Please could you help me prepare poncetastic in advance!

[QueenOfIce]

I will be away with work from mid Nov until Dec 12th, I want a poncetastic Christmas!

I've got a list of foods I'm preparing and will get my supermarket slot sorted however I know I'm forgetting things.

I'd like a wreath for the front door, a garland with lights for the stairs, Christmas tree and to make the house warm and cosy.

Every year I miss out on having enough time to get stuff done and lots of places have sold out of things.

Can you help me get myself together?

Thank you [santa]

I did a wreath making course at a local National Trust place last year. It
was £30+ so not cheap but I have mostly remembered the skills so I may have a go myself this year or I will order a fresh wreath from a local market stall and ponce it up myself with some baubles and ribbon.

Wilko or The Range will stock faux garlands and you can thread a string of lights through them - either mains or battery operated. Stock is coming into stores now so look online now and place an order. I know Wilko do click and collect.

Wilko, The Range or Dunelm will have throws, cushions and candles to make your room cosy. These will already be in stock so you can buy them now and put them away until you get back from your trip. Look in the Christmas magazines or Pinterest for examples of room stylings.

Do you want to make, or buy?

For the food, I work out meal plans not just for Christmas Day, but for Christmas Eve and up to 28th.
Then I list what I need (down to the pinch of salt) and divide it up into fresh/ fridge-freezer-store cupboard. October/November is when I renew my spices, stock up on salt and oil, and buy extra tinfoil, toilet roll etc. It means I’m prepared, it takes pressure of the budget in December, and the beginning of January too.

So warm and cosy.....
Check that you’re stocked up on fuel.
Lamps and candles are cozier than overheads. Candles make nice displays too.
A couple of throws (I tend towards wintery rather than Christmas) can be nice.
Some people like those crackling candles that sound like an open fire.

I love Christmas smells- fresh pine, orange slices drying in a low oven, the smell of gingerbread and mulled wine. Or a scented candle if it doesn’t bother anyone. And Christmas music in the background! The warm and cosy vibe is a full sensory experience!

You could make pudding/ cake now. It will only improve for sitting around.