Who would have thought it – sherry is back in fashion! The favoured tipple of maiden aunts and academic dons, it will be gracing the most fashionable tables this Christmas I hear. And why? Two words. Downton Abbey.

Downton Abbey is going to be responsible for a lot of Christmas choices this year. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself unwrapping a ‘What is a weekend?’ mug on Christmas morning (£9, www.pasttimes.com). Or spending the afternoon piecing together a Downton jigsaw (500-piece £8.99, 1000-piece £11.99, John Lewis). And of course lots of us will be hoping for the mega double DVD set in our stockings - brothers Fallon, are you reading this? (Downton Abby series 1 & 2, £39,99,www.amazon.co.uk)

If you’re coming over all Downton and planning on making a retro statement at home, here’s what you’ll need.

Orla Kiely digital radio
The sort of thing you can imagine listening to reports from the front on
Evoke Mio by Orla Kiely, £150, www.orlakiely.com

A spot of afternoon tea
Authentic Staunton Earl Grey leaves, artisan butter shortbread with clotted cream and real raspberries enrobed in milk chocolate – tea, Lady Mary?
The Country Manor £25, www.theeastindiacompanyfinefood.com

A Yeoman!
Hang the best of British on your tree
Tinker Tailor Yeoman Warder Christmas Tree Charm, £12.90, www.go-british.co.uk

Take a trip to Downton next year
True die-hards will want to visit 'Downton' itself - Highclere Castle in Newbury, Berkshire. Nearby hotel Audleys Wood in Basingstoke, one of the Hand Picked Hotels group, is launching a package in April, which includes a tour of Highclere Castle. We'll keep you posted.

Finally, speaking of sherry, Harveys Bristol Cream always did the best Christmas ads in my childhood so I've been a fan from the age of about 5. They've just sent me this festive recipe for a sherry cocktail, which is one the maiden aunts probably won't have heard of. Extend their knowledge this year!

Harveys Frosted Apple & Ginger
Fill a highball glass with ice (crushed ice looks even better)
Pour over 50ml Harveys Bristol Cream and 50ml premium pressed apple juice
Top up with a dash of ginger ale Swirl with a cinnamon stick and leave in the glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and apple slices
Harvey's Bristol Cream, 75cl £8.80, available nationwide

More great Christmas ideas
See the All About You Christmas gift guide
What do our readers really want for Christmas? Find out here