The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater. Read Along Thread 2022

[Dillidilly]

INTRODUCTION

Nigel begins his Chronicles proper on 1st November, but there is a lovely, quite lengthy introduction we can dip into during the second half of October.

Last year, posters were also kind enough to share where they had found cut price copies of CC, so hopefully anyone late to the party still has time to find a copy before we start the first chapter.

I had forgotten the lovely introduction. Together with the beautiful photograph at the very beginning of the book, flipping through it and seeing his headings reminded me of why I loved it so much last year!

He does indeed, made from felt!

Just scoured my bookshelves and I have it!

@Dillidilly I'm curious about your dingle dangle scarecrow...you might have to share pics!

Handsome though he is, he's in a school setting so it wouldn't feel appropriate to share him x

Ah, fair enough, I photograph here, at home, before my creations head to work.

I'm probably overly cautious, but I just worry!

I've borrowed a copy from the library and I'd love to join the read along!

I'm getting excited about quinces now. I'm expecting a bag from a neighbour. Never Seen one off a tree. Never smelled one...

Has anyone Made the pickled quince recipe? I've looked it up, in readiness. Will make a good Christmas gift.
Three quinces doing two large jars... I've an enormous jar that's begging for something beautiful in it.

I’m not sure why I need to have a scented candle while reading but I was very happy to have my gorgeous last year’s Christmas present Coven by Korrie Espresso candle wafting coffee and chocolate fumes over me while I read the introduction.

He does make winter sound very attractive to this cold weather disliker. It was very hard to stop reading when I reached November 1.

I'd like to join please, just ordered the book. Although I always make Nigella's christmas cake with cocoa and prunes (sorry, Nigel).

I’m not sure why I need to have a scented candle while reading wait until you get to November 14

Joining in! I received this book for Christmas last year so dipped in and out but would love proper read along this year. I'm about to be have surgery for suspected cancer so this thread sounds just like the cosy comforting thing I need!

@Decafflatteplease so sorry to hear that. Sending you all good wishes. I think this book will be the perfect comfort read.

I’m all ready 👍. I managed to get a second hand copy off eBay and ordered this candle set ( inspired by OP photo) off Amazon.
💐@Decafflatteplease I’ve just had an operation for suspected cancer, so I know what you are going through. Hugs x

Hello! I was on last year’s read along, really enjoyed it and was very excited to see the thread up this year. I am playing with a thought of getting Trudon candle, but probably the sensible me will win and keep the money…

I still have apricot and fig tipples left from last year. I think I preferred apricot as fig one was VERY sweet. We are going to have people staying over Christmas this year, so I might give it a go to Nigel’s Christmas pudding in addition to Christmas cake (I always make Good Housekeeping recipes as they change them every year).

I have just read the introduction as the baby fell asleep in the pram and stayed asleep in the hall, which never happens!
No candles but I drank tea out of a proper china mug instead of my insulated sippy flask. Feels like I’ve had a week’s holiday

Yay @Dillidilly we're back! I really enjoyed reading along with you last year, so I'm glad we're all gathered again. My memory is so poor that it will feel like I'm reading it for the first time. 😁

Hahaa, me too!

@Strawberryfield12 goodness, I didn’t make the fig one but I thought the apricot one was very sweet last year!

May I have a link to your candle please?

Here you go. I’m going to order some more as it will be a really nice present
www.amazon.co.uk/Candle-Decoration-Centrepiece-Vanilla-Candlesticks/dp/B0B576GVFR/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2YYTIYGODW3SE&keywords=Kilner+jar+candle+20&qid=1666384805&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjk2IiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=kilner+jar+candle+20%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-6

Thank you Katie. You have just found me this year’s generic Christmas present.

I want to join in but I resisted buying a copy in mid summer and am now regretting it! Amazon is down to £17.50 which might be the best I'll get (no WHSmith shops where I am and it's £26 online!)

I got a brand new copy on eBay after seeing this thread for £7.95 including delivery charge.

What have you all done to me 🤣 I'm quite taken by the advent candle jars posted so now I'm scrolling Etsy looking for something like them for myself 🎄