That's Food and Drink: How to Choose the Best Cutlery for Your Home: A Pr...

That's Food and Drink: How to Choose the Best Cutlery for Your Home: A Pr...: Cutlery might seem like a small detail when setting up your home, but it’s one of those everyday essentials that really does make a differen...

How to Start a Christmas Countdown Calendar Early

There’s something undeniably magical about counting down the days to Christmas. 

Whether it's the daily ritual of opening a tiny door, the excitement of small treats, or just the joy of anticipation, Christmas countdown calendars bring a sparkle of festive cheer. 

But who says you have to wait until December 1st to get started?

If you're the type who starts humming carols in October or you just want to make the most of the season, here’s how you can start a Christmas countdown calendar early—and keep the festive spirit going all the way to the big day.

1. Choose Your Start Date

You don’t need to wait for December. A good starting point could be:

1st November – for a full two-month countdown.

Mid-November – ideal if you want a warm-up to Advent.

The day after Bonfire Night – once the sparklers are out, it's fair game!

Pick a date that feels right for you—this is about creating joy, not sticking to rules.

2. Pick the Right Format

The classic cardboard calendar with chocolate is lovely, but if you're starting early, you might want something a bit more flexible. Consider:

DIY paper chain – Add a link each day with a festive activity or positive affirmation.

Reusable calendar – Fill it with mini gifts, messages, or decorations.

Jar of treats – Write 50+ fun festive prompts and pick one each day.

Digital countdown – Set up a festive daily reminder or story via an app or shared Google Doc with friends or family.

3. Add Personal Touches

Make your early countdown extra meaningful with themes:

Acts of Kindness – A small good deed each day.

Memory Lane – Write down a favourite holiday memory every morning.

Cosy Moments – A daily cosy suggestion (hot chocolate, fairy lights, a classic film).

Mindful Christmas – Prompts that encourage calm, gratitude, and slowing down.

4. Make It Seasonal, Not Just Christmassy

If early November feels a bit too soon for tinsel and carols, lean into the autumn-winter transition:

Think hygge vibes—blankets, candles, cinnamon everything.

Incorporate gentle seasonal prompts: nature walks, comfort food, journaling.

Gradually build the festive feel as December nears.

5. Get the Family (or Flatmates) Involved

A longer countdown gives you time to build traditions together:

Take turns adding to a communal calendar.

Make a festive playlist together and add a song a day.

Create a “Christmas craft night” rota.

More time means less rush—and more chances to truly enjoy each other’s company.

6. Don’t Forget the Fun

This isn’t about adding pressure or turning the countdown into a to-do list. It’s about savouring the season. If you miss a day, just pick up where you left off. The point is to enjoy the journey to Christmas, not tick every box.

Final Thoughts

Starting your Christmas countdown early is like giving yourself permission to slow down and savour the season. With the dark evenings creeping in and the world getting a bit colder, a little extra magic each day can go a long way.

So grab a mug of something warm, pop on your favourite cosy jumper, and start counting down—because the season of joy doesn’t have to wait.

Planning a Winter Wonderland Wedding During the Summer: Get Ahead of the Chill with Style and Sparkle

When the sun is high and the days are long, planning a winter wedding might seem a little counterintuitive. 

But if you're dreaming of frosted pinecones, candlelit ceremonies, and snow-dusted scenery, summer is actually the perfect time to start crafting your Winter Wonderland wedding. 

But if you're dreaming of frosted pinecones, candlelit ceremonies, and snow-dusted scenery, summer is actually the perfect time to start crafting your Winter Wonderland wedding.

Here’s why planning your magical cold-weather celebration during the warmest months of the year can be a savvy—and even joyful—choice.

1. Venue Availability & Better Deals

Winter weddings are still less popular than summer ones, which means many venues offer off-season rates. Planning in summer gives you the pick of the bunch and first dibs on prime winter dates—especially around Christmas and New Year, when venues can book up for festive events. If you’ve got your heart set on a romantic country manor or a castle surrounded by snow, booking early ensures your fairytale setting.

2. Dream Team Bookings

Photographers, florists, bands, and caterers often have more availability and flexibility in winter. By planning ahead in summer, you’ll have your pick of top-notch suppliers. Bonus: vendors are likely to have more time to work creatively with you during their quieter season, which can mean more personalised touches.

3. Fashion Forward Planning

Bridal fashion takes time—especially for winter weddings. Think long-sleeved gowns, velvet shawls, faux fur capes, and warm boots hidden under your dress. Starting early gives you time to track down the perfect seasonal pieces, or even have something bespoke made. And don’t forget your bridesmaids! Rich tones like deep emerald, burgundy, and navy look stunning against a snowy backdrop.

4. Décor & Seasonal Styling

Winter weddings are all about ambience—think twinkling lights, evergreens, warm metallics, and flickering candles. By planning in summer, you’ll have time to source décor thoughtfully (and potentially at lower prices, especially if you're buying during summer clearance sales). Planning ahead also gives you time to DIY any crafty winter touches like personalised baubles or pinecone centrepieces.

5. Save the Date Magic

Winter calendars fill up fast with Christmas parties, holidays, and family commitments. Sending out your save-the-dates early means your guests can plan accordingly and you’re more likely to have everyone you love gathered together on your big day.

6. Menu Magic

Winter weddings are a chance to indulge in comfort food with an elegant twist—think roast dinners, mulled wine, seasonal canapés, and hot chocolate bars. Starting your planning early lets you experiment with caterers, plan tasting menus, and ensure your winter fare is every bit as festive as it is filling.

7. Travel & Accommodation Logistics

Planning ahead allows you to help guests with travel arrangements and lodging, especially if your venue is in a remote or wintry location. You can negotiate group rates, organise shuttles if necessary, and give people time to budget for a winter getaway.

Final Thoughts

A Winter Wonderland wedding can be utterly enchanting—from glistening snow and cosy candlelight to rich seasonal colours and festive cheer. By beginning your planning journey in summer, you’ll give yourself the time and space to craft a celebration that feels effortless and unforgettable.

So, while the sun blazes outside, pour yourself a cool drink, and start dreaming of your warmest day in the coldest season.

Ready to plan your winter wedding? Let your imagination drift into snow-covered landscapes and start turning that frosty fantasy into a beautiful reality.

How to Host Quizzes for Parties in Your Home: A Guide to Fun, Laughter & Light Competition

Hosting a party at home? Want to break the ice, fill those awkward silences, or just spark a bit of friendly competition? 

Then it’s time to bring in the ultimate crowd-pleaser: the humble quiz. 

Whether you're throwing a birthday bash, a dinner party, or a casual get-together, a well-run quiz can take your night from nice to legendary. 

Here’s how to make it a hit without breaking a sweat.

1. Pick Your Format: Team or Solo?

First things first — decide whether people will be quizzing in teams or flying solo.

Team quizzes are great for bigger groups and help take the pressure off shy guests. Individual quizzes work better for smaller gatherings or competitive crowds who love a challenge. You can also mix it up: start solo and switch to teams for a bonus round or two.

2. Choose a Theme (or Don’t)

Quizzes can be general knowledge free-for-alls, or themed to suit the occasion. Think:

Pop culture (music, films, memes)

Decades (a roaring ‘20s night? Nostalgic '90s?)

Themed to the party (Halloween trivia, Christmas questions, etc.)

Personalised rounds (how well do you know the host?)

If your guests know each other well, a cheeky “Who Said That?” or “Guess the Baby Photo” round can get some real laughs.

3. Write (or Steal) Your Questions

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Plenty of great quiz questions live online, or you can write your own if you're feeling creative. Aim for a mix of:

Easy warm-ups

Trickier thinkers

Picture rounds (print out or display on your TV)

Music rounds (play snippets from your phone or smart speaker)

Pro tip: Test your questions beforehand. No one wants a debate over whether Pluto is a planet again.

4. Set the Scene

Create a bit of drama. Dim the lights, light a few candles, cue a theme tune if you’re feeling extra. Give the host a “Quizmaster” badge or a silly hat. Set up a scoreboard or use a whiteboard to keep track. And most importantly — have pens and answer sheets ready! (Scraps of paper work fine too.)

5. Keep It Snappy

Don’t let it drag. Aim for 4-6 rounds, around 5 questions each. Add in a half-time drinks break, maybe a snack round (guess the crisp flavour, anyone?), and wrap up while spirits are still high.

6. Add Fun Prizes

You don’t need to splash out — think:

A mini bottle of bubbly

Chocolate bars

A dubious-looking trophy from a charity shop

“Bragging rights” and a place on the Quiz Night Wall of Fame

Silly booby prizes for the losing team can be even funnier.

7. Be the Host with the Most

Project your voice, keep the energy up, and don’t take things too seriously. A bit of banter goes a long way. And if someone challenges an answer? Flip a coin or open it to the floor — it’s your party, after all.

Bonus Tips:

Use a PowerPoint or Google Slides if you’re going digital.

Include a music round using Spotify, YouTube, or even a live performance if someone plays an instrument.

Have a tie-breaker question ready, just in case!

Final Thoughts

A home quiz isn’t just about who knows the capital of Kazakhstan — it’s about laughs, light-hearted rivalry, and bringing people together. So pour a drink, channel your inner Paxman, and let the games begin.

Happy quizzing!

Easter Feasts at Home: A Celebration of Spring, Family, and Good Food

Easter is more than just chocolate eggs and bunny ears—it's a time of renewal, togetherness, and of course, a glorious excuse to gather your loved ones around a beautifully set table for a hearty meal.

 Whether you're planning a traditional roast, a casual brunch, or something a little more modern, hosting an Easter feast at home can be a joyful and delicious affair. Here's how to make it special.

Setting the Scene: Easter Ambience

Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with a few seasonal touches. Think pastel tones, fresh spring flowers like daffodils or tulips, and nature-inspired centrepieces (a simple nest of faux eggs on a bed of moss is charming and easy to make). 

A pretty table runner, some rustic crockery, and a scattering of mini eggs in bowls will add to the Easter vibe without overdoing it.

Feast Ideas: From Brunch to Dinner

1. The Classic Easter Roast

You can’t go wrong with a traditional Sunday roast for Easter. Lamb is the star of the show here—slow-roasted with garlic, rosemary, and lemon for a melt-in-the-mouth centrepiece. Pair it with classic sides like roast potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, minted peas, and a rich red wine gravy.

Vegetarian twist? Try a mushroom and nut wellington or a roasted cauliflower steak with a herb crust—hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.

2. Easter Brunch for a Relaxed Affair

If you're leaning towards something lighter and earlier in the day, a brunch spread can be just as festive. Consider:

Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on sourdough

A savoury tart or quiche (asparagus and goat’s cheese is a springtime favourite)

Hot cross buns, of course—served warm with lashings of butter

Fresh fruit, yoghurt, and granola

A mimosa or elderflower fizz to toast the occasion

Brunch gives you the freedom to mix sweet and savoury, and lets guests graze and chat in a laid-back setting.

3. A Garden-Inspired Buffet

If you’re lucky with the weather, a garden feast can be a magical way to celebrate Easter. Lay out a buffet with finger foods and salads:

Devilled eggs (with a hint of mustard and paprika)

Mini sausage rolls or veggie pasties

A herby potato salad and a vibrant beetroot and feta salad

An Easter cheese board with seasonal fruits and chutneys

This style of feast is great for larger gatherings and gives people plenty of options.

Sweet Finishes: Easter Desserts

End on a high note with something sweet and seasonal. A few favourites:

Simnel cake, rich with fruit and marzipan

Lemon drizzle cake for a zesty spring treat

Chocolate nests with mini eggs—fun to make and perfect if you’ve got little helpers

Pavlova with whipped cream and spring berries

Don’t forget a pot of tea or some after-dinner liqueurs to wind things down.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of hosting Easter at home is that you can tailor it to suit your tastes and traditions. Whether it’s an intimate meal with close family or a lively feast with friends and neighbours, the heart of Easter lies in sharing and celebration.

So fluff the napkins, set out the daffodils, and embrace the joy of the season—one delicious bite at a time.

How Christmas and Easter Traditions Overlap

At first glance, Christmas and Easter might seem like entirely separate holidays, one filled with twinkling lights and tinsel, the other marked by spring blooms and chocolate eggs. 

Yet, when we look closer, we find a surprising amount of overlap between the two. 

Both are rooted deeply in Christian tradition, they share symbolic themes, rituals, and even some curious cultural customs that have evolved over the centuries. 

Let’s explore how these two cornerstones of the Christian calendar connect more than we might realise.

1. Celebration of Light and Life

Both Christmas and Easter are centred around the idea of light overcoming darkness and life triumphing over death. Christmas, celebrated in the depths of winter, symbolises the arrival of Jesus — the “light of the world” — during the year’s darkest days. Similarly, Easter celebrates the resurrection, the ultimate victory of life over death.

In many traditions, candles play a significant role in both festivals, whether it’s lighting the Advent wreath at Christmas or the Paschal candle at Easter. These rituals reinforce the shared message of hope and renewal.

2. Preparation Periods: Advent and Lent

In the Christian calendar, both Christmas and Easter are preceded by reflective seasons: Advent before Christmas, and Lent before Easter. These periods serve as spiritual preparation, encouraging believers to reflect, repent, and ready their hearts for the celebration to come.

Advent, though more joyful in tone, shares some similarities with Lent. Both include traditions of fasting (or at least self-denial), prayer, and almsgiving. They’re about creating space — emotionally and spiritually — for transformation.

3. Feasting and Festivities

Both holidays are known for their feasts — after the preparation comes the celebration. Christmas Day and Easter Sunday are marked by special meals, sweets, and family gatherings. Traditional foods, from hot cross buns to Christmas puddings, carry religious and cultural symbolism that adds depth to the celebrations.

Interestingly, both holidays often include a “treat element” — whether it’s Christmas stockings or Easter baskets. These delight children and adults alike, echoing older traditions of gift-giving and symbolising generosity, abundance, and joy.

4. Symbols of Fertility and New Life

The Christmas tree and Easter egg may seem worlds apart, but both are deeply symbolic of life and fertility. Evergreen trees — a central part of many Christmas decorations — represent life that endures through the bleakness of winter. Easter eggs (and bunnies, for that matter) are ancient fertility symbols adopted into Christian tradition to represent the new life of the resurrection.

It’s no coincidence that Easter aligns with spring, when nature itself is being reborn, just as Christmas aligns with the turning point of winter, when the days begin to grow longer once again.

5. Cultural and Secular Crossover

Over time, both holidays have absorbed and transformed pre-Christian customs — from pagan winter solstice festivals influencing Christmas, to springtime fertility rites shaping Easter. This blending has led to many of the secular traditions we now take for granted: Santa Claus, Easter egg hunts, festive decorations, and seasonal songs.

Interestingly, both also serve as key moments in the retail calendar, with shops adorned in seasonal displays and families preparing weeks in advance.

6. The Central Role of Jesus

At their core, both Christmas and Easter revolve around the life of Jesus — his birth at Christmas and his death and resurrection at Easter. They are bookends of the Christian salvation story, reminding believers not just of who Jesus was, but why he matters.

This theological connection is often overlooked in the midst of chocolate and tinsel, yet it’s what binds the two holidays so closely together in Christian belief.

Final Thoughts

Though wrapped in different symbols and celebrated in different seasons, Christmas and Easter are more alike than we often realise. Both tell stories of hope, renewal, and the enduring light that shines through even the darkest times. Whether you’re gathering with family at a twinkling Christmas table or sharing hot cross buns on a spring morning, you’re part of a long tradition that celebrates the same profound truths.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s something worth carrying with us year-round.

The Best Easter Gifts for Christmas Lovers: A Festive Twist on Springtime Giving

Easter might be all about bunnies, bonnets, and chocolate eggs, but if you have a friend or family member who lives and breathes Christmas year-round, why not give their Easter a festive twist? 

For those who never quite come down from the holly-jolly high of December, there are plenty of ways to surprise them with Easter gifts that channel their love of the Yuletide season.

Here are some delightfully merry Easter gift ideas that will make any Christmas lover’s spring feel a little more like winter wonderland:

1. Christmas-Themed Easter Eggs

Swap the pastel shades for rich reds, emerald greens, and golds. You can either decorate your own or find bespoke chocolate eggs adorned with snowflakes, reindeer, or even Santa himself. For an extra festive flourish, hide them in tiny Christmas stockings instead of baskets.

2. Festive Scented Candles

Evoke the cosiness of Christmas with scents like cinnamon, clove, gingerbread, or pine. While everyone else is filling their homes with floral spring aromas, your Christmas-loving pal will be basking in the warm glow of mulled wine and fresh fir.

3. A Christmas Book to Tide Them Over

From heartwarming Christmas romance novels to cosy murder mysteries set in snowy villages, a festive read is the perfect Easter weekend indulgence. Bonus points if you pair it with a mug of cocoa and a themed bookmark.

4. Easter Stocking Filled with Christmas Treats

Who says stockings are just for Christmas morning? Fill one with mini mince pies, candy canes, or Christmas-flavoured teas (yes, that’s a thing). Add a quirky bauble or a tiny nutcracker ornament to make it truly special.

5. “Countdown to Christmas” Easter Calendar

Turn the concept of an Advent calendar on its head with a “Countdown to Christmas from Easter” calendar. Include 12 or 24 mini surprises (think: mini chocolates, little trinkets, or festive quotes) that lead up to their own personal "Halfway to Christmas" celebration.

6. A Christmas Playlist on a Custom USB or Vinyl

For the person who plays Mariah Carey in July, why not give them a springtime excuse to keep the tunes going? Create a curated playlist of Christmas classics and newer hits on a keepsake USB or even a novelty vinyl if they’re a collector.

7. Personalised Christmas Decoration with an Easter Twist

Think: baubles with bunnies, or ornaments engraved with “Happy Easter – Only 247 Days ‘til Christmas!” It’s quirky, cute, and totally in tune with their festive obsession.

8. A Christmas-in-Spring Hamper

Put together a gift basket with hot chocolate, peppermint bark, a festive mug, and a spring-themed Christmas film (like Rise of the Guardians, which blends holiday spirit and seasonal magic). Add a bunny wearing a Santa hat for maximum crossover appeal.

Final Thoughts

Christmas lovers don’t need a calendar to tell them when it’s time to celebrate. Easter is the perfect opportunity to indulge their festive passion with a bit of creativity and a lot of sparkle. Whether it’s a snowy-scented candle or a chocolate egg wrapped in tinsel, a little Christmas cheer in April might be just what they need.

After all, in the hearts of true Christmas lovers, it’s always the most wonderful time of the year.