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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Countdown to Christmas 2017

999 replies

SideOrderofSprouts · 25/12/2016 21:58

365 to go Xmas Grin

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BiddyPop · 16/03/2017 10:30

283

Thanks 73kittycat73, I think I am just in brain melt and thought I had missed days that it was already 25th (it wouldn't surprise me this week!).

The only organizing I did yesterday was Cub stuff - but I am making some progress there at least.

73kittycat73 · 16/03/2017 14:43

No problem. Smile I had to turn the computer on, on Monday to check what day it was! Grin lol

VivaJen · 16/03/2017 14:57

Lol! Sorry everyone, I didn't mean to confuse! I made a list of Rudolph Day Tasks for the year and I was checking that my January and February tasks were completed before March 25th comes round! I still need to set up a file to save photos throughout the year to use as gifts and I should probably get organised for birthdays as well.

HairsprayBabe · 17/03/2017 08:20

I have not bought any gifts this month, but I have come up with a theme for my Christmas Cocktail Party that we have in the 2nd weekend of December. This year it will be Apres Ski, like WHAM last christmas but with better hair!

Have started planning Canapes DP says I am getting ahead of myself Xmas Hmm

VivaJen · 17/03/2017 12:07

Oooh what cocktails and canapes are you thinking about Hairspray?

HairsprayBabe · 17/03/2017 12:29

I have a spreadsheet already Xmas Grin these are my preliminary ideas, subject to change though!

Savory
Mini Rosti
Mini Quiche (Lorraine and a veggie one)
Rye, horseradish salmon bites
Pork Rillettes with crusty baguette slices
plus
Cheese Fondue + bread pickles cured meats - I am aware that this is not a Canape per say but I got a fondu set for my birthday just gone and it fits the theme!

Then for sweet canapes
Mini chocolate mousse pots
Mini S'mores Bites
Mini mince pies

As for cocktails
Aperol Spritz -aperol, gin, prosecco
Coco Snowball - Malibu, Blue curacao, Cream
Fortified Mulled Wine - probably with brandy
Avalanche - Cream, tia maria, whisky

  • one more undecided....

Possibly some boozy hot chocolate to end the evening!

I may also be considering a chocolate fountain

OTT? Me? Never!

Notanotherpawpatrol · 17/03/2017 12:44

Spreadsheets 😍

VivaJen · 17/03/2017 12:49

Wow! That sounds awesome! How many people do you normally invite? I've always liked the idea of a Christmas drinks party for the neighbours.

HairsprayBabe · 17/03/2017 13:21

We had about 25 last year IIRC, the house is small so I probably couldn't fit many more than 30 in the winter when I can't use the garden.

I flirted with the idea of having a Christmas open house one afternoon for the neighbours a few years back, but it isn't the friendliest area and I was concerned that people might think me odd! If I lived in the village my bus goes through in the mornings I would 100% do it!

SideOrderofSprouts · 17/03/2017 19:16

282

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SideOrderofSprouts · 18/03/2017 07:22

281

I need to go through my stash so
Far on Monday when the girls are at school and keep
Track of what I have so far

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Notanotherpawpatrol · 18/03/2017 07:45

Sprouts i have a spreadsheet that details exactly what I've bought, who it's for and how much it's cost. It helps me keep track :)

SideOrderofSprouts · 18/03/2017 10:44

I have one as well. It's got the last three years on it but I need to update it 😂

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MrsDilligaf · 18/03/2017 19:25

Hands up anyone else who wants an invitation to Hairspray's party! It sounds fab Xmas Grin

Notanotherpawpatrol · 18/03/2017 19:51

🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋

TheWoollybacksWife · 18/03/2017 20:13

Me, me, me! I won't eat much I can't say the same about the cocktails

VivaJen · 18/03/2017 20:54

She had me at fondue!

HandbagCrazy · 18/03/2017 21:54

Me too please 🙋 It sounds fab!

I've just finished my crochet Easter presents so am now back to planning Christmas presents

SideOrderofSprouts · 19/03/2017 05:10

280!

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nickdrakeslovechild · 19/03/2017 08:42

oooh handbag what have you been making for Easter presents? I have been making crochet baskets. looking for easy Christmas gifts to start making now.

I had an idea to make my own smiggle style advent calendar, so I have bought lots of smelly gel pens, cute rubbers and washi tape from Ali Express. It all looks so good I am sitting on my hands not to use it all straight away, I know my DD will love it. She's at the age where she really like smiggle, but only knows it as the fun shop rather than only wanting the brand.

HandbagCrazy · 19/03/2017 09:00

I made iron man gloves, some bracelets and a peppa pig toy. I am also part way through a giraffe for a new baby in the family. I quite enjoy making little things like this as you get to see the results quickly because blankets take me ages and I get distracted and bored

I found a Christmas blanket on Pinterest that I fancy trying - it's a huge and will proabably take me until the Christmas after next but it would lovely draped over my sofa Grin

I don't have dc so I focused advent plans on DH but I've given up now as he just doesn't seem to be that interested so I've given up. Instead I borrow my niece and nephew in the run up to Christmas and make things for them to have or give to their parents.

Mrsmadevans · 19/03/2017 19:35

How is everyone doing great I hope?
Been to Primark again today and got the Maurauders cushion for 6 to go with the duvet cover for HP mad dd1 for Christmas
got to get it when it is there or else it ends up on ebay three times the price plus p and p!
They had lovely jungle book stuff in there and beautiful dressing gowns for 8 pounds blue and white floral just gorgeous if anyone looking for their mum for mothers day

HandbagCrazy · 20/03/2017 08:22

279!

Flashinthepan · 20/03/2017 15:36

Can I ask what Rudolph day is? I am working up to carrying on with sewing an advent calendar. I've made one before and definitely keeps up the Xmas spirit!

BiddyPop · 20/03/2017 18:45

Rudolph Day is 25th of every month - where those who have a wish to plan ahead and also keep a spirit of Christmas alive all year, do something Christmassy.

Generally, it's reviewing plans, getting recipes and addresses organized, and put on pc (maybe this year I'll manage that one!), starting to think about budget and put away a few £ or find a few bargains to get and put in a secret cupboard...those sorts of long term things at this time of year. IF you want a specific treat in advent or at Christmas, you might book it now to get your dates (Santa trains, fly to Lapland, Panto or Ballet performance, or a table in a specific restaurant for a specific evening etc). Possibly work on your crafting plans (dedicate an hour to knitting a stocking or whatever). And maybe enjoying a Christmas movie or relax with Christmas music while enjoying your coffee (which might be in 1 Christmas mug kept for this monthly treat!).

Later in the year, it gets a bit more organized - ticking people off the shopping lists, ordering hard to get items in plenty of time, booking less specific items (not so important dates, things with lots of availability, or even your own appointments for hair/beautician or babysitters, well in advance to get what you need!). You might try out a new recipe to see if it works. You might get the menu for the big day more settled, or plan your party. I tend to buy my naice wine in September, for example, before my purse gets too tight and I don't feel that I can spoil myself that little bit (its 2 bottles for DH and I so not overly extravagant - but more than normal spends). You might take out the list of cards you made early in the year, and spend an hour writing a few to overseas destinations or that you want to include a letter with, while enjoying the Christmas music/movie. You might spend 2 hours on the craft to make sure it will get done (or abandon it altogether knowing you won't have time to finish it but still have time to get a nice gift in a shop instead).

Which means that the November Rudolph Day should be reasonably relaxed, finishing off things, wrapping your purchases, writing the last cards and sending them all off, posting packages in plenty of time, cleaning and decorating the house. All ready to enjoy December, rather than rushing like a mad person, to get everything done - instead you can enjoy a few things you want to, have a nice wander into town and find 1 last item but also enjoy the atmosphere (rather than frantically ticking off the list of 25 presents to get in 2 hours!), go out for visits with family, and be more relaxed on the run into the festive season rather than completely stressed out by it all!

Or you can constantly remember that you've forgotten it (again!) and maybe think about 1 item that might be useful to do now rather than later.