Wednesday, 11 October 2023

Cosy Christmas Décor for Compact Spaces: Designing a Festive Apartment or flat

The Christmas seasons is galloping toward us, and it's getting to be the time to deck the halls with boughs of holly, or in this case, transform your small apartment or flat into a winter wonderland. Limited space doesn't mean you have to compromise on the Festive cheer. With a little ingenuity some creativity and a dash of festive spirit, you can create a cosy and enchanting Christmas theme that perfectly suits your compact living space. 

In this blog post, we'll share some practical tips on designing a Christmas theme for your small apartment or flat.

Plan Your Space

Before you dive into the decorations, take a moment to assess your space. Measure the areas you want to decorate, including your living room, dining area, kitchen (if you have a separate kitchen) and any nooks or corners you'd like to accentuate. This will help you avoid overloading the space and ensure your decorations fit comfortably.

Opt for a Minimalistic Approach

In a small apartment, less is often more. Choose a colour scheme that complements your existing décor to create a cohesive look. Classic Christmas colours like red, green, gold, and silver can be incorporated in small details, such as with throw pillows, table runners, and small ornaments. Consider a neutral base, like white or silver, to make your space feel more open and airy.

Choose Space-Saving Decorations

Small apartments require a creative approach to decorations. Go for slimline Christmas trees, wall-mounted or tabletop options, instead of large, floor-standing trees. Hang wreaths and garlands to make use of vertical space, and select decorations that don't take up much room, such as mini ornaments or fairy lights.

Embrace the Power of Lights

Christmas lights add a warm and magical touch to any space. Use fairy lights, string lights, and LED candles to create a cosy ambiance. Hang them along your windows, drape them on your walls, or place them in glass jars for a subtle, yet charming, effect.

DIY Ornaments and Décor

Get creative with DIY ornaments and décor. Craft your own paper snowflakes, garlands, or personalised ornaments. Not only will this add a unique and personal touch to your decorations, but it's also a fun and budget-friendly way to get into the holiday spirit. (That's Christmas has covered personalised ornaments and we'll refer back to the blogpost at the end of this post.)

Space-Conscious Tree Decorations

If you have a small tree, be selective with your ornaments. Use lightweight and smaller decorations to avoid weighing down the branches. Consider using a tree topper that won't overwhelm your tree, like a delicate star or a mini angel.

Multi-Purpose Furniture

Select furniture that serves a dual purpose. A foldable dining table can be a fantastic addition to your apartment, allowing you to host festive gatherings when it's required. Also, consider furniture with built-in storage for stashing away your decorations after the Christmas and New Year period is oved.

Festive Table Setting

Create a festive table setting with holiday-themed dinnerware, napkins, and placemats. Utilise candles (real or electric)  small centrepieces, and personalised name cards to make your dining area feel extra special.

Incorporate Seasonal Scents

Enhance the holiday ambiance by introducing seasonal scents. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or potpourri with cinnamon, pine, or gingerbread fragrances will make your apartment feel even more festive. But do be cautious as some guests might be allergic to some scents.

Personal Touch

Lastly, add your personal touch to your Christmas theme. Display cherished family ornaments or mementos, and don't forget to hang stockings for Santa's visit!

Designing a Christmas theme for a small apartment or flat can be a delightful and creative endeavour. By planning your space, embracing a minimalistic approach, utilizing space-saving decorations, and adding your personal touch, you can create a coy and festive atmosphere that makes your compact living space feel like a winter wonderland. 

With the right mix of creativity and holiday spirit, you'll be ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in style, no matter how small your space may be.

We feel that you will find these links to previous blogposts on That's Christmas to help you make your apartment or flat feel really Christmassy:-

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/10/11-unique-and-budget-friendly-christmas.html

https://thatschristmas.blogspot.com/2023/08/why-not-try-crafting-for-christmas.html

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Monday, 9 October 2023

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Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' Is a Christmas Season Essential

Rich, luxuriously thick and golden, Trewithen Dairy's award-winning 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is the only accompaniment to enjoy with those festive treats this Christmas. 

Whether it's the crowning glory of a warm mince pie, slathered shamelessly on a Christmas pudding, or used as an ingredient in sweet or savoury cooked dishes to add an unmistakable lushness, no dish is complete without a pot of Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream'.

Made using methods that have been handed down for generations, Trewithen Dairy produces the most delicious 'Cornish Clotted Cream' using high-quality Cornish milk from well-cared-for cows that are raised and grazed on Cornwall's lush pastures. 

Deep river valleys and undulating land create a unique grass-growing landscape for dairy farming, resulting in the delicious flavour of the milk. This flavour is achieved through a perfect balance of butterfat and protein.

Their holistic approach to 'the perfect blend', is achieved from the rich diversity of herds, and working with a close network of farming families who share the same ethical and responsible practices. It's this combination that contributes to the taste and overall quality. Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is registered as a Protected Designation of Origin product meaning it has received official recognition for its unique characteristics, production methods, and geographical origin. 

It's also really easy to cook with clotted cream and there's a fine selection of inspiring festive recipes here such as a no-churn Christmas Pudding Ice cream, Creamy Brussel Sprout Gratin, Tipsy Trifles and a Festive Meringue Wreath. 

Trewithen Dairy 'Cornish Clotted Cream' is available in 200g direct from select Asda, Co-op and Spar stores throughout the South West, via Ocado.com, and from November, it will be on the shelves in Tesco. RRP £2.45.

Look out for Trewithen Dairy's '12 Days of Christmas' festive recipe selection across Instagram and Facebook in the run-up to Christmas for further seasonal inspiration. 

Trewithen Dairy reveals a sense of great pride to be a sponsor of the Guild of Food Writers' Awards 2023.

Trewithen Dairy has been recognised as a champion food producer of the West Country, and most recently awarded Gold by the Taste of the West judging panel for 2023, for both their salted butter and traditional 'Cornish Clotted Cream'. 

https://www.trewithendairy.co.uk

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Sunday, 8 October 2023

Unwrapping Joy: The Best Toys for Christmas 2023

As the Christmas season approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable. Christmas, a time of love, warmth, and togetherness, is also synonymous with one thing – presents! For children and the young at heart, there's nothing quite like the anticipation of unwrapping a beautifully wrapped gift. 

If you're on the hunt for the perfect toys to make this Christmas unforgettable, look no further. In this blog post, we'll explore the top toys that are sure to bring smiles, laughter, and joy to kids of all ages this Christmas.

Tech Toys:

a. Robotic Friends: Robots like the latest "BuddyBot" or "RoboRoam" have captured the imaginations of kids worldwide. These interactive robots can talk, dance, and even play games, making them perfect companions for both fun and learning.

b. Virtual Reality Headsets: VR continues to be a hot trend. This year's VR headsets offer incredible experiences for kids and adults alike, transporting them to new worlds and providing hours of entertainment and education.

Classic Board Games:

a. Monopoly: Christmas Edition: A festive twist on a timeless favorite. This version features holiday-themed properties and game pieces, adding a touch of Christmas spirit to the traditional game of buying, trading, and building.

b. Scrabble: Winter Edition: Perfect for those cosy evenings by the fireplace. This special edition includes winter-themed words, and the board features a delightful snowy design.

Creative Building Sets:

a. Lego Super Mario: Combining the magic of Lego with the charm of the Super Mario franchise, this building set allows kids to create their own Mario adventures with interactive elements like electronic Mario figurines.

b. Magnatiles: These magnetic building tiles encourage imaginative play and help kids develop spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Outdoor Fun:

a. Scooters and Bikes: Encourage outdoor activity with a shiny new scooter or bicycle. Look for models with safety features like helmets and knee pads to keep your little ones protected.

b. Gardening Kits: Inspire a love for nature with gardening kits. These sets come with child-sized tools, seeds, and instructions to help kids cultivate their green thumbs.

Plush Friends:

a. Squishmallows: These soft, huggable creatures come in a variety of sizes and characters, making them perfect companions for bedtime cuddles or imaginative play.

b. Interactive Pets: Robotic pets like "Puppy Pal" and "Kitty Cuddle" offer all the love of a real pet without the mess. They respond to touch and voice commands, providing a lifelike pet experience.

Educational Toys:

a. STEM Kits: Foster a love for science, technology, engineering, and math with STEM kits. From chemistry sets to coding games, these toys make learning fun.

b. Puzzle Sets: Choose from jigsaw puzzles, 3D puzzles, and brain teasers that challenge kids' minds and provide hours of entertainment.

Christmas is a magical time, and finding the perfect toy to light up a child's face is a priceless experience. Whether you opt for high-tech gadgets, classic board games, or creative building sets, the key is to choose toys that match the child's interests and age. Remember that the best gifts aren't always the most expensive; they're the ones that create cherished memories and moments of joy. So, this holiday season, make it special with the perfect toy that will bring happiness and laughter to your loved ones' hearts. Merry Christmas and happy gifting!