I will freely admit to being one of those people who moaned every year that the Christmas frenzy was getting earlier and earlier each year, refusing to be drawn in to over commercialisation, yada, yada, yada...
But now that I have joined the ranks of the handmade businesses I have learned that you can never be prepared too early - a lesson I had reinforced just last week...
I was contacted by a friend who is currently pregnant and, with her due date slap bang around the end of December, is very wisely wanting to get ahead of the game and organise some of her Christmas presents as early as possible. And quite frankly, who can blame her! If I was in her shoes, well, I'd be tempted to cancel Christmas all together... except, of course, for expecting a lovely gift from my doting hubby, but hey I digress...
Her rather intelligent strategy, and subsequent question about what Christmas candle scents I would be offering this year, forced me to shift my bottom off the proverbial fence and actually make a decision. I had been mulling over the question, having drafted out a (long) short list of contenders months previously; but now I have actually gone and done and ordered my fragrances! And I have to say I am rather pleased with my selections.
So without any more prevaricating, I can announce that
The Lime Garden Christmas 2011 Candle Fragrances are....
HOLLYBERRY & MISTLETOE
warm and sweet, but with an undertone of fresh greenery.
GINGER & FIG
hot, sweet and a little bit spicy, yet fruity and mild at the same time.
FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH
ooooh... lovely warm, smooth, musky and sensuous.
APPLE STRUDEL
crisp fresh apples and warm winter spices.
CHOCOLATE ORANGE
smells just like sounds - Terry would be proud!!
and finally, back by popular demand, last year's best selling Christmas scent...
APPLE & CRANBERRY
warm sweet cranberries and fresh apples, yummy!
I have decided to add a little extra to my Christmas gifts this year too - as well as my Vintage Tea Cup candles, (cup and saucer, with candle in the cup) I have found some gorgeous Tea Cup Trios... That is, cup, saucer and matching tea plate - so they will still be vintage, they will still be candles, but they will be a usable tea set trio too!
A lot of people ask me if they can use their tea cups once they have burnt their candles, and the answer is - ...YES! The beauty of the soy wax that I use is that any residue left in the cup can simply be washed away with hot soapy water - please, please, please, never put your lovely vintage china in the dishwasher! I also take great care when I source the china - I never purchase pieces that are damaged with chips or cracks, so they are always able to be used for the purpose for which they were always intended - a nice, civilised cup of tea!
The beauty of my Vintage Cup Candle Trios is that the recipient, once they have enjoyed their lovely candle, will have a beautiful tea time set to use - perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up treat of tea and a slice cake! Gorgeous!
And finally, here is a few quick snaps of some of the lovely china I will be using...
[Just a quick additional note - I often buy part tea sets, just because I love the china and can use some of the cups and saucers for my candles, with the result that I find myself with a stock cupboard full of additional pieces of crockery. So if you would like to build up your own mis-matched vintage china tea set (very on-trend!) feel free to contact me, and I will let you know what I have... ...in fact maybe I feel another blog post coming on!]
So, yes, it is very early to be thinking about Christmas,
but spare a thought for us traders - we're already on the case!
