Poncetastic Christmas 2024

[StiffyByngsDogBartholomew]

@vivajen hasn't posted on MN for a year so I've taken the bull by the horns. I can't wait any longer !
Wherever you are, Fellatio, here's to you. I hope you're brining a turkey and had crafting authentic organic woven tinsel somewhere.
"OK, first of all, I know it's still September by we need to start this thread now because as you all know, having a truly Poncetastic Christmas involves precision planning, strategy, bravery, heroics, and frequently martyrdom.
So, if you, like me, actually want to make the next twelve weeks of your life a misery by hand-crafting your cards, finding a huge bucket for Nigella's turkey in brine, pickling pears, shrivelling oranges in a low oven for those rustic au naturel decorations, dragging half a holly bush back from the woods, and just generally being a smug annoying jobs worth ponce, join me on this thread.
Feel free to post photos of previous tree-trimming, cake icing or table centrepiece triumphs, discuss this year's bauble colour themes, debate the merits of Delia versus Gordon, road-test a selection of canapés and cocktails, (all in the line of duty) and link to lovely inspirational photos/craft ideas for a truly Poncetastic Christmas.
Warning: If your idea of a good Christmas involves Pizza, ITV, gravy granules or anything with 'Aunt Bessie’s' on the packet, this is not the thread for you".

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Here's an actual raspberry vodka recipe which I use every year: www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/drink-me-raspberry-vanilla-vodka

Those have been around a long time. Very big in Scandinavian tradition; the most traditional being the Swedish chiming version which is a bit bigger. I think it's probably got German roots, though. Seems like the kind of thing they would think up.

I've got one little one with stars and would love a few more this year but I really shouldn't be buying anything else. We'll see if I come across any bargains!

Love your Moomin theme @Trumpton and the ornament you've made is fantastic. As is the other one!

**Sorry the thread has moved on a bit! Was referring to the rotating candleholders.

Hello! Just caught up, congratulations @lucysmam on finding your guage!

Small child’s birthday has been and gone so we are full steam ahead now. I made a spiced squash filo pie last night with extras for the freezer, so that is now my backup Christmas dinner veggie option.

I am knitting a hat which is the last gift needed then might have a crack at santas washing line.

DBro asked to do the groundworks on DDs gingerbread house so I suspect it will have poured foundations, heavy landscaping and an extension.

We have one with angels and 4 small candles rather than a tealight, they tap on two little bells as they spin, it makes a lovely gentle sound.

Yes that's the Swedish chime style. I used to have one but I can't handle the continuous plink plonk now, even if it is actually a pretty sound.

Remember them very fondly from my childhood though.

Yep. I've looked at these, and DD actually asked me if I wanted one from Diptyque for Christmas. Plinky plonk noises would make me want to hurl it out of the window though. They do look awfully pretty mind.

Yes, we only light it on Christmas Eve, it gets through the candles really quickly and the wax melts and overflows from the little tray if you're not careful, there's only so much chiming I want too, but it's nice once a year.

Ahhh I wish I still had mine! We could light it on Christmas eve.

Have you looked at eBay? I often pick up second hand Folio Society books from there and in very good condition. Also try Abe Books online.

@NoWordForFluffy thank you - raspberry vodka is on tomorrow' to do list!

The wreath is up! I've dithered between making one myself, paying £45 for a National Trust wreath and mulled wine thingy or buying one. Saw this one yesterday for £35 in Sainsbury's. It's down to £25 today so I snapped it up. I've added the toadstool and I'm going to felt a little mouse tonight to peep out alongside it. At least putting an artificial one up this early, I don't have to worry about bits dying.

I'll make a real one for the back gate!

@RainbowZebraWarrior that's a really lovely wreath. You've inspired me to spruce up the plain fake one i picked up from IKEA a few years back.

Oh it's very pretty @RainbowZebraWarrior. 🙂

I've sort of lost my Yuletide mojo just now. The house is just a neverending mess with dust everywhere all the time and piles of stuff in every corner - 4th year in a row of disarray due to building works, and there's not a lot I can do about it. I am so done with it all, I don't even care much about hygge right now.

Might just hibernate through the whole thing this year. 😞

@NowLightOneThousandChristmasLights that sounds incredibly difficult and I remember you mentioned it last year. I've lived with my home being a building site at various stages over the years, but never as an ongoing project like that. My Dad used to randomly knock walls down without notice when my Mum was at work and I don't know how she coped really. No advice, but sending gentle hugs to you ❤️

Thanks @RainbowZebraWarrior much appreciated.

Currently having an hour with my church, before making meatballs (if I'd remembered, I'd have tried the CC recipe!). Might re-make the first at the end but it seems to be going ok so far 🤞

I have it in my head to make a stocking for my dad too, since I was going to fill him one 🤔. Anyone recommend any simple crochet patterns?

That's a lovely wreath, @RainbowZebraWarrior!

I've got a wreath-making kit arriving tomorrow, so we shall see how well I fare in making one! I do have an artificial one if it goes badly or dies too soon. 🤣

Aw hope you either fi d hibernating to be quite nice
Or find a corner to put a tiny tree, a stick, some lights , a candle or a bottle of something and your favourite glass

@NowLightOneThousandChristmasLights so sorry to hear that, I feel your pain having had a previous christmas in a house renovation. We kept on top of just one room so I at least had somewhere to put the tree and be reasonably free from dust. Fairy lights have magical properties so if you're able to string a few up somewhere I'm sure you'll feel happier.

@HannahDefoesTrenchcoat and @Magnoliasunrise thank you both! Feeling a bit better today; it helps that the sky is clear and the sun is out.

I might actually put some fairy lights up and who knows, maybe the Nisser (Christmas elves) will turn up a bit earlier this year!🎄🎄🎄

Thank you. Would love to see your efforts, Fluffy, so please do share. I'm just wondering if I should take mine down temporarily with this impending storm.

Hope everyone stays safe and warm, whatever it throws at us.

The Nisser definitely shoukd make an appearance.

They can sit silently judging the progress (or lack of it) with the renovations.

Danish Nisser are traditionally very, very judgy! Luckily mine are a little more modern and tend to just sit there looking friendly/benevolent. 😁

I shall. No laughing if it's crap though! 😬🤣

Sorry haven't posted much. But with one thing and another haven't felt that Christmassy/ wintery.

Went to the local light switch on tonight and had some mulled cider and feel a bit more in the mood.

Do you any of you lovely lot know where to get some smaller baubles for the tree. All I can find are great big things and I'm looking for something more delicate