The castle and grounds were once again decorated for Christmas by the very capable floristry department. Carols played softly as the visitors made their way around the castle rooms. Many of the rooms had a Christmas tree as a centrepiece with some good ideas for the tree at home.
The Heraldry Room is the first room the visitor sees on their arrival.
Lower corridor – the window sills were decorated in green and silver ...
... as was an alcove.
A standing decoration in the Queen’s Room
The Queen’s Room with the large bed intended to impress her visitors
The Queen’s Bathroom with a shepherd scene
The courtyard with deer
The Queen’s Gallery, home this year to Good King Wenceslas
The Banqueting Hall Christmas tree ...
... with Henry VIII and his wives
Chapel with nativity scene ...
... and the three kings
The boardroom
Seminar Room with a golden angel
Seminar Room Christmas tree
Lady Baillie’s dressing room
Lady Baillie’s bedroom
Lady Baillie’s bedroom
Catherine of Aragon bedroom with a portrait of Lola Montez
Catherine of Aragon bedroom Christmas tree
A window shutter on the top corridor
Top of the main staircase ...
... and a detail of the decorations on the stairs
A large Christmas tree in the front hall
Yellow drawing room Christmas tree
Yellow drawing room fireplace
Yellow drawing room cherubs
Thorpe Hall drawing room fireplace
Thorpe Hall drawing room decoration
Library Christmas tree
Library with the table set for breakfast
Dining room Christmas tree
Front door area
Christmas tree in Fairfax courtyard
Decorations in the Fairfax Hall – an old Kentish barn used as a restaurant
Christmas tree in the Fairfax Hall