The Autumnal Christmas Chronicles Preamble thread

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hi, and welcome to the Nigel Slater appreciation society Christmas Chronicles Premable thread.

The thread will start proper in late October where we begin our annual journey of reading the Christmas Chronicles in real time. It is a cosy, heartwarming event that one can dip in and out of as life allows. Think flickering candles, woodsmoke, delicious recipes, the odd home made tipple, and bucket loads of touching Nigel-esque anecdotes. It is a veritable Hyyge of a thread.

This thread is to see us through until that time. You will find me, like a squirell, checking on my store of candles at the back of the cupboard.

It's also worth noting that Nigel's new book; A Thousand Feasts is out on 26th September. (with a deliciously Autumnal cover)

I think he's of that age now where things of this nature take on a certain poignancy.

My book arrived this morning at 9am 🍁🍂🍁 I had forgotten the date, so it was a lovely surprise!

Loving this thread. My mincemeat is made and mellowing gently by some infused brandy

I'm in a huff as I haven't had a notification / answer from WH Smith yet. I am comforting myself by watching Nigel's Waterstones video podcast.

I am doing that thing of grinning like a maniac and nodding along like I'm part of the conversation. The cat is giving me side eye.

Ooohh...I had forgotten about pre-ordering the book and it has just been delivered. I am fanning a lovely warm glow of anticipation for later on. Fire lit, fairy lights and salt lamp on, glass of red, cat on knee and "ssshhh...do not disturb"

Link to Nigel's Waterstones video podcast about A Thousand Feasts, should anyone wish to watch / listen.

https://www.waterstones.com/blog/the-waterstones-podcast-nigel-slater

It is utterly joyful.

Reading it now, it's like a thoughtful foodie more upbeat version of Rutger Hauer's Replicant speech at the end of Blade Runner.

"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe..."

My book has just been delivered! Can’t bear to start reading it yet, as I know I’ll just want to race through it, and I really want to take my time and enjoy it slowly - so I’m just sitting looking at it for now and enjoying the anticipation! I wonder how long I’ll be able to resist………???

I think it's like approaching a chocolate selection. Some people savour the moment, carefully selecting a chocolate and eating slowly and mindfully.

Then there's me.

I'm bobbing in and out of different sections of the book and then bouncing around the house to do bits of housework.

I'm going to save it and read just a few pages per day throughout the next few weeks. Or that's the plan anyway. We'll see!

I'm not sure which way I was intending to 'consume' A Thousand Feasts, but a thought has just struck me. I love listening to Nigel, and I must have listened to the CC audio book 20 or more times. I have therefore just purchased ATF on Audible.

I intend to start listening to it tonight, or tomorrow at the latest as it's turned out to be a rather awful week and I want something to look forward to.

I'm sorry to hear that the week is proving difficult Rainbow. I hope you find peaceful time to yourself to read in comfort. Or indeed listen in comfort.

My copy of a thousand feasts has just arrived. I'm going to try to carve out some time tomorrow afternoon to sit quietly and have a look through

I've had an email from WHSmith. Apparently the stock hasn't arrived at the warehouse yet from the publisher.

Good job I've bought the audio book.

Mine was delivered to my son who messaged to say he had no idea I was a 'Big Nige' 😳 fan. I did say to him that's NVN. So I'll be getting mine for Christmas when he arrives here.

Oh bloomin beck @RainbowZebraWarrior I’m so sorry it’s a tough week. Thankyou so much for the audiobook suggestion. I have Spotify premium so have just downloaded it from my allowance for this month.

Mine was ordered by dh and isn’t here. I’m assuming it’s running later as it was from an independent bookseller but need him to chase it down to ensure he did actually click on the order button. Slightly reassuring to hear that there are some delays although frustrating for those of us waiting.

I had an email from Amazon saying mine had been put through my letterbox! As the letterbox is a standard size, I doubt whether it would have fitted, even if they'd tried-which they didn't. It's also nowhere to be found around my property, and there's no tracking information. I contacted Amazon chat, who said they can't do anything until after Saturday.

By the way, if people haven’t yet read Stanley Tucci’s “taste “, you may enjoy. There is meat in it tho!

@sueelleker my copy has arrived and did indeed fit quite easily through the standard letter flap. It's a bit smaller than I had thought, but a nice, hyggelig size.

Oh sorry you said letter box! That might be more difficult...

Mine made it through the letterbox no problem. It's a woman's size 6 foot diagonally and half a thumb thick. Very pretty autumnal colourway.

He says it's about small moments of joy and indeed it is.

Woo hoo, it's just arrived and I'll have an hour in between taxiing kids to clubs, wonder what I'll be doing!

DH has disappeared into his shed, it’s all quiet here and those lovely gold leaves on the book cover are winking at me - can’t resist a little look inside; ooops! I’ve read the acknowledgments and the first three pages - my good intentions to leave it till later didn’t last long!

Ooh enjoying hearing of the lovely book. Mine hasn’t been dispatched yet as there was a delay with the publisher. I’m guessing Saturday at the earliest or maybe next week 😭. I shall content myself with listening to the audiobook.

Oooh I'm reading all the posts about A Thousand Feasts and trying to resist - supposed to be having a low spend run up to Christmas! Brilliant idea to listen to it - think I will do the free trial of audible or Spotify - will be perfect listening in the kitchen while I cook dinner each evening! @HappyDane I love that user name what a shame it got locked! Sunshine and very heavy showers here today but managed a lovely dog walk in a dry spell - day off today :) Have got roast chicken and autumn veg in the oven for a cosy easy dinner.