Splendor of Christmas - by Melissa Lester (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Celebrating signature gifts of the season, Splendor of Christmas: English, French, and American Holiday Style bids readers to experience the unique character of festivities in countries that perennially enchant readers of Victoria. Come alongside the magazine's editors as we travel to notable destinations--strolling cobbled streets where old-world beauty lends timeless allure to today's sojourns. From cozy cottage to grand estates, well-appointed interiors dressed for Yuletide welcome guests with exuberant attention to detail. Step inside historic homes and private havens, all trimmed to perfection, for an insider's look at the treasured traditions enjoyed this time of year. This volume also provides a guide to festive entertaining, including a wealth of recipes that bring to the table distinctive tastes of British, Gallic, and American fare.

Opening with the chapter "English Charm," we go on holiday in London, as the ever-bustling capital becomes increasingly enlivened during December. Visiting some of the United Kingdom's most distinguished properties, we wander the halls of Chatsworth House and Highclere Castle. Retreating to the West Midlands region, we draw close to the blaze of an inglenook fireplace at Little Latches, a former schoolhouse finding new life as a gracious family abode. A feast fit for Charles Dickens culminates the observance of Christmas Day, while a Boxing Day tea party serves as the perfect finale to the holidays.

Progressing to chapter "Joyeux Noël," we begin by reveling in the incomparable delights of Paris. Amid towering trees draped in ribbons and baubles, charming markets, and other glittering sites, the City of Light is luminescent throughout wintertime. Escape with us to the French countryside, where a chic abode boasts romantic style, clippings of evergreen add fragrance and charm to a family home, and a centuries-old château brims with European finds. Taking inspiration from storied Parisian salons, a convivial gathering greets the season with sweet sophistication. Amid the comforts of one's own maison, savor a delectable menu on Christmas Eve.

Culminating with the chapter "Colonial Splendor," we appreciate the warmth of nostalgia in history-steeped destinations from Virginia and Georgia to Connecticut and Maine. The village of Williamsburg celebrates the founding of America all year long but offers an especially poignant vision during the holiday season, when homes bear the nostalgic look of Christmases past. We highlight iconic estates, including the incomparable Biltmore, and admire a prized collection of White House Christmas ornaments. A hearthside repast and elegant holiday dinner round out our tribute to classic American style.

An homage to Yuletide in England, France, and the United States, Splendor of Christmas offers bounteous inspiration. Brimming with the gorgeous full-color photos and lovely text that are hallmarks of the Victoria brand, this hardcover volume will be the perfect gift to discover beneath the tree.

About the Author

Melissa Lester joined the staff of Victoria in 2013, drawn to the gracious milieu of the magazine that so keenly influenced her own love of romantic living. With passion for shaping the publication's voice in periodicals and books, this seasoned writer and editor finds deep satisfaction in bringing to the page timeless stories of beauty and inspiration. She lives in Birmingham, Alabama.