57 Comments
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Julia Reis's avatar

Such a lovely read, JP! Totally on board with the 'doing me' Christmas: As much natural greenery as time, energy and space in my cottage allows, but plenty of Christmas delights; sparkling, repaired and homemade, that bring back the annual flood of memories and reminiscing. I love all your links supporting some fabulous businesses, long may Christmas be about spreading love and kindness as far as we can. Oh and SOO late to the party, I only managed to read 'The Holiday' article a few days ago, but it was BRILLIANT!

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JP Clark's avatar

I love being able to support small businesses that I love on here. It all helps. Thank you so much Julia.

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Frances's avatar

What a comprehensive guide post, JP! My parents' faux tree has had a good innings, over 30 years, and so many decorations which I'm presently going through, now Mum's gone, so full of nostalgia. I love how you gift your guests Swarovski crystal ornaments, so special. I'm very happy to see the Sweary Bingo game. Any excuse!😅 And, strangely, I find myself suddenly interested in Christmas jumpers, who knew ???especially the Ralf Lauren one.

Thank you for sharing. And thanks so much for including me in your Christmas list. It means the world!

Happy Wednesday.

Frannyx

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JP Clark's avatar

He’s a bit lush isn’t he! 🤣🤪

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Frances's avatar

Just a tad! 😋😅

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Moira's avatar

☺️

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Moira's avatar

Such a lovely list, JP and thank you for not excluding the more affordable; it’s such an expensive, tempting time of year. I love Franny’s wild wreaths, thank you for the introduction.

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JP Clark's avatar

Oh it’s my pleasure Moira. Yes, nothing worse than seeing a list where everything is extortionately priced. Franny is a fellow H&H subscriber too Moira.

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Frances's avatar

Thank you so much, Moira.😊

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Madelin Menacho's avatar

I’m enjoying your Christmas list and appreciate the specific selections including those for those for us on the other side of the pond.

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JP Clark's avatar

Thank you and you are most welcome.

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Deborah Frost's avatar

I bought the bells and just to say they are gorgeous and such good value. Each one is different and on velvet ribbon in lovely colours - I put them in the tree yesterday and I’m DELIGHTED with them! They ring too!

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JP Clark's avatar

Oh that’s wonderful to hear Debbie.

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S M's avatar

Thank you JP, some lovely inspiration there.

Here’s a suggestion for an alternative Christmas card game that some friends and I played last week:

It’s available on most platforms-

Really Good Conversations

The card game to get people talking.

I can highly recommend xx

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JP Clark's avatar

Thanks so much for this.

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Tidbits's avatar

Those mid-century paper house baubles are quite nice.

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JP Clark's avatar

I love those

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I’m after the Sweary Bingo JP (The link didn’t open it btw, but i searched and found) and the glass truck!

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JP Clark's avatar

Yes, I don’t know why. I’ve tried it many times. It is the right link, but for some reason it directs you back to Hive’s home page and you have to type into their search. I’ve changed it to an Amazon link. I bought it last night! 🤣

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Steph James's avatar

Ok, I’ve just spent the last 10 minutes reading this, and shouting, “Alexa, add (insert most of the items from the article here) to my shopping list!” Thank you so much for all of your hard work JP! That’s my decorations and a heap of presents sorted for me this year…. You’re an absolute star! So well written (as always), and the hyperlinks are a real bonus. 🎄

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JP Clark's avatar

Steph you’ve just made a terrible day a perfect one. Thank you xx

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Steph James's avatar

So sorry to hear that you’ve had a terrible day. I hope today is a lot brighter for you. 🫶

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JP Clark's avatar

Thanks Steph. X

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Jonno's avatar

JP this has helped me out so much. Thank you!

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JP Clark's avatar

My pleasure

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Debbie's avatar

You’ve made me feel quite festive JP, coupled with this morning’s glorious sunlit frost, so thank you! Xx

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JP Clark's avatar

Oh that’s made me happy!

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Rebecca Geddes's avatar

I wish I had started the collecting of a bauble each year for the tree years ago. Never mind - I will start now with the greenhouse one. It will be perfect for Mr G who can be quite grumpy about Christmas (not like me!) and I am sure it will bring a smile to his grumpy chops! Thank you again for your hard work on this list! 🥰

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JP Clark's avatar

That greenhouse bauble is wonderful. I have one! Thank you Rebecca

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Penny Albertella's avatar

The wreaths are gorgeous! I’ve plumped for a half faux tree this year. A bit of a change from our two real trees and our twig tree! However our tiny new house needs a different approach. It’s a shame we won’t have a grandchildren tree - I’m trying to decide whether to let them out their decorations on our half tree (we have bought them me every year) as they have quite a few. We have plumped for an outdoor twig type tree this year too. So many decisions to be made in a new abode! I’ve hit bannisters to decorate for the first time in a very long time! Xxx

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JP Clark's avatar

Sounds like you’ve got quite a bit of decorating to do. I’m slightly bereft, as I’ve only just realised I don’t have any mantelpieces!

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Dollydaw's avatar

Very helpful guide, thank you ❤️

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JP Clark's avatar

Thank you so much.

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Erin Henderson's avatar

Oh how I WISH I started collecting Swarovski ornaments way back when, when I started decorating my own tree. Such a fabulously elegant marking of the years. In Toronto, the Eaton Centre shopping mall puts up a huge three story tree in the centre of the mall all decorated in Swarovski. It’s under a massive glass skylight so it glitters forever. ✨

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JP Clark's avatar

Oh my goodness I bet that is spectacular! You must take a photo when you are there for me.

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Erin Henderson's avatar

It's breathtaking. If there was a way to post photos in comments I would. I'll add it to Notes!

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Biden's avatar

Really enjoy all your musings and information leading up to Christmas, gives me so many ideas that I can try out. Will definitely be upgrading on my tree this year. Thank you 🤩

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JP Clark's avatar

You are most very welcome.

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