Cotswold Christmas Traditions

Ad This episode contains a paid partnership with Candlelight Concerts. Use code CDLKATHERINEHURST for a 10% discount, valid until 25th December 2025. Click here for more information: https://glnk.io/3xprm/candlelightxkat...

See inside interiors journalist Katherine Hurst's renovated Cotswold stone house in the English countryside as she prepares for Christmas. Explore winter traditions – lighting candles, filling the house with festive song and making mince pies, a classic English Christmas treat. With views out over open countryside, an Aga kitchen and woodburners, this is a place to relax and enjoy the festive season: think cottage core style, pretty tablescapes and individual style. Take a look at the Christmas tree in the Shaker kitchen, decorated with vintage baubles in Downton Abbey style, and the table set for a festive lunch, before heading out to a concert in a medieval priory decked with thousands of flickering candles. You’ll see some of the beautiful Christmas lights in historic Malmesbury, including The Old Bell, England's oldest hotel, and Cirencester, the Queen of the Cotswolds. You'll also see a calligraphy class at The Double Red Duke, one of my favourite pubs in the Cotswolds.

What I’m wearing:
Fairisle wool jumper: https://go.shopmy.us/p-34919895
Black tulle skirt: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35206997
Boots: https://go.shopmy.us/p-30925159
Borg coat: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35222257
Wool Beanie: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35222398


Shop my home:
Christmas tree: https://go.shopmy.us/p-34145675
Red glass baubles: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35206245
White and gold glass baubles: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35206611
Handpainted plates: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35207358
Cutlery: https://go.shopmy.us/p-35208007

Mince PIes
Makes 12
300g plain flour
pinch salt
150g fridge-cold butter cut into cubes
3 tbsp icing sugar
1 large free-range egg, beaten with 1 tbsp cold water
300g mincemeat
To finish
1 beaten egg or milk

1. Rub the flour, salty and butter until it resembles breadcrumbs
2. Add icing sugar
3. Add the beaten egg and water, and combine
4. Chill for 20-30 mins
5. Roll out on a floured surface to a depth of approx 4mm. Use a round cutter to cut out 12 discs of pastry.
6. Press disks into greased non stick tins
7. Add a spoonful of mincemeat to each
8. Add festive shapes
9. Brush tops with milk or egg and bake for 15-20 mins at 190C
10. Dust with icing sugar