Mary Berry's Country House at Christmas

Review

by Jane Rackham

Not Mary’s own lovely home but Harewood House in Yorkshire, which has been decorated for Christmas as if it were the 1920s. There are no luxurious sherry trifles or succulent beef wellingtons as there probably would be chez Berry. Instead, she makes a huge game pie; a twelfth cake; and canapés from parsnips. It’s historically interesting, and they’re probably all delicious, but not necessarily something for your own festive table.

Among the things she learns is that in 1914 Princess Mary, who lived at Harewood, sent a Christmas gift of tobacco to every serving soldier with a card saying, “Come home victorious and Happy Christmas.”

Summary

Mary Berry visits Harewood House in West Yorkshire as staff prepare the house for the Christmas festivities, and discovers how country houses like this celebrate the season on a grand scale. She also meets some of the volunteers that are the life and soul of the country house, and hears their stories as they bake traditional gingerbread together. Later, she heads out into Harewood's spectacular grounds and gathers winter foliage for her own seasonal decorations before attending a glittering party for the staff and volunteers, who gather together to preview the house's astounding decorations.

Cast & Crew

Presenter Mary Berry

Director Mark Bates

Executive Producer Lorna-Dawn Creanor

Food