We are offering an extra topical event in December to give you all a small break from the Christmas shopping and the thousand and one other things that need to be done.

The Geffrye Museum is in the former almshouses of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers. It is in Kingsland Road just north of Shoreditch High Street, a beautiful 18th century building set in its own fine gardens. The building is Grade 11 listed and was constructed in 1714 at the bequest of Sir Robert Geffrye, former Lord Mayor and Master of the Ironmongers' Company. The museum focuses on the living rooms of the English middle classes since about 1600 and shows how homes have been furnished over this period, reflecting changes in style and taste. Rooms are ranged chronologically from a hall in 1630, through parlours in the 18th century, drawing rooms in the 19th century to living rooms and a loft style apartment in the 20th century, each one filled with furniture, textiles, ceramics and glassware of its period. During December these rooms are decorated in authentic historic style to illustrate how Christmas has been celebrated during the last four hundred years.

We have booked a group visit followed by tea in the museum restaurant. We are hoping to arrange a short talk about the Christmas decorations but if that is not possible, the museum provides an audio guide to the rooms.

The visit (excluding refreshments) costs only £4 per person and we will each pay for our tea on the day. Please arrive at the museum by 2.00 p.m. Tea is available in the restaurant from 3.30 p.m.