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Christmas

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Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Annual Read along 2023

991 replies

RainbowZebraWarrior · 23/10/2023 21:27

Hello all, it's nearly that time!

For anyone who has not already had the pleasure, the annual Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles read along is a real time annual MN tradition.

The book begins on 1st November, however there are a couple of chapters of preamble. That's why I thought I would start thread one now, so that we have time to prepare and fully appreciate Nigel in All His Splendour come 1st November.

Some of us already have the book. For anyone who doesn't, it's a challenge to see of you can pick up a bargain. WH Smith has come up trumps in the past, as has ebay. A rare and precious charity shop find is the holy grail and adds a certain special-ness that simply extends that warm, fizzy Nigel feeling (and some well earned smugness)

I shall make a post each day and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the days recipes, sentiments and indeed Dear Old Nige himself.

Note: Reading by candle light can be particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nige's candle of choice, but it's somewhat pricey. We don't discriminate against other less expensive brands - even if they are NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair and a cosy blanket and join in.

Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Annual Read along 2023
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RainbowZebraWarrior · 23/10/2023 21:34

To add - as well as the hardback book, I also have the audible version. It's a real treat (as i luffs his voice) and I have listened to it at least three times this year already. I never tire of it. Worth considering if anyone has an audible subscription.

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Cumberlover76 · 23/10/2023 21:40

You can read kindle edition for free on Prime Reading. I've wanted the book, but not purchased so will check it out on kindle - using kindle app on tablet/phone will be in colour. I look forward to this :)

AgathaMystery · 23/10/2023 21:43

Oh I have this and have never read it!!

RainbowZebraWarrior · 23/10/2023 21:45

Cumberlover76 · 23/10/2023 21:40

You can read kindle edition for free on Prime Reading. I've wanted the book, but not purchased so will check it out on kindle - using kindle app on tablet/phone will be in colour. I look forward to this :)

Edited

Yes, I've just noticed this as I had a quick Google to see if there were any bargains to be had. Can't get much more of a bargain than a free kindle edition.

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ExpensiveDecorations · 23/10/2023 21:47

Thank you, my mum bought me this the first year it came out and I love these seasonal threads, I have put my Christmas namechange on a bit early just for this thread 🎄

starlingsintheslipstream · 23/10/2023 21:51

Thank you for the reminder. I started this last year but then got Covid and lost my way. Looking forward to it now.

goldennavy · 23/10/2023 22:01

Would love to join you all this year. Thank you x

MouseKeys · 23/10/2023 22:07

Oh this has made me smile as NS used to live next door to one of my best friends and he came round for drinks at her Christmas party one year, sadly before I arrived!

HannahDefoesTrenchcoat · 23/10/2023 22:12

There are some Christmas bits in Kitchen Chronicles on Spotify if you want to hear Nige reading them.

SoftandQuiet · 23/10/2023 22:20

Yes! I’ve been looking for a copy all year in charity shops but finally succumbed to a £12 one from Abe Books- arrived at the weekend.
The front cover is so lovely, no gaudy dust jacket, just grey/brown fabric with those shining golden silver birch trunks. And such a cute, chunky size.

ExpensiveDecorations · 23/10/2023 22:21

Yes. he’s got a podcast series of it which is delightful

Shortkiwi · 23/10/2023 22:24

Can I join? I’ve got the book but never read it I’m ashamed to say.

FuckingHellAdele · 23/10/2023 22:27

Shortkiwi · 23/10/2023 22:24

Can I join? I’ve got the book but never read it I’m ashamed to say.

Me too!

This will be the year that I Nige.

LaviniasBigBloomers · 23/10/2023 22:29

Yessssss!

I did the 2021 thread, last year was an utter shit show for me, I've had two major bereavements and am dreading Christmas. Yet I am very much planning to read along. Might not post millions but I'm here!

WishIWasAtHomeInstead · 23/10/2023 22:31

Thank you for stating the thread, I'd love to join, thanks to PP I got the book on kindle too

IDontLikePinaColadas · 23/10/2023 22:32

Time to dust Nige off and bring him out of his aestivation! Cannot wait! (Yes I did have to Google what the summer equivalent of hibernation was!)

criminallyvulgar · 23/10/2023 22:32

I love the book and read it every year so I am excited to join in the resd along this year.

PepeLePew · 23/10/2023 22:32

I Niged last year and it was delightful. He's ridiculous and the man has clearly never had to cook for two screeching toddlers who are grinding fish fingers into the floor and sticking carrots up their noses while worrying about whether the boiler is broken and whether he can use a bread knife to cut the Christmas tree down to a size where it will fit in the sitting room but it's properly Christmassy and he's a hoot with his little Japanese bowls and perfectly arranged crudités and carefully curated Christmas decorations. I shall Nige again this year.

PepeLePew · 23/10/2023 22:38

For those who want to be more Nige but whose budget does not extend that far, Dojo Candles do a knock off of the Cire Trudon Spiritus Sanctus candles that are better than the real thing for a fraction of the price. It's weirdly called Penthouse A/B but if smokey incensey furniture polish smells are your thing (and they are very much mine at Christmas) they are your friend.

Jobsharenightmare · 23/10/2023 22:39

Oh the waffle and anecdotes warm my heart every year. Will join you this time.

MorrisZapp · 23/10/2023 22:39

Ooh following!

BMrs · 23/10/2023 22:45

Ooh I recently purchased...I want to join!!

RainbowZebraWarrior · 23/10/2023 22:56

Welcome, all!

@PepeLePew dojo candles sound intriguing. I'm having a look on the website now, but I also see there's an Etsy seller that stocks them. I really shouldn't... I've spent a fortune this year already on Neom candles. I also make my own beeswax ones (well, more dabble really) but I can't resist a new seasonal scent.

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stclair · 23/10/2023 22:57

I bought the book last year off the back of mumsnet enthusiasm. Enjoyed it very much but think only made the spiced apple rum or whatever

LaviniasBigBloomers · 23/10/2023 23:05

Will confess to having bought my St Eval inspiritus already...