Feeling Festive..

hello all,

I am back dipping my toes tentatively into blogland again, albeit with a slightly bruised confidence in this whole tinterweb that we use so freely. However, I am not going to allow that little oik (I could call him worse, believe me) is not going to win and have me pull the plug on my little corner here. Besides, it's the best time of the year for so many reasons and for that alone it offers a multitude of photo opportunities that I cannot resist, and need an outlet for that I do indeed...

The recent hoarfrosts were one such photographic example, everything looked like it had been 'sugared'...just gorgeous. These berries just looked so festive....

I was away in Oxford midweek and thought better of driving due to the weather, and so pleased I did as the views from the train were spectacular...

I was lucky enough to stay at the Randolph in the city centre, a lovely hotel and nice and handy for the shops too..

It was a tough call between having afternoon tea there in the Drawing Room or doing a bit of Christmas shopping before the shops closed (very early I have to say too) and in hindsight, I should have had tea...

The Drawing Room was bedecked with an Alice in Wonderland theme...very apt of course as Lewis Carroll was a tutor at Christ Church College in Oxford when he wrote the book...

The decor was lovely...

Glass cake domes with red roses and cards inside... (cant resist glassware)

The Christmas tree with its oversized clock decorations...

the Mad Hatter himself pouring tea...

 

 

It was nice to get back to my room though, as there was a Christmas mag with my name on it ready and waiting...

Love the touch of the bed turndown and mint on the pillow...

 

 

The Christmas housey mags had left me all inspired to get decorating at home at the weekend, so the seasonal bling began, both indoors and out...

There had been some bags of pretty spring bulbs languishing in a box all ready and waiting to be planted, so with December being the latest they could be plunged into soil, in they went. Pinterest is a massive time-sucker, but occasionally it throws up a gem of an idea and this one fitted the bill perfectly. A bit of snipped foliage from the garden, some glitter frosted pine cones and baubles layered on top of the newly planted bulbs not only decorates an otherwise temporarily boring winter pot, but it helps insulate the little bulbs too...and oh how they've needed it! (I got a bit over zealous and potted up about half a dozen pots!)

Thegrape hyacinth failed last spring, so hopefully the insulated little pot has a better chance this coming year...they are one of my early springtime fave so I hope so..

Whilst shopping in Oxford, I spotted this Christmas pudding planter in M&S of all places..

I NEED one of these! This year (and last when I come to think of it) a slight love of Christmas pudding shaped bits and bobs appeared and it has not lessened one bit.. I didn't cart one of these all the way home though (if I'd had the car it wouldn't have been a problem) but the less I have to carry on a train all the better...must remember to pop to M&S tomorrow though...there's an outdoor step crying out for this..

Earlier in the month was the Cracker Swap in which I was partnered up with the lovely and ever so kind and thoughtful Vicki of Vintage Vicki. What a great, simple and fun idea for a swap this was. Here is the Cracker Vicki sent me...stuffed to bursting point and with a little extra that was impossible to squeeze in!

The red patchwork heart fabric was enough to make me swoon without even opening anything else..sooo up my street...

Inside was an abundance of parcels you wouldn't imagine would fit into a kitchen roll tube - but they did!

 

 I have already used the ribbons, buttons, lit the candle and eaten the chocs (although I did share...one maybe...:-)

 

Another love of mine is Sally Swannell designs and this card just makes me want to move into this dream house..

 

 

 

This lovely felt  mushroom house is so detailed and beautifully made - I love it...

 



 

Huge thanks to Vicki for being a joy to swap with and to Tracey at Mad About Bags for organising the swap. (Their weblinks are further above..)

Lastly, I will leave you with this rather tempting-looking delight to tantalise the tastebuds in advance of next weeks festivities...

 

You'll need a sweet tooth though...it's a cake...!

Back soon with tales from this Sundays afternoon spent at the Crafts House...oh the festive eye candy...:-)

BH x
(PS, it's nice to be back - will visit you all soon x)