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      Last Five of 2016

      December 23rd



      I had a crazy notion back in September that wouldn't it be great to make my own cake toppers this year for the Christmas cake.  I mean I usually do make my own cake decorations but what I am alluding to would be in crochet.  A mad idea but I think it worked.  The husband is yet to see it, waiting till Christmas Eve to finally do the big reveal but I can imagine it will have something to do with eye rolling and muttering the words, "Of course you would, why wouldn't you..."

      I am not sharing the patterns now at such a late stage in December but if you wish for the patterns let me know.
      It all began with the humble mini snowflake

      And it wouldn't be a Scandinavian Christmas
      without a Nisse now would it?

      Ta dah!

      I stuck the Nisse on with extra icing so the
      wool was not in actual contact with the real cake itself

      I realised that I was short on a present so the current Messy bun trend was spot on for me to make one of the quickest gifts I have ever ever made.  Have a spare hour?  Then you too can make that last minute gift for someone who has long hair, fun and genius don't you think?



      Do you know how hard it is to take a photo of
      the front and back of yourself at the same side, this was
      attempt about 15, you're lucky you got anything!

      In the dark this was the best shot I could get, but you
      get the idea of a messy bun hat now don't you?


      For instructions and how to make click on the link:  Messy Bun Hat


      For me one of the great joys in my life is the month of Advent when we bake and cook so much in the kitchen.  At the beginning of December my son asked, "You are going to make all those biscuits and things this year aren't you?"  That warmed my heart and makes it all the more worth while.  One of his favourites are:  Almond cookies  He loves anything to do with almonds, but I am sure you could substitute this for any nut you prefer.

      Almond cookies



      Another bake but not counted as one of the 7 cookies makes of Advent were these rather delicious honey bombs, the best way to describe them is a cross between the texture of bread and ginger bread, spread them with lashings of butter and accompanied by a cup of tea, you won't go far wrong:  Afternoon Scandinavian Treat




      And finally I leave you with what has become a tradition for us now over the past few years, our annual trip to see the lights in London and partake in a sing a long in the very splendid Albert Hall: Christmas in London


      Christmas sing a long Albert Hall



      Joining in with Amy  for the last time in 2016, thank you for hosting Amy, sending love xxx

       Wishing you all a very very jolly Christmas wherever you are and thanking you from the bottom of my heart for your readership and your very valued comments  

      30 comments:

      1. It is fun to learn about your creative traditions! Thanks for the link to the sing along in your last post. I enjoyed listening. My mom used to make almond Spritz cookies and I carried on her tradition for many years, but have not gotten any made this year so far. Happy Christmas to you and yours! xx

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      2. Have a wonderful Christmas with your family. x

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      3. What a fabulous five. Happy Christmas to you all xx

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      4. I love your crocheted snowflake cake decorations, they look fabulous!

        Wishing you a wonderful family Christmas.

        Angela - Garden Tea Cakes and Me

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        Replies
        1. Blushing, but I am rather pleased with them Angela, thank you

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      5. Those almond biscuits look scrumptious! You've worked so hard to make xmas lovely. Hope you have a wonderful time. x

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      6. Loved all your post again this Christmas (and for 2016) Have a wonderful and Peaceful christmas xx

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      7. A beautifully decorated cake, great traditional bakes, a lovely seasonal knit and hearing about the sing-song in the Albert Hall made this an enjoyable post. Wishing you and your family a peaceful Christmas.

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      8. Beautiful crochet toppers. I love your messy bun hat. I admit to sticking my hair up that way when I can't be bothered to do anything else with it and that looks great. Happy holiday season. Thanks for sharing with Five on Friday!

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        Replies
        1. The messy bun hat is genius, wish it had been my idea.

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      9. What a cool cake! Nice photos of you - I've never seen a Messy bun hat before, but I have very short hair, 9mm, that's not for me...
        Have looked at your London post - a very great tradition.
        Merry Christmas from Germany

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      10. All those cookies and bakes look yummy! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

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      11. You've made your cake look spectacular! Love the little line of snowflakes. My cake got just a plain thin layer of marzipan with a few cardinal cutouts on top. You're certainly enjoying the days leading up to Christmas in wonderful style with the baking and the singing. Merry Christmas! Cute photo of you and your messy bun hat ;)
        Wendy xox

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        Replies
        1. Thank you, it really is my favourite time of year

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      12. Such sweet little crocheted snowflakes for your cake! Love it, and your bun hat! Very clever!
        Happy Christmas!

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      13. Great cake and decorations. I've really enjoyed all your Christmas posts - have a great holiday.

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        Replies
        1. Oh Annie, thank you for saying so, this warms my heart

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      14. Love that great hat! Merry Christmas!!!!!

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      15. Wish I had been at Albert Hall. White Christmas sounded great. Did they actually have "snow" falling?

        I also love that plate with the people dancing around the edge - looks very merry.

        Have a perfect 2017.

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      I will always read all comments and will try to reply but it may take me a couple of days, do please pop back and lets get a conversation going...