Christmas Naturally

Having worked in the brand marketing industry for most of my career, when it comes to planning Christmas it’s usually on my mind in about June as Christmas and New Year campaigns tend to have to be decided on and plans in motion as we approach the summer; I’ve got used to it now but it does mean that as every year passes it takes a little more effort to feel festive at the right time!

Last December, as I stood in an ancient barn wearing thermals and several layers of shirts, leggings, trousers and jumpers, I looked around at the talented makers who were in attendance, the sparkly twinkling lights strung upon each stall, and I sipped at my warming mulled wine. Last year, that was the moment I started to feel festive and ideas for next year started to formulate. Jump to August, the heat beating down with record high temperatures and between hive inspections you could find me in the kitchen cleaning beeswax and experimenting with ideas for the Christmas range!

I hope you like the products; I’ve tried to incorporate gift ideas and some more decorative items for your home, along with some ‘old’ favourites which are popular each year. Every product has been handmade by me and wherever possible is environmentally friendly. I use natural beeswax as a base which, like the honey, is in excess and no longer required by the bees.

I will soon be adding set honey to the shop but for now you can buy this as part of the honey gift set- the perfect gift for someone with a sweet tooth. The set comes with a wooden drizzle stick and is presented in a card box.

Rolled candles are back and in addition to the natural coloured wax candles which are available all year, Christmas means berry red too - keep an eye on the social channels for a couple of other limited edition colours which will be launched soon.

Expanding on the fabric based range (in collaboration with And Sew On Fabrics) which already has the beautiful bee lampshades with mustard trim and the DIY beeswax wrap kits, I’ve added some dog bandanas- a request from my pup Marley! If popular look out for more styles perfect for a country dog.

I’m very excited to be launching my beeswax decorations this year. I polled my family and friends after creating some samples and landed on plain beeswax in sets of three for the smaller dec’s and then for the smell of the season it has to be cinnamon and orange in my book, so I’ve fragranced the larger decorations (snowflakes) which can be used around the home or on the tree. (I have mine on the door handles for a delicate waft of fragrance as you enter and exit a room).

Talking of orange and cinnamon, the fire starters are back! I sell out of these every year as not only are they beautiful but they’re practical too - a great gift for someone difficult to buy for! The pine cone and beeswax will sustain a flame which will allow the fire a better chance of getting started. If you want to use these as a decoration first then please remember to keep them away from the heat of the fire until you’re ready to use them.

Please take a look at my online shop for all of these products and more, I hope you find some gift ideas for friends and family (and perhaps even yourself; go on, you deserve a treat).