The holly AND THE IVY

For Christopher Vane Percy, assembling the elaborate Christmas decorations which adorn Island Hall, his eighteenth-century Grade II* listed home, is a labour of love. “I start with the tree that stands at the foot of the grand staircase in the hall,” he says. “I always buy from the same grower because they deliver and help manoeuvre it into position. Generally, I chop off a bit at both ends so that it fits beneath the 14ft ceiling – the off-cut branches are useful for filling in any gaps.”

Each year Christopher holds a candlelit charity Christmas Carol concert, so all the