Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024

1000 replies

RainbowZebraWarrior · 23/10/2024 09:34

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 good few pages by way of introduction. This is why I start the thread now; so that we have time to prepare and settle in.

A lot 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.

I shall post each day and we can share our thoughts and feelings on the day's recipes and sentiments. It's particularly lovely to share any memories and personal traditions (as Nigel himself does)

Note: Reading by candle light can be particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nigel's favourites but they are somewhat pricey. Share your festive finds here, even if they are at the cheaper end of the scale and possibly NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair, grab a cosy blanket, and light your candle of choice. It's that most wonderful time of the year!

The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024
The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024
OP posts:
Thread gallery
247
thisoldcity · 28/10/2024 13:07

I went for a lovely sunny walk with my granddaughter today and we collected our favourite leaves to bring home. I was so happy that she could see how lovely they were and we were both quite excited. She's 2.

The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024
ExquisiteIyDecorated · 28/10/2024 13:13

@Taytocrisps I was thinking that about the world being a shitshow more now than then, but thinking back I remember finding it a very anxiety-inducing time, Trump being elected as president, the fallout from the Brexit referendum, the Theresa May government and all the stuff about hard Brexit, soft Brexit, huge worries about where it was leading us all and everything else of importance to the country seemingly being forgotten about.

JustAMiddleAgedDirtBagBaby · 28/10/2024 13:57

A mixed morning here. I'm away with DH and DCs for a few days. Always tricky for various reasons - two almost grown up DC with very different needs/desires, we're all exhausted etc etc.

Anyway went off to a nearby town on my own for a potter - very wary of accidentally spending too much as I find it very easy to do so when I'm sad and tired BUT it was beautiful. Lovely views along the north Wales coast and I popped into a shop which was full of beautiful things but also stocked St Eval candles. I've been wanting to get some but completely undecided on scent and could have a little sniff of each. So I have had a beautiful morning on my own and am one Winter Thyme candle to the good.

I recommend Beaumaris as a lovely place for an autumnal potter if anyone is in the vicinity.

TeaDrinkerCosy · 28/10/2024 14:25

It has been lovely reading all the posts and seeing all of the wonderful knitting and Autumnal scenes. I am part way through knitting a small hat for a new baby and will share a picture once it starts to resemble something! I am also planning on making a recipe from CC - the orange poppyseed cake tomorrow as fancying something Autumnal.

I am in London visiting family and I may even venture to Libertys to browse their Christmas department which feels VN.

NowLightOneThousandChristmasLights · 28/10/2024 14:28

@TeaDrinkerCosy Liberty's is definitely Quite Nigel Indeed, I think.

The orange poppyseed cake is nice; I've made it a couple of times but DH isn't that keen on poppyseed so I won't this year.

AgathaMystery · 28/10/2024 14:48

I’m embroidering Christmas ornaments - I’m making 14 (why?!). I ordered a kit but the fabric was so awful I’ve instead used a lovely old soft pillowcase which feels VN.

Webbb · 28/10/2024 15:25

I've got a spare copy of the book. Would anyone like it? Happy to post for free :)

WagnersFourthSymphony · 28/10/2024 15:44

What a lovely thread! Have never dared venture into this corner of MN before. Exciting to discover such dedicated and talented Nigel fans!

I have had the book since it came out and every year it imbues me with pleasure, envy and not a little shame (the latter two emotions because I am lazy and chaotic).

Following with enthusiasm, though it will probably be in a non-contributory, lurky way.

HannahDefoesChristmasHamper · 28/10/2024 16:16

Aw go on @WagnersFourthSymphony please don't stay a lurker. The thread is about appreciating Nigel's writing and aesthetic sensibilities and trying to carve out a moment, a nook, a windowsill, a view, a blue sky, a cool morning, a warm fire, a nice coffee, even just a piece if toast woth cold butter.
Just a moment. You can do it and share with us. (But only if you want to).

bigbadbarry · 28/10/2024 16:21

Marking my place because I love a bit of winter Nige, but it is just the five of us for Christmas this year and I am determined to not go mad. Low key and relaxed is the vibe (we will see)

bigbadbarry · 28/10/2024 16:22

AgathaMystery · 28/10/2024 14:48

I’m embroidering Christmas ornaments - I’m making 14 (why?!). I ordered a kit but the fabric was so awful I’ve instead used a lovely old soft pillowcase which feels VN.

This sounds wonderful and you have reminded me I’ve got the felt 12 days of Christmas set somewhere, started and abandoned. I will dig it out

AgathaMystery · 28/10/2024 16:28

bigbadbarry · 28/10/2024 16:22

This sounds wonderful and you have reminded me I’ve got the felt 12 days of Christmas set somewhere, started and abandoned. I will dig it out

oh Wow. Pics please??

These will all be cut out and then mounted and kind of padded. I should have done 12 days of Christmas. It would have been so cute.

The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024
The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024
bigbadbarry · 28/10/2024 16:45

AgathaMystery · 28/10/2024 16:28

oh Wow. Pics please??

These will all be cut out and then mounted and kind of padded. I should have done 12 days of Christmas. It would have been so cute.

It’s this set. I think I have done two! Then I completely forgot I had it. Wonder where it is. https://www.corinnelapierre.com/products/12-days-of-christmas-felt-craft-kit-the-whole-set
yours are going to be beautiful

12 Days of Christmas Felt Decorations - The Whole Set

Full kit to make all 12 Days of Christmas (13 in total) representing the classic festive song and bringing joy to your home. A treat for those who love country life, folklore and traditional Christmas themes given a fresh folk feel. These beautiful del...

https://www.corinnelapierre.com/products/12-days-of-christmas-felt-craft-kit-the-whole-set

AgathaMystery · 28/10/2024 16:47

@bigbadbarry i love this. Might treat myself.

Superworm24 · 28/10/2024 16:53

I've finally dug out my copy and found you all! I was late to buy it last year and I was heavily pregnant so I didn't partake.

What are the must try recipes?

LillianGish · 28/10/2024 17:54

I’ve just polished off the intro then popped out to pick up a baguette and was instantly struck by «the golden light from a window on a dark evening that glows like a Russian icon on a museum wall » as I stepped into the street. Back inside now, candles lit - wondering what I should pour myself to drink and cosying up to catch up with you all.

The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2024
Gummibärchen · 28/10/2024 18:05

Gosh, that is such a gorgeous image @LillianGish

thisoldcity · 28/10/2024 18:22

HannahDefoesChristmasHamper · 28/10/2024 16:16

Aw go on @WagnersFourthSymphony please don't stay a lurker. The thread is about appreciating Nigel's writing and aesthetic sensibilities and trying to carve out a moment, a nook, a windowsill, a view, a blue sky, a cool morning, a warm fire, a nice coffee, even just a piece if toast woth cold butter.
Just a moment. You can do it and share with us. (But only if you want to).

Well put!

WagnersFourthSymphony · 28/10/2024 18:53

Aw, thanks, @HannahDefoesChristmasHamper and @thisoldcity. I'll post when I have something good to share.

Modranihtandtomtens · 28/10/2024 19:08

Hello, first timer here. Have bought myself a book (and a copy to give as a gift!) and looking forward to reading along. Starting the forward tonight :)

PumpkinSpicedTea · 28/10/2024 22:27

Was Googling "small Christmas cake recipes" and who pops up but a recipe by Nigel! I am definitely going to try it this year 😊 Only myself in this house likes Christmas cake and then my mum as well 😄

drspouse · 28/10/2024 23:00

Mine just arrived today, really like the look of the turkey mince stuffing recipe!

TemporaryName123 · 29/10/2024 01:31

First time hearing about this book but it sounds right up my street! Going to order and join you guys!

Shakeyourbaublesandsmile · 29/10/2024 06:52

Hello everyone - what a lovely thread. I saw this while on holiday last week and couldn’t wait to get back and order my copy. It arrived yesterday and I am looking forward to joining in. This year is the first time I have had a fully working kitchen, I’m looking forward to cooking some beautiful comforting seasonal food.

😊

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.