Party Inspiration Round-up: Into the new year

Christmas seems to be a more private time in our blogging lives – even I didn’t share any of our festivities, which is a shame and something that I definitely need to do this December. There’s so much hard work that goes into making Christmas a happy or festive time in most of our houses and I think this year most of us were quite poorly over Christmas, just like Her Majesty the Queen, and just exhausted!

In our house, on Christmas morning, I took my camera out, filmed the boys coming down to realise Father Christmas had been, and then throughout the day I captured candid photographs in the famous tungsten shade of indoor yellow light, to save as memories. I did manage to publish our favourite Christmas activities though – the Christmas tree farm and our fifth year of visiting Lapland UK.

There were some amazing blog posts that I did read though – Michelle over at the Purple Pumpkin Blog celebrated her 5th year of the fantastic Create Christmas series. I love every single little project, and sent the link to everyone I know who has little ones. I have three boys, and so there were quite a few printables that raised a giggle – I’m sure you can guess which ones… *Sigh*.

Over at the Ana Mum Diary is a lady after my own heart. You can never have too many plans of attack at Christmas, especially in the food department. Her plans for food over the festive period are fantastically delicious sounding, and if you struggle with ideas for your own dining table then head over and take note!

One of my favourite posts this Christmas made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside – and the lady who wrote it is absolutely lovely too. A Moment with Franca wrote a beautiful and cosy post about the days before Christmas. This is a post I would love to remember to write every year because those moments leading up to the big day [or night, depending on your point of view – for me, it’s Christmas Eve when we’re putting the magic together] are precious, and spending time together, creating family traditions is worth more than any gift that could ever be wrapped.

Celebrations that took place after Christmas which I fell in love with were Capture by Lucy’s celebration of her nephew’s Christening. The post comes complete with her Christmas celebrations too – and I disappeared into blog land on the sofa with a cup of tea to read all about her gorgeous events.

It’s completely astounding that we’re already through January though, and about to embark on our month of romantic celebration in February! I’ve been in labour twice on Valentine’s day and so this month is a big birthday time for us. What are you up to? Please do share your celebrations – spreading happy is what makes my world go around.