Elevating Everyday & Finding Joy in the Little Things

Christmas at the Blenheim Palace, J.M. Barrie, Paul Smith, Homemade Christmas Gifts and more on Weekend Meanderings.

Christmas at the Blenheim Palace, J.M. Barrie, Paul Smith, Homemade Christmas Gifts and more on Weekend Meanderings.

white cup with holly filled with hot chocolate with some christmas books and a gingerbread house

WEEKEND MEANDERINGS

Good Saturday morning to you friends. It’s time for Weekend Meanderings with Juliet and Kim. Join us as we share all of the things that piqued our interests and caught our eye this week.

Well, things did not go as planned yesterday. The stone for the powder bath cracked in half. Obviously it wasn’t installed and now they are looking for an alternate piece. That means the plumbing and all of the fixtures which were supposed to be installed Monday have been pushed back to Thursday or Friday.

Then the toilet arrived for the master and it was broken.

The good news, the master bathroom tile is installed on the floor and we love it.

We went to a Christmas party last night and the village tree lighting, met Santa and the Grinch. A good time was had by all.

Ok, let’s meander.

Paul Smith~Claridges Christmas Tree

Sir Paul Smith, the English designer was asked to decorate the Claridge’s Christmas tree this year and it is fabulous. Paul worked with his team, as well as, artist friends to add a special touch to the tree including whimsical animals made from scrap wood. There are  over 100 bird houses, mechanical and static, animals and of course touches from the icon Paul Smith clothing line.

The Christmas tree is beautiful but it is even more interesting to see the process of designing, decorating and working on the concept and the tree.

Christmas Inspiration from Chris Loves Julia

Fellow bloggers Chris and Julia have plenty of Christmas inspiration to share in their Charlotte, NC home. Whether or not you have already decorated there is something beautiful to see and something to that you might want to add to your own home this year or next.

Christmas Adverts 2024

Do you enjoy Christmas commercials? Here is my favorite one this year.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Christmas at the Blenheim Palace is magical! This year the palace has been transformed into Neverland, the famous home of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. In addition there is a light show, Christmas market and an ice skating rink. If you are traveling to the UK or live nearby book your adventure today. Christmas at Blenheim Palace runs between 15th November 2024 – 1st January 2025.

JM Barrie gifted the rights to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929, and proceeds from this event will be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity this Christmas.

Speaking of interesting facts, it is said that Peter is based upon JM Barries’ older brother who died at the day before he turned 14 in an ice skating accident. Another interesting factoid, JM Barrie suffered from Psychogenic Dwarfism, and was the 9th of 10 children.

Easy and Delicious Homemade Christmas Food Gifts

Homemade gifts are some of my favorite gifts to receive and to give. Here are some of my recipients favorites that you might enjoy making for your friends and family.

Rosemary and Tarragon spicy mixed nuts in a glass jar

Rosemary & Tarragon Mixed Nuts, these are my favorite nuts to make and to gift. They are a little sweet, with a little heat and salt.

homemade hot fudge in jars.

Homemade Hot Fudge and Bourbon Pecan Salted Caramel, two easy ice cream and dessert sauces to make ahead and give away.

It does not get any easier than Chocolate Covered Christmas Oreos!

peanut-brittle in a white candy box

Peanut Brittle, a holiday staple.

cranberry swirl bundt cake with 2 slices on a marble counter.

This cranberry bundt cake makes a delicious dessert of addition to holiday brunches.

LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN

Why Redit is a treasure trove for creatives.

25 Best Christmas Towns

How To Make Your Eggnog Taste Way Better, According To Alton Brown 

Parents who raise mentally strong kids always use these 10 ‘simple but powerful’ phrases

Solicited Advice Holiday Edition

A beautiful Scottish wedding. 

The only rotisserie chicken worth buying.

In Case You Missed it This Week on the Blog

21 christmas bucket list ideas.

Do you make bucket lists? I try to make one for every season and an extra for Christmas and the New Year. Here are 21 Fun Ideas to add to your Christmas Season Bucket List. 

Blue Marbleized ornaments

Have you ever made Christmas ornaments? This week I shared an easy post on making your own marbleized ornaments.

The Best Easy Caramel-corn(no bake) in 3 glass jars sitting on a plaid tray.

I joined Sheri this week for our monthly post “Sweet treats for your sweet tooth.” I shared a no-bake recipe for Caramel Corn. This delicious treat is perfect for gift baskets and giving to family and friends.

Fashion Over 50 Red Sweater Outfit with plaid shoes

Last but not least, Friday Favorites, easy recipes including this scrumptious baked brie with honey and nuts, cozy books, a winter outfit and lots more.

Baked Brie with honey and nuts.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

I hope that you enjoyed weekend meanderings. If you did please share the post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or Pinterest.

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend friends.

Don’t forget to pop over and visit my friends Kim and Juliet you can find the links below.

If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here.

Make Mine a Spritzer

Northern California Style

This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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  • Elizabeth, if I wasn’t in the holiday mood before I am now! So many inspirational videos … I could watch all day. What a bummer about your bathroom pieces … I hope replacements arrive quickly and you’re back on track by the end of the week. Great news about the tile though. Small victories. Looking through your post today I have a strong urge to spend Christmas in England. Wouldn’t that be magical! I think I’ll add it to my bucket list and make it happen in the next few years. Glad you got out and enjoyed some local festivities. Driving back from dinner last night I was so cheered by all the holiday lights … felt like a kid again riding in my grandparents car to see the lights. It’s a wonderful time of year. xo

  • Hi Elizabeth,
    I really love and appreciate your blog.
    This is the third time I’m trying to subscribe!

    Thanks!
    Georgia

    • Hello Georgia, I went to the back end and subscribed to the blog for you. Perhaps the posts are landing in your spam or trash file? Hopefully this time you will receive them.

  • Elizabeth, I am so sorry for all your are going through with this reno. I hope all gets righted soon and it will be worth all the strife. We had a lot of the same issues with ours.

    Your town sounds fun with the Christmas lighting and all!

    I love that Paul Smith tree.So fun to see the process and the birds and treehouses.

    I have been to Blenheim once and want to go back. England is so magical at the holidays isn’t it?

    I missed that you and Sheri had a post this week! You have so many great holiday sweets that you should publish your own holiday treat book! Those oreos are so cute.. What a nice gift. I also loved the ornaments which look so luxe!

    This holiday list is great. I hope to get to some of those.You have been busy! I do not know how you do it all with the house renovation. Take care and have a lovely weekend.xo

  • meet elizabeth

    Hi, I'm Elizabeth. I'm "mad for plaid", a good book, a cup of hot chocolate and my pups. Join me as I find the beauty in life and elevate the everyday.

    Some posts contain affiliate links at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure here. Thank you for supporting the blog!

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