Countdown to Christmas 2020 (thread 7): To buy or not to buy a Balsam Hill Christmas tree (AKA: Christmas in July)?!

[NoWordForFluffy]

I just noticed we only have 20 posts left and I'm off to the allotment! So here is thread 7!

Mrs, I'm not surprised you're lacking in motivation. I'd be on strike if I were you.

Our weather is grey and there was a little rain earlier. I think it's trying - and failing - to brighten. Maybe later.

Thank you for the medication reminder. I've taken tablets morning and night for about 3 years and I still forget and take them at random times, whenever I remember.

I'm working until 2:30'today then having a peaceful hour or so while DH finishes work and does the food shopping, then I'm going to dm's as she's doing a 'congratulations on the new job' roast dinner with cauliflower cheese just for me

why the banana episode sounds 🤢

🥳 for the planning permission Firefly

MrsMad Christmas kitchen stuff is always a must and of course the Spode Christmas tree teapot is on my list. DH would hate it but he's already accepted moaning doesn't stop me buying it!

I'll ask dm to keep an eye out in work for me. Everytime they get anything with the Spode Christmas tree pattern in she picks it up for me

Lovely embroidery Hairspray. I can't even imagine being able to freehand like that but maybe one day - I used to think that about crochet but I make my own patterns most of time now.

Fluffy the tea light is a great idea for under a teapot.
One of my favourite baubles was from the Krakow market.

Morning all.

My tv decided to do a 2 hour update this morning. I don't know how the dc will cope

Dh got me a Mary Berry teapot years ago at Christmas. We got a lovely crocheted cosy when we got married but nowhere to actually put it on.

I can't wait Mrs, six last weeks with my preschooler before he starts reception in September :) The parks reopen on Monday too so I expect the first week will just be a tour of all the local parks

Morning all.

2 hour update Neros!! I don't think our tv has a mind of its own Mind you, it did decide to randomly freeze and then fast forwarded itself on Sunday afternoon during the footy so maybe...

I bought something for DH for Christmas yesterday. It's a limited edition football shirt print. I could have got it framed but DD2 reckoned that I'd be better buying a frame and doing it myself. There's a decent independent framing shop in town that I hope has survived lockdown. I don't mind giving them the business and having it done professionally. Looking forward to seeing it when it arrives.

I get emails from the place I buy my Spode Christmas tree stuff from Crazy. I'll have a look back and see if they've got any offers and post a link. Not sure what they do in the way of teapots but the Christmas China is lovely and a good price.

Beautiful embroidery Hairspray. I'm with Fluffy I need a pattern for everything. When I try to be creative it usually turns out like it's been made by an infant school child - you can guess what it's supposed to be but its not quite the work of art I had in my minds eye.

So next year I reckon DS will be a great age to see London at Christmas. I assume Christmas at Kew is a must? And the tickets are released June time? Anything else that would be great for a 5 (almost 6) year old?

Thank you Woolly

Now, opinions. How much does the shape of a teapot matter?

I've asked dm to have a look for me in work today - she said they had Le Creuset ones before lockdown but not sure what's still there.

These are some I found online (some are ££).
Who has what shape? I can't decide which I prefer...

Thank you Woolly

Now, opinions. How much does the shape of a teapot matter?

I've asked dm to have a look for me in work today - she said they had Le Creuset ones before lockdown but not sure what's still there.

These are some I found online (some are ££).
Who has what shape? I can't decide which I prefer...

I love the design on the middle one Crazy but prefer the more traditional shape of the third one :)

Not as fancy most but I seem to remember Dnephew really enjoying the Christmas parade in Usk...

That's a great idea thanks Crazy :)

Are you looking for stuff in and around London to do as part of the same visit most?

• A visit to Hamley's (be prepared to be bankrupt afterwards)
• Ice skating at Somerset House
• a trip to London Zoo

Not London based, but DS and DN always love a good Christmas train!

I'm waiting to see if there's any hint of a second wave before booking this year's. We normally go early in December, but if this baby is late they'd only be 2-3 weeks. Not sure how I feel about taking such a tiny baby on a train full of overexcited kids and grown ups who won't be social distancing!

The spout shape is critical, Crazy. Maybe Google ideal spout shape (I bet a scientist has tested them!).

Most, we've not bothered with London yet. It's a bit of a trek from here really!

We did Dunham Massey at Christmas a coupe of years ago and have booked again for this year in case our train doesn't happen.

We love a 🚂 too, Firefly.

This year I will see if our garden centre do their breakfast with Santa again as that was great last year and of course we will book the activities at Ribby Hall.

Thanks for the tips for London Woolly :)

Crazy I like the middle one too

I like them all! Mine is similar in shape to the middle one but is plain cream from The Range.

This is where I get my Spode Christmas Tree stuff. I'm going to buy something this year - I just haven't decided what. I've got a sweet dish, cake forks and the cake server. I'm thinking something along the lines of a vegetable dish (or 3). I've got a gold and white dinner service and a good meat platter so veg dishes would get used. I am keen on the tea plates though - they'd get used with cake forks.

Most I second a train trip. I hope to take mine in one this year.
@BiddyPop do you know anywhere in Ireland for Christmas. We were looking at going to Oakfield Park but I might not run this year.

Woolly the Spode stuff looks lovely. But I couldn't justify that price

Boots Bendy yellow bastards is an excellent title. From hereonin that is what bananas shall be called.

Hairspray I suspect your DH will now be pregnant with twins!!! I would tell him that so he keeps his mitts off your vitamins.