Poncetastic thread

[WaitingForEgg]

Is there a poncetastic thread this year? I am itching to ponce!

It's a very simple but very effective design. I have lots of Christmas fabric in my stash so hoping I can use some of that and some fat quarters j have.

expectingnumber3 Cranberry Gin you say???! Do tell!! Hope it isn't too late to make it.

Cranberry and clementine gin is lush!

I bought this very expensive magazine but it's full of ideas for poncing. I am very pleased with just holding and looking st it.

Oooh what is it worth a buy? I love Christmas magazines, but they are really expensive...

£4.99 for this one but there are probably ten things I will make from it and it has finger puppets, some free paper and the patterns. It's a great mix of crafts which is nice, it's a lovely texture magazine and it's nice to have something in my hands instead of just on s screen.

I got this magazine yesterday. Its a bit cheaper at £2.99 - but probably not as good as the more pricey mags.
It has quite a few crafty bits and recipes.
Like 'whatabout' I just love having it

Here's an idea of what's in the Your Home mag... Hopefully the photos are clear enough.

I've been reading the recipe for Christmas pudding vodka and am very much tempted to make a version with rum, only I am unsure whether to use white or dark rum? Sadly noone in my family likes Christmas pudding or Christmas cake - besides me that is - but I'm hoping a boozy version might be a hit, perhaps as a shot in hot chocolate? So any advice anyone might have will be greatly appreciated.

I've been eyeing that mag too, its right by the till in the co-op of have had to exert super human effort not to pick it up. Might give in and get it this weekend on your recommendation Whatabout!

The cranberry gin is a recipe from Tesco magazine years ago and it is yum.

200g cranberries
1 orange
200g caster sugar
500ml gin

Prick the cranberries to release the juice (I use a darning needle) and put into a large sterilised kilner jar.
Peel thin strips of zest from the orange and add to the cranberries.
Mix together the gin and sugar until the sugar dissolves and pour over the cranberries and orange zest.
Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks and shake every 2 days.
When you're ready, strain and put in bottles, or just do what I do and drink it!

It looks v pretty too, pale pink and lovely. I saw a recipe on one of the homemade Christmas threads for Pomander Gin, think it was orange and clove. That sounds amazing, am going to look it up and have a crack at that too. Any excuse for gin drinking in the expecting household!

Am getting on with the play food tonight, felt pasta anyone??!!

Oooh, dark Christmas pudding rum in hot choc sounds amazing Another!

Adds to list....

This is my brussel sprout wreath from last year. I was really pleased with it so I'm going to do it again this year.

And a really poor photo of my homemade nutcracker themed stockings!

My first batch of berry flavoured gin is strained (and tested for quality control purposes!).

Planning to make a bottle of bottle of clementine gin and a bottle of cranberry and lime gin tomorrow. Can you tell the tipple of choice in our house!

After all the effort of looking for sloes I have just today realised they are growing ten steps from my front door. Actually ten steps.

I need more details on the sprout wreath, I think I'll make one for the side door!

The sprout wreath was really simple. Take a wire coat hanger, make it into a circle, thread on sprouts, wind round some fresh ivy and add a bow to hang it.

I've seen other methods where you buy a circular oasis and stick sprouts on with toothpicks, but I thought I'd try the coat hanger method first as I had everything needed in the house already.

I've been woefully lacking ponce for a few weeks as we're in the middle of decorating and revamping our lounge. All being well I will be poncing next weekend... Well in between sitting in my beautiful lounge admiring my handiwork.

when would be a good time to tell DH that our Christmas Decs clash with the new colour scheme and I need new ones?

Loads of lovely photos! Might treat myself to one of those mags on payday!
trixy your wreath and stocking are fab!

I was in meadows and Byrne today, such a gorgeous expensive shop, but got some nice ideas for table settings. They had napkin rings made out of tiny bells. Think they would be easy enough to make.

I've been given a load of pears. Last year I mulled them, with a river cottage recipe. Does anyone have anything different I could do with them this year?

Expecting do you use fresh cranberries? I've got gin coming out of my ears so would love to try the recipe.

I'm seriously slacking in poncing. As predicted all of my Hobbycraft purchases are still in their packaging. I have made blackberry vodka but that's not exactly time consuming! I have managed to get a big chunk of the present buying done though and rather importantly got a quote done for a new bathroom And convinced oh we need to redecorate the hall and living room. Even better he's allowing me to get a quote for a decorator to do the hall! We've had money put aside for home improvements and I'm excited the house might look better in time for Christmas. Yay!!

I have made Christmas chutney, and I am thinking of making our dog a santa coat!

can I join?

Thanks theonly!

The Santa dog coat is a must, and we need pictures!

Who was looking for the Nutcracker decorations... or am I imagining this and it was last year? Anyway, B&M have a good selection online and in store.

Never, I use frozen from Waitrose, defrost them and give the a stab. Seems to work!

Love the sprout wreath! Will be doing that for the side door as DH would never let me hang it on the front.

Perfect thank you! I'll be copying you then.