Now THAT’S a christmas tree!

It takes an army to hoist Highclere’s 20ft centrepiece into place – never mind decorate it, reveals the Countess. But the result of all the effort is truly spectacular

Few sights are more welcoming on a dark evening than the twinkling lights of a decorated tree; this, above all else, says Christmas.

The grand tree in the Saloon at Highclere is a real feature for our visitors, something they look out for – because of its spectacular scale, and the thought we put into its decoration.

We look forward with nostalgia to putting our tree up every year. There is something reassuring about digging out scuffed family decorations.

The arrival of the tree, on the first day of December, is a big event at the Castle. Ours is a Norway spruce, the same as the traditional tree in Trafalgar Square, from a local supplier; it’s cut down just two days earlier then left in one of our barns to dry off.

I stand outside the heavy doors of the Castle and watch as the tractor pulling the tree, still furled in its netting, noses its way past Castle Lodge, before stopping near the front door.

Getting an extremely heavy 20ft tree into such a fragile and important building is a challenge. Great care is taken that none of the stonework is damaged, let alone the leather wall hangings and candelabra lamps. We try to keep the trail of needles to a minimum, out of respect for Diana, our head housekeeper. The only way to do this is with enormous manpower...

The gardeners help, alongside Simon, Tom and Terry from the farm. John comes down from the office and lines up with David Hilton, our joiner, who has made the tree stand. This is a work of ingenious craftsmanship, made from used floorboards from a cottage that was being renovated in the Park.

Luis the butler arrives with a team from banqueting and there’s plenty of banter as the tree is lifted into the Saloon. John does a running commentary about living the dream at Highclere and is this tree the right size? The three-legged stand means the tree pivots as it is hauled upright – the fairy on top needs to be fixed at just the right angle while still on the ground to ensure she faces forwards.

My husband, Geordie, waits on the gallery landing above with Simon, our farm manager, ready to haul on the ropes to pull the tree up. With loud debate, the tree is slowly winched into position (pictured, above). As the branches unfurl and the tree warms – releasing that unmistakeable fragrance – we have a well-earned stop for soup and sausage rolls.

Now it’s time for the decorations. The tallest ladders are brought out and Sally, who runs the gift shop, takes the lead. Each year more decorations are sourced, bought or made, and previous ones carefully refined.

Sally’s team more than earn their mince pies in their numerous journeys up and down the Red Stairs, retrieving boxes. Sally usually stands at the back, directing operations. I am one of a team sent up the tall ladders with hooked sticks to reach the high branches with more decorations. White lights are draped around the tree first, before baubles and little figures are hung off the branches.

After two hours the tree is nearly ready. Just as everyone’s energy is waning, Geordie reappears to give his verdict. After some small adjustments, we declare the job well done and toast it with mulled wine.

‘The arrival of the tree on the first of December is a big event’