When it comes to Christmas food and entertaining, Britain’s country houses have always put on a show. In this sumptuous and heartwarming programme, Mary Berry visits Harewood House in Yorkshire to meet its army of skilled staff and dedicated volunteers as they prepare the house for Christmas. With its Robert Adam interiors, Chippendale furniture and Capability Brown gardens, Harewood is one of the nation’s most beautiful stately homes. Mary discovers how houses like Harewood celebrate Christmas on a grand scale and shows us how to make delicious modern recipes inspired by forgotten festive dishes of the past.
Mary Berry’s Country House at Christmas
Harewood’s volunteers are the life and soul of the house. Mary discovers their stories as she helps them bake gingerbread and decorate the tree. Delving into the archives, she finds out about the inspiring story of Princess Mary, sixth Countess of Harewood and the current Queen’s aunt, who helped provide Christmas gifts for serving soldiers during the First World War. Then she heads out into Harewood’s spectacular grounds, gathering vegetables from a historical walled garden and meeting the estate’s animal inhabitants.
Mary’s visit culminates in a glittering party for staff and volunteers, who gather together to preview the house’s spectacular Christmas decorations and celebrate another magical Christmas at Harewood.
