Christmas Wrap-Up

In an ideal world, by now you'd have all your Christmas shopping chosen, purchased and beautifully wrapped, complete with ribbons, bows and gift tags. Your halls would be decked with boughs of holly, as well as tinsel, mistletoes and other tasteful Christmas decorations carefully selected to colour-coordinate with your décor. The kitchen would be stocked with liquor and food aplenty, and there'd be nothing left to do but lounge on the sofa with an eggnog and a plate of mince pies, awaiting the bonanza of cracking Christmas telly, and a few well-earned days of eating, boozing and catching up with friends and family.

But, alas and alack, it doesn't always work out that way, does it? If you're anything like me, there'll still be tons to do before you can slob out in your pjyamas, tuck into Christmas pudding for breakfast, and get so blitzed on festive booze that the flashing of the fairylights on the tree start to look slightly psychedelic.

If you're in need of a few extra accessories to make you feel festive, then how about stringing this handmade bunting over the fireplace:


It's £24.95, from Hunkydory Home. Each string of bunting features flags made using fabric from vintage scarves and dresses, appliquéd with hand-printed Christmas messages and images, and finished with glossy red ribbon and feathery white wool.

Or, if you're not satisfied with a Christmas tree decked out with baubles, jinglebells, reindeer, and other traditional festive decorations then maybe this set of six wooden decorations featuring iconic London symbols might suit you. They're £15, from Designers Choice.

And last but not least, this small but perfectly-formed hand-painted ceramic Christmas pudding will make a cute and cheeky table accessory, and would be perfect for serving brandy custard and other such saucy delights. It's only £3.95, from the dotcomgiftshop. Time to eat, drink, and be merry!