Coffee Time..
Sometime it’s the simple things in life that make the magic and one of those things for me are Creative Coffee Mornings. They were started by the lovely Sophy three years ago when she made the genius decision that chatting over coffee with young children was so much more fun when creating was involved. Originally we’d all take over our unfinished projects and use the time to give ourselves much needed permission to finish, but now Sophy and best friend Minta have developed it further and prepare, for a small fee, everything in advance with a termly timetable of weekly delights..If you live near SW London there is a website. Next week is festive nibbles..followed wreath making..with an extra mulled wine evening version for the men to join as well! (In half term I sent the Husband and Charlie to make jam..the perfect antidote to brain boil).
Sophy and Minta at work.
This week was Christmas Spirits (whooo hoooo!) with much tasting needed..
And homemade chocolates!
(Accompanied naturally by coffee and delicious nibbles. Lush)
The stewing blackberries for the Bramble Brandy..the smell was sublime.
I chose the Sloe gin option..for me it’s such a rarity to get hold of genuine sloes..and the Brucie Bonus..these came from Minta’s parents’ farm in Dorset. They were frozen because the best Gin comes from sloes picked after the first frost.
The skins are pricked and placed in a bottle.
Sugar and a couple of almonds are added, then it’s all topped off with the gin and shaken. Onto the chocolates…with orange peel, ginger, cranberries, dried strawberries, dried raspberries and almonds..
Sprayed with edible gold for that extra Christmassy feel.
This to me is living life to the full and I love it!
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 
An amazing idea, love it! If I was in London, would definitely join in!
Honestly..it’s the best x
what a great idea I love it! 🙂
http://www.littleprettymess.com
You’d love it! x
This! This is amazing – seriously wish I could come along. Might have to start up something similar in Falmouth 😀
Do it! Best feeling in the world! x
Ohhhh, they look so scrumptious! Especially, chocolate coated orange peel and ginger!! A wonderful Blue Peter project for grown ups 😛
We just need you now to teach us how to knit with our fingers! xxx
Everything looks so delicious, happy coffee time!!
A little bit of heaven hey.. x
“Since time began, people have gathered around an open flame. We are still drawn to the fire, though now it may have evolved into a rather sophisticated convection oven. Conversation flows easily around a kitchen table from topic to topic, one plate to the next.”
I’m sharing this excerpt from my new book, “Sweet Beams: Inspiring everyone who lives under a new roof!” (available at https://www.createspace.com/4346203) because your coffee experience is so similar to the idea behind my book: Whether you rent it or own it, celebrate the place you call home!
Renee – this sounds amazing! Will def check it out xxx
Congratulation!!! You won an Award!!! See it on my blog http://ultimatemiliamakeup.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/the-versatile-blogger-award-2/
Baci baci
You are lovely! Thank you very very much xxxxx
You are great!!! ♡
What a lovely idea!!! Xx
Creating with friends is very special.. x
No wonder you love it, this is morning bliss (homemade chocolates !!!). I also love your fabulous pinstriped jacket and your effortless yet truly gorgeous hair ! xxxx
Hoho! You can see why I stay behind the camera!! But the jacket is a favourite! xxx
The pictures are so sublime I could almost smell them. Oh, a feast for my eyes.
That Bramble Brandy..sigh. But this is what Christmas should be about..from the heart xxx
Finger lickin’ good! Wish I was with you all…. Maybe I should start the Creative Coffee mornings, Guildford branch but it’s the company that counts as much as the doing. xx
YES!! Or come and join us?? Not THAT far………tempted?! xxxxx
The true dolce vita! Mmmm how I’d love one of those chocolates with my coffee righ now!… with a shot of your delicious brandy, bien sure xxx
That Bramble brandy..melted on the tongue and had the most incredible flavour…and it was such a surprise..the more you drank..the better it got!! xxx
What a fab idea! It’s not too far from me so may have to give one of the sessions a go. The Christmas treats one sounds yummy! Xxx
Oh the would be LOVELY! xxx
What a fun idea! Everything looks delicious too mmmmm 😉
I feel very spoilt doing these days..it’s special to have a concentrated time to create with friends..very special xxx
Choccy woccy doo dah indeed. I remember my parents making sloe gin…..might give that a go. Glad you had fun xx
Surprisingly easy..mine’s waiting for Christmas day now! To be joined by a bottle of Bramble Brandy…wey hey! x
Oh, this looks like fun! Too bad I live so far away – I’d come right along and join you ladies 🙂
Enjoy your home made goodies and have a very HAPPY week 🙂
You’ll have to set up your own group! xxx
You’re right. But I like the idea of everything being organized for me and all I have to do is walk in and join the group 🙂
Yep..that bit is worth every penny! x
Absolutely love the idea! Will definitely gather my crafty friends and give it a go!
So simple..so good for the soul! x
Ha Kate! What are you doing to me?! I am now hungry!!! But I only fancy eating these treats!!! 😀
Now you’d be perfect to set up a group! x
I would eat everything before they would turn up. 😀
Oh this is so nice 🙂
It’s a time to have that permission to indulge..and to do it with friends? Couldn’t be better! x
Oh my, oh lordy…I’m licking the screen… Homemade choccies, edible gold, stewing blackberries…you are too much. I must protest… Uck, that screen needs a good clean
Hehe..after your marathon run..you’re allowed! x
I would love to have coffee with you ladies! 🙂 I love this idea! Everything looks fab! I have never heard of edible gold before! I have only had it in champagne 🙂
The shops are going over board here..there’s edible glitter, edible shimmer powder..but this is the first time I have seen/used edible spray! x
Wow, that looks like fun and practical as well. My sister and I were just discussing options for a chocolate making, baking, liquor making time for Christmas. We miss the valley where we had so many girlfriends who did this kind of thing…time to take the bull by the horns as it were and start a group here. Thanks for the inspiration! Always.
Cookies and champagne!