Tagged: Christmas
Baubles x
Boxing Day Plans x
Let’s be honest. This year Christmas is going to be different – so I think the only way is to go whole hog and make it more so. Partly due to the amount of box sets we’ve managed to inhale, but also just because I fancy it, it’s been decreed that in this hovel, Boxing Day will be a day of reading and minimal electricity (think candles and open fires. maybe the odd sheepskin. I read somewhere that a Scandi country (couldn’t tell you which one) gives books as presents on Christmas Eve, to be read on Christmas Day. This, for me, is a bit of an infringement on Christmas Day, a bit too holy on the national day of greed and gluttony. But the day after? Absolutely bloody perfect.
So each person has to buy one book for another person at the Christmas table. What joy!
(All pics and links Pinterest and Bookshop.org)
Which is not to say Christmas lunch will have this many people, more – how do you choose? This is quite frankly, a little slice of opt out heaven.
Laters, Kate x
Pressies 2
I spoke to my gut the other day and asked it what the theme for Christmas would be this year, it said cottagecore all the way: home made, simple, unfussy, thoughtful. I said thank you very much and felt our bond. The above is from a great little independent shop called Midgley Green – what could be more hands on and satisfying than artisan soap and a thrown soap dish? Maybe the price point – £5 for the soap, £15 for the dish. £20 all in? Bargain.
Midgley Green also have these beautiful tea towels – which are fab just as that – but….wouldn’t they make the most beautiful pair of cushions stitched onto an enveloped piece of linen? Guaranteed washable.
(All pics Midgley Green and Pinterest)
On my personal Wishlist this year is this Welsh throw. I’m thinking sofa, candles, fire. And a large glass of egg snog. Sigh.
Laters,
Kate x
Christmas x
I’ve learnt the hard way – set a time and set it early for Christmas crafts, otherwise days will fly past and time will be eaten by nothing. My time is Saturday afternoons: A week to plan and gather bits, an open fire, a family film = perfection.
This Saturday we started with interpreting and making these, found on Pinterest, and as ever, it was a learning curve.  We used Inkjet printable Iron on T-shirt Fabric paper for light fabrics bought from Amazon for £11.99. Whilst it does work, the material you use is critical – we had to change from a coarser cotton to a smoother version.  Also a simple thing, but important – you need to cut out all the background and leave a white margin – it does something important to the eye.
This, for me, is the spirit of Christmas. Pour me a large one.
Laters, Kate x
X marks the spot..
There’s  a delicate balance when it comes to Christmas: too early is crass, too late misses the boat.  And there’s another element now that seems to be sneaking in..that too much is just…too much.  Both sides of my family have thought about how to change expectations.  On one side we do a secret Santa, one person each with a price limit.  On the other side it was suggested last year for handmade presents only, something that requires thought and time.  I would love to make the above.
(All pics Pinterest)
So I’m going to: Why should doing the right thing need universal agreement?
Laters, Kate x
Do fashions for wreaths change each year? Possibly is probably the answer – because despite the dogs being blinged to their eyeballs (including the recent addition of festive dark glasses, a cunning buy from a party shop) the pull for me for wreaths has become pared back natural. Sadly our wreath of many years doesn’t quite hit the spot is on the door – it’s simple version of fir cones except they’re covered in glitter, and every time someone brushes past, a fir cone falls to the ground..I think a bit of tender loving DIY is needed or it’ll become it’s own epitaph..
The perfect excuse for a little bit of Christmas craft. And breathe.
Laters, Kate x
Magpie x
There’s a new style of earring on the block: A marbled resin reminiscent of murano glass with hints of a bygone era. Some of the best examples can be seen in the work of Ejing Zhang, a Chinese jewellery now living in London who looks to her love of traditional calligraphy and ink painting for her inspiration. Combine the ever changing powers of resin with gold and a touch of whimsy and you have a magical combination.
(All pics Ejing Zhang and Pinterest)
Her pieces come under the title ‘fashion jewellery’ which means not stupid silly prices – think £150 and up. But if you want to try without breaking the bank, Primark have some surprisingly good pieces – but there’s definitely no gold…
Laters, Kate x
Ta-daah!
Oh. The joy!
Jingle bells x
Why not indeed, I said to myself as I picked up the multicoloured fairy lights for Christmas this year – maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s a reaction to perfectionist white, maybe it’s a need to break out and shout there’s always another way –Â but, after decades of coveting the paired back scandi look, it’s colour all the way in this house this festive season.
Mine are going outside, around the necks of our two stone dogs, Alfie and Bear – pictures will follow. Promise.
Laters, Kate x
Paper Moon x
Christmas is coming and this is the antidote to everything glittery, commercialised and over fed: White paper art – originally designed for weddings, but the perfect inspiration for drama without fuss.
(All pics Pinterest)
Simple, cheap and without damage to the planet. What’s not to love?
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 