Christmas is coming!

Its official.... Christmas is coming! Today, John Lewis launched their renowned Christmas advert.

This year's John Lewis Christmas advert features a little boy and his best friend, Monty the penguin. Just like I’d expect from any John Lewis Christmas ad, the emotive narrative gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside and got me thinking about Christmas gifts.

Undoubtedly the ad will inject households with some festive cheer (just like when Home Alone hits our TV screens), or it’ll fill the nation with dread knowing it’s that time of year again - when our wallets and bank accounts become battered and bruised between now and December 25 (depending on whether you see yourself as a bah humbug or Buddy the elf).

Personally us lot at Old English love the festive season and seeing the advert this morning made us think about why we love Christmas:

The twinkly lights, the Christmas smells, the get togethers with our nearest and dearest, mince pies, the general eating, tree decorating and not forgetting the giving and receiving of gifts.

Here are (just a few) of my favourite festive decorations and Christmas gift ideas out there at the moment:

These charming ‘Gilded Dapper Animal’ mugs from the West Elm store really do put a smile on my face. They would make a great pressie for any tea sipper or coffee lover - perfect for when you have guests over (or generally just any time of day). 

Nothing says Christmas better than a set of fairy lights. These pinecone Bauble Fairy Lights from The White Company would look amazing draped around a mirror, a bookshelf or across the fireplace. You could even put them inside a big glass vase to add a bit of sparkle to any room. 

These delightful wooden letter ornaments from Anthropologie would give any Christmas tree a nice little craft touch. We think they are wonderfully rustic and simplistic.

And of course, having the perfect Christmas card to send to loved ones is a must! This card from the Old English Co (of course!) is printed on recycled craft card for a rustic feel. We aim to make sure our festive card range stands out amongst the other Christmas cards, whilst still keeping our bold but simplistic look.

We hope you're getting ready to embrace and enjoy the festive season...we can't wait. Hurry up Santa.