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.

I bought a copy last read to read along with everyone but didn't manage to read it all . Saw this thread and promised myself will do it this year , I can't blooming find the book !
I have the kindle version but need to find my book .

Just googled the Aldi candles mentioned upthread that mimic Nigels favourite but expensive candle options, and Aldi also sell a candle advent calendar containing a range of fragrances, so I'm off there later today to check them out!

Ooh what are the Aldi dupe candles called? I popped in a few days ago but they still just had their usual range. I ended up buying my usual No 1, lime, basil and mandarin and a freesia and pear (which is just too sweet)

I also ordered some bay essential oil yesterday 😂

Also would like to know about the Aldi candles

I'm ready for a read along.

I started a thread about my Grandma's perpetually decorated tree once...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/christmas/4474013-How-could-I-restore-this-Christmas-tree-to-some-kind-of-glory?reply=114870183

@Peridot1 no, mine is just an ordinary (slender) tree with coloured baubles on. I think I tried to count them when I did it and there's about 400 🙈

@Woollyjumpersandtomatosoupweather I'd love to see your gifted candles. My Dad has been a beekeeper for over 30 years and I dabble in candle making. I used to make the rolled kind, but pouring ones I'm bad at!

I also really need to see the Aldi candles. I'm expecting a parcel, and if it comes early I'm going to make a school pick up detour! Google hasn't returned anything for me. I've got one of their hotel collection ones in No 22 which is Sweet Almond and Macaroon. Its very sweet, but I have to admit to having a soft spot for patisserie smells. Nigel would likely be horrified!

@RainbowZebraWarrior wow at 400! That is a lot! Would love to see a picture.

@ShowOfHands - I remember your thread! So lovely to have that tree.

Years ago I saw Quince Cheese or something at the Waitrose deli. It’s a fairly solid quince jelly that you serve with cheeses , iI suppose along the lines of apples ,figs or grapes on a cheeseboard?

I only go 2–3 times a year so next trip I’ll be VN and ask for a sample

That sounds like Membrillo. I haven't had it for ages but it's delicious! The Spanish have it with Manchego cheese don't they? Right, I really need to get hold of some quinces now.

Just had an email from Trudon about their new candle collection. I now need to win the lottery!

Ooh, whereabouts? I grew up in South Shields.

I am going to try and join you all this year.

My life is going to shit at the moment so I am not sure how much of a contribution I will be able to make, but I hope that having this thread to follow will make the run up to Christmas more enjoyable.

I bought the book years ago but I am normally so busy and disorganised that it is usually well into November before I remember to get it out.

I have always loved this time of year. The older I get the more I seem to be in tune with the seasons. I will celebrate a little on Sunday when the clocks go back to the proper time. I am one of those strange people who don’t like the summer months. I find them oppressive and suffocating regardless of the weather.

I always think the book should be called the Winter Chronicles. Now that my parents are dead and my children are grown I sometimes feel that Christmas itself somehow gets it the way of my beloved Winter season. Despite everything else that I have going on right now I am determined to make the most of the next 4 months of Winter.

I have a Diptyque Baies candle to light to start off with ( last years Christmas present from my son), then a massive Teakwood one I got in Costco a few weeks ago. American candles from Costco are NVN but like many of you I have to be mindful this year. I also love to light white unscented candles during the day along with a simmer pot on the stove or on top of the woodburner.

I'm just across the river from South Shields Greebol. Near Whitley Bay, but near enough to the Tyne to hear the ferry horn when it departs every day at 5pm for the Netherlands.

Where is this from? I love it and my cheap stainless steel nutcracker broke on christmas day last year requiring the use of a rolling pin (NVN).

I'm also a Winter person, partly because I'm terrified of wasps and the cold spell means they are not around.

I read a thread on here recently where a poster had received an American candle in a wooden bowl, which seemed to have been infected with woodworm 😭😱 There were shrieks of 'Doublebag it and get it outside'.

Went to Aldi and not a sniff (haha!) of a dupe Trudon. Couldn't see any obvious gaps where they were sold out, but I was in a bit of a hurry. Grabbed their leaflet on the way out and saw that the dupes were in store from yesterday. Gah! Hope they get some more in.

Actually, scratch that.. they are instore from Sunday 29th October.

I've been and picked up my copy. How does it work? Do we all read the same bit each day?

Ah I have now had a look through it and can see it is dated from 1st November within the book. I will read the preamble and be ready to start next week.

The dupes are going to be a middle aisle special on Sunday. To be honest Aldi candles are usually quite good so probably worth a punt. Sadly I can't afford the real thing but this is more affordable treat.

Thank you so much for mentioning the middle aisle. I've decided to make a special trip on Sunday. I would definitely have parked up 20 mins before opening then walked away after not finding them with the other candles!

Unearthed a small new candle in my gift cupboard. Smoke by Paddywax - it’s nice - think it might have been discontinued though? Think I got it in TK Maxx quite a while ago.

Sorry for two identical photos 😂

Found my copy eventually.
Not with special Advent/Christmas books.
Not with DGC Christmas books.
Not on bookshelves.
Not on my bedroom bookshelf.
Not in Christmas wardrobe.
Hmmm

It was on the cookery book shelf in the kitchen as I was using winter recipes well into Spring. Phew!