Christmas is all about making memories, sharing special moments and finding every excuse to celebrate! From catching up with friends and family to discovering something new, indulging in a little festive magic and making time for the people who matter most, it’s these elements that make this time of year so special.
At Stanwell House, there are plenty of ways to make those moments exceptional.
Whether you’re feeling creative, fancy a delicious seasonal treat, looking for somewhere to raise a glass or planning a special celebration, we’ve got everything you need to make this Christmas one to remember! Think hands-on festive workshops, afternoon teas, beautifully crafted cocktails and private dining experiences. So, gather your favourite people, embrace the magic of the season and discover all the ways to celebrate Christmas, the Stanwell House way!
Get Creative with Festive Workshops
Fancy adding a little creativity to your Christmas celebrations? Swap the usual festive routine for something a little different and enjoy the pleasure of making something wonderful with your own hands.
This Christmas, we’re bringing together four talented local makers and creatives for a fabulous series of festive workshops. Whether you’re a budding artist, a keen crafter or simply looking to try something new, there’s plenty to inspire you.
First up, on Thursday 26th November, it’s time to get the Christmas countdown underway with Advent Calendar Making. Led by award-winning chocolatier Kerry Witt, this deliciously hands-on workshop will introduce you to the art of chocolate making, including tempering and piping techniques. You’ll create and decorate your very own chocolate advent calendar, ready to enjoy from 1st December. The perfect way to kick off the festivities, although we can’t promise you’ll resist sneaking a chocolate or two before December!
On Saturday 5th December, join New Forest-based artist Kate Smith for our Lino-Cut Wrapping Paper workshop. Discover the art of lino printing, design your own festive motif and create beautifully bespoke wrapping paper.
The following Saturday, creative designer Becki Clark will be hosting a watercolour painting workshop, Botanical Baubles. Take inspiration from the changing seasons and create three Christmas baubles, adding a unique, handmade touch to your festive decorations.
Finally, on Saturday 19th December, embroidery specialist Chrissie will lead our Embroidered Decorations workshop. Learn new stitching techniques and create a gorgeous jewel-toned heart decoration, complete with embellishments and a little festive sparkle.
With the option to book individual sessions or enjoy all four workshops, there’s every reason to make a little creativity part of your Christmas traditions.
Indulge with Festive Afternoon Tea
After all that Christmas creativity, it’s time to put your feet up, gather your favourite people and treat yourself to something delicious in The Orangery.
Our Festive Afternoon Tea is a celebration of seasonal flavours and much-loved classics, bringing together an irresistible selection of sweet and savoury delights. Indulge with delicate sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with jam and clotted cream, delicious festive-inspired bites and beautifully presented sweet treats, all accompanied by a freshly brewed tea or coffee of your choice.
You can even make it a celebration with our Festive Afternoon Tea, complete with a glass of house Champagne. ‘Tis the season, after all!
Plan a long-overdue catch-up with friends, treat someone special, enjoy a little family time or simply look for an excuse to escape the Christmas rush, slow down and savour the season.
The best Christmas moments are often the simplest ones: a perfectly poured cup of tea and one more scone!
Available from 1st – 24th December, it’s the perfect excuse to make an afternoon of it.
Shake Things Up with Festive Cocktails
Tea and cake not quite for you? No problem! When it’s time to turn up the festive spirit, head to Salt Bar for cocktails and good company.
Whether you’re meeting friends for a festive catch-up, escaping the Christmas shopping crowds or kicking off an evening together, there’s no better excuse to pull up a chair, order your favourite tipple and unwind.
With a varied drinks selection and expertly prepared cocktails, join us at Salt Bar and turn an ordinary get-together into something worth celebrating. Make an afternoon of it, enjoy a pre-dinner drink or settle in for an evening with us.
Looking for another excuse to get together? Join us for Cocktail Hour, Monday to Thursday from 5pm–7pm, and all day on Sundays. Gather your friends, discover your new favourite drink and enjoy a little midweek indulgence, because every festive catchup deserves a little something special!
Bring Everyone Together with Festive Private Dining
For those occasions that deserve something a little more personal, private dining can allow you to celebrate the season in style. A festive family gathering, bringing friends together for a Christmas celebration, planning an end-of-year get-together with colleagues or simply looking for somewhere special to mark an occasion? A dedicated space to enjoy good food and good company can make all the difference!
Planning an intimate dinner? Our room can accommodate up to 16 guests around one central dining table. For larger occasions, our alternative layouts cater for seated gatherings of up to 32 or standing receptions for up to 40.
When it comes to the food, there’s plenty to get excited about! From light nibbles and afternoon tea to generous sharing boards and five-course tasting menus, we can help create a dining experience that’s just right for your occasion.
For the festive season, our private dining packages offer even more ways to celebrate, from festive lunches, evening dinners or a drinks reception complete with delicious canapés.
Want to add a little extra sparkle? Our team can help with bespoke arrangements, personal touches, table decorations and entertainment options.
Whatever you’re celebrating, we’ll help you create an occasion worth remembering, with plenty of festive cheer!
Make a Festive Day of It in Lymington
Part of the pleasure of celebrating with us is our location. Set in the heart of Lymington, our hotel provides a great starting point for enjoying everything the New Forest has to offer.
Make a day of it with a wander around the town, explore the independent shops and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere before returning to Stanwell House for a well-earned afternoon tea or a celebratory cocktail. Alternatively, combine a festive workshop with a leisurely meal, or gather everyone together for a special private dining experience.
If one day simply isn’t enough, why not make a night of it? If you’re travelling from further afield or simply fancy making more of the occasion, an overnight stay with us offers the opportunity to enjoy Lymington and the surrounding New Forest at a more relaxed pace.
Whether you’re planning a romantic seasonal escape, a festive break with family or a little time away with friends, Stanwell House combines the charm of Georgian surroundings with welcoming hospitality and plenty of ways to celebrate.
Make This Christmas Special
Christmas comes around just once a year, so why not make every second count?
Get creative at a festive workshop, share afternoon tea, raise a glass with friends or gather everyone around the table for a fantastic celebration.
At Stanwell House, there’s room for all these moments and more. From seasonal indulgence in The Orangery to cocktails in the bar and private dining celebrations, discover a different way to make the most of Christmas in Lymington.
So, whether you’re planning a festive date, a family day out, a catch-up with friends or a celebration for a larger group, make this the season to spend time together, try something new and create memories to treasure.
Discover Christmas at Stanwell House and start planning your festive celebrations.
