Finally Christmas Eve is here and no one could be more excited than my six year old son Monty whose anticipation for Christmas Day has spearheaded 5.30am starts for the last week…

The Palladian Chimneypiece in the drawing room that inspired the Oxford Design.

We are almost there with only some wrapping of presents to do. Its been such a wonderful week building up to the big day. As well as decorating the Christmas tree, we love putting the garlands along all the banisters in the house and dressing the antique fireplaces at Christmas.

Detail shot of the Palladian Chimneypiece.

Embarrassingly, Charlotte and I years ago had a huge row over what fireplace Father Christmas would come down. This was a time when Monty would wake at 4am so we were deranged with sleep depravation.

1740’s English Chimneypiece that inspired the Montford Design.

Since that time we have settled on the Chimneypiece in Eliza’s room that is all ready – all that is left to do is to leave the mince pies and brandy.

Father Christmas will come down the George 1st English Mantel.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope your day starts at a more civilised hour than mine will!