Sunday 20 December 2015

Ready and Waiting...

I am ready!  Ready to sit back and enjoy the season.  Well, as ready as I am going to be...I will of course have to top the mince pies off, the tin has already been replenished three times.  I have some ready to pop in the oven in the freezer and some pastry made in the fridge.  We have had a steady stream of visitors, both here and with my parents so the cake tins have been given a battering. 

I make simple cupcakes  and pop them in the freezer bringing a dozen or so out at a time and once they are defrosted give them a topping.  The last batch was a rocky road topping, I have to confess they were a little moreish.


 
Last years advent calendar was saved and the plastic mould used to make chocolate tops for a simple iced cake.  Saves a fortune on buying seasonal toppers.
 
 
The hot chocolate stirrers are made and ready to go...I pour melted chocolate into an ice cube tray, pop in a ice lolly stick or a candy cane and top with mini mallows or a large seasonal mallow.  I wrap in cellophane and tie with curling ribbon to pretty them up.
 

 
They can be as cheap or as expensive as you like, value chocolate can be bought for as little as 30p a bar.  One bar will make about 12.  We love the mallow on top but you could add candy cane shavings or chocolate shavings or a little cinnamon.  Give it a try and see what you prefer.
 
I have just made some mallow fudge to pop into bags to have on a table by the front door, the local Youth Group are coming around the village carol singing and I want something to give them.
 

 
It needs to be refrigerated for several hours before cutting into cubes and bagging.  Curling ribbon works perfectly for a pretty effect.
 
The cards have been made, written some with an additional letter,  posted and hopefully received.
 
The gifts have all been wrapped, posted, delivered or collected.
 
I am pleased with the overall effect of the finished décor, just an additional table to squeeze into the dining room so that we can all sit together.
 
For now, I have at the ready of pile of Christmas films to watch, some great classic Christmas music to listen to and baby quilt to make.  Bliss!   How are your preparations going?
 
See you soon.
 
 

 
 
 

21 comments:

  1. I'm feeling way behind now. I haven't even made up one batch of cookies. I took the butter out yesterday, but never got around it. I love the hot chocolate stirrer idea. I will have to try that.

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  2. Some great ideas here - love them all. It's been really hard to find peppermint candy canes here for some reason. They are all fruit flavour- not good for the peppermint bark I want to make. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas xxx

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  3. That all looks so delicious and I love the chocolate stirrers....what a fab idea.

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  4. You are a good organizer and you have everything planned so well. Thank you for sharing the chocolate stirrer and marsh fudge ideas.

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  5. What a wonderful idea to use the advent calendar for a mold!!!!!
    I never thought of that!!!!
    Have a wonderful,cozy week!!!

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  6. I made gingerbread this morning, a new recipe and it was not wonderful. I will repeat the exercise tomorrow using Mary Berry's recipe.

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  7. I am coming over for a bite of everything, it all looks so delicious. Hugs to you and Happy Holidays,
    Meredith

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  8. I still have lots of things to do but i'm trying to stay calm. I've been such a procrastinator this year. You're definitely on top of things.
    xx Beca

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  9. Everything looks so tasty! Have a wonderful celebration.

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  10. I love the advent calender idea , I Have a few things to do but am spacing them out over the coming days so i dont fizzle out lol xxx

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  11. That was such a good idea to save the tray from the advent calendar! I'd never heard of that before. Thank you for sharing that tip. I'm going to do it too!

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  12. You are amazing!! Love the chocolate dippers idea.. Merry Christmas, my friend.. xo

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  13. I am almost ready and your ready looks pretty amazing! Love the hot chocolate marshmallow pop stirrers such a good idea!! Merry Christmas to you!!

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  14. Oh wow, I wish I was only a fraction as organised as you are! I have never made rocky road because it is so good I would eat it before it even sets. I bet your visitor feel like Royalty when they come for a cuppa. xx

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  15. If I didn't know better I'd think you were Mrs. Santa Claus.. so many wonderful things you've made! I just have to go out and get one last gift.. or 3.. and wrap them. But all is well here!
    ****************************************
    *M*E*R*R*Y* * *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
    ****************************************
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  16. Your post is full of deliciousness! I've gained a lb. just reading it! Ha! I've got a bit of banana bread put away in freezer,,, a few small loaves made for giveaway. Most of cards are sent...need to do that asap and make a few calendars yet...sigh. Merry Christmas,my friend!

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  17. Oh my what goodies....a lovely post..popped over from Amy's ..have a wonderful Christmas xxxmaria

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  18. I am done and am enjoying the season. I will do a little fun shopping with my daughter tonight and watch some holidays movies with some eggnog. Enjoy your week!

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  19. How nice to have cupcakes ready and waiting for guests. Happy holidays, dear friend.
    Amalia
    xo

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  20. Yum! I must make some of the chocolate stirrers myself, they look really good :)

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  21. I know I've said this before but you truly do inspire me to get things done!!! xoxo

    ~ Wendy

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