Crafty Threads 'n' Yarns

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

I'm trying to remain calm.....but since our little 'incident' on Wednesday anything Christmas prepation related has gone totally out of the window. I thought I had this weekend to do a bit of last minute shopping and to sort the house out, get the tree up etc. but instead of that we spent yesterday tidying things up and fitting new locks and all of today fitting our burglar alarm. At least that's done now. It seems to work ok anyway so I do feel a bit better now that's done.

So - we won't be having much of a homemade Christmas this year. We've decided to just go to Waitrose and buy whatever nice stuff that takes our fancy. There's only us and Dad for Christmas anyway so we don't need to go mad. I need to ice the cake sometime as OH has made a lovely job of it (smells good anyway). I haven't bought a present for my best friend yet - but I've known her for 20 years so I think she'll understand Rolling Eyes

Just about to order a couple more things for OH - really hope they arrive in time as one of them is his pressie from Dad.

We did manage to go and get our tree this afternoon - we've been getting one from the same chap for about 5 years now. He didn't have many to choose from as we're a bit late this year. Our little mini brough it home on his roof rack - looked quite funny Very Happy

We'll probably set it up tomorrow and give it a day or so to rest before we decorate it. Might feel more Christmassy in here then.

Right - time for a bit of retail therapy I think.

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Jobo · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 4097 Location: East Sussex

Getting stuff from Waitrose sounds like a good idea after what you have been through this week Sprite Confused

My contribution to Christmas cooking so far was buying three jars of mincemeat yesterday - pies will be made next week Cool

Sprite64 · Joined: 28 Dec 2006 Posts: 2879

YarnAddict · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 2205

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's panicking about Christmas. I'm not looking forward to it at all. Far too much left to do.
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Anna · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:47 pm Post subject:

There is nothing wrong with bought - especially from Waitrose Very Happy

Homemade is only better if you're a reasonable cook and you have the time and inclination to do it. I'd rather eat a bought mince pie than a badly made home baked one - but then I don't make my own Yorkshire puddings, much to my sister's horror (but then she wouldn't either if she had two jobs - one which involved work at home and a mother to care for). Oh dear that turned into a rant, sorry 'bout that.

What I really set out to say is that if you don't have the time/energy to ice your cake just warm some apricot jam in a pan and brush it onto the top of your cake. Decorate with dried fruit and nuts and, if desired, glaze again with the warm jam. It looks just as classy as traditional icing, takes a quarter of the time and a lot less effort!
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"I can resist everything except temptation" - Oscar Wilde.

*Anna*

n · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:01 pm Post subject:

I bought twelve mince pies today!

n
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Fi · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:03 pm Post subject:

Sprite it is understandable at the moment, I personally think you are doing the right thing, it will take the pressure off a bit.

Lots of hugs

Fi
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Nevisknitter · Joined: 27 May 2007 Posts: 2184 Location: scotland

Well, I have just written my christmas card, seems like christmas is ages away until a look at the advent candle and reality hits.
I make mince pies, but use frozen pastry and bought mince meat, the kids usually help too so its something for them to do on christmas eve. This year DD has been doing cooking at school so may leave mince pies to her.

Anna, i always buy yorkshire puds, i can never get them to rise when i make them at home, but rarely buy cakes and buns as I enjoy making those.

Jobo · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 4097 Location: East Sussex

I always buy yorkshire puds too - frozen ones are better than my home made efforts Laughing

Aknita · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 10:12 pm Post subject:

I've said this before but it bears saying again! We all put so much pressure on ourselves to do the "right" thing - yes I've made my mince pies but the mincemeat was bought, so what, it tastes better than mine did when I made it. I've made my cake but the icing an marzipan are ready rolled. Does it really really matter? Not at all IMO.

All my family together, that's what matters, what TRULY matters to me anyway. We could eat egg and chips on Christmas day for all I care.

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