Advent post No.5: Winter Wonderland at the Garden Centre

[callmemadam]

Garden centres have had a hard year of it, with the terrible weather making it hard for people to stay interested in their sodden gardens. So it’s even more important that they recoup some of their losses at Christmas. Our garden centre has gone OTT as usual with a startling display. As you walk in, you are greeted by huge furry reindeer, almost life size. Singing creatures on wires whiz about above your head. There are table settings, variously colour themed, and aspirational Christmas sets.

My favourite model snowy village has expanded this year, taking up a large area complete with ski slope and skiers, a Ferris wheel and a fish shop.



My least favourite novelty is probably this hideous creature, which sings Rockin’ Robin non-stop.



There’s no escaping cup cakes these days; surely they’ve has their day by now? Knitted and crocheted tree decorations are trending, as are trimmings which look like boiled sweets. Even I could make this: cut out a cardboard star, wrap different coloured yarns around it, fix on a hanger and hey presto! an on-trend tree. Might be fun for your children.



This white and silver set is tasteful but but reminded me of Miss Havisham’s table.



For the newborn in your family, here’s baby’s first Christmas, complete with any number of pastel gifts and decorations.



The best way to enjoy Christmas is of course to curl up with all your new books.

Comments

[gwendraith.livejournal.com]

How charming, even the Miss Havisham's table look-a-like :) Garden centres are providing some of the best Christmas cheer and fun places to take the children :)

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Indeed, and ours has *real reindeer*! There's an AA sign on our road directing traffic to 'Santa and his real reindeer'. It's so popular you have to book your children's tickets in advance.

[gwendraith.livejournal.com]

Ours has a *real reindeer*, too! It must be catching on. I wonder where they get them from? Ours is not every day, just weekends although that might change once the school holidays start :)

[aellia.livejournal.com]

I sometimes think that people would be willing to pay a pound or two to get in the garden centres when they put up the decorations. It would help them a little.
I have a photo of me in a pram just like that!
xx

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm sure most people spend once they're inside!

I like big old prams.

[ramblingfancy.livejournal.com]

Now I know it's Christmas. I look for this post from you every year. It's better than actually going :) Thank you so much for cards too. Looking forward to seeing you before too long I hope!

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

Ha ha, glad to save you the trouble. Yes, hope we can meet up soon.

[gghost.livejournal.com]

How lovely! Thank you so much for sharing.

[callmemadam.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! It's too good to keep to myself.