Last year I discovered just how handy those empty tubs of chocolate can be after Christmas, especially if you have lots of fairy lights to put away like we do. They’re fab storage for LED lights & decorations & all it takes is a little bit of adjusting…
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When you’ve got a spare half-hour and fancy watching something festive why not re-watch some classic Christmas TV shows?! Here’s a handy list of all the seasonal episodes of your favourite TV series & sitcoms ready for you to enjoy this December…
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Beautifully decorated for Christmas with twinkling fairy lights, homemade decorations and cosy corners for curling up in, this barn is exactly where I’d like to be right now. Take a peek inside this warm & welcoming renovation to inspire your festive decor…
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Welcome to my festive pallet project! I’ve DIYed a friendly freestanding snowman to adorn your lawn and the best part is that he doubles-up as a family game. I’ve teamed up with DIY website ManoMano to show you how to make this dapper snowman for yourself.
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December is usually full of festive events, pantos & Christmas light switch-ons but this year I’ve found some are some fabulously festive entertainment you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home while supporting performers & local theatres – enjoy..!
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Christmas can be busy at the best of times so I’ve come up with some ways that we can use modern technology to make December easier than ever. From gift shopping to entertainment, there are so many festive things you can enjoy without lifting a finger…
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For me, Christmas always evokes a feeling of nostalgia so I’ve raided my childhood toybox to decorate my Christmas tree with retro toys. Here’s how to upcycle any small plastic animals or metal cars to create festive decorations for your tree…
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If you’ve decided to get a potted Christmas tree this year (that you can use next Christmas!) you may want to jazz up the pot when you bring it indoors. Here are a couple of ideas to dress up the plant pot of your real spruce tree for the festive season…
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Yes! You CAN enjoy a fun & fulfilling Christmas without spending a fortune – you just need to get a bit creative with your time & money. And I’m here to help you! Here are some seasonal step-by-step guides & money-saving tips for a cracking Christmas…
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If you fancy personalising your mobile phone by creating a case with a Christmasy vibe, look no further than this quick and easy star phone case project. I’ve shared a step-by-step DIY video to help you craft this cute festive-inspired case in no time…
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I think Christmas traditions are more important than ever this year, especially as many of the festive things we would usually do are cancelled. So, if you don’t already have a tradition of gifting new pyjamas on Christmas eve, why not give it a try?
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Let’s face it, as soon as December hits, it’s going to be full-on Christmas mode this year. Here’s are 3 ideas to help you get organised & make space so you can enjoy a stress-free December and crack on with the festive fun..!
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I’m excited to tell you that on Sunday 15th November is the Makers Market From Home Christmas Bonanza so I’ll be doing all my Christmas shopping with indie businesses from the comfort of my own home. Here’s some of the talented Etsy makers involved…
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If you’re at home this month, why not take this time to get organised and start your Christmas shopping? My gift guide focuses on activity-based presents for kids and teens. I hope you’ll find some inspiration for your own festive shopping right here…
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Beautifully layered neutrals, furniture with warmth & patina, and rooms dressed for the seasons. That’s what you’ll find inside Kim Jones’ Texas home & on her blog Salvaged Living. Here’s a tour of her characterful home to inspire your own seasonal decor..
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It’s only 99 sleeps until Christmas! And you know how fast those days go. So I thought I would share a quick blog post about saving money for Christmas 2020, and how you can make some extra cash to add to the piggy bank…
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Has your Christmas jumper shrunk in the machine? Has your Fair Isle knit got a hole in it? Did that gravy stain never wash out? Don’t worry – before you take your festive pullover to the recycling bank, here’s a quick and easy way to turn your favourite seasonal jumper into a cosy cushion for your bed or sofa…
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I love listening to festive music at this time of year. In the car, on the radio and via YouTube playlists when I’m in the bath. But most of all I love listening to music on a record player. I have countless Christmas compilation LPs, from carols to contemporary, and there’s nothing better than listening […]
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Over the years I’ve lived in some rather small homes and it’s been difficult to decorate for Christmas in such a compact space. However, that’s never stopped me from filling my home with festive decor each December and, in fact, I’ve quite enjoyed the challenge of making my own DIY space-saving Christmas trees. Here are three ways to upcycle pallets, pipes and paint to create your own unique festive decor that doesn’t take up too much space…
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Today’s DIY is all about LED candles and how you can decorate them with mini foliage wreathes to create a table centrepiece or decorations for a shelf or mantelpiece – here’s how…
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If you’re wondering what to get your youngsters for Christmas this year, or are planning to donate to a charity Christmas gift appeal, I’ve put together a wonderful collection of fun and educational gifts for all ages – from toddlers to teens. Plus, you can win a kids’ microscope kit in my festive giveaway so read on to enter…
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Do you enjoy making things? Do you love to save money? Do you want unique decorations that no-one else has? Then it’s time to make your own! I’m getting a head start on my Christmas preparations this month and have made three scandi-style decor projects that you can easily replicate at home. Or you could use these ideas as a starting point for your own designs – it might be the inspiration you need to get you started on crafting your own festive decor…
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Ever wanted your home to look like Buddy the Elf has decorated it for Santa’s arrival? Here’s 14 low-cost and easy DIY projects to help you spread Christmas cheer throughout your rooms (using things you already have) in time for the big day…
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Fancy making your own neon snowflake light to decorate your home for Christmas? I’ve shared the full DIY project along with photos of my own minimalist snowy white festive bedroom…
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Christmas trees? Nah! Santa? Who? We all know that the real star of Christmas is the sprout. Whether you love them or loathe them, they’re the most hotly anticipated visitors on the 25th December and I think they deserve to be celebrated. So I’ve DIYed my own stalk of sprouts, with fluffy green pom-poms and a big stick. Here’s how to make this most-festive-of-all-decorations for yourself…
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If you haven’t got a Christmas tree or simply can’t fit one into your home, this DIY copper-pipe tree is a great slimline option. You can make it yourself using offcuts from your plumbing project, a broom handle and a piece of pallet wood, so it’s practically free!
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Here’s some of the personalised and retro gifts I’ve picked up for my husband this year, and I hope they’ll help you get your gift list in order too…
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Who needs shop-bought Christmas lights when you can make your own, eh? This wall-mounted Christmas tree project uses electroluminescent wire to DIY a light-up neon Christmas tree using pallet wood…
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Christmas is about so much more than materialism but it’s also nice to buy or create something that lets people know you are thinking about them at this time of year and that you enjoy having them in your friendship circle. Sometimes all it takes is a Christmas card so here are some ideas to give you a new take on this traditional festive greeting…
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If you’re looking for a truly unique gift this Christmas, you’ve got to go handmade. Etsy is a great marketplace to find items that have been crafted by artisans and creatives so that’s where I’ve been shopping this year. Here are some festive gift ideas for all members of the family…
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Christmas is a popular time for proposals and I can’t think of anything more romantic than a snowy backdrop when you’re popping the question. An engagement ring is a Christmas gift she’ll never forget and I’ve come up with some top tips for buying the ideal jewellery that she’ll be overwhelmed to open on Christmas morning…
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Have you given any thought to your table setting? Whether you’re someone that likes to keep the table set all year around or a procrastinator that only thinks about the number of place settings required on the day, I’ve got some festive inspiration to give your table settings the wow-factor this season…
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I’ve made my own Christmas jumpers this year! What do you think? After a quick rummage in my local charity shop I found three different types of jumpers just calling out to be upcycled, so I thought I’d share this heat-transfer vinyl project with you so that you too can make your own festive jumper this Christmas…
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Last week, we went for a rummage in the local charity shops and found two boxes of glass baubles to add to our collection. So, for the first time in a long time, our tree has a colour scheme! I decorated my tree on Sunday so I thought I’d share some snaps of it with you today…
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December is here and if you haven’t already jumped at the chance to put up your tree and make your home look as festive as possible, you might be looking for some more affordable and creative ways to decorate your space for the Christmas period. There are so many amazing ways to put your own creative spin on Christmas decorations and decor, but to give you a few ideas, here are a select few festive arts and crafts you should try this season…
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If you’re thinking of taking a break over the festive season, I’ve come up with some ideas for a Christmas getaway that you’ll never forget…
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If you’re planning to entertain over Christmas and New Year, it’s a great idea to have a cocktail cabinet ass a place to serve delicious drinks to your guests. Here’s how to make your own DIY retro bar from an old display cabinet…
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I’m feeling super-festive right now and it’s because the Christmas issue of Reclaim magazine is out now! And my Design Icon article this month is vintage baubles, including how to spot the genuine article…
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If you’re planning to have a real Christmas tree in your home this year, why not choose the eco-friendly and sustainable option of buying local? I took a tour of a Suffolk tree plantation on Friday so here’s why you should consider getting your festive tree from a local producer…
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If you’re not a big fan of fairy lights but still want to illuminate your rooms for Christmas, here are some slightly more subtle ways to get a touch of twinkling light into the space without going over the top…
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Sustainable present ideas to help you stay eco-friendly this Christmas while shopping for gifts and stocking fillers…
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Christmas is just around the corner and if you have a special someone in your life, it’s never too early to start thinking about gifts for her. Here’s how to make shopping for the ideal Christmas gift, stress-free…
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When you’re self-employed, the office Christmas party becomes a thing of the past. That’s why I planned my own Christmas party this year at the Cosy Club – here’s why you should do the same…
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Fancy making an advent calendar that you can reuse to help you countdown to Christmas every year? Check out my a step-by-step video tutorial to DIY your own refillable festive calendar…
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If you’ve slightly outgrown chocolate advent calendars (I mean, it could happen…) these are the alternatives for you. Make the count down to Christmas fun and bloomin’ delicious at the same time. These two calendars are just screaming out to be opened first thing in the morning so you definitely won’t loose keep track of the date this December…
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Remember the shoebox appeal when you were younger? Packing up small gifts and essentials for someone who really needed it? I really wanted to get involved in a campaign like this in the run up to Christmas so I searched online to find a local charity. And I found a fantastic Christmas gift campaign…
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With old traction engines, quaint village shops, Santa’s grotto and a magical wonderland, Thursford Christmas Spectacular is so much more than just a show. Here’s what you can expect from a visit to Thursford this festive season…
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Did you know that the average cost of a Christmas stocking adds up to over £70? Sounds like a lot doesn’t it? That’s why I jumped at the chance to cut this cost by half and share the results of my Christmas stocking haul with you today. Plus, you can win all the items in my retro stocking in my giveaway below so read on to enter the competition…
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Are you ready for Christmas? (Yes, I said it!) All the food, the indulgence and the mulled wine? I’m looking forward to it already, although the health-conscious me is already feeling a little wary. So I thought I’d share some ways that you can get ready for the festive season by cutting back now, to ensure a healthier, happier new year.
Read MoreThere are certain tools no kitchen should be without, especially when cooking hearty meals during the colder months – do you have them in your cupboards?? Read on to find out which kitchen essentials you’ll need to create healthy dinners this autumn…
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The decorations and mince pies are already on sale in many shops around the UK now and, with the nights starting to draw in, thoughts turn to Christmas. And also to the expense associated with the festive season, which for some is a stressful time of year. Here’s how to plan your budget ahead and keep yourself feeling happy about ‘the most wonderful time of the year’…
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If you’re a blogger, vlogger, photographer or independent business, you’ll no doubt already be planning for Christmas. I know – too soon, right? But we’ve already had plenty of ‘Christmas in July’ events and product previews and, in terms of content creation, it’s fast approaching! So, today I thought I’d help you be prepared and share some essential things you’re going to need in advance of the festive season…
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Here’s to a fantastic 2018 for all!
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Great news – my project on prettifying glassware for New Year’s Eve was published in Reloved magazine this month! Check out Issue 50 for the step-by-step guide to creating these decorated cocktail glasses.
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Everyone loves a hot mulled drink at Christmas, am I right? Wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of mulled cider, wine or apple juice is just what you need after coming in from a cold winters walk.
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Now, I really can’t take credit for today’s festive recipe. In fact, the only input I had was telling my husband that we had a bottle of maple syrup in the cupboard. Yes, really, that’s it! Hubby created this festive ham recipe all by himself and I arrived at the end of the process to […]
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Yes, you may have been rather disorganised and got into the Christmas spirit too early this year – but even if you haven’t done all your present shopping, there’s no need to panic. The Christmas countdown is well and truly on, and with just a couple more shopping days until the big day itself, there’s […]
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It can be difficult to fit a big bushy Christmas tree into your home, can’t it? Especially if you’re living in a flat (how do you even get it up the stairs?!) or a cosy terrace with Victorian proportions. If you’re lacking in space but still want to feel festive, how about making my Christmas […]
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I’ve been DIYing again, and this time I’m making Christmas gifts. After the fun I had making my Christmas jumper bunting for Emmaus, I jumped at the chance to join in with their Second Hand Santa Challenge again during gift week. I decided to made gift boxes and frames that could be the ‘wrapping’ for […]
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Today I’m sharing some expert advice from i heart Wines to get your guests ‘rioja-ing’ around the Christmas tree (excuse the awesome pun!) I’ve already shared my favourite mulled wine recipe using i heart Rosé earlier this week so that’s one warming festive drink you can tick off your ‘to do’ list! Read on to find out […]
Read MoreChristmas is a magical time. Youngsters eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus while the adults spend months planning the perfect family Christmas. As the kids count the hours until it’s time to open the pile of presents under the tree, parents worldwide are busy making sure homes are warm, the cupboards are full, refrigerators […]
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At the weekend a few of my friends came round for a pre-Christmas get-together. I like to have a hot festive drink bubbling away to warm them up as they come in from the cold (and, as it turned out, snowy) night air. So I pulled out my trusty slow cooker and concocted this recipe […]
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Okay, I admit it. I’ve not bought a single Christmas gift for my husband yet. I’m guessing that next week will be a busy one for me as I scramble around to fill that stocking. You would imagine your husband is one of the easiest persons to shop for, but it might take longer to decide […]
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I always think to myself, ‘this year I’m going to be so prepared, and get all my Christmas and gifts in the post during the first week of December’. Does it ever happen? Nope! Honestly, I don’t know where the days go. From as early as November, I already feel like I’m playing catch-up and […]
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How are you decorating your dining table this Christmas? Will you be adding crackers? Have you got a beautiful floral display planned? Are you decorating the entire dining room with a theme? I’ve been thinking about my festive table and have been doing some much-needed research (good ol’ Pinterest!) into festive tablescapes. Here’s just a […]
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Is there anything more magical than a winter wedding? Especially if it happens to snow on the big day too – ahh, so dreamy! Even though I got married in the summer, I ‘d probably go for a winter wedding if I were to do it all over again now. Just imagine all those fairy […]
Read MoreChristmas is almost here, and for some people, that means travelling somewhere to celebrate the festive season. Last year, it was predicted that 4.5 million Brits travelled abroad for Christmas and New Year, and it is likely that even more people will be travelling this year along with their family, friends, or pets. With a third of British […]
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This week has been an incredibly crafty one for me – first it was the wreath-making workshop and today’s blog post is all about my latest sewing project: Christmas jumper bunting. Scroll down to see my step-by-step guide to making this fun festive project – I hope you’ll give it a go yourself!In the lead […]
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Yesterday I had one of the most festive days of my life. So much so, that I wanted to come home and tell you all about it straight away! You see, I’d just spent the whole day with my husband at Blackthorpe Barn – already one of the most Christmassy places in Suffolk – and […]
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