We wish you a vintage Christmas

It's that wonderful time of year again when we rush around buying gifts and preparing food to spend that magical day with our loved one's. In many ways I do like a traditional Christmas with reds, greens and golds however some might be shocked that I can't stand real Christmas tree's or tinsel lol. Here's a few Christmas ideas that I think some of you would love to try out.

For Christmas tree decorations I like a mix of modern, traditional and handmade pieces; your Christmas tree is unique to you and it's where you can really get creative and have all the family to join in.

Growing up a kid in the 90s I remember having these wooden figurines on our family tree and I was amazed to find they're still for sale.

Available to purchase from Paperchase £10 for 48 figures

With Christmas ever more becoming associated with commercialism, I think it's lovely to have some handmade pieces just to add that personal touch and not have a another mass produced item that you'll find in a hundred houses around the town. Bunting is really easy to make, take it from me being a VERY basic sewing machinist. You can create bunting for so many occasions and in so many different patterns and bring it out year after year. See below's tutorial from 'Living on the crafty side of life' for how to create your own.

How to make Christmas bunting tutorial

These clay gift tags also add another element of a personal touch and can be kept afterwards. Let the kids get stuck in making a few, finishing off the ones for them when they go to bed. This is another really simple Christmassy craft.

We love these personalised gift tags by Kirstie Allsop

Try them out here

And if you're stuck for outing ideas over the Christmas period? Why not take a trip to The Royal Opera House in the heart of London to watch the Christmas classic tale The Nutcracker and be swept away in the magic of Christmas. There's also lots to see and do in Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland including food & gift stalls, fairground rides, Santa's grotto and an outdoor ice rink it will keep the family occupied for hours.

Watch The Royal Ballet's production of The Nutcracker up until Jan 12th

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

And of course we couldn't forget the food. Check out this scrummy alternative to the traditional Christmas pudding by Great British Bake Off finalist Holly Wells.

Thank you Holly and Betty Bee for sharing this recipe