{"id":44369,"date":"2024-12-27T16:35:06","date_gmt":"2024-12-27T16:35:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?p=44369"},"modified":"2024-12-27T16:43:23","modified_gmt":"2024-12-27T16:43:23","slug":"christmas-at-portmeirion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas at Portmeirion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>With Morgan in Canada last year, Christmas at home for Anna and me was something of a non-event. We still had presents around the tree, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and even stockings. There was the usual snooze in the afternoon and some corny Christmas films. But with just the two of us, it felt like a lot of work for very little reward. The \u2018fun\u2019 bits didn\u2019t really last long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, with Morgan still in Canada, we decided to treat ourselves to Christmas at Portmeirion this year. We booked it in  June and the plan was to arrive on Christmas Eve, stay in the iconic village, and be wined and dined for several days. No hectic planning or grocery shopping beforehand, no cooking, no cleaning\u2014just top-quality food and time to relax, all against the stunning backdrop of North Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, Morgan threw a minor spanner in the works by coming home early, meaning he\u2019d be here for Christmas after all. By then, we\u2019d already booked and paid, so there was no going back. He\u2019s an adult, so although we felt a little guilty about leaving him home alone, it didn\u2019t last long\u2014especially once he arranged to spend Christmas Day with a friend. With that settled, the excitement mounted as Christmas approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Christmas Eve: Arrival at Portmeirion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We bid farewell to Morgan and set off for Portmeirion on Christmas Eve. With clothes for dinners, a gala ball, Christmas jumpers, chill-out outfits, and bags full of presents, the car was packed. It\u2019s less than a 90-minute drive for us, so we arrived quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Portmeirion is an Italianate village built and designed essentially as a series of follies by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. It is now owned by a charitable trust and operated as a tourist attraction. It has served as the location for numerous films and television shows, most famously the 1960s television show The Prisoner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:66.78606%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3286.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3286.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3286.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3286.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion Architecture\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44373\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44373\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3286.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3286.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:33.21394%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3282.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3282.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3282.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3282.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion village\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44371\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44371\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3282.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3282.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3281.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3281.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3281.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3281.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion Architecture\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44372\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44372\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3281.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3281.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3276.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3276.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3276.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3276.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion Gardens\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44374\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44374\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3276.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3276.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 4 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3275.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3275.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3275.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3275.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion Bridge House\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44375\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44375\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3275.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3275.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 5 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the buildings within the village are listed by Cadw, for their architectural and historical importance, and the gardens are listed too. This included the room we were staying in which was in the Bridge House. It was perfect for us at the top of the village with amazing views out over the estuary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the village was shrouded in mist, giving it an atmospheric, almost magical quality. After checking in, we were shown to our room in the Bridge House at the top of the village, which had stunning views over the estuary\u2014although the mist obscured them that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We began as we meant to go on with afternoon tea at the hotel. It was a buffet with sandwiches, sausage rolls, and an array of cakes, all served on the famous Portmeirion crockery. The hotel was tastefully decorated with Christmas trees and garlands, adding to the festive spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:63.95075%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3345.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3345.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3345.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3345.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion Hotel\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44377\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44377\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3345.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3345.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:36.04925%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2700.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2700.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2700.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2700.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Buffet Afternoon Tea\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44376\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44376\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2700.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2700.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After tea, we wandered through the village, visiting the shops before they closed for Christmas, and then returned to our room to relax. Not for long, though, as dinner awaited at Castell Deudraeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Castell Deudraeth: Dinner in Style<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Castell Deudraeth is an 18th-century manor house built on the site of a former 12th-century castle. Bought by Sir Clough William-Ellis it is now part of the Port Meirion estate and operates as a four-star luxury hotel. We chose to dine there that evening to mix things up and not eat at the main village hotel every day. The starters were particularly memorable\u2014flavorful and beautifully presented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:26.50229%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3220.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3220.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3220.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3220.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Pudding\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44378\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44378\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3220.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3220.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:26.50229%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3219.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3219.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3219.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3219.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Starter\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44379\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44379\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3219.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3219.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:46.99542%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3217.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3217.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3217.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3217.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Castell Deudraeth\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44380\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44380\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3217.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3217.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>After dinner, we strolled back to our room, where we found a lovely welcome pack: miniatures of gin, whisky, vodka, and rum, mixers, chocolate-covered orange peel, and a Portmeirion edition of the Monopoly board game. The room wasn&#8217;t decorated for Christmas though, so there was no tree for our presents, but that didn\u2019t dampen the festive mood as we were sure Santa would still visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3210.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3210.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3210.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3210.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Welcome Present\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44383\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44383\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3210.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3210.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3211.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3211.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3211.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3211.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Our Room\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44382\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44382\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3211.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3211.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 2 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Christmas Day: Presents, Walks, and Feasting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Christmas morning began with stockings for Anna and me. After a coffee in our room, we abandoned our plan to open presents after breakfast and dove straight in. We\u2019d been conservative with gifts since the Portmeirion trip was our main treat, but there were still plenty of surprises, including a \u2018nose scarf\u2019 from Anna to keep my nose warm in my tent. Of course, there was also lots of chocolate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Breakfast at the hotel was a feast: Eggs Benedict for me, pancakes for Anna, plus cereals, fruit, pastries, and toast. Suitably stuffed, we set off for a walk through the village gardens, woodlands, and down to the beach. The mist persisted, but the scenery was still enchanting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:64.60989%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3233.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3233.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3233.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3233.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Usie at Portmeirion\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44384\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44384\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3233.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3233.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:35.39011%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3236.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3236.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3236.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3236.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Wandering in the grounds\" data-height=\"1304\" data-id=\"44387\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44387\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3236.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3236.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33333%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3244.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3244.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3244.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3244.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Anna\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44385\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44385\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3244.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3244.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33333%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3248.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3248.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3248.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3248.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Anna at Christmas Lunch\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44386\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44386\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3248.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3248.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 4 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33333%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2707.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2707.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2707.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2707.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Christmas dinner starter\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44405\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44405\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2707.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2707.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 5 of 5 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Christmas dinner was a highlight. We had several options from the menu and, after some indulgent starters, both chose turkey with all the trimmings. The food was delicious and plentiful\u2014so much so that we barely managed dessert but couldn\u2019t resist finishing off tiramisu souffl\u00e9s. Coffee and mince pies rounded things off before we returned to our room for a much-needed snooze. Later, we went back for a buffet dinner, though we were far more restrained this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:46.46552%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3266.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3266.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3266.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3266.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Estuary views from our window\" data-height=\"737\" data-id=\"44388\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44388\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3266.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3266.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3271.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3271.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3271.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3271.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"The village at night\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44389\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44389\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3271.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3271.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:53.53448%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/D6985B05-F065-400A-ABC2-7F351EEC267B.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/D6985B05-F065-400A-ABC2-7F351EEC267B.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/D6985B05-F065-400A-ABC2-7F351EEC267B.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/D6985B05-F065-400A-ABC2-7F351EEC267B.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion at night\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44404\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44404\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/D6985B05-F065-400A-ABC2-7F351EEC267B.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/D6985B05-F065-400A-ABC2-7F351EEC267B.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 3 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boxing Day: Blue Skies and a Gala Dinner<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Boxing Day began with another hearty breakfast, followed by a longer walk along the Wales Coast Path towards Porthmadog. The mist had finally lifted, revealing blue skies and spectacular views. The muddy fields didn\u2019t deter us, and it felt good to stretch our legs properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:34.73516%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3306.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3306.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3306.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3306.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Views from our room\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44395\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44395\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3306.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3306.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 6 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:30.52967%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3304.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3304.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3304.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3304.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Portmeirion in the sunshine\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44390\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44390\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3304.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3304.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 6 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3300.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3300.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3300.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3300.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Views to Porthmadog\" data-height=\"713\" data-id=\"44393\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44393\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3300.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3300.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 6 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:34.73516%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3297.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3297.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3297.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3297.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"The estuary at low tide\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44391\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44391\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3297.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3297.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 4 of 6 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3294.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3294.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3294.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3294.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Early morning sunshine\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44394\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44394\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3294.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3294.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 5 of 6 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:50.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3290.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3290.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3290.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3290.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Boxing Day Stroll\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44392\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/?attachment_id=44392\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3290.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3290.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 6 of 6 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The evening was the highlight of our stay: a gourmet tasting menu gala dinner. Anna and I had new outfits for the occasion\u2014a sharp suit for me (though I didn\u2019t quite dare the velvet smoking jacket and bowtie) and a stunning navy blue dress for Anna. Despite the formal dress, the atmosphere was relaxed. We were seated at communal tables and spent hours chatting with fellow diners as we worked our way through multiple courses. Opinions were divided on some dishes, but everyone had their favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-tiled-gallery aligncenter is-style-rectangular\"><div class=\"has-rounded-corners-10\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__gallery\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3337.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3337.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3337.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3337.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Dressed up\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44401\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_3337\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3337.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3337.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 1 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3333.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3333.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3333.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3333.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Chocolate!\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44399\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_3333\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3333.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3333.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 2 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3332.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3332.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3332.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3332.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Apple with meadowsweet and sorrel\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44397\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_3332\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3332.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3332.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 3 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3329.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3329.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3329.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3329.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Halibut and Mussels\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44396\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_3329\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3329.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3329.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 4 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__row\"><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3322.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3322.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3322.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3322.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Scallop\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44402\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_3322\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3322.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3322.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 5 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3318.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3318.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3318.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3318.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Drinks\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44400\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_3318\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3318.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3318.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 6 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3316.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3316.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3316.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3316.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Anna\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44398\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_3316\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3316.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3316.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 7 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"tiled-gallery__col\" style=\"flex-basis:25.00000%\"><figure class=\"tiled-gallery__item\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2719.jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2719.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=600&#038;ssl=1 600w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2719.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=900&#038;ssl=1 900w,https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2719.jpeg?strip=info&#038;w=950&#038;ssl=1 950w\" alt=\"Cocktails\" data-height=\"1267\" data-id=\"44403\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/img_2719\/\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2719.jpeg\" data-width=\"950\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_2719.jpeg?ssl=1\" data-amp-layout=\"responsive\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open image 8 of 8 in full-screen\"\/><\/a><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the guests were regular visitors, with some returning every Christmas and others visiting several times a year\u2014a testament to Portmeirion\u2019s charm. The staff, though working through their own Christmas, were fantastic, ensuring everyone was well-fed, comfortable, and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Pampering Ends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After one last indulgent breakfast, we packed our bags and said goodbye to Portmeirion. The trip had been everything we\u2019d hoped for: relaxing, indulgent, and set in beautiful surroundings with no chores or stress.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3344.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"950\" height=\"1267\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3344.jpeg\" alt=\"Breakfast\" class=\"wp-image-44406\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3344.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/IMG_3344-150x200.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Breakfast<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re sure we\u2019ll return one day, though as we checked out, it was clear we\u2019d need to book well in advance\u2014most rooms were already reserved for next Christmas! We wouldn\u2019t be too fussy about which room\/house we stayed in though as part of the charm is the fact that they are all very unique. I\u2019m not sure if we\u2019ll go back next year, but we may well find somewhere similar for another Christmas experience as it was a very nice way to spend the Christmas break as a couple. I guess it\u2019ll depend somewhat on Morgan\u2019s plans<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With Morgan in Canada last year, Christmas at home for Anna and me was something of a non-event. We still had presents around the tree, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and even stockings. There was the usual snooze in the afternoon and some corny Christmas films. But with just the two of us, it&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1312,"featured_media":44389,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4,8,10],"tags":[374],"class_list":["post-44369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family","category-lifestyle","category-wales","tag-christmas"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Christmas at Portmeirion - A Simple Life of Luxury<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.alananna.co.uk\/blog\/2024\/12\/christmas-at-portmeirion\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Christmas at Portmeirion - A Simple Life of Luxury\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"With Morgan in Canada last year, Christmas at home for Anna and me was something of a non-event. We still had presents around the tree, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and even stockings. There was the usual snooze in the afternoon and some corny Christmas films. 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