For many homeowners, the focus at Christmas time often shifts from the opening of presents in the morning, to the afternoon feast in the dining room - a room that not only provides a place to eat but also often forms the central entertaining area in many homes during the festive period. An impressive dining room provides the backdrop for splendid food and jolly conversation - often with a few too many glasses of port thrown in for good measure.

With a combination of royal blue, gold and rich reds used in the lavish decor, the dining room at Holly Tree House in Chelford, Cheshire epitomises country house elegance. The room enjoys plenty of natural light, with large windows on three sides overlooking the grounds and a wealth of space perfect for entertaining and dining during the Christmas period. The property is on the market with the Wilmslow office. For more information on Holly Tree House, click here. [caption id="attachment_781" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The dining room at Holly Tree House"][/caption]   The dining room at Temple House in Horton offers a slightly less traditional Christmas dining experience - although is equally opulent in its own right. Flagged stone floors, wicker chairs and stone figureheads create a Roccoco themed environment; a style that was popular in Paris during the late 1800s - characterised by lightness, elegance, the exuberant use of curving and stone ornamentation. The property is on the market at 875,000 with the Northampton office, for more information, see here. [caption id="attachment_782" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The dining hall at The Temple House"][/caption]   For those who fancy a slightly more contemporary dining affair, the recently converted Cooperage in Ilmington could provide the perfect solution. Not so much a dining room as a dining hall, the spacious 41 ft long hall is airy and flooded with natural light during the day. Complete with six bedrooms and an open plan layout throughout, The Cooperage not only caters for the Christmas dinner but also post drinks and obligatory rounds of Pictionary. The Cooperage is on the market at 1,595,000 with the Chipping Campden office. For more information, please see here. [caption id="attachment_783" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The dining room at The Cooperage"][/caption]