This week winter has well and truly started with snow in many parts of the country. Such a shame it didn’t come all the way down to Lewes. I love seasonal changes, especially frosty mornings, crunchy leaves, venturing outside and coming home afterwards to snuggle up with hot chocolate and watch a family movie.
Ideas for Natural Christmas Decorations
We spent an afternoon making this cute little rosemary and sage wreath and these tiny herb decorations. Such a gorgeous smell!
rosemary & sage wreath and herb decorations
Our Trip to Wild Sussex
The most beautiful ancient oak-framed barn at the Wood Yard near the old Stopham bridge is home to Wild Sussex.
Ancient barn with twinkling fairy lights
You can pick up locally sourced logs, hardwoods, kindling, charcoal, eco-friendly firelighters, log candles, handcrafted goods, hand-dipped beeswax candles and a wide variety of sustainable and seasonal products, like Mestó artisan, cold extracted Extra Virgin Olive Oil and hand-blended spices by Seven Sisters Spices.
Wild Sussex also work with talented Sussex makers and sell their items, for example beautiful wood-fired pottery by Tina Bowbrick and original Sussex trugs handcrafted in Herstmonceux. We came home with a gorgeous ceramic mug, naturally formed magic wand and some yummy raw Pulborough Honey.
Real Sussex trug handcrafted in Herstmonceux
During December in the run up to Christmas the shop turns into something very magical. A place where you can pick up your own locally grown Christmas tree, toast Marshmallows over the fire pit, eat Dry-aged beef burgers from Garlic Wood Farm (with a vegetarian option available) and make Christmas decorations with your children.
What Paul and Sam have created is so special! I love how they bring the community together. We can’t wait to go back again!
Making a Simple Winter Wreath
Every year I love foraging for wild ivy and making it into a simple and natural Christmas wreath. In actual fact I usually make two or three, so I can decorate our hallway, living room and kitchen. Bringing nature inside our home feels very calming and relaxing.
Pop over to Janice Issitt Lifestyle and Geoffrey & Grace with Melanie Barnes for more simple and natural Christmas styling ideas.
photo by @geoffreyandgrace
photo by @janiceissitt_life_style
Christmas Gift Guide
Have you read ‘The Community Independent Christmas Gift Guide’ by Kayte from Simple & Season ...I was over the moon to see our online shop included alongside other incredibly lovely independent shops and talented makers.
To help you choose something special for your friends and family we have put together a collection unique and handcrafted gifts for 'Her' and for 'Him'.
Oh, and if you’re still on the look out for a beautiful new calendar for 2018 check out Zoë Power’s Etsy shop. They’re gorgeous!
photo by @zoepower
Also look out for Beach Hut Cook by Elinor Hill for some amazing Christmas party food ideas.
photo by @beachhutcook
I hope you're feeling inspired for the festive season and enjoyed my recommendations. Have a peaceful Christmas and wonderful break with your families.
Dörte x (@lewesmap)
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