I may have misled you slightly with the title of this post.  You could be completely forgiven for expecting some crafty tips on making beautiful homemade Christmas decorations..  I’m afraid, if that’s the case, I have deceived you horribly.  I am many things. Crafty (in the making of crafts sense) is not one of them.  I’m fairly sure I’m not particularly crafty in the more menacing, mischievous sense either….Of course, those of you brought here under false pretences may disagree!

So what AM I on about then?

A week or so before Christmas, we put our Christmas Tree up and a few family favourite decorations.  This post is about the occasion of it all, the excitement of getting the tree, of the first switching on of the lights and the little tinkle of my tee light angels as they begin their annual Christmas flight on the mantelpiece.

Err….What about the food and drink?

Never fear!  For me, any occasion worth marking is worth marking with food and drink.  Decorating the Christmas Tree is tough work and absolutely necessitates the drinking of a glass of mulled something or other and the eating of various festive nibbles.

So dig out those boxes of baubles and enjoy a Christmas treat or two while you’re at it…

Mulled Cider

I was torn about which to include here.  I absolutely adore mulled wine and would go so far as to say that it would normally be my ‘go to’ mull.  However, I have recently made some mulled cider and it was really rather beautiful so frankly, I’m pleased to have an excuse to make it again!

My Mulled Cider Recipe

Lebkuchen

I have recently discovered this little beauties, and for those of you who are still as much in the dark as I was about them, let me enlighten you.  You can thank me later…

Lebkuchen are German biscuits that frankly taste of Christmas.  They are beautifully light and full of all the spices and flavours that you associate with the festive season.  Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg….need I go on.   I haven’t yet tried making my own but I certainly intend to.  Here’s a recipe that I’ve been considering…

Lebkuchen – BBC Good Food

Catch Up

Week 1: Christmas Budget

Week 2: Making 3 lists & Checking them twice

Week 3: Picking Presents

Week 4: Pickling Presents

Week 5: Christmas Party Planning

Week 6: Present Shopping – Round 1

Week 7: Christmas Food & Drink Planning

Week 8: Party Menu & Outfit Planning

Week 9: Christmas Cake

Week 10: Christmas Dinner

Week 11: Christmas Cards & Mince Pies