I have found my home! I have long been mocked for my poncing ways but am finally among friends!
I did no poncing last year as I was beached on the sofa expecting dc4 who put in an appearance on Jan 12th. I was very grumpy over Christmas. Getting my ponce on again this year though.
In the past I have made a tree skirt that comes out every year, and all my tree decs too, so this year I'm planning on some type of garland for the mantelpiece to go with my scandi theme. Think I might do crocheted hearts. Or maybe snowflakes. Am working on scandi themed applique cushions too - white snowflakes on a red background. V pleased with them so far. We also have stockings that I made with our names embroidered on so I have to do a new one for DC4. Will also be making a wreath for the door. Its the first time I've done it so a bit nervous but there is a workshop at the DC's school in early December so am going to have a go.
My cake and pudding are made as is a ton of Christmas chutney as my DF gave us a huge bag of apples from my parents orchard. The house still smells of vinegar but the chutney is yummy. I will be making jam, marmalade and chili jam too. And cranberry gin, yum. DH is the baker here and is planning on biscotti for us and for the hampers we do for PIL's and my parents. I'll be making chocolate truffles, chocolate bark (crystallized ginger on dark chocolate this year) and fudge for those as well, and I've had a crack at candles too inspired by the thread in arts and crafts. I've done Lavender and Amber ones and Nutmeg and Ginger, my favourites from Jo Malone that I can no longer afford since having DC's. The DC's are planting hyacinths for GP's this week as well and I am planning on taking pics of them doing it to turn into tags to prove they did it themselves!
Need to crack on with my homemade presents too. I made an apron for my DM for her birthday as she is tiny so bought ones never for. DF has requested one as he has the opposite problem and is very tall so again bought ones never fit! They have just had a new kitchen so DM has requested homemade table mats. No surprises but as least they get what they want. Dsis wants me to make her a tunic from a blouse pattern I have used before and I'm knitting her cashmere bed socks too. DH is v arty and is designing bespoke wine bottle labels for DBIL who makes amazing homemade wine. More cashmere socks for my best friend too. We don't buy for DH's brothers and sisters which makes life easier.
I also make a special present for each of the children that is just from me. I am making a doll for DC4 with a little bed and lots of play food for DC3 who is obsessed with cooking. Still not sure about DC1 and 2 but hoping inspiration will strike. And every year I make them Christmas PJ's and new dressing gowns with fab fabrics a friend sends me over from America. I'm expecting the parcel any day, v exciting.
Sorry for the epic post, very excited by the thought of all the lovely poncing! And have frightened myself with the amount of stuff I have still got to do. Wonder if my clients would be ok with me stopping work for Christmas now??!!