Myths & Legends amidst the Christmas trees ...

It is that time of the year when the National Trust decks their mansions out in the most delectable Christmas trees, a new theme every year. This is a major draw to the large  estates; legions of volunteers  make this happen after months of work & planning & it is rather special.  Our closest is Attingham Park. 

Last year the them at Attingham Park was 'All that glitters'  & glitter it did. 

In 2018 it was a 1940's house  theme which was very interesting. 

The theme for 2024 is Myths & Legends. I was not sure what to expect but they have once again surpassed themselves with so many beautiful trees across 20 rooms in the mansion & appropriate ones downstairs where the many servants, butlers, maids, gardeners, cooks etc would keep the great house running smoothly. 

The stables off the walled courtyard is always beautifully enticing, setting the scene for the visit. 

Explore the beautifully decorated Georgian Mansion, where over twenty rooms are home to dazzling Christmas trees inspired by ancient myths—from the gods of Greek and Roman legend to the timeless tales of Attingham’s own past.

Step inside the mansion & you are greeted with the upstairs glistening & opulent trees in the various rooms. The lights are dimmed to allow the full awe of the glowing trees & they certainly are impressive. 

The covered gallery with impressive art & the glass roof is a favourite space - this was set with music themed trees, several papier mache music symbols & scores used in several ways. The high space always makes it feel impressive & the jewel like colours draw you in ... 

The generous dining room was set for perhaps 24 guests with a table laden with greenery & it harks to a time when a dinner party would have been held regularly in this space with lively conversation & company. 

I think most of us would gladly don our glad rags to feast at this table. Don't you love the bottle tree? 

The leather book lined library / study is another space I envy - I could easily pass a lot of time in this room with a handy decanter of sherry ... 

The one set of trees was an opulent display of (artificial) blooms & the mantelpiece echoed this theme.

Time to head downstairs, where most of our relatives would have passed their time. 

These imaginative trees are a stark contrast to the lights & glistening ones above stairs - these speak of an honesty & simplicity that marked the time of the many servants who kept these mansions going for the Lords & their endless stream of well heeled visitors. 

Fish was often on the menu & it came from the river that runs through the estate of from the nearby River Severn. Poachers often snuck on to estates to fish for themselves. This table was set with what servants would eat - oranges, nuts, hearty cakes, wholesome fare ... 

Gardeners were essential to growing food for all year round consumption by the house & they were well regarded & had to dress up neatly because they would be visible to visitors arriving on the estate or when they 'took a turn' around the gardens ... 

Servants & below stairs people often lived on the estate, the cold attic rooms were the most obvious spaces. They shared rooms & the information boards tells us that they were well treated on the estate with decent mattrasses etc. Their uniforms provided so they could be smart. The kitchen was the heart of the home - it had to provide set meals throughout the day for the upstairs & when parties were held, multiple complicated courses were the norm. I am always in awe of the  skills of the cook & her small army of helpers. The tree there contained cookie cutters on ribbon, wooden zesters, little chefs hats etc. 

Back out in to the back courtyard which does not have as many glass houses as it once had. This space would have been a hive of activity with supplies arriving for the kitchens etc from the generous space. Visiting footmen, maids etc would have entered the house at this point .... 

The floors here are rougher stone or brick, none of the fine tiles & floors of upstairs. Much of the decoration is foliage cut from around the estate which gives it a homely feel. 

This tree in the shop off the entrance was beautiful with bright fabric garlands that I really liked & thought ... mmmm should I ? What do you think - is there time for a project? 

I hope you have enjoyed the visit with me, thank you for taking time to join me, it is much appreciated, 

Dee 🌲🎄