Best wishes for a very merry Christmas & a happy new year!
Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and get the chance to relax over the festive period. And good luck for 2020 – let’s make it a year to remember!
Read MoreTag: xmas
Christmas gift guide for kids & teens + how to help a charity gift appeal
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…
Read More3 Scandi-style Christmas decor projects to DIY with second-hand finds
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…
Read More100 days to Christmas! How to prepare for the festive season (+ stay stress-free)
Ooh the Christmas countdown has really snuck up on me this year and now it’s just 100 day until Christmas! So? That’s ageeees away, right? Well, in the world of thrifty living and financial planning, it’s actually a great time to start thinking about Christmas and I’ve written a little something to get your festive preparations off to a flying start and help you stay stress-free this xmas…
Read MoreWishing you a very merry Christmas 2018 – Hope you have a fabulous day!
Happy Christmas everyone! I wanted to send you all my best wishes for the big day in advance. I hope you have a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Read MoreHow to decorate your home for Christmas like Buddy the Elf
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…
Read MoreSnowy white Christmas bedroom decor + my DIY neon snowflake light
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…
Read MoreHow to make a funny stalk of sprouts Christmas decoration
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…
Read MoreHow to DIY a space-saving Christmas tree with copper pipe & pallet wood
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!
Read MoreTop secret! Personalised and retro gift ideas for your husband…
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…
Read MoreUnique Christmas card ideas to help you spread festive joy this December
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…
Read MoreShop handmade, local & independent this Christmas with Etsy
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…
Read MorePlanning a Christmas engagement? Things to consider when choosing a ring
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…
Read MoreMy ‘accidental’ rose-gold & red Christmas tree + a few new decorations
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…
Read MoreLow-cost art & craft ideas to create personalised Christmas decor
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…
Read MorePlanning a holiday at Christmas? 4 ideas for your festive getaway
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…
Read MoreHow to spot genuine vintage baubles – my festive article in Reclaim magazine
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…
Read More4 Sustainable (& fun!) reasons why you should buy a local Christmas tree
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…
Read MoreHow to light up your home for Christmas (without going OTT festive)
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…
Read MoreEco-friendly Christmas gift guide – Sustainable presents for all
Sustainable present ideas to help you stay eco-friendly this Christmas while shopping for gifts and stocking fillers…
Read MoreAttention fellas! How to make shopping for her Christmas gift stress-free
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…
Read MoreHow to plan an epic “office Christmas party” when you’re self-employed
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…
Read MoreVideo tutorial: How to DIY a reusable Christmas tree advent calendar
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…
Read MoreTwo advent calendars you won’t forget to open in the morning
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…
Read MoreWhy you should get involved in a Christmas gift appeal this year…
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…
Read MoreThe most festive day out ever – My Thursford Christmas Spectacular review
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…
Read MoreHow to cut the cost of a Christmas stocking in half
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…
Read MoreHow to make the ultimate vegetarian mezze platter with 3 chickpea recipes
If you’re planning a party this autumn, constructing a platter is a great way to cater for your guests. There’s no need for you to be running back and forth from the kitchen and dishing up plates of food when you can lay out an enticing selection of snacks so that visitors can help themselves.
Read MoreMaking your money go further this Christmas
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’…
Read MoreHappy New Year everyone!
Here’s to a fantastic 2018 for all!
Read MoreMerry Christmas everyone!
Recipe video – My festive mulled cider (or apple juice!) recipe
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.
Read MoreFestive Pieday Friday Recipe – Hubby’s maple glazed ham
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 […]
Read MoreTop ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts
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 […]
Read More6 Homemade gifts for the Emmaus Second Hand Santa Challenge
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 […]
Read MoreA Fool Proof Guide to Festive Entertaining
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 MoreInexpensive ways to decorate your home for Christmas
Christmas 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 […]
Read MoreFestive recipe – mulled rosé wine
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 […]
Read MoreAffordable gift guide for husbands
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 […]
Read MoreChristmas deliveries – why I won’t miss the last post this year!
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 […]
Read MoreWinter wonderland wedding inspiration
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 MoreA guide to travelling with your dog over the Christmas holidays
Christmas 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 […]
Read MoreThe most festive, fun-filled day you’ll ever have – Wreath-making workshop at Blackthorpe Barn
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 […]
Read MoreHow to create a festive bedroom without going OTT
When you’re decorating your home for Christmas it’s tempting to drape tinsel over every picture frame and add flashing fairy lights in every room. But that means you don’t really ever get a ‘rest’ from the chaos of Christmas, and I think that the bedroom is the one space that you really do need to […]
Read More4 Ways to make your home cosy for Christmas
When you think of a cosy home at Christmas, what do you imagine? I expect whatever you’re seeing in your mind’s eye is rather similar to while I’m thinking of. There’s the glow of low lighting, lots of soft textures, a roaring fire and steaming cups of hot chocolate on the coffee table. Am I […]
Read MoreSew-your-own Christmas Angel
Remember your childhood Christmas tree – I bet it had an angel on the top, didn’t it? Over the years I’ve spotted more and more stars adorning the tops of our festive trees, but I love the traditional look that an angel adds when sitting at the very top of the tree. So today, here’s […]
Read MoreThrifty festive fashion for Christmas parties
While it’s nice to look lovely for special occasions over the festive period, there’s no sense in buying an outfit that you’re only going to wear once. Surely you want to be able to wear your new clothes to that new years party, or for Saturday nights out and weekends away throughout the rest of […]
Read MoreStyling my guest room for Christmas
Compared to most bloggers, I feel like I’m really behind on decorating my home for Christmas. Yes, I know it’s not even December yet, but I’ve been spotting gorgeous photos of bloggers’ trees and homes for weeks now and feel like I’m the only one not to have put up any decorations. So today, I thought […]
Read MoreWhat my Christmas would look like if I won the lottery…
I’ve been daydreaming again, and this time it’s about my perfect lottery-winner’s Christmas. Indulge me for a moment. I’m not saying that I want to win the lottery, nor that I need to have £££s to create a gorgeous home and wonderful Christmas, but I’ve let my mind winder and simply imagine what Christmas would […]
Read MoreDIY Decorations – Reusable Christmas tree advent calendar
With December 1st fast approaching, I’ve come up with a quick and easy DIY advent calendar that you can make as a family. Plus, it’s reusable so you can refill it with treats every year and will never need to buy a chocolate calendar again! Here’s what you’ll need to make this Christmas tree advent […]
Read MoreHow to make a DIY snowball letters decoration
I know it might feel a little early to be putting up the decorations but I wanted to share this project with you asap, as I’m not just showing you how to make snowy letters – I’m giving my own project away to one lucky reader! The giveaway is running for the next couple of […]
Read MoreGooey, chewy cranberry & cherry flapjacks recipe
I’ve done something a little different for today’s recipe blog post: I’ve instastory’d it! You may have spotted a couple of quick and easy DIY projects on my instastories in the run up to Halloween (you can find my ghost lanterns and no-carve pumpkin decorating project on my Cassiefairy YouTube channel if you need inspiration […]
Read MoreMy meaningful gift guide – How to find a special gift that they’ll love
This year, I’m planning to treat my family and friends to some meaningful gifts. Sure, I could head out onto the high street and get sucked into all the hustle and bustle of buying presents on a grand scale. But often this results in me not quite finding the ideal gifts for the people I […]
Read MoreHow to upcycle your old Christmas jumpers into cosy fair isle cushions
Do you have a lovely Christmas jumper that you’ve shrunk in the wash? Did the moths nibble their way through your favourite festive pullover? Don’t bin them – you can turn your old knits into Christmas cushions! All it takes is some straight lines of stitching to make cute throw pillows to dress up your […]
Read MoreChristmas decorations – The top two trends for 2017
Looking for ideas to decorate your home this Christmas to get into the festive spirit? I’ve been doing my research (early, of course!) and I found some fantastic tips from Personalised Gifts Shop. They’ve compiled a list of the biggest and best Christmas decorations trends this year and I can’t wait to share them with you. It’s […]
Read MoreThe 12th Night & a 1967 Sprite caravan decorated for Christmas
Ahh it’s nearly time to take down those festive decorations and get your home back to ‘normal’ – whatever that is! Apparently decorations should be taken down by the “12th night”, although there seems to be some confusion over when that is – it’s either the 5th or the 6th January. Either way, the time for sparkly decorations is up […]
Read MoreHow to add festive decorations in every room of the house
Christmas is here again, bringing with it the dark nights, frosty mornings and frozen noses. Have you already decorated your home for Christmas? I bet your tree is up and the fairy lights are sparkling, am I right? But what about the other rooms in your home? Why not cultivate a cosy festive feeling in […]
Read MoreRound-up of my festive craft projects – there’s still time to make these quick DIYs!
I don’t know about you, but I’m about ready to hibernate for the whole of the Christmas period. If you’ve got some time on your hands this week, why not have a go at making some of my festive crafts? All of these projects can be completed within an hour, and you only need a […]
Read MoreGuest Post – 3 Handmade Christmas gift ideas
Shopping for Christmas gifts need not be an expensive activity, in fact it it an opportunity for a having little thrifty fun. It’s often the case that the best presents are not very expensive, but are chock full of sentimental feelings; something that can help to bring up funny memories and remind you of beloved relatives. […]
Read MorePieday Friday – How to make crisps in the microwave + tasty flavour combinations
Oh my goodness, it’s Christmas next weekend. How did that happen? I feel like I’m not entirely ready for it yet so want to get a move on with planning my recipes for the festive period. I shared a round-up of my previous Christmassy recipes last week (including 2 types of gingerbread, coffee shop hacks and some Christmas […]
Read MoreDIY Christmas decor – Snowy pom-pom letters mantlepiece display
With Christmas fast approaching, my latest DIY project is a rather festive one indeed. Yes, I’ve got my trusty glue gun out again and I’ve been busy attaching pom-poms to anything that stays still! Since decorating the Christmas tree, I decided that my mantlepiece was looking rather empty and after a bit of pondering, I came […]
Read MoreDIY Christmas decor – Candy cane chair project
This month I’ve been busier than an elf in Santas workshop – yes, I’ve been DIYing lots of festive projects ready to share with you on the blog this December. And what better way to kick off the celebrations than with the ultimate festive makeover: a candy cane chair.When I bought this retro chair from […]
Read MoreHave you got your festive knit ready for Christmas Jumper Day?
I know I have. Well, every day in December is Christmas jumper day for me… but I’m talking about the official Christmas Jumper Day with a capital C, J and D. This year, Save the Children’s annual Christmas Jumper Day is taking place on Friday 16th December. Silliness will be sweeping the nation as schools, homes […]
Read MorePieday Friday – 12 days of Christmas recipe round-up
I thought I’d share round-up of my favourite festive recipes this Pieday Friday. The idea was to get you in the mood for all the Christmas baking to come but, in fact, I’ve actually started craving most of these recipes now, so I’m sure I’ll be whipping up some tasty this weekend! Below you’ll find […]
Read MoreHow to decorate with festive art
Today’s blog post is all about bringing a touch of festive cheer to your home this December. Hanging Christmas quotes and pretty festive scenes on your walls is an easy way to bring the spirit of Christmas into every room of the house. Yes, even the bathroom! Today I’m sharing some lovely yuletide designs to give […]
Read MoreDIY Gifts Video – Step-by-step camera case sewing project
Over the past month I’ve been busier than an elf in Santas workshop – yes, I’ve been DIYing lots of festive projects ready to share with you on the blog this December. And what better way to kick off the month than with a simple gift project – a felt camera case.This easy-sew project lets you […]
Read MoreMy advent calendar – 12 days to a beautiful Christmas
Yes, I still have an advent calendar every year, even at my age. I’ve had chocolate calendars to countdown the days until Christmas for as long as I can remember. And I probably had a printed cardboard calendar even before then. I love opening a door every day, bring me one step closer to the […]
Read MorePieday Friday recipe – Coffee shop Christmas menu hacks
You know that Christmas is approaching when the coffee shops start serving their Christmas drinks. The usual selection of coffee and tea suddenly flips over to the festive menu sometime in early November. One day you’re buying your usual latte and the next day there’s a turkey and cranberry toasty on the sandwich counter and gold stars are being sprinkled on […]
Read MoreEasy ways to add a touch of hygge to your home
It’s that time of year again. The clocks have gone back an hour to remind us that winter is almost here and Christmas is very much around the corner. For many people, this means rushing around the shops trying to find the perfect Christmas gifts, but for others it means hosting parties and get-togethers. What […]
Read MoreMy new Christmas decorations theme – Blush pink & oodles of glitter
So now that bonfire night has exploded all around the country last weekend, I think I can safely move on to Christmas. That’s the rule, is it? Halloween? Check! Bonfire night? Check! Christmas? Ohhh yeaaah! Here it comes! Which is precisely why I’ve waited until now to show you my new festive decorations. I’ve been […]
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