On the 17 December I have booked for us to go to the grotto in Selfridges too. A little train takes us there and we get to meet him and he gives little Lily a gift too. I do hope he allows me to sit on his lap!
We are making Christmas plans manically here. I went to meet my friend Jenny on the South Bank yesterday and they had a little German Christmas market along the banks of the Thames. It was not fabulous but really sweet with some nice bits and of course a lovely glass of mulled wine to warm us up. The temperature has dropped in the last week and with the wind it was freezing out there.
Next week Friday we are having a little Christmas party at our house for a few people. I want to have my tree up and our house decorated by then so We will go in the week to get our real Christmas tree. I have never had a real tree and these Norwegian pine ones are so divine I can hardly wait. Then its all this tree stand stuff to worry about. So.. seasoned real tree people. shall I get a stand or can I use a weighted container and make it pretty? I have my lights all ready and waiting and the decorations will come out next week.
The party will be a drinky and snacky affair. very festive of course. I plan to make snowballs, my very favorite seasonal drink. large glug or tot of advocaat over ice, dash of lime juice then fill to the brim with lemonade. give a stir with a swizzel stick. yum
I have this magnum of champagne as well and in nigellas book she suggests what she calls Christmas in a glass. she puts a little gingerbread syrup in the bottom of her glass and fills with sparkling wine. I may try that for those who want something different.
I am going to do little bits that are easy to pick up and pop in your mouth as well as a cheese board.
then mini mince pies and these puff pastry mince pie things with bourbon butter , shortbread and some individual trifles if I have time.
We also have plans to go ice skating at Somerset house. I have heard its lovely, as well as going to Hyde parks winter wonderland which has markets and rides and snow and all that lovely stuff.
On the day we go to Selfridges we plan to go and see all the Christmas lights , have some lovely food and hot chocolate and get some ornaments in the Christmas shops.Oh and go to hamleys which may be suicide on the 17th December but I don't care... I like toys.
I am busy getting all my Christmas shopping for SA done as I have someone leaving who is taking it for me ( very kindly) I got some lovely bits and now I am making madam lily's list. So far she has really been on board with all the Christmas things. I think this will be the first year she really gets it. She calls it Crimpas. So top of her list to father Christmas is a crimpas tree. she just loves all the lights and baubles. this morning she was jumping on my bed singing " I love Crimpas , I love Crimpas" . she also wants get another baby , a ball and a scooter or car. I am getting her a few things that I know she will use and I am avoiding these one day wonder gifts. I was just saying to my mum today that her imagination is so great , she makes up all these little games from nothing and although I know toys are important I do believe its important to have a bit of moderation. she has never had a large amount of toys and she plays with all of them. I have picked up some great books for her and a lovely puzzle as well as mary poppins on DVD. I also am getting her this little dolls house cottage which is ever so sweet.
Here are a few photos of our recent trips out with Mr Cat as well as when we went to where Kristian works. beautiful buildings I think you will agree
Daddy and Lily in Greenwich royal naval college , now university og greenwich queen mary buliding. this is the building Kristian works in , as a law lecturer
again but this time looking towards the Thames and Canary wharf
jenny and lily on the southbank
mummy and lily
5 comments:
Ooooh your Christmas is sounding lovely already!!
My mom sent me that Nigella Christmas book, I am excited to try some of her ideas :)
We get a real tree and always put a tree bag uderneath the stand, and have a good metal stand which tightens against the trunk. It is easy to water the tree and seems to do the trick, although we will see if it passes the toddler test this year.
Enjoy your party and decorating!! Wish we were there, sounds fab, and take lots of pics of the skating :)
Ooooh I so wish we could be there too. It is going to be wonderful for you and this Xmas will be one Lily might forget, but you will never forget. I remember that first xmas that you became "aware" like it was yesterday. She is looking gorgeous and so are you. Have fun darlings. Mother Crimpas!!! xxx
Mr Cat is having a lovely ride with his "mummy". She is obviously telling him things as the world wizzes by. I just love it. Mum xxx
Your Xmas plans sound lovely. I'm frantically planning and getting ready for the arrival of my parents on the 19th Dec (can't wait!)... We get our Xmas tree from these people www.pinesandneedles.com every year and they also sell tree stands which I highly recommend. A also has Nigella's Xmas book and I absolutely love the 'chocolate brownie' recipe with the deers etc.... Hugs, xx
It's lovely when the little ones start to get all excited about Christmas. Jake's so into it this year. It makes shopping for them all the more exciting. And expensive. So glad to hear that you're keeping yourself busy over the festive season - can't be fun being away from your family!
XXX
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