CHRISTMAS IS HERE!
- My Humble Abode
- Dec 2, 2017
- 3 min read
As I'm writing this it's December 1st and it's feeling very, very Christmassy in my little home. The Christmas tree is up, lights are on, quality street on the table and Harry Potter is on the TV - my perfect afternoon.
I love Christmas. It's such a magical and happy time of the year filled with fun festivities, who can resist? In my family, putting up the Christmas tree and decorations has always been a big event. It's something we all get involved in; from unraveling the Christmas lights to the finishing touch of putting the gold star on top. We put Christmas songs on or a cosy film and spend the day decorating. It was always one of my favourite days of December and a lovely way to start the month.
This year will be my fourth Christmas in my own home but first in our new house. I have to confess, when looking around prospective homes earlier in the year, the first thought when entering the living room would be 'can I envision Christmas here' and 'will it fit the whole family?'. Since I was first together with my boyfriend, each year has been difficult not knowing who to spend Christmas with and when. This year I wanted us all to be together, something that just wasn't possible in our little one-bed place. I had visions of us all gathered round with a Christmas film on, drinking and chilling out - it's something I've been looking forward to all year. When I first visited this house I knew instantly that it'd be perfect for Christmas, especially with the open-plan living room and dining room. I must also confess that I'd planned the Christmas tree position since July (a little keen I know!).
There's nothing I love more than the festive smell of a Christmas tree - it's just gorgeous! For that reason I've always bought a real tree. I bought ours from HOMEBASE this year. We decided to go for the biggest display one and after some negotiations, they let us leave with it! Slight struggle getting it in the car but we made it home ok in the end.
Once home and the tree was in it's stand, I popped on my favourite Christmas playlist, starting with a bit of Michael Buble and began decorating. The obligatory unravelling of the lights did delay me but what's Christmas without tangled lights?
I also love buying a new decoration for my tree each year and 2017's addition are these gorgeous Harry Potter baubles from PRIMARK. Granted Harry Potter isn't everyone's cup of tea but they're so Christmassy! I am just a little bit obsessed with Harry Potter so I just couldn't resist.
I love quite a traditional look for Christmas so I tend to keep my tree to a red theme. I'm not really one for tinsel so I keep to red matt and shiny baubles with an array of decorations, some bought by family and loved ones and others I've collected each Christmas.
One of my favourites from last year is my little ballet doll that my Granny bought me. It's from ANTHROPOLOGIE and takes pride of place in the centre of my tree. ANTHROPOLOGIE have such beautiful decorations so definitely check them out if you want something a little bit special!
Another new addition this year is mistletoe! I bought this cute bunch and wreath hook from WAITROSE and they sit on my living room door. I didn't think it would be quite right to have it featured on the front door with strangers - no thanks!
Once the decorations are up I decided to really get into the Christmas spirit with a spot of baking! I made mince pies (with a super simple recipe, so simple it's hardly a recipe!) and dried orange slices in the oven.
I always buy shop-made pastry and mince meat; it makes a life a lot easier and saves mess! Start by greasing a cake tin with butter and sprinkle over flour so the pies don't stick. Stamp out circles big enough to fit then tin and fill each one with a small dollop of mince meat (usually a teaspoon is enough) Finish by stamping out stars and place on top. I usually bake my pies for about 10- 12 mins or until golden. Dust with icing sugar and tuck in whilst they're still warm.
Drying oranges is also a great way to make the house smell gorgeous and Christmassy. Finely slice an orange and place on baking parchment on a baking tray. Pop them in the oven for about 4 hours on 75c (fan) or gas mark 3. I then like to hang them on the tree with string or ribbon or tie them onto presents with a gift tag.
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