Christmas 2011 is done. The last tasks of Christmas are the first of 2012: take down and pack away decorations – I miss the twinkly fairy lights already. Write thank you cards for the many gifts that have been unwrapped and enjoyed over the last few weeks.

Thank you notes have been drummed into me literally from birth – I know my mum sent them on my behalf until I was old enough to write my name and then the notes myself. I send many more gifts to children than I receive thank you notes for, the thank you’s I do receive I am delighted by. Writing them is a tradition I’m passing on to my children. In my book it’s courteous to thank those who’ve sent you gifts, especially if you haven’t seen the giver to thank them in person.

I struggled this year to stay on top of what was from who this year as the wrapping paper flew I have to be honest! This year I have used a great photo of Lil H and Diva G meeting Father Christmas to make postcards to say thank you to family and friends. Am I alone in my love of the traditional thank you note? Is snail mail out of date in 2012? What do you think?

Today I settled down to my Christmas gift list, sadly not a list of what I would like* (*If anyone would like me to write a list of what I would like I am more than happy to write one!) but a list of who I am buying for and what I am buying them.  Over the years I have cut the list of who I buy gifts for down and with friends this year I have agreed “no gift exchange” with anyone that will agree it with me!

Armed with my honed list of who, mostly relatives, the gift selection begins. The reality is that the adults have everything they need / want, and then some. This makes finding a gift that delights harder every year. No one wants or needs more stuff do they?  This year my gifting will mostly be consumable gifts – gifts that can be used, eaten, enjoyed etc.

With family all over the place, up in Northumberland, down in Brighton and many places in between, I need gifts that don’t cost as much again in postage and will arrive, last years delivery challenges for online orders have not been forgotten! Interflora is one of my favourite brands to work with and I’m delighted to be writing about their recently unveiled Christmas collection which has helped me out enormously.

Christmas Hampers

It’s not Christmas without a hamper and Interflora have a great selection of Christmas hampers. Lots of treats to eat and the hampers are great looking storage afterwards for teddies, toys, blankets etc.

Poinsettia

My mum always has poinsettia plants, I do too now, it’s an unwritten, unspoken tradition. A gift, even one to self, that lasts the whole festive season. I think Interflora’s outdoor barrel is a festive welcome by any front door, something to brighten the winter darkness, so much better than socks!

Mistletoe

Let’s not forget the smooching flower, mistletoe! Send a party host a unique gift of mistletoe and get puckering up!  There is free delivery on many lovely gifts including traditional wreaths, holly trees, candle displays so not sure what to get someone that has everything this year check out http://www.interflora.co.uk for some inspiration!

Related links
Web: http://www.interflora.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/interfloratheflowerexperts
Twitter: @InterfloraUK

Wishing all customers of Dandelion Lounge, all those who take the time to read this blog and follow me on Twitter a Very Merry Christmas! 
With very best wishes for 2010. 
Me, Mr L, Lil’ H & Baby G x

This week I took Baby G to make a plate for my mum, her Grandma, for Christmas.  I did this with my lil’ H and wanted to create the same in pink so Grandma would have the “full set” - please note there won’t be anymore to collect! 

Violet Posy is hosting a “Thrifty Christmas” carnival and although this is a late addition to the carnival there is still time for anyone inspired into create their own baby plates to get them painted, fired and collected in time for the big day!

I’ll be collecting Baby G’s next week … ok whilst that’s one gift sorted there are still many more that aren’t so I’m back off to Google … ciao for now! Cx

… and not that much warmer at the printers!  December is definitely here and according to the weather reports snow is not far away.  Thank goodness for central heating.  Its been a fairly busy few weeks with Christmas orders to create, print and deliver, now there is just the small matter of writing them – thankfully stamps are self adhesive these days! 

I’ve been making and meeting up with some new “friends of Dandelion Lounge” who I will be introducing you to over the weeks and months ahead, these are like minded people who offer products and services I use/like/couldn’t live without.  More about that in future posts. 

At home I am enjoying a seasonal rest from my freelance marketing work, taking time to learn more about blogging and other web 2.0 stuff for Dandelion Lounge and other clients and very much enjoying being a mum to Hugo.  He’s 19 months old now and really great fun, buying his Christmas gifts has been brilliant, this year Santa is bringing him “Mikes Auto Garage” a wooden toy garage and cars from Le Toy Van www.letoyvan.com along with inevitably much, much more.  I am hoping for an extension to house the ever expanding was toy box … now section of living room … soon to be entire living room and I guess eventually they will take over the entire house! 

I am still compiling the address list for my Christmas cards so will check back again soon and more frequently – ’til next time! 

Claire x