Monday 21 December 2009

Nearly There


Whilst shopping at the weekend I was pleased to see someone entering into the Christmas spirit! How are your preparations going? We're almost there, just the fresh food to buy on Christmas Eve. Hopefully, we'll be up and about early enough to get to Bridgnorth's bustling market and to indulge in a good hearty breakfast here as well. I've got my damson gin bottled ready to warm us on these cold winter evenings. Well actually, it's already been started and it's yummy, yummy yummy. Just the stuff needed to make watching Cranford on a Sunday evening even more enjoyable.



Most of the decorations are up.








Although I always leave some decorating for Christmas Eve because we have an abundance of ivy in the garden which just has to be one of the best things to bring into the house at this time of year.



New, snuggly Christmas pyjamas are ready



and I've been searching through these lovely books that Mr F surprised me with earlier this month.



Mr F. gave me another surprise at the weekend with a trip to see Wightwick Manor decorated for Christmas. I've been to this house at all times of year and it never fails to have the tingle factor. If I do ever win the lottery I will make the NT an offer they cannot refuse and move in to enjoy its Pre-raphaelite paintings and its William Morris decor - I'd be in Funky heaven!








We strolled around its magnicent rooms decorated in Christmas finery as we listened to the carol singers in the great hall. Their music followed us throughout the rooms and up to the minstrels gallery and even into the bedrooms leading off the landing. Everything looked wonderful with its natural Christmas greenery, flowers and candles - no balding tinsel here! I only wish that I could
have videoed the visit to share with you the atmosphere of my favourite place. You are not allowed to take photos of the interiors but Mr F. took one from the outside looking in. It's not brilliant but does give a little taste of its beauty, along with the painting of Janey Morris by Rossetti.


Sadly, they said I couldn't spend Christmas there, so I'll carry on with my preparations here in the Funkyhouse. Have a good Christmas ladies - don't work too hard, make sure you enjoy it.

15 comments:

Sal said...

Have a wonderful funky Christmas...I love those pyjamas!!!
;-)

Lizzie said...

Your post made me feel very Christmassy! I love Wightwick Manor too - I'm in the process of applying to be a volunteer there, fingers crossed that I am successful. Have a lovely Christmas.

Andi's English Attic said...

I really like the photo through the window. The reflection of the camera makes the pic look as though it was taken 100 years ago. I think you have a very atmospheric snap there. And thanks for the idea of hanging baubles on the wire heart. I have one with photos on at the moment. They're about to come off!

AC said...

what a lovely post I could have done with some of your Damson gin whilst watching Cranford last night it does look rather scrummy.
Hope you have a Merry Christmas.
Take care,
Alison.

Justine said...

ooo, is that a Waitrose/John Lewis Marmite jar I spy? I couldn't get hold of one for love nor money so am v jealous.
Love the "snow fall" in your photos!

Simone said...

You house looks lovely and cosy and I love the PJ's too! x

TAPESTRIESOFNATURE said...

LOVE YOUR PHOTOS. AS YOU PEOBABLY ALREADY KNOW, SHROPSHIRE IS MY FAVORITE AREA IN ENGLAND, SO YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT GOING TO BRIDGENORTH CREATES A YEARNING IN ME.
YOUR DAMSON WINE SOUNDS INTERESTING, AND WHAT A NICE CUSTOM TO HAVE. DO YOU HAV A RECIPE THAT YOU COULD SHARE?

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU.

...Nina Nixon... said...

Outstanding pictures and your fesivities look like they are coming along nicely.

Have a wonderful week and....

'Happy Christmas'

Nina x

harmony and rosie said...

Ditto with the PJs, they are gorgeous. I also love the Nutcracker - I just posted photos of our decorations (including a Nutcracker) on my blog.

Merry Christmas
Kate

Knitty, Vintage and Rosy said...

Lovely decorations! But the pajamas are to die for, where are they from? Adorable.

Lisa xo

Happy Christmas

Curlew Country said...

What a fab Christmassy trip, very festive! Love those snug looking pyjamas - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Father Christmas has some in his sleigh for me too.

Have a super Christmas Tracey and keep your eyes out for a little thing from me in the post. Sorry its taken me so long to get around to returning the give-away thank you!

love Stephxx

Dana said...

Gorgeous photos and a lovely blog! Christmas greetings from a snow-covered Sweden!

Thedarkerside73 said...

Aww that dog is just so cute! What lovely festive pictures.

Hope you had a wonderful christmas and wishing you a Happy New Year too.



MBBx

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year~~!!!............................................................

Anonymous said...

Your home looked so pretty at Christmas :o)

Hope You are having a Lovely warm ans snug January weekend too xxx