The Swan Queen's Ball Christmas for the family at Mottisfont
1 December 2013 - 5 January 2014 (except 24 and 25 December)
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s the frost glitters and the mist rises from Mottisfont's river, the Swan Queen invites you on a magical journey in preparation for her Christmas Ball, through a winter wonderland of beautiful trees, decorated rooms, and fantasy evening gowns.
photos by NTPL/ John Millar & Kate Plumtree
Children can race around the grounds on a magical quest trail to solve the mystery of the Swan Queen's secret, and gain entry to her palace. Look out for clues on the trees in the gardens, adorned with themed decorations created by artists. Then it's time to enter the boudoir and try on sparkly dresses and handsome cloaks, before enjoying some crafty fun making tiaras, crowns and festive masks. Seek inspiration for what you might wear to the ball, in the incredible Talons & Tiaras 'wardrobe', featuring over fifteen gorgeous designer gowns, created by dress designer and textile artist Kate Plumtree, and inspired by British birds and vintage couture*. Finally, you are ready to join the Swan Queen at her Ball in a beautiful room filled with sparkling lights and dancing silhouette shadows, and at the centre, an 18th-century style swan ball gown.
Fancy learning a few dance steps, which you can have fun teaching others at home this Christmas? On selected weekends the Swan Queen's glamorous assistant, dressed in glittering finery, is hosting informal dance classes suitable for the whole family - and distributing sweet treats to all participants. The Swan Queen's Ball: 1 December to 5 January (except 24 and 25 December), 11am - 5pm, normal admission charge only. Weekend dance classes: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 December, at intervals throughout the day. The Talons & Tiaras collection of gowns by designer Kate Plumtree is on show from 1 December until 26 January (except 24 and 25 December). *All gowns in the collection are for sale.Visit www.kateplumtree.com for details. Visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ mottisfont for further information.
Special offer for readers of ABC Magazine - just show this magazine at Mottisfont and fill in the coupon the staff give you to claim a free mince pie (we all need a bit of winter fuel to keep us going!) ABC MAGAZINE - HAMPSHIRE 25