The Autumnal Christmas Chronicles Preamble thread

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hi, and welcome to the Nigel Slater appreciation society Christmas Chronicles Premable thread.

The thread will start proper in late October where we begin our annual journey of reading the Christmas Chronicles in real time. It is a cosy, heartwarming event that one can dip in and out of as life allows. Think flickering candles, woodsmoke, delicious recipes, the odd home made tipple, and bucket loads of touching Nigel-esque anecdotes. It is a veritable Hyyge of a thread.

This thread is to see us through until that time. You will find me, like a squirell, checking on my store of candles at the back of the cupboard.

It's also worth noting that Nigel's new book; A Thousand Feasts is out on 26th September. (with a deliciously Autumnal cover)

Speaking of supposed 'Insta Perfection', I decided I was too busy to make a wreath. My mum wanted to treat me, so I bought one from Hobbycraft and added a ribbon. Job done.

I've just been out to photograph it, and the price tag was swinging merrily away! (It's off now)

Love your wreath @RainbowZebraWarrior - and I love your door as well. Good luck for Friday @Bimblesalong and for staying calm until then Hopefully this thread is a soothing place to retreat to - thanks to all who contribute to that.

That is a lovely wreath @RainbowZebraWarrior I’m about to put my home bargains plastic pumpkins autumn wreath on my front door 🤣. I like the idea of adding a ribbon.

Thank you for this. I very rarely comment, but always keep track of the group and I just think it's lovely to have this space to come together and enjoy sometimes the smallest things. That can seem insignificant, but in my opinion make the stresses of everyday life so much more bearable xx

I followed last year's CC thread and have managed to get a bargain copy this year to join in.

Reading this pre-amble thread has been lovely and somewhat therapeutic. I lost my dad recently and this very wholesome corner of the internet and appreciating the transition into a new season, has given me some renewed hope and focus.

I look forward to reading CC with you all.

Thank you @RainbowZebraWarrior and I also want to say that your wreath is beautiful, as is @HowManyDaysTilChristmas quilt.

My mum is clearing out her house at the moment. Dad only died 8 weeks ago and she's going straight into downsizing mode which is a strange thing as it's definitely the right thing to do but I fear it's the wrong time and for the wrong reasons atm. Anyway, the point is that she's found a beautiful crochet blanket made by my wonderful grandmother. Says she doesn't want to throw it out but has no use for it so I'm going to pick it up next time I'm down there. I already have two of my grandmother's blankets (she used to have them constantly on the go to give as presents) but this one is lovely autumnal colours - brown, dark blue and terracotta and the thought of bringing it home is making me so happy.

Going to bake the apple cake tonight 😀

Ah, sorry - I didn't make that clear. I'm not in your area and the bookshop is in Scotland. Happy to send recommendations if you are ever in the rea though.

@PricklyBob @hobbledyhoy I’m so sorry for your losses. me too - also 8 weeks ago.

I’ve done some kintsugi today. Ds’s
shelf collapsed a while back and a beautiful handmade tea bowl was a casualty. It’s felt therapeutic putting the broken pieces together to make something beautiful.

ds1is in the process of moving out, so ds2 and I have an ongoing project in redoing the bedroom for somewhere lovely for mum to come visit. I have an overstock of paintings (bought, I am clueless with drawing!) and have hung the first one in the room. It looks lovely.

after a misty morning here, the sun is blazing - hoping for a few more ripe tomatoes before autumn truly gets going.

So we’ll put @RainbowZebraWarrior , couldn’t agree more. Your front door looks lovely wearing its autumn wreath. My pompom one in autumn colours is definitely for indoors, and I’m enjoying it in the kitchen. A beautiful day here today, stopped to admire this wonderful view on my way to do some shopping in the nearest town this morning. I feel so fortunate to have this right on my doorstep, it changes from day to day according to the weather, serene and peaceful on this lovely sunny morning, and spectacularly beautiful during stormy weather.

@RainbowZebraWarrior Your wreath (and your front door) are beautiful!
Today is a rainy day, it feels so much colder here when it rains.
We have a chain of shops here called Nille and they had an autumn sale on when I popped in today. I found some lovely place mats, a serving bowl (looking for one for ages!) and some nice rosemary candles in the sale!
I also bought some merino wool lounge pants and cosy socks. Which is a big deal as I never buy myself anything, especially clothes etc. Kids, home husband always get sorted, but not me. It's definitely a self worth thing after the last 12 months and some good therapy has helped, so my therapist will be very pleased I've actually bought myself some clothes! And bonus being they are super cosy, if not a little bit sad Scandinavian beige.

Gosh I wish we had an “adore” button! Loving everyone’s posts but my goldfish brain doesn’t hold on to things long enough to reply whilst I continue reading. 🍁🍂

I agree. Also, I love your bowl as it is now unique!

Thank you for the door comments. My neighbours call it the 'Hansel and Gretel' door as it looks like it belongs on a little hut in the woods.

DD has made an arrangement in the hallway with leaves and candles. It looks fab. I shall try and take some pics.

Just had an email from Trudon. They have 50% off their Archive collection candles from today until the 22nd. Might make it a tad more affordable for anyone considering purchasing.

I'm having one of those moments where you intend to do something and instead, you sit on your bed and doom scroll.

It's one of those days where I could cry at the state of the world.

Going to get my pjs on and finish my book, about 30 pages left

You’ve inspired me to put the phone down and do something self soothing and mindful.

I’m also fed up with mankind today. I’ve retreated to our cosy loft room to finally sort out all the clothes. Candle lit and lamps on.

I found this wreath at a festival in the summer and loved the shape. I’m hoping to do something festive with it.

Oh wow, that wreath is amazing! It works well as it is but would look good after being pimped up!

I'd love to see what you do with it

I hear you, @YellowphantGrey We've been on the same thread today bashing our heads against a brick wall with a certain poster. It's so hard not to get disillusioned with the world and all of It's awfulness, but this corner of MN is always here to take our minds off it and appreciate the beautiful moments, no matter how small ❤️

Instagram just showed me this Christmas card and it made me think of this thread! I do love Nigella’s book too ☺️

@SunshineonLeaves love that! I was just reading Jamie's Christmas book last night.

I’m going to add my thanks for your post as well. I’ve also had some bad news recently regarding my DMs health and find this thread a wonderful refuge. It’s lovely to see all your crafts and read the descriptions of Autumn.
I made the Dorset apple cake yesterday, so thank you to the person who posted that recipe (sorry not to name you properly but I didn’t want to loose my post by scrolling back) It was delicious. I meant to take a picture but we just dug in and I forgot.
💐 to everyone who is having a hard time at the moment.
edited to credit @imp2007 for the cake recipe

What a super Christmas card. I have to admit to starting my Christmas card stash at whistle fish whilst on holiday. I have a set of the loveliest designs (& 15 for a tenner!). I hope to make an event of writing the cards as I shouldn’t be rushed this year with being off work. I’ll light the fire, make a warm drink and use a favourite ink pen. Not until late October tho!

What a gorgeous thread!
I listened to the CC on audible/podcast last year, mainly whilst walking my dog on a chilly beach.
Definitely want to repeat this.

As a result I made a cake...think it was a malt loaf type affair. It was extremely delicious.

I'm mad about Christmas but I think it's the lead up and anticipation that are the best bits!

I made the malt loaf too; I've still got the rest of the jar of malt extract in the cupboard-must make another one!

www.instagram.com/reel/DAA2CafI0Mn/?igsh=bDUwcWd5eDBic25j

Nigel on his book - it took him four years to write