Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Annual Read along 2023

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

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.

Can DH pop by and pick some up for you?

We also got the pogs in blankets ones @YuletideSolace DD ate them straight away so I've bought two more bags and hidden them for Christmas.

I've been browsing Nigel's Insta and cooing over his lovely photographs. I always have a weird urge to tag him and ask if he's aware we've had these threads about his book on MN for the last few years 😁

good work on the candle shopping! I am contemplating where I can get bits of fir tree to make my own door wreath this year as it’s £50 a go to join a workshop

I’ve had those pig in blanket crisps and very good (sport Nigel). Not sure about the pudding ones that might be step too far what were they thinking

@YuletideSolace Why didn’t I think of that?

Have just sent DH an explicit detailed text listing all the candles I require. Let’s see what he comes back with.

I got back from holiday yesterday to find my copy has arrived. It’s such a cosy book.
I’ve already got a few scented candles to use up, so I’m going to see if the cathedral I live near still sells the really big plain candles.

I think we could coin a new term for the thread:

'Nigel/Nigella': the inner tension of opposing Christmas poles.

Hmm how would we use it? Nigel/Nigella klaxon maybe?

@Newgirls if you lived near me, you'd be very welcome to take some from my large fir tree in the front garden. It's non stop rained here and the lower branches are a drooping, sodden mess. When it's drier, I will need to cut some, as my Christmas roses (which are underneath) don't see the light of day otherwise.

I've got a large Eucalyptus next to it and last year, I opened the door to a neighbour with a pair of secateurs in her hand, asking if she could have some for a display.

After the high winds forecast next week, any woodland near you will be rich pickings with bits of blown off foliage.

Got 4 Aldi dupe candles. 2 x black tea (which smelt gorgeous) and 1 each of the others. I've got the black tea one burning now, as it's hurling down with rain here and very dark.

I've just treated myself to some St Eval orange and cinnamon tea lights.

I'm in book arrived today - excited 😊

@RainbowZebraWarrior gifted rolled beeswax candles are sadly disappointing (VERY smokey and burn through too quickly). I had high hopes for them.
So off to Aldi tomorrow for backup candles!🕯

I was wondering if you’d tell him. I hope he would be pleased to bring happiness to so many.

My homage to Nigel / winter book tower. That candle smells great. I’m doing candle maths and thinking about the savings as I usually buy the large three wick winter candle to burn over Christmas. 😬🙄🤣

It's time to start reading the Introduction.... #sundaygoals.

Ooh crikey! Rolled beeswax should never measure more than an inch and a half in diameter really. That one looks too wide. It may also have been too loosely rolled and maybe they haven't waxed the wick / left it far too long / used the wrong type. Such a shame, as beeswax candles are beautiful if made correctly. Whe I used to sell mine, I made sure to test them religiously. That way, I could always tell buyers exactly how long they would burn for and I'd be confident they would burn well. My Dad has been a beekeeper for 35 years and trained loads of folk. Problem is, they often then go on to make candles and such like without properly looking into it / testing.

Hello and may I join you? my first time of joining in. I've order the Chronicles from the library.

Got my copy ready and waiting. Can’t wait

Right. This is my first year of doing this, and I'm quite excited. I am normally rather Nigel about Christmas due to poverty, as tasteful foraging is virtually free, but I have a new job this year with a bit of extra money, so I am thinking of splurging on the Biblitheque dupe from Dojo. The new job is also very Christmassy so I've been gearing up for a while now, and am actually looking forward to the darker evenings and scope for hygge.

In terms of Christmas scents, The White Company Winter candles smell amazing but cost a fortune, but the fragrance oil is £10 for a bottle which lasts me 2-3 years if used daily from the start of advent until twelfth night, and you can often get a discount if you sign up to their mailing list.

I feel I have been Very Nigel this afternoon. After purchasing my candles I took the dog on a long (and muddy) walk in the woods. Then I came home and put this shoulder of lamb in the oven, following Nigel's story instructions in Appetite.

I'm now settled down with a glass of wine and the (muddy) dog and I'm going to continue reading the introduction while it roasts.

Yes! I've read it before and actually had it on a shelf but had forgotten all about it so I'm ready to jump on the festive bandwagon!

May I join please?
I made the cauliflower and leek soup today, not sure if that's cheating but it was delicious.
Reading the introduction and loving the cozyness of it all.

It's very odd reading all these lovely posts as I'm currently in SE Europe for work, and it's been 24 degrees today. I'm sitting with the windows open in a summer dress and linen cardigan, but it's pitch black outside with a glorious full moon. I fully intend to Nigel properly once I'm back, but for now I'm enjoying the incongruity!

I read the CC every year but this is my first time on the readalong 👋
Felt quite Nigel on an autumnal walk this afternoon

how lovely! Will you be making a wreath yourself with your snippets?

I spotted some fir in a local park today so I might need to sneak back under cover of darkness 1 dec