Christmas Archives - British Garden Centres https://www.britishgardencentres.com/blog-section/christmas/ Thu, 18 Jan 2024 14:06:23 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 Make the most out of Christmas this year – a thank you from British Garden Centres https://www.britishgardencentres.com/most-out-of-christmas/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/most-out-of-christmas/#respond Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:52:45 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=98139

Make the most out of Christmas this year – a thank you from British Garden Centres

As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your support throughout the past months. At British Garden Centres, we are immensely grateful to have customers like you who have been a source of strength and encouragement.

This year has presented its challenges, and your continued support has been instrumental in helping us navigate these uncertain times – but throughout, what has remained important to both us and our customers is our home and outdoor space. As we reflect on the year, we are filled with gratitude for the community that has grown around each local British Garden Centres store.

We remain committed to being your go-to destination for all things garden-related, and we are eager to continue serving you with the same level of dedication and passion.

For our final blog of 2023, we have created the following tips for the Christmas season this year to help you make the most of the festivities.

Remind yourself of who is important

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and frenzy of Christmas preparations, but it is important to remember that the real meaning of this occasion is to spend time with our loved ones. Amidst the rush, we should try to reach out to those whom we have not seen in a while. It could be an old friend, a distant relative or even a neighbour who lives alone. It is a small gesture, but it could mean the world to someone who feels lonely or forgotten during this festive season. Let us spread love and kindness this Christmas by trying to connect with those who matter to us.

Simplify Your Christmas

Putting up Christmas decorations and hiding gifts under the tree can be a joyful experience. However, it is important not to stress over perfection. Your decorating skills do not have to be perfect, and expensive gifts are not necessary to show appreciation. Remember, it is the thought that counts.

Christmas is a wonderful time to give back, but you don't have to give a gift to every person in your life. Make a list of your closest friends and family members and take the pressure off yourself. Your presence will be enough of a gift to your loved ones.

Make memories

We all understand that the Christmas period can be a busy and hectic time, but it is important to take a moment to enjoy the festivities. These memories can last a lifetime, so try to soak it all in as much as you can this year. Do not forget to capture the special moments through photos and videos on your smartphone. You can create a cherished scrapbook or a digital album to look back on and relive those happy times in the future.

Most importantly……relax and enjoy!

During this festive season, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to unwind and savour the joys of Christmas. The lead-up can be demanding, so remember to only do what you can. If you are fortunate enough to spend time with loved ones, cherish those moments and do not feel the need to fill every day with activities. Remember, taking a break is crucial to avoid feeling burned out and exhausted. So, give yourself the gift of relaxation and step into the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/most-out-of-christmas/feed/ 0 Our guide to creating beautiful festive home decor https://www.britishgardencentres.com/festive-home-decor/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/festive-home-decor/#respond Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:32:35 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=98130

Our guide to creating beautiful festive home decor

With the festive countdown now on, the next few days are the perfect time to add last-minute Christmas touches and decor to your home. With a little creativity and some simple DIY projects, you can transform your living space into a winter wonderland. Your local British Garden Centres storeswill provide some inspiration and fun and easy ways to create beautiful yuletide ideas for your home.

Deck your halls

Start by visiting your local British Garden Centre store for string lights, ornaments, and garlands. Consider decorating your front door for Christmas and create a welcoming entrance with a festive wreath on your front door. Your local store has some great starter wreath kits for you to decorate. Why not use evergreen branches from your garden, pinecones, colourful ribbons, and matching baubles to customise your wreath and give it a personal touch?

Illuminate your home

Brighten up your home with the warm glow of LED string lights. Wrap them around your bannisters, drape them over your mantlepiece, or create a twinkling backdrop around your doorframes for your family gatherings. With a vast collection of colours and styles available in store. Our selection of lights can add a magical ambience to any room.

Table centrepieces

Create a stunning centrepiece for your dining table using seasonal elements like candles, berries, fresh flowers, and evergreen sprays. Incorporating these natural elements will bring a touch of elegance to your dining table for the big Christmas meal. Get creative and use small lanterns or indoor pots to complete the look.

Festive table settings

Set a festive table for your holiday meals by mixing and matching your dinnerware with seasonal accents. Consider using decorative chargers, cloth napkins, and place cards to elevate your table settings. Adding small touches like personalized name cards or festive napkin rings can make your table feel extra special.

Cosy lounge

Add festive throw pillows and blankets to your living room to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Choose pillows and blankets in rich, warm colours and festive patterns to complement your existing decor. These simple additions can instantly transform your space for comfort and warmth over the Christmas break.

Embrace Christmas scents

During the winter season, lighting up seasonal candles and diffusers can create an inviting and festive atmosphere in your home. Look for warming and festive fragrances, such as sensational cinnamon, rich fig, spicy ginger, refreshing eucalyptus, woody pine, zesty orange, and sweet pomegranate to fill your living space with a soothing and comforting atmosphere.

Add sparkle to your garden

If you want to add a unique touch to your garden lighting this Christmas, British Garden Centres has the answer!  We have an array of outdoor lights on your house, try wrapping them around your trellises, birdbaths, sheds, fences and other garden features. This will not only create a warm and inviting atmosphere but will also highlight the beauty of your garden this Christmas.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/festive-home-decor/feed/ 0 A big British Garden Centres Christmas in numbers https://www.britishgardencentres.com/british-garden-centres-christmas-in-numbers/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/british-garden-centres-christmas-in-numbers/#respond Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:41:43 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=98116

A big British Garden Centres Christmas in numbers

The highly anticipated Christmas season has arrived early this year for British Garden Centres, as it opened its doors to customers in September to an influx of pent-up shoppers. Following a temperamental and wet summer and a few years of subdued Christmases due to lockdown, people are eagerly seeking ways to kick off the festivities, and British Garden Centres is ready to deliver. But how big is Christmas for us and how much stock do we have in our stores, so you have everything you need for the perfect big day?   We are proud to bring our Christmas in Numbers back by popular demand.

For many families, choosing a Christmas tree is a cherished tradition, and British Garden Centres offers a wide range of options for every home. November sees the arrival of 30,040 cut trees, with 6,417 pot trees which will be the star of the show for many households. Additionally, customers can choose from 15,134 pre-lit or ready-to-decorate trees at their local British Garden Centre.

The festive season is not just about decorations and trees but also about sharing precious moments with loved ones over a celebratory meal. British Garden Centres' restaurants are serving up a delicious festive menu and seasonal treats, providing customers with an easy way to enjoy the holiday. This year, an estimated 17,000 diners will book into the Gardener’s Retreat restaurants across the country, consuming 3,500 turkey butterflies and 15,000 portions of Christmas pudding, all served with generous helpings of custard or cream.

To make your home look and feel festive, all British Garden Centres have curated a collection of decoration themes to suit all tastes. With help, you can transform your home into a Christmas wonderland, adding a touch of magic to your celebrations.  From classic and traditional styles to bright and bold glamour, minimalist winter and natural decor or the sweet candy cane and gingerbread trends, there are ideas to suit every taste and every home.

Christmas lighting is an essential part of the holiday season, and British Garden Centres have got you covered with a staggering 33 million energy-efficient LED lightsin store, making up 1,314,302 meters of lit length, equivalent to 816 miles, or flying from London to Porto in Portugal). They also stock 1,286,344 baubles in every imaginable colourway to suit your preference, 56,828 garlands to adorn bannisters and doorways, and 40,807 wreaths to welcome guests to your front door.

Wrapping gifts is a cherished tradition, and British Garden Centres offer a wide range of recyclable wrapping paper to choose from. With over 258,608 meters or 160 milesof wrapping paper available, shoppers can find the perfect festive print to adorn their gifts under the tree. The wrapping paper is free of foil and glitter, making it an eco-friendly choice for those who care about the environment.

This year, British Garden Centres is the go-to destination for all your festive needs. Whether you're buying a Christmas tree, decorating your home, or enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones, British Garden Centres has got you covered.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/british-garden-centres-christmas-in-numbers/feed/ 0 We’ve got Christmas All Wrapped Up! https://www.britishgardencentres.com/christmas-all-wrapped-up/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/christmas-all-wrapped-up/#respond Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:38:39 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=98030

We’ve got Christmas All Wrapped Up!

Christmas is fast approaching, and British Garden Centres has the festive season #AllWrappedUp for the big day. Your local centre has everything you can treat the family and have a wonderful Christmas from decorations to personal gifts all under one roof so you can focus on what matters this holiday season, with our Christmas collections that have been uniquely created to create lasting memories for years to come.

Trees

Looking for the perfect Christmas tree to be the focal point for your family on the big day? Look no further than your local British Garden Centres store! We specialise in providing high-quality, fresh Christmas trees, as well as artificial trees to suit all your needs. Our Nordmann firs are Premium Cut, which means that they have been carefully hand-selected by our team of experts for their shape and size, ensuring that you purchase only the best. We also offer pot-grown trees in Nordmann, Norway Spruce, Fraser Fir, and Blue Spruce, so you can choose the type that’s right for you. If you’re unsure which one to pick, don’t worry! Our friendly staff will be more than happy to help you out.

Lights

We are proud to offer a vast collection of lighting options that boast nearly 33 million energy-efficient LED lights in our stores. This incredible amount is equivalent to 1,314,302 meters of lit length, which is a staggering 816 miles – equivalent to flying from London to Porto in Portugal.  LED lights consume 80-90% less energy than filament bulbs and use only a fraction of the electricity. Consider investing in a timer to control how long your lights are on during the day and evening and save even more money in the process.

Decor

Christmas is a very special occasion where families come together to celebrate. To help you get into the spirit, British Garden Centres has curated a range of new themes for homeowners to uniquely decorate their homes with. Our Christmas decorations come in a wide variety of colours, styles, and designs to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer the traditional red and green palette, a candy cane adventure, metallic blues and silvers or a winter theme with a snowy feel and neutral colour palette, we have something for everyone. Our collections include baubles, tinsel, tree toppers, tree skirts, wreaths, garlands, ornaments, and more to make your home look festive and magical.

Plants, plants, plants

When it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gift, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of options. However, there’s one gift that continues to stand out for its timeless appeal – plants. Whether it’s a lush fern, a vibrant poinsettia, or a charming succulent, plants have a unique ability to bring joy and beauty into any space. By giving a plant as a Christmas gift, you’re not just presenting a physical item to your loved one – you’re offering them the opportunity to nurture and care for a living gift that will last for years to come.

Gifts

At British Garden Centres, we take pride in offering a wide range of gift ideas for everyone to spruce up their home and garden during the festive season. Our selection of Christmas gifts has been curated with care to cater to various budgets, lifestyles, and interiors. We have ethically-made toys and games for children, homeware, toiletries, fashion accessories, and unique gifts for the men in your life. Our team ensures a hassle-free experience for you to get everything you need for the special occasion.

 

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/christmas-all-wrapped-up/feed/ 0 Choosing the best Christmas lights for your home https://www.britishgardencentres.com/choosing-the-best-christmas-lights-for-your-home/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/choosing-the-best-christmas-lights-for-your-home/#respond Fri, 10 Nov 2023 13:28:01 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=97952

Choosing the best Christmas lights for your home

When it comes to decorating our homes for the festive season, one element that can truly make a difference in creating a magical atmosphere is Christmas lights. However, with so many options available, choosing the right lights for your home can be a daunting task. Fear not, as the British Garden Centres team has compiled a comprehensive guide to illuminate your home in style!

Our Types of Lights

LED Lights: Energy-Efficient and Long-Lasting

LED lights have gained popularity in recent years due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. They consume less power than traditional incandescent lights, resulting in lower electricity bills. LED lights also emit less heat, making them safer to use. LED lights consume 80-90% less energy than filament bulbs and can potentially last up to 100,000 hours, meaning they trump any traditional incandescent lights.

British Garden Centres is an expert in LED lighting with nearly 33 million energy-efficient LED lights in stores which is equivalent to 1,314,302 metres of lit length – that is 816 miles which is equivalent to flying from London to Porto in Portugal.

Novelty Lights

If you want to add a unique twist to your Christmas decor, consider novelty lights. We have novelty lights in abundance from LED reindeer and penguins, to snowflakes, candy canes and Santa Stop Here signs for your front porch. Novelty lights can be a fun way to express your creativity and make your decorations stand out from the crowd.

Choose the Right Colour

When it comes to Christmas lights, the colour choice can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your decorations. Here are some popular colour options in store to consider:

Warm White

Warm white lights are the go-to choice for many homeowners. They create a cosy and inviting ambience and are traditional holiday lights to have in the home. These lights pair well with both traditional and modern decor styles, making them a versatile option for all families.

Multi-coloured: Vibrant and Playful

For a more festive and livelier atmosphere, multi-coloured lights are a great choice. These lights come in a rainbow of colours and can add a playful touch to your holiday decorations. They are especially popular with families and children who appreciate the vibrant and cheerful display.

Ice White

Ice-white lights offer a contemporary and sophisticated look. They emit a brighter and crisper light, reminiscent of snowflakes and work well in minimalist or modern-themed homes, providing a sleek and elegant aesthetic.

How to choose your lights

Before purchasing Christmas lights, it’s essential to measure the area you plan to decorate. This will help determine the appropriate length and number of lights you need. The last thing you want is to run out of lights or have excessive leftover strands.

Running costs

If you want to save some money on your energy bills, LED lights are the way to go when it comes to lighting up your Christmas tree and home. Not only are they already cost-efficient, but you can save even more by using the built-in timer to turn the lights on and off, ensuring they are only in use when needed.  Some examples of costs include our 500 Treebrights Multi-Action Christmas Tree Lights are just 39p for an 8-hour day over a monthly period.

To save more energy and cut down on expenses, you can connect your lights to a timer and set the duration for which they will remain on during the day and night. Our 200 LEDs come in rainbow, gold, and warm whitecolours, and they include a timer that allows them to run for 30 days at a cost of just 16p a day over 30 days.

For fireplace or shelf displays, If decorating your fireplace, our LED parcels cost no more than 23p to run over 30 days, or if you wish to bring the Christmas stars into your home, the Blue and White LED  Stars will shine bright for just 66p over the month.

Safety

When decorating with Christmas lights, safety should always be a priority. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Only use lights that are specifically designed for outdoor or indoor use.
  • Check for any signs of wear or damage before installing the lights in your home or garden
  • Use extension cords and power outlets that are suitable for outdoor use
  • Do not overload electrical circuits to avoid potential fire hazards
  • Always turn off the lights when leaving your home or going to bed.

Thanks for reading.

]]> https://www.britishgardencentres.com/choosing-the-best-christmas-lights-for-your-home/feed/ 0 Choosing the perfect Christmas tree for your home https://www.britishgardencentres.com/choosing-the-perfect-christmas-tree/ https://www.britishgardencentres.com/choosing-the-perfect-christmas-tree/#respond Mon, 06 Nov 2023 09:53:35 +0000 https://www.britishgardencentres.com/?p=97929

Choosing the perfect Christmas tree for your home

Choosing the perfect Christmas tree with your loved ones marks the start of the festive season. For families, the tree plays a central role in their festive celebrations from decorating to showcasing presents for the big day. The delightful fragrance of the freshly cut pine adds a touch of magic, and opting for a biodegradable tree is an eco-conscious decision. However, with so many sizes and varieties to choose from, picking the ideal one for your home can be a daunting task. Andy Little, British Garden Centres Christmas tree buyer has put together this guide to assist you in selecting the perfect Christmas tree.

Measure your space beforehand

When you visit your local British Garden Centres store to buy a real Christmas tree, keep in mind that trees often appear smaller in the outdoor plant area. To ensure that your tree fits perfectly in your room, measure the height and space of the area where you plan to put it. Remember to consider space for the stand and the tree-top decoration while taking measurements.

Which variety to choose

During Christmas, the Nordmann Fir is one of the most popular Christmas tree types. It has a symmetrical shape, well-spaced branches, soft, glossy, dark green foliage and excellent needle retention, making it an ideal choice for families with children and pets. Your local store will also stock the Norway Spruce which is a more traditional-looking tree that emits a long-lasting fragrance and has plenty of branches, providing ample space for hanging decorations.

We also have in store, the Fraser Fir which is popular due to its needle retention, dark blue-green colour and fresh scent and the Blue Spruce which is an attractive symmetrical tree with attractive blue foliage. All of our trees are pot grown and all come with a decorative pot cover, meaning less root disturbance and a healthier tree after Christmas with a little care, the tree can be planted outside to enjoy year after year.

Our Nordmann’s are also available as cut trees which can be displayed in a festive stand and Christmas tree skirt.

Picking your tree

When looking to buy your Christmas tree, it's a good idea to give it a gentle shake to see if any needles are falling off. Another thing to look for is the colour of the needles - green and shiny needles are a sign of a fresh and healthy tree while yellowing, loose needles indicate an older tree. Another way to test the health of a cut tree you have chosen is to place your hands halfway up the trunk and lift it off the ground. A heavier tree means it's full of water and fresher than a lighter one.

We also recommend you consider the space between the branches and the decorations you plan to use. If you're looking to add lots of ornaments, a tree with more space between branches may be the best option. However, if you plan only to use lights or tinsel, a fuller tree will give you a denser look. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to help you select the perfect Christmas tree for your home.

What stand do I need?

It's important to have a sturdy tree stand for your cut tree to ensure your tree stays healthy. Keep in mind that the taller the tree, the wider the stand should be. Choosing a stand that can hold plenty of water will also help you to enjoy the festive season whilst your tree thrives.

Setting up your tree at home

After buying your Christmas tree, it's best to keep it outside for as long as possible before taking it into the house. The first step is to trim 3cm off the trunk, which allows the tree to absorb more water through its fresh cut as it opens up the bark. Once done, put the tree in your stand with some water. Position the tree in an open, well-ventilated area and away from radiators.

Caring for your tree

Real Christmas trees usually last for 4-6 weeks. It's essential to keep your tree hydrated with fresh water to ensure its longevity. When you bring the tree home, it may drink a lot of water in the first few days. Depending on the size of the tree and your central heating settings, it can consume 2-3 pints (1-2 litres) of water per day. After a week, the intake should decrease, and it won't require as much water.

Artificial Trees

As with real trees, we recommend when choosing your artificial one that you measure the space you have available for it. British Garden Centres has a wide selection of artificial trees to fit in any space and they are available in the following categories:

Plain tree: A classic tree that you can decorate yourself.

LED trees:  Say goodbye to tangled wires and hello to an effortless setup with our trees that come with the lights already attached, saving you precious time setting up and more time to enjoy the festivities. Our pre-lit trees feature LED bulbs that are safer, energy-efficient, and longer-lasting than filament bulbs. With mains operation and multi-function light settings, you can create the perfect ambience for your Christmas gatherings.

Decorated trees: If you want to save time on decorating your Christmas tree but still prefer to use your lights, you can opt for one of our pre-decorated trees in your local store. These trees come with pre-attached natural-looking decorations such as rustic woodland berries, pinecones, and classic snow-effect branches. You can leave them as they are or add your ornaments to make them even more festive.

Thanks for reading.

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