If you love the traditional and cosy feeling that Christmas can offer, then a countryside themed day could be perfect for you.
We might not be able to guarantee you snow topped hills or a glimpse of Santa and his reindeer, but we can help you to plan your celebration to make it unique and memorable for all the right reasons. Here are some easy to follow ideas that you can work on leading up to the big day, which are both cost effective and sprinkled with a little bit of Christmas magic!
There’s nothing quite like the smell and look of a real Christmas tree, particularly one that you have chosen yourself. Visit a local pop-up Christmas tree retailer with your family and spend time together choosing the perfect one, be it the biggest and best or the smallest and most need of love. Be sure to measure your ceiling height before you commit to a tree in order to avoid a Christmas comedy moment where it will not fit into the house!
Decorating the tree as a family is a great way to bond and can be very creative too. Send the children out to collect pine cones, spray them with a snowy glitter and place them on the tree for an authentic countryside finish. Making your own garlands and wreaths can be very effective too, using holly and ivy that you have collected locally and using simple items from a craft shop to fit them together. You can add pieces of tartan ribbon to add colour and style, with seasonal berries at the centre for a festive finish.
Don’t forget to decorate your Christmas table too, with a homemade centerpiece that will catch the eye and be a real talking point with your guests. Use texture and colour that will stand out and be noticed, being careful not to go so big that you can’t fit your turkey on the table! If you are not the crafty type, try a stag ornament for the centre of your table, which will also make a wonderful gift if you are visiting someone else's home for the special day.
If you are lucky enough to live in the countryside then you will have great access to locally farmed meat and delicious locally grown vegetables that will be perfect for whipping up the best Christmas lunch. Even if you live in the city, you can find many British countryside farmed foods in most supermarkets, or can even order them directly from a farm shop for delivery. If this is your chosen method be sure to make your order early, as delivery slots are sure to fill up quickly.
There are of course some other traditional Christmas foods that can add a real countryside feel to your festivities. Roasting chestnuts over an open fire will fill your home with a lovely smell and is a fun activity that children will love to get involved with. Making your own mince pies and crumbles with berries and other fruits that you have picked or grown yourself will be a wonderful touch, as well as creating your own cranberry sauce which is incredibly easy to make.
Many of us are lucky to have time off over Christmas and will have children to entertain over the festive holidays. This is a great opportunity to take part in activities that are popular in the countryside and can add a traditional feel to your Christmas.
Christmas markets are a great way to pick up locally made gifts that are unique and extra special. Although big cities run their own festive markets, there is something wonderful about attending country markets and fetes, especially where you know you are supporting local businesses and will be made to feel like part of the community. Get involved with their carol singing events which often take place in the evening around large Christmas trees in the middle of the village square. And of course taking long walks with the family through the countryside is a great way to bond, experience nature in the winter and is perfect for working off the great tasting food that you have consumed throughout the festive season!
Merry Christmas to all of our customers!
