It's poncetastic 2019!

[NerosFiddle]

Since no one has started it yet, I thought I would.

Happy Rudolph Day

So come on, show us yours!

[historysock]

Ounce? Ponce.

[NoWordForFluffy]

Have you a National Trust property near you, @historysock? They often do them.

[TheWoollybacksWife]

@historysock have a look at National Trust properties near you. That's where I did my first wreath making class.

[TheWoollybacksWife]

Great minds Fluffy

[DearPrudence]

Hello ponces.
Very jealous of the people with sloes. I'm planning some Christmas cocktails at the moment and hoping to make raspberry gin for gifts.

[TheCanterburyWhales]

I had the most amazing raspberry gin this summer, must ask my friend for the recipe.

[NoWordForFluffy]

There's an echo in here, Woolly!

[NerosFiddle]

@Preggosaurus9 I just bought standard brown wrapping paper and got the stampers in the range (I think). But you can get them a lot of places cheap. It was just something for my dc to do.

[Preggosaurus9]

@TheWoollybacksWife thanks. Wasn't sure if the brown stuff would work as it seems to have a plasticky coating on which I thought might repel paint. Will have a scout in the Range.. always dangerous!

[Preggosaurus9]

@NerosFiddle cross posted! 2 votes for brown paper, will give it a go!

[starryeyedsnowgirl]

@whitecandle yes I picked my own brambles. There is so much sugar in I found even adding smaller tart ones was fine. I also added some apple and in one I added a cinnamon stick, which made it very christmassy but I'm not sure I loved it. Just do in in a week or two then if will.be ready for December.

[MuseumOfYou]

This is a lovely book, lots of seasonal ramblings as well as recipes. Gets me right in the mood.

www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Chronicles-Nigel-Slater/dp/0008260192?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[bwydda]

@MuseumOfYou isn't it a glorious book? So deeply poncy, and festive. Particularly the chapter on the best festive candles.

If anyone has it- try the apple brandy drink it opens with and the pearl barley stuffed duck. Both feature heavily in my ponce up to Christmas

[Jammiebammie]

May I please join? I’ve loved looking at these threads every year but never been brave enough to post!
I love reading everyone’s plans and looking st the beautiful photos.
I’m planning on making stockings for us this year, and sewing our matching pyjamas too. Wish me luck!

[tinatsarina]

@Jammiebammie I'm the same just found this thread as I was going to bake gifts for family as we're due a baby in Feb so don't have much money for gifts that people may not even like. I was thinking of buying some gift boxes from Amazon and getting my son to join in making mince pies and Delia's Christmas biscuits. My mum if gluten free so if anyone can recommend good recipes that I can use i would be very grateful. I was also looking at beginner knitting patterns for stocking etc but I think the heel might be to difficult.

[MuseumOfYou]

This is the most poncetastic way of sourcing your tree this year, if you live in Dorset. (this years details not available yet) You feel all rugged wholesome and earth friendly at the same time.

ww2.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/events-dates-and-inspiration/events/details.aspx?id=tcm:9-382790

Although they are, by nature, a random shape so this was for our outdoor tree and we had a regular shaped one inside.

[TheCanterburyWhales]

Museum- god, I love that book I treat myself by following his days. I admit to not being able to watch him on TV, and his other books have him coming across as, well, a bit of a superior snotty git tbh, but in CC I just love him.

[MuseumOfYou]

in CC I just love him

Totally agree, am not his biggest fan personally but that book is magical. Has you longing for the cold!

[Vebrithien]

I lurked on this thread last year, but am now emboldened to actually post!
If you can't get any autumn fruit to forage, can I suggest this Christmas Spirit liqueur as a delicious option?
Cranberry (frozen are great!), clementine and cinnamon. Went down VERY well last year.

[NoWordForFluffy]

Ooh. I've a bag of frozen cranberries I didn't use last year. Must get a bottle of vodka to do this with!

[Vebrithien]

And, here are the fruit liqueur recipes I've used in the past. Brilliant with basic spirits.

[Whitecandle]

@Vebrithien thank you so much will deffo be making these

[starryeyedsnowgirl]

Ok my app hates me. Tried posting yesterday and this morning and it will not work. @nowordforfluffy I made your brownies yesterday. They were good though I'm not sure they were as good as nigella. In the interests of science I may have to bake a batch of hers and decide what to fill the freezer with 😉

Thank you for the recipe. Also for the cranberry clementine drink whoever's posted that- mmmm might try it.


I have found a recipe for a whole orange cake from mary berry which sounds great and also a mincemeat loaf so I have some baking lined up. Anything else that freezes well in advance??? Ooh- mince pies.

[NoWordForFluffy]

Ooh, controversial! We much preferred them to Nigella's! But maybe I need to make both types at the same time and blind test them?! 🤔🤔

[QueenOfIce]

I'm going to give mince pie gin a go..how hard can it be?!