.
It was an exciting day, starting with a private tour of the decorated house, a talk about the history of the property and its Rothschild founders, then a delicious lunch and finally a wreath making demonstration. We could think of no better way to get into the festive spirit.
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The weather was cold but dry, perfect for our day of exploring Waddesdon and getting inspired for Christmas by its festive decoration. The large trees in a row at the front of the Manor greet you at the end of the long drive. They have simple white lights, the ideal adornment to let the grand house behind remain the focus. |
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There is an Italian theme to the decorations this year. Each Christmas takes design inspiration from one of the five Rothschild sons who were sent to expand the family business across the world. While the French theme of 2010 was impressive, the fun, extravaganze and sheer imagination of this winter's decorations will be very hard to top. |
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Inside, we gathered for tea and delicious homemade biscuits in the restuarant, via this corridor that has been transformed with elegant white lights and trailing vines. Wine is hugely important to the Rothschild family and gold painted bottles in buckets decorate the floor here. |
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Wine is also available to buy in the Manor shop. It is hard not to get lost in the rows on rows of intrigueing wines here and it was certainly popular with the readers and PL team members alike. The impressive wine cellar is also host to tastings, something we could try and include in a future reader event. |
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One of the main attractions of the day was the chance to get a head start on the Christmas shopping. Whether your tastes are traditional or more adventurous, between the Manor shop and the Plant Centre there is something for you and all of your loved ones. The silver baubles were especially festive and beautiful. |
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Getting a chance to meet the readers is one of the best parts of working at Period Living. This event, like the first one we ran in 2010, was incredibly popular and oversubscribed and we get lots of questions about our plans for future reader days. Editorial Assistant Lucinda was in her element in the Manor shop surrounded by colourful decorations. |
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The fantastically creative team at the Plant Centre did a great demonstration of how to make a Christmas wreath, as well as a grand festive garland. Inspired by the vast range of possible decorations available we were all soon stocking up on materials to make our own arrangements. |
We'd love to hear from you if were with us at Waddesdon, please leave any comments below. Following the success of this event we're already planning another reader day at the Manor in the summer so keep a look out here for more information....!
Waddesdon has a range of events and activities on throughout the year so see the website waddesdon.org.uk for details.
Find more events and days out in your area...
WRITTEN BY KATHARINE COX
December 2011
Comments
Great day out
Such was our enthusiasm my friend and I arrived 30mins early for the Waddesdon Manor event on the 18th November. Despite being ‘too keen’ we were welcomed into the shop for a look around and then on the coffee room where we were to meet the other guests for the day over beverages and biscuits. The group were then divided into 2 smaller groups and our throng had a very informative private tour of the house which was magnificent. I have never seen so may Christmas trees in one building – they were superbly decorated and almost perfectly symmetrical. The story of the de Rothschild family was fascinating. After the tour we swapped with the other group and saw an informative slide show of developments of the manor since it was obtained by the National Trust along with future plans. Lunch (with wine) was superb and they coped amazing well with my wheat free regime. After lunch there was shopping, followed by a visit to the plant centre for wreath making demonstrations. When we arrived back at the manor there was a substantial goodie bag for everyone to take home. A splendid day was enjoyed by all!
Thanks Period Living.
Sue
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