DP has this romanticised notion of selecting a real tree whilst sipping on mulled wine and in festive cheer mode- does such experience exist?

[Tiredemma]

In the West Midlands?

He wants to go somewhere to get a real tree- but fancies the idea of having an 'experience'

(He has become quite misty eyed since the birth of DD1 11 weeks ago)

You could take some in a flask?

I could do that- and just let him have this 'moment'

Of course you can get a real tree, but you'll probably have to drive there to get the tree home. Drink mulled wine when you decorate it instead of as you're choosing it.

I think he wants carol singers aswell....

Has he been watching to much Cranford?

You could take an ipod? Christmas jumpers for you and your DP and decorate the pram with tinsel.

Somebody who knows the local area will be along soon am sure...

What shatner said. Alternatively pick the tree and pop into a pub with a real fire on the way home.

We get ours from a tree farm that has real reindeers!! But no carols, no mulled wine, no open fire.

Sounds good to me!

Round our way, you can buy a tree outside the pub, so it shouldn't be too difficult

Try the national trust? They do a "cut your own tree" day near us. Appeals to the inner lumberjack in the men, and also helps the NT clear the hillside of scots pine saplings .

how far from Cannock Chase are you? Birches Valley is good for that and looks really pretty if you go late afternoon when its dark.

Has he been watching to much Cranford?

I would imagine that he expects someone like Tiny Tim to be limping around in the background.

I told him that I dont think such venue exists but he asked me to ask 'my friends' that I talk to all night long on the internet.

Im going to suggest local pub on way home from collecting the tree. I cant be arsed to stand around in the cold pretending im an extra from a film.

Trees nr Evesham does this sort of thing.

Doesn't the Christmas market at the bullring have real trees? It's been years since I was there but you could have pitches of mulled wine, carol singers etc, and then a stall selling real trees.

Would that work? Not sure where in west mids you are though either!

I was going to suggest Cannock Chase too. I think we may get one from there.

Ah bless him. Has he been watching National Lampoons Christmas?

Let him have his Griswald family Christmas

If you can extend your search area a little then Baytrees Nursery near Spalding in Lincs fills most of your criteria.

Gluhwein, reindeer, trees, a lovely decoration shop and an absolutely fab Santa. Your little one may be a bit young to appreciate Santa though

Op, I think your dp sounds wonderful and congratulations on your lo. and a just because I can.

i got at hoovering pine needles out of the car boot for weeks on end after.
so we used to go to a local garden centre and pick a tree there, they'd lop the end bit off and we'd carry it home, dh and i holding an end each.

then placing it in the water holder tree bucket thing, letting it settle and the next day, decorating while shlurping down hot chocolate.

it's a lovely traditional and all the better now with your lovely squishy baby. somethin to tell her in years too come .

excuse the lack of capitals- one handed typing, i've got the lairy guinea-pig

We found somewhere very local. Thanks for all suggestions.

Dp gets his Christmas tree wish.

Your husband sounds lovely!

I would settle for mulled wine whilst decorating the tree. But I am a bit boring, lol.

..went to a Garden Centre today to have a look at the small trees

Would suggest rather than taking Mulled Wine you take Smelling Salts ......

We are going to Ikea for ours this year- £25 with a £20 voucher for the New Year. We uses to rent the same one every year but this year they want £90 (and we have to give it back )

We always get a real tree and decorate it whilst drinking mulled wine and listening to carols (has got a bit more stressful since having kids as they want to "help"!) Our tradition has always included watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation once the kids have been packed off to bed as this is my dh's favourite Christmas movie!