Following Christian’s video report from Osborne House’s Victorian Christmas event, thanks to Suzanne and Alan Whitewood for sharing their review. Ed
Back by popular demand, Osborne House offered a taste of a Victorian Christmas over the weekend of 19th/20th November.
Snow from the snow machines added to the scene in the courtyard. Children were entertained by Punch and Judy, whilst adults were just happy to taste the mulled wine and the various food treats that the shop had to offer including sloe gin, ginger wine and various jams and chutneys.
Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol was presented in a few minutes with riotous results, audience participation, and everyone enjoying the ghosts of Christmas past!
Resplendent dining
In the house Queen Victoria’s dining table was resplendent with Victorian dessert delicacies including elaborate architectural cakes and intricate miniature confections.
Christmas trees dressed in the style favoured by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, garlands of dried herbs, ferns and arrangements of old fashioned floral displays in rooms and corridors added to the festive atmosphere.
Christmas tree galore
Christmas cards depicting Victorian scenes were placed on tables and the Durbar Room was bedecked with Christmas Trees, Lights and more floral displays.
Outside children could enjoy fairground rides and try their hand at sideshows. Some adults joined in the fun of the sideshows, going away with prizes. Hot Chestnuts warmed cold hands and children enjoyed making Christmas crackers and windmills.
Several stalls were based around the courtyard including one manned by the members of Island Friends of Royal Osborne who support the house and grounds. They offered Christmas gifts with a difference whilst Father Christmas welcomed everyone to his grotto.
For those interested in food, ‘Mrs Beeton’ was on hand showing how to make a Christmas pudding and Marie-Louise Bonnard, the French Chocolatier, explained how in the past some chocolates had contained all manner of items including brick dust!
Other events
As well as having this special weekend Osborne House will be open for several special events over the next few weeks: Christmas Wreath Making on Friday 2 December, Maximum capacity 12, Put the Garden to Bed on Wednesday 7 December, Maximum capacity 10 and Christmas Cake decorating on Friday 9 December, Maximum capacity 15 – pre-booking is essential for these three events.
