It’s possible to visit brilliantly bedecked grandes dames across the country – from Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, Holkham Hall in Norfolk and Ham House in London. While guaranteed to put on the twinkliest and most sparkling of shows with the tallest of Christmas trees, what could be better than a historic home to call your own where you can orchestrate your very own festive display?

The scene for your seasonal masterpiece could be set with high ceilings, a sweeping staircase, roaring fires and wood panelled reception rooms. Then add the props – twinkling fairy lights, an abundance of baubles and decorations in traditional reds, golds and greens. The final flourish might include garlands trailing up bannisters and festive foliage aplenty, perhaps some greenery from the grounds too.

These grand homes also have a plethora of entertaining spaces for gathering your nearest and dearest – or the whole village – to boot.

From an Arts-and-Crafts manor house in the Cotswolds with a double-height hall which can hold a 15ft Christmas tree, and a Grade I listed manor house in Somerset with wood panelled rooms, and stone mullioned and stained glass windows, to an imposing Georgian townhouse in London, here’s a selection of homes perfect for decking the halls with boughs of holly: