Christmas Preperation.. How do you decorate?

When i was a kid we used to have a few traditions at Christmas: We would always have a chocolate advent calendar, we would put our tree up on the 15th December, and we went all out with the decorations, with big foil garlands across the ceiling and dangly hangings, and tinsel everywhere!
Christmas was a big deal in our house, which i think is the reason why, even as an adult, i absolutely adore the festivities. To me it really is the most wonderful time of the year;)

Needless to say, as soon as Halloween is out of the way, I am already singing Christmas jingles in my head and planning my Christmas decorations.

Would it surprise you if i said, its actually only 46 days until Christmas! That's less than 50 days to get in to the festive spirit, get everything organised and have a jolly good time. Hence why i start so early. Preparation is key.. especially as a family of 5!

So i thought i would bring some festive cheer today and talk all things Christmassy and will hopefully bring a Christmas instalment each week or so, on the run up! Hopefully it may help, even if its just trigger a thought that will help you, or even point you in the right direction of a great tree or the perfect lights.

Preparation at the ready, I am already sourcing some Christmas pieces to make this the best Christmas yet, and wanted to show you some of my festive essentials.

Starting with the focal point of the decorating process. ..The Christmas Tree. High priority, the Christmas tree has to look good. Whether you buy real or artificial, your tree will always be one of the most important decorations. Did you know, when people move house and view potential properties a woman will walk in to the main living room and try and picture where the Christmas tree will go, Its true, it is that important to us. I think it signifies festive fun and love and happiness.. I know, shut up Rachel, its just a tree, but without it, Christmas would not be the same. We have an artificial from here and it is glorious. I would always say, if you're buying a tree, spend a little extra and get the best your budget can afford, especially if its artificial, as it will truly be an investment.

 Again.. an integral part of the festive process. I love sparkly lights, so much so that it doesn't have to be Christmas for me have them up, i indeed have some form of twinkly light up all year round. But come Decemeber, i really up the ante.
These beautiful christmas lights are my absolute favourite. Cox and Cox have some perfect christmas pieces... i was sat for ages flicking through their catalogue that dropped through my door last week.
For me its all about the stars, i love that even though they are super christmassy, i would actually keep a lot of these up all year round. Why not bring some sparkle with you the rest of the years also? The white lights mean these can work any time of year and are perfect for spending a little on, but also getting your monies worth.

 I will confess. I am not a themed decorator. As much as i would love to have a Christmas theme throughout my decorations, i just don't. And the reason for this is that we (the husband and I) have always always let the kids choose all the decorations and where they want to put them. They help decorate the tree and the room and their rooms just how they want it, and they love it. Each year i let them choose out a couple of new pieces each, (there are some amazing items at Matalan), and then we bring out the past years choices also, so that we keep adding to our crazy eclectic collection. Yes it sometimes looks like Christmas threw up all over our house, but they love it. And that's what its about (mostly), the kids.. seeing their little happy faces with what they have decorated.
One day when my children are grown, maybe i'll get to have my own colour co-ordinated Christmas decor ;)

I always have to start at the door, with a festive door mat and wreath, each time I come back to my door i feel a fuzzy festive feeling of home and happiness. I also love that it greets our visitors and neighbours with welcoming warm sentiment.

Image via

This is the first time I'm actually doing this after seeing it on Instagram last year and it looking so cute! Have you ever done Elf on the Shelf with your kids? And if you're like me and lived under a rock not knowing what this whole Elf game is, well google tells me this:

"By hiding in a new spot each morning around the house, the scout elf and the family play an on-going game of hide and seek. The Elf on the Shelf explains that scout elves get their magic by being named. In the back of each book, families have an opportunity to write their elf's name and the date that they adopted it."

There are some fantastic ideas on where to put the little chap, i was looking for hours recently, giggling at all the cheeky little elves and what they get up to;)

Now, I may need ideas, as creative i am not (well not in that way). But for my youngest, Neo, I can't wait to see his little face each day when the elf has been up to something funny again.

So tell me.. Do you love Christmas? Do comment below what you love about Christmas and what you start preparing first? A friend said to me last week that shes starts with the Christmas cake and it is her first step in to the festive spirit.

How do you decorate? Is it crazy like me, or do you stick to a lovely theme?

What makes you feel festive, and do you recommend anything for this Christmas fan?

Festive Frivolities

Yes i know, ANOTHER wish list, they seem to be everywhere across the blogging world right now. But honestly it's quite therapeutic to compile a list of everything that you'd stored mentally for future outfit hopes and dreams (tad dramatic perhaps),in hope that someone one may want to gift that to you for, oh i don't know, a forthcoming birthday perhaps or Christmas maybe, or just for being a super dooper wife/partner/friend (delete as appropriate).
Either way i do find it nice to put these things down on to paper(or uh..blog post) as a handy guide to all who are looking to buy me something nice.
There may also be some special finds here that may help you buy for someone this Christmas too.
Or like me, you could forward this blog post to your husband with URGENT in the subject line...
What can i say, sometimes those loved ones of ours just need a little guidance.

Festive wishlist by rachel-the-hat 

Inadvertently I ended up with a glam side and a casual side. I like to cover all bases, i'm just that kind of gal. Also both are equally important over the festive season. 

You need the glam for all those parties and fun nights out, then the casual for boxing day and chilled family days.

Starting with:

The Glam side (left)

Ted Baker goodies (Scarf, Purse, Dress)

I love Ted Baker pretties. It's one of those brands that just makes for a spectacular gift. Their pretty prints and luxe fabrics never fail to impress. I've found all the above at M&M direct  (and they're reduced too! Your shopper will be grateful for your savy money saving skills.. deserving of another present surely?)Or if the shopper is in-fact you, you will be able to purchase yourself a little treat too, a sort of one for them, one for you trade off, for doing all the hard work.

Topshop Black faux Fur Coat

I love this coat. I think it would make the perfect all-rounder coat, a real workhorse for winter. 

I've paired it over the light blue Ted baker dress here, and heels for a night out, but it would also work tremendously well with trainers and jeans. 

Statement Shoe

Ohhh pretty shoes really are this girls best friend. Because i don't tend to wear heels much on the daily (dog walking, working from home and school runs just don't call for 4" stilettos..pitty) i don;t tend to buy them much any more. But all the better for making a special gift. 

Dior Lipgloss

Perfect little stocking filler. Also the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. Can't go far wrong with a fabulous lipstick.

Then time for some chilled relaxed vibes. I'm thinking chilly walks to in attempt to shift all those quality street chocs I will have consumed, board games with the kids and vegging out watching re-runs of Only Fools 7 horses (sounds heavenly to me.. God bless christmas)

The Casual Side (right)

Boden Tilly Coat

Another coat, i know i know. But each serves a purpose and a girl can never have too many. This brightly coloured coat would make a perfect statement coat. 

For those days when you can't even be bothered to think of an outfit, this pretty baby does all the talking for you.

Crockett & Jones 
Navy Boots. Aren't these boots simply divine? The ribbon bow just makes them for me. And as i mentioned the other day, a girl really can't ever have too many boots. There's just no such thing surely. boots are seriously one of my most favourite things in life, along with cheese, my son and Chanel foundation.. in no particular order of course.
I found Crockett & Jones via twitter recently and instantly fell in love with the hand made charm of their company.These are pure indulgence, long wearing, lovingly made boots that would simply make anyone, man or woman, very happy if these were under the Christmas tree..(hint hint husband)

Kate Spade Backpack
I'm feeling like i'm lacking on the backpack front. Late to the backpack game here, yes, but still better late than never. I love the minimal lines of this one and of course the practicality of it. I'm thinking perfect for days out with the kids and the dog for storing all the paraphernalia that is related to the aforementioned. Plus Kate Spade.. swoon!

Whistles Sweater
This year has been my year of rediscovering Whistles. 3 dresses and 2 shirts later and i have developed a full on school girl crush for this brand. A piece of their cashmere range would be superb but any of their sweaters would also make a girl(OK this girl) smile this season. 

M.I.H cropped jeans

M.I.H Jeans.. love love love. But these particular Paris cropped jeans are the exact pair that i've been after. Black, cropped, amazing fit. These will look fabulous dressed up with heels and some sparkle as they will with some casual boots and a sweatshirt.
The perfect practical present, but way better than say, a kettle.

Chanel Red Lipstick and Red Nail polish

Because its Chanel dhharlling. Receiving a little bit of what epitomizes luxury to me in my stocking would be a sure fire way to a pretty perfect Christmas. Classic red lips and nails are my absolute favourite.

What's your favourite piece?
And what's on your list this year? Do share in the comments as I'd love to see if there's anything I'm missing out on .. you know FOMO and all that ;)