Christmas survival guide
Christmas Survival Guide
Christmas time…Some love it and some can’t wait for it to be out the way but whether you love it or hate it, it’s almost here and you may as well start with the prep!
We have well got in to the festive spirit and done another web trawl for you to find the best Christmas stuff that is around at the mo to help you with gift ideas, Christmas cooking, festive events and other joyful activities to get you in the mood.
Check out our Christmas survival guide below, we bet you’ll find something to suit you…
Festive recipes
Stuff the Turkey
If you’re stuck in a turkey rut, why not go a bit out there and do something completely different for your dinner?? Try this Christmas spiced pork and Chestnut Wellington, a great alternative to the festive bird! Or if you just can’t break the tradition, ditch the turkey sarnies on boxing day and give it go. There are loads more alternative centrepiece ideas here.
The penguins are taking over
The new John Lewis Christmas ad, will see us going mad for penguins this year, it shows the story of Sam and his best friend ‘Monty’ the penguin. Since the ad aired they have actually sold out of the little Montys. So to avoid disappointment of not acquiring your own stuffed bird, get the kids involved in making these perky penguins…
If you haven’t seen it yet check out the new John Lewis ad here
An alternative to mulled wine
Love the idea of mulled wine, but fancy a change this year? A different take on it is this gorge mulled cider recipe from Jamie Oliver. Its dead easy, all you need is a good scrumpy and some Christmassy flavours to master it. The recipe.
Gifts and other lovely Christmassy stuff
Top 50 gift ideas under a tenner
Christmas can all get a bit expensive can’t it?? Thanks to the economy we all want to get the most for our precious pennies. There are loads of ideas about on the net on how to spend less or make our own pressies. But, If you’re not all that creative and haven’t really got the time to be crafting gifts, check out these brilliant ideas that are all under a tenner! Gift list…
Creative Countdown
Your countdown to Christmas doesn’t have to be opening the cardboard window everyday to find yet another choco shaped angel – get creative and make your own. There are absolutely tonnes of ideas out there, some are fabulously intricate and some are dead simple. From purchasing 24 little jars and adding a treat to each one, to crafting your own advent ornaments filled with hidden notes that get you in the Christmas spirit. Check out some of the best designs we found.
Homemade Ice Marbles
Check out these ice balls, really easy but look so effective. Just fill a balloon with water and add food colouring. Once they are frozen pull the balloon away to reveal giant ice marbles, line them up your garden path…
30 DIY luxury Christmas decs
Ornate and extravagant Christmas decs look the part, but can start to get a bit expensive, especially with all the other essentials mounting up. Take a look at these great ideas for making your own little luxury pieces for your home…
Christmas markets and events
All Saints Christmas Fair, Hoole – Sat 22nd Nov
Come down to the Hoole Christmas Fair at All Saints Church on Sat 22nd Nov. We were there last year, showcasing our fab homeshoots and it was really buzzing and full of festivities. There are lots of craft stalls offering unique and handmade gifts, plus we’ll be there again so pop over and say hello!
Ice Festival, Liverpool One – Fri 7th Nov – Sun 4th Jan.
Head over the water to experience Liverpool’s enchanting ice festival, which runs from 7th November – 4th January. Test your skating skills on the ice rink before relaxing with a drink in the Apres Bar. It also hosts the UK’s biggest ice slide, two huge slides measuring 30 metres each. Find out more and book online.
Winter Wonderland, Chester Racecourse – Fri 14th Nov – Wed 24th Dec
Closer to home is Chester’s very own winter wonderland. Enjoy skating on the ice rink, before heading over to the grotto where Father Christmas and his elves will be waiting to greet your children, everyone gets a gift. Book your visit to Santa online.
Chester Christmas Market, outside the Chester Town Hall – Thurs 20th Nov – Sun 14th Dec
Go and check out the Chester Christmas Market with all of its unique and wonderful stalls. There are 70 traditional wooden chalets offering everything from jewellery, to gifts, food and drink.
Capture your clan for Christmas
£90 in FREE prints and portraits! – Take advantage of our fab new Christmas offer, and get some brand new shots of you and your family for Christmas! Bounce prints, are also great stocking fillers for family and friends.
Christmas cards sorted – You could even personalise your own Christmas cards with your digital portraits. We have a fab range of unique festive card designs to choose from.
Gift vouchers – Are you struggling to think of something to buy for a friend or relative? Our Bounce homeshoot vouchers make the perfect present and start from £25. Gift Vouchers…
