Waddesdon Manor.

On Saturday I braved the snow and set off with a friend to visit Waddesdon Manor. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and for a week after, a small number of rooms are opened up and decorated with a Christmas theme.

Waddesdon Manor was primarily built to house the vast collection of art belonging to Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. Built between 1874 and 1889, it was designed by a French architect in the style of a 16th century French Renaissance chateau and is now managed by the National Trust.

Although I had visited this time last year and also through the summer when more rooms are open, I was really excited to tour the house this Christmas as Waddensdon has embraced it's French heritage and decorated in true "Parisienne" style!

Upon entering the foyer we were greeted by a mossy Eiffel Tower!

The hallways were richly decorated with the walls displaying

some rather 'weighty' art works.

The detail was amazing...with garlic to keep the vampires away!

A dining room set up for a Christmas banquet.

A close up of an impressive collection of silverware.

More decorating detail in the dining room.

Red berries...lots of them.

There were Christmas trees in every room.

I asked if I could take these home....

This amazing light fixture made from broken china looked very dramatic

suspended above a dining table in a dimly lit room.

Close up of table setting...love the monogrammed glassware.

Another beautiful fireplace...the head belongs to a tourist.

We then proceeded along a corridor to the restaurant so that we could

polish off a three course lunch with champagne of course...

and we found ourselves in a French street, passing bicycles with baguettes...

and couples having a romantic dinner...

As we dined we looked outside at the lovely grounds....with the snow falling....

and it got heavier...

and heavier...

and the photo ops got more difficult...

time to leave before we can't get home...

on the snowy roads...

we nearly made it unaided...

thank god for the lovely man who towed us when we got stuck!

and although it took us two hours to get home we did enjoy the scenery.