Preparing for Christmas..

Hello friends! Am sitting here with a large cup of tea - the kids are asleep, I have lit candles everywhere, and am playing soft Christmas music.. *peace prevails* 

..I LOVE this time of the year - 'pre-Christmas'. Though of course the actual even itself is wonderful, there is something so special about the lead-up.. The planning, preparing, waiting, and of course also seeing the kids grow more and more excited.. So much love, warmth and anticipation in the air, don't you think!?

1. unknown. 2. Per Magnus Persson 3. Pinterest  4. Anna Kern

I just flicked through 'Sweet Paul's Holiday Issue'.. Always so much inspiration and joy there. And of course the fact that the 'main man' is from Norway makes it extra.. sweet (.ahem.). You know how I LOVE Norway..!

And of course it was lovely to see our very own Will Taylor's (Mr Bazaar to most) feature on how to create a stress-free but stylish Christmas table..!

I also loved this idea featured by Will!

Kate LeSueur's 'Rosemary Honey Pecan Nut' recipe looked too good to leave off my Christmas buffet list.. (would be great with a cheese tray!). 

You see, I go nuts over nuts (!). Not only at Christmas, though particularly then, and I love to serve them in all sorts of ways - in bowls around the house, on biscuits, in bread, in the traditional (Swedish) rice porridge on Christmas morning, in sweets and deserts... If there is a way, I'll be sure to sneak a hand-full of something nutty in there (thank God I was blessed with a family that aren't nut allergic!). Yum!

Styling: Paul Lowe. Photography: Alexandra Grablewski

I also serve my 'Glögg' (a traditional Swedish style mulled wine.. YUM!) with a generous helping of skinned almonds (as well as a cinnamon stick for decor). 
Despite there being a range of wonderful pre-made 'glögg' to buy I prefer to brew my own. I use my great grandmother's recipe (with a little twist now and then.. for fun). It takes three days to prepare and it fills the house with the most amazing scent which sends me straight into Christmas wonderland!

Back to the nuts.. I recently learned from my good friend Maria over at 'Scandie Foodie' that nuts should be ACTIVATED before you eat them. Who knew??! But reading her post (HERE) made me very inspired and I am definitely serving my nuts 'activated' this Christmas..!

Activated Spiced Nuts - via Scandie Foodie

More nuts.. I adore Oak trees - their solid structures, their leaves and of course their acorns. They have been a long time favourite of mine, so imagine my delight when I found these cute 'acorn baubles' over at Cox & Cox UK. I adore this store!

Also from Cox & Cox are these 'glass pumpkin baubles', which of course would look lovely with the acorn ones on the tree (not too many though - less is more!).. Or as place card holders, like in the picture below. Tempting, very tempting indeed..! 

All bauble images via Cox & Cox UK

As part of preparing for my very first Christmas as a Native Resident of Sweden in 23 years (see me do cartwheels!), I turned to some trusted and gorgeous blog pals for inspiration. I asked them a few simple questions around the topic of Christmas and of course they have shared generously and splendidly! I can't wait to publish the first post in just a few days..

Photo Stefan Örtenblad

Until then...and whilst we await the first snow
(it's taking its time this year..)
I send you lots of love and warm Wintery hugs from Sweden!

xx Charlotta