It’s almost December. The most wonderful time of the year. What I like most about it is the weeks leading up to Christmas day and I try to get organised in time so that I can fully enjoy each day and the little things, which is truly what makes this month so special, without the stress of doing everything on the run or last minute shopping. So I’ve thought of a few guidelines of how to be prepared for a heartmade Christmas in the lead up to my favourite holiday. Feel free to add your own suggestions.
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First of all, have you bought your Christmas greeting cards? Write them by hand (or you can even make them entirely by yourself): it’s enough to show that you care. Mulberry Muse has some of my favourite Christmas cards and gift tags. Subsequently, make sure to pack a basket with wrapping paper, gift tags, ribbons, pens and scissors so you have everything at hand when you begin to wrap presents. Keep in mind the ‘thank you’ notes too: a kind gesture to show your appreciation for a present. You can win a beautiful hand-printed thank you set by entering this Besotted Brand giveaway.
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Homemade sweets beautifully packed make one of the most thoughtful gifts. Everyone will appreciate them. Plus, wouldn’t it be wonderful to have homemade goodies (gingerbread cookies is the first thing that comes into my mind) in your home everyday for everyone in the house and guests to enjoy? Maybe you don’t do this as often as you’d like, although we have all become aware of the benefits of healthy eating, and there’s no better month than December to get into this habit.
Homemade jam or tea bags filled with plants you yourself have picked and dried go a long way too. They can be meant for those who are not on the list to buy gifts for or for those who can drop by unexpectedly. Plus, a personalised bouquet of flowers/a bottle of good wine offered with any of the aforementioned couldn’t be more perfect for your business partners. You should also start thinking up the Christmas menu too, so gather your cooking books and make notes.
If you are like me, and buy part of the gifts online, especially books and films (thank you, Amazon), you should already order them to make sure they arrive or reach their recipients in time. As for the other presents, you know best what your loved ones wish for, but I’d like to suggest one thing: visit the local, artisan shops (for unique small leather goods for example) in your area: it’s a wonderful idea for everyone on your list and especially for those who have everything.
Stock up with classic Christmas films: spread them out and enjoy them throughout December. Of course you don’t have to watch only Christmas movies, maybe you want to enjoy your favourite films again (I don’t know why, but I love re-watching The Thin Man series this time of year) or you can check our entire list of recommendations here. To be enjoyed by scented candlelight and with a cup of jasmine tea (I had an incredible jasmine tea at a Chinese restaurant here in Bucharest and although I keep trying to make it at home, it simply isn’t that good. Update: I have found a great jasmine tea at Cărtureşti).
As soon as December kicks in, I like to deck the house (except for the Christmas tree, which we usually decorate a week before Christmas) to get into the holiday spirit. I like to keep it simple and natural as much as possible: a wreath here and there or a basket of pine cones is all you need for an elegant and warm look.
It may already be too late, but you may still find tickets to that special show you don’t want to miss in December: a ballet, a concert, a play or simply bookmark in the calender the day a film you are looking forward to launches in cinemas and make time to go see it.
Have a wonderful week and get ready to wholeheartedly enjoy December!
For a touch of class and in the spirit of Christmas, all the products in the images selected are hand-made.
photos: 1 (edited by me),2-letter press and laser-cut handmade paper thank you cards, a fine press / 3-Sharyn Cairns, styling by Lauren Camilleri, home life / 4,5-home life, styling by Claire Delmar / 6-1hundred project, via Lovely Package / 6-“The Thin Man” custom show cards, Behance
I think I’ll start getting into Christmas mood once December is here… Beautiful and very classy guide! x
I absolutely love this time of the year. I can’t wait to put my decorations up and go shopping for gifts. Thanks so much for all these tips and gift ideas!
xxx
Love your suggestions Ada. I usually bake some cookies or cakes and together with a bottle of wine these make great gifts when you’re visiting homes over the holidays. This year I will be spending time on making my own cards too – fingers crossed. I’m looking forward to putting up the tree soon too. It’s rolling in so quickly isn’t it? Have a lovely week Ada xx
Happy Monday! It sure is the most wonderful time of the year 🙂
I love the idea of receiving home-made gifts but I can never quite organise myself to send them! I needed this nudge today Ada! I am going to try and do some home-made biccies for Christmas and will be ordering my Amazon goodies later this week!
We sure are colour buddies today and I love your recommendations. This post makes me happy! Thanks for including the giveaway. We’ll be baking Sigrun’s cinnamon cookies next Sunday to really get into the mood while decorating the tree. Before we put the tree up just a few days before Christmas but now, because of the Santa tradition over here, we do it in the beginning of December.
it’s so interesting to read about everyone’s holiday traditions… i’m curious about waiting until a week before Christmas to decorate the tree. most times, if i wait that long, it doesn’t get done!
What wonderful tips to get into the holiday spirit and prepare for Christmas. I actually do most of my Christmas shopping during the year so I can just enjoy the holiday season when it finally arrives. I just love viewing the Christmas shop windows on Fifth Ave.
Rowena @ rolala loves
Beautiful post, Ada. So thoughtful of you to remind us of wonderful activities that will make the holiday special and more memorable. I also think the tree should be done not more than 10 days before Christmas, so it is fresh and fragrant all through Christmas and Epiphany. Since my birthday is Jan 9th, I try to stretch it so the decorations and celebrations continue until then. Although most people are ready to move on before it comes to my birthday. 🙂
Have a really wonderful, cozy week! xoxo
Reading this made me wish it was Christmas! Can’t wait for it!
Beautiful post and lovely photos! 🙂
These are all beautiful ideas Ada; I really love the one about preparing gifts for unexpected visitors who come over – very clever! xx
These are beautiful Ada, very delicate and dreaming.
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