Christmas Happiness

So I think we've established that I'm a big fan of Christmas, especially family traditions, and making decorations. 

Decorating the tree with the girls was fun, despite 18 month old Isla shouting 'ballball' as she lobbed baubles across the room. Needless to say anything precious is safely near the top of the tree!

Here are a few areas in the house that we've made festive. I went a bit 1980s nostalgic in the playroom and put up tinsel along the curtain rail, had to be done when Nick was out (he's a member of the anti-tinsel brigade). I tend to add decorations that we've made right up to the 25th, any excuse to create!

Exploring Our New Garden

Our new garden is very mature, and was beautifully kept by the previous owner (well her gardener anyway!). Having been very focussed on getting the house to a reasonable state, I haven't spent much time in the garden so far. Nick and the girls spend a good few hours each weekend out there. I had a good nose around on Sunday, in between torrential rain and thunderstorms and took the photos below. I don't think the garden has fully accepted that it's Autumn, and I discovered some beautiful organic patterns and colours as well as what I think are quince?!