Christmas at Basildon

The sun was shining and the Christmas tree was up (albeit it still needs the obligatory tinsel and baubles!), so I as in the mood for one of my annual visits to a National Trust property for my "Christmas at ... " fix.  Today's choice was Basildon Park where the theme was Kenneth Grahame's "Wind in the Willows".

Rather than the huge cartoon / lighted characters adopted by other places this year, the theme was subtly applied via suitably selected quotes from the book and toys around the bases of gloriously decorated trees (extra); a wonderfully traditional Christmas experience.

The talented staff and volunteers (it took them a week to decorate the house) had also produced flower displays which were dotted around the house.  My Blip for today is one on a radiator shelf on the main landing, chosen for today's Flower Friday challenge, as always hosted, with thanks, by BikerBear