Yesterday Le Manoir Saint Gervais hosted its first seasonal craft afternoon; the theme was Christmas decorations (but of course!).
Using garden and sewing room staples (twigs, holly, ribbon, tinsel, feathers, buttons, etc.) each attendee made a gorgeous twiggy and twinkly star decoration and an orange and clove tea light.
A big thank you to all the ladies who took part – what a fun and creative bunch you are! SCH
It’s that time of year when everything starts to feel a little sad. The leaves have mostly fallen from the trees and the front of the house looking a little bare after some over-enthusiastic pruning (climbing roses). On the upside its time to plant a variety of spring bulbs in the roundabout, under the trees and in the two containers either side of the side steps – providing hope that spring won’t be too far away!
Two other great things about this time of year are roaring fires and Christmas preparations. It’s time to collect pine cones, logs and foliage, dig out that ribbon collection and seek inspiration for making this season’s decorations. SCH
I’m really enjoying the Christmas atmosphere in the UK right now. Having lived abroad for a number of years it’s great to be in the thick of the build up rather than just parachuting in for a few days… getting down the old Christmas decorations box and sifting through the contents of memories past, making mince pies, dashing out to get those last few presents, catching up with old friends, etc.
The other great thing about this particular year is this: I have time on my hands. I can curl up with a cup of coffee and my iPad and seek online inspiration for seasonal trends and creative projects whenever I feel the urge. Today, for example, I’ve looked at what’s new in the world of present wrapping, sought ideas for a simple yet stunning iced Christmas cake, and sought inspiration for Christmas decorations inside and outside the home.
There are some things that really stand out and I would like to build these into my Christmas theme and ‘to do’ list next year. Below is a selection of images that inspire me (all via my boards on Pinterest). I plan to hit the sales after Christmas to gather some of the items I will need ahead of next year’s Christmas celebrations at Le Manoir and The Little Grange. SCH
Le Manoir Saint Gervais 