11 Weeks Until Christmas

ELEVEN WEEKS! I hear you cry! Yup, it's about to get real. Time to start thinking about where Christmas will be this year, any travel plans and of course how you are going to decorate. I take Christmas very seriously. I plan weeks and weeks in advance and come the first of December my gorgeous tree goes up and I make myself sick on gingerbread and candy-canes. The usual dinner plates go away and out come the red ones with snowflakes, I agree snow flakes seem a bit weird on a hot summers day but it is Christmasy so just go with it! Christmas should be a time for visiting friends and family, sharing good food and presents. Presents don't need to be big or showy, sometimes something small and thoughtful will really mean the most. Start thinking about the people you would like to give gifts too and keep an eye out for sales! A gorgeous vase at 30% off is still the same vase and you may have enough left for a good bottle of wine. If you are hosting a few Christmas get togethers now is a great time to start your grocery shopping. Most shops now have their Christmas stock on display and lots of the items will have a long shelf life. If you grab one or two items each week there won't be one big scary shop at the end. Start a spreadsheet for who is doing what, if you are hosting a party or if you are travelling keep track of when you are leaving, start to book in your pet-sitters and organise those Christmas cards. Like all good events planning ahead will save you time and stress!