Tag Archives: Christmas

The Penguins Party!

I’m a bit obsessed with penguins at the moment!

I saw the John Lewis advert last week (the beginning of November for heaven’s sake, far too early…but adorable all the same!)

http://youtu.be/iccscUFY860

…and in a parallel universe I would definitely have a pet penguin, Higgins would love a little friend.

However, it got me thinking about making something a bit different this year for my stall at the Two Rivers Trail Festive Fair. With that in mind I’ve made some needlefelt penguins and I thought I’d drop in here for some opinions…

So here’s my little Penguin Party…

And the question is, do I or don’t I add little knitted scarves, and would they be better with or without a hanger for the tree? I’ve thought about too much and need a second opinion! What you think?

And finally thank you you for the lovely comments after my last post. It’s so good to know you enjoy calling in to Planet Penny. Higgins, as always, is basking in the admiration of his fans (and really doesn’t want to play second fiddle to some silly penguins!) Back soon…x

Christmas Countdown – Day Twenty Three

As we reach the end of the Christmas Countdown it’s time to relax with a glass of something seasonal. Last year I shared the Planet Penny Mulled wine recipe which you will find by clicking the link below…

Planet Penny Advent Calendar 2102

However, it does pack quite a ‘punch’ (excuse the pun!) so here’s a seasonal drink which can be enjoyed by the designated driver, and anyone who is trying to avoid imbibing too much Christmas cheer!

recipetips.com

This one looks incredibly decadent… Baileys and coffee…

whattodrink.com

I think I might lose the candy cane though, coffee and mint doesn’t quite do it for me.

For something clean, fresh and festive though, this last one would do the trick. You’ve just got to plan ahead, so I’m looking forward to Christmas 2014!

Gingerfire – The Guardian

Well, I’m off to finish packing. As you read this we will be travelling to the South Coast to spend Christmas with our grandsons and other extended family. I hope you have enjoyed this Christmas Countdown of ideas and inspiration and it has been useful, not just for this year but for Christmases to come.

Thank you all for your comments and visits over the past year, it’s been lovely. There will be one more post before the big day so don’t forget to call back tomorrow…

Until then…x

Christmas Countdown – Day Twenty Two

Today I’m making no apology for reprising the Planet Penny Christmas Trifle which is so easy, and extremely delicious. Just click the image to find the recipe.

Planet Penny Advent Calendar 2012

It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I need to turn up somewhere with a pudding. It’s hasn’t failed to impress, and is usually one of the first dishes to be cleared. In fact I usually end up missing out on a spoonful myself!

Most of the ingredients can be found in the store cupboard to make a basic version, and you can vary the ingredients to make it a luscious as you like!

I’m off to the kitchen now, I have guests to feed this evening.

Guess what we are having?!

See you tomorrow…x

Christmas Countdown – Day Twenty One

Day twenty one of the Christmas Countdown…it’s the shortest day, and the longest night. A good time to be thinking about candles I think!

Last year for the Advent Calendar I made these tealight holders from an assortment of pretty jars I had collected …

Planet Penny Advent Calendar – Day Twenty one

I would love to fill my mantelpiece with little houses…

Adorable Home

And maybe next Christmas I could do it with card (although I’d stock up with battery powered tealights first of course!) These look very simple to do…

Craft Ideas

…and there is a template…

Craft Ideas

And if all else fails you could raid the kitchen…

Domesticalia

tea lights in ladles - Christmas Countdown

Kick Can and Conkers

I’ve had my own lighting story yesterday. As we will be visiting the family for Christmas and won’t be here for the actual day I decided it would be a waste to buy a large tree this year, I would use the little one I had for the fair. It’s pot grown and a lovely shape, just very small.

I decorated it when I was full of cold and I admit my heart wasn’t in it. The old lights from the big tree looked ridiculous and every time I looked at it I cringed. It was all decided for me when the old lights died. I got up yesterday morning, removed all the decorations, headed to the nearest town where fairy lights were reduced and bought not just one, but two sets. The tree is now re-decorated and lit and the room has fairy lights all around it and I feel soooo much more festive!

All set for younger son and daughter plus their ‘significant others’ to join us this evening to celebrate the Winter Solstice and the drawing out of the days…

I’ll be back tomorrow…x

Christmas Countdown – Day Twenty

Oooh, not long now! Day Twenty of the Christmas Countdown and there’s something else to hang on the tree, a paper songbird.

If you click on the image below you will find a link to the pattern for this little fellow, and of course, you can make him any colour you like!

Christmas tree decoration | bird | paper | music |

Planet Penny Advent Calendar 2012

This is an even simpler shape. No pattern, but it shows that it would be very easy to make your own individual pattern and then make a whole flock of little birds. Great fun for the children to decorate.

ebabee likes

These fringed and cut paper birds are effective. It would be nice to curl some of those feathers for an exotic effect.

Karin Lidbeck

I love this little birdy from Miss Clara, so many pretty things on her blog…

The Notebooks of Miss Clara

And finally… book art. Isn’t this stunning? I’m not suggesting you should try and knock up a table centre like this before the big day. Just make a cuppa, there’s another beautiful blog to look at!

My Modern Met

So I shall flutter off just now, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow…x

Christmas Countdown – Day Nineteen

Looking back to last year’s Advent Calendar for today’s Christmas Countdown inspiration I find the ‘Bows’ tutorial.

I spent years fiddling with wonky bows until I figured this one out! It’s come in very useful for making Christmas decorations and if you spend a little time on a bow making session they are very useful as a quick decorative fix when present wrapping.

Planet Penny Bow Tutorial

I tend towards the country homespun look normally, but if you want something a little bit more fanciful and froufrou-ish this is a clever use of a fork…

Useful DIY

I really love this wreath, amazing how simple hessian can look so stylish…

angolodellamicizia.forumfree.it/

Combining unadorned pine cones with hessian tape bows and plain rope makes a garland which would look beautiful draped down a banister or across a mantelpiece.

home.made.

I’d better go and do some present wrapping and make a few more bows of my own!

See you tomorrow as we continue the Christmas Countdown!…x