GETTING FESTIVE WITH PANDORA

Uhh, happy November?! And before you ask – no. It’s not too early to start talking Christmas.

Especially when we’re talking getting into the festive spirit with some gingerbread making, bellini sipping and gift giving. And especially when it includes one of the most elegant, classic jewellery brands around – Pandora. They have just released a new range of pieces for the gifting season. Perfect for a special lady in your life. And I must say, it’s beaut.

I was lucky enough to be invited to an evening at The Ivy Marketgrill with Pandora for a gingerbread house making workshop and some fab food and company in celebration of the new range. And to get into the festive spirit (it worked).

Spoiler alert – I will never be a professional gingerbread house maker. However I did feel like a big kid.

The whole get up was very impressive. I was immersed in the pretty lights and garlands, and of course the Christmas music! You can’t not be happy when listening to Christmas music. It looked like something straight off a Pinterest board. And I’ve definitely got major inspiration for some Christmas decor! We were greeted with some bubbly and had some time to speak to everyone and get to know one another. I doesn’t get easier going to things on your own but everyone was so lovely! We then sat down for a bit of a chat about Christmas (my favourite sort of chat) and their new range.

I left that evening feeling oh so ready for the festive season. And it got me thinking a little bit more about how to prepare for Christmas. Yes, yes. It’s only November 1st however it’ll fly by. And next thing you know you’ll be going to parties and getting those ‘Okay who’s bringing what to the Christmas staff lunch?’ emails. So now is the time to do the boring prep so you’re all ready to enjoy the festive period. And here’s how…

START SAVING AND BUDGETING

I always forget just how expensive Christmas is. It’s not just gifts. It’s the catching up with friends back for Christmas, it’s the constant Christmas coffees as you can’t resist the snowman cups, it’s the events and activities. It all adds up and just putting a little bit away helps take the stress away. Of course some people may have even finished their shopping. But I can’t keep up with that sort of organisation. Instead I put a little bit away a week, as I get paid weekly, just so when Christmas shopping comes around I don’t have to worry.

Also know your budget. Alas bills don’t stop just because it’s Christmas. So know what money is going in/out that month. Because if you’re anything like me and stress over money all too much you’re going to find yourself rocking in a corner. It doesn’t have to be very in-depth, just a brief overview.

LISTS GALORE

Oh I love a good list. Don’t we all? And Christmas is just a massive list-fest for me. What to buy for people, content to make, places to go, food to make, your Christmas card list. The whole month is down in some form of list. But it’s a fab way to get prepared. Just by popping everything down on paper can help get your shit a little bit more together. Maybe start updating your diary with things that you’re going to do. Or make sure you get everything done before the big day.

Told you I wasn’t good at icing…

START SHOPPING

I don’t mean just presents. The food, decor, wrapping paper, cards. These things run out so quickly. And you don’t want to be rushing around come December, in the massive crowds. Only to find only a half open roll of wrapping paper and some Christmas cards that have some weird joke on and most likely aren’t grandma appropriate. Just having those things in ready means you can enjoy the festivities and make tasks like writing and wrapping a little easier, as everything’s there.

I always start window shopping for Christmas presents around this year. And then have one big Christmas-y day of shopping closer to December to get myself in the spirit. So if you’re like me this is a great time to start getting ideas. Looking at what will work with your budget and it’ll also help give you an idea of how much to save!

Before this post becomes 10000 words long, a quick thank you to Pandora for a lovely evening and the lovely goodies. Definitely go check out their collection! Okay, I’ll try hold out on the festive posts for a few more weeks now…

E x