Hello!

Is anyone else feeling the pressure to fast-forward through November straight to Thanksgiving and Christmas?

This year I'm making a concerted effort to allow these first couple of weeks in November to feel like a gentle pause, a chance to catch my breath before the sparkle and excitement ahead. I want to linger in the autumn days a little bit longer, to enjoy cosy afternoons, walks in the crisp fall air (okay sometimes it's a bit soggy, but stay with me here 😂), and enjoy some quiet comforts as the days grow shorter.

If we allow it, there can be something really special about this in-between time, a chance to savour some simple pleasures and gather inspiration at a relaxed pace, instead of rushing headlong into the hustle and bustle of the holidays. A warm supper on the stove or in the slow cooker, a gentle five minute wander round the garden with a cup of coffee, or a few moments curled up in a cosy corner with a book after work...these small rituals feel like a wonderful chance to centre myself before the festivities begin.

Of course I'm beginning to think about twinkling lights and holiday baking, but there's a real joy in letting those ideas unfold gently. Soaking the fruit for the Old Fashioned British Christmas cake I make every year from my husband's grandmother's recipe, making slice and bake cookie rolls to stash in the freezer and getting ready to make my late mother's mincemeat recipe for the first time in years (I literally just found it hiding in her recipe file - I have no idea how I missed it!), all of these things are making me happy right now.

However you are spending these early November days, I hope you find lots of moments to pause and really enjoy where we are right now while slowly preparing for the magic ahead. Here's some inspiration to help, but first, a little glimpse behind the scenes.

A Peak Behind the Scenes

My husband and I stayed at one of our favourite hotels, Cliveden House, a few weeks ago (follow the link for more photos of this beautiful hotel). We attended a very special dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef Aaron Patterson in the beautiful French dining room. Sadly I did not get a photograph, but here we are in the same dining room at another dinner earlier this year. It is such an elegant room, and the food and company were wonderful.

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Things That Are Bringing Me Joy

These are the things that are helping me embrace this in-between time, and use it to refresh and restore before the busy-ness starts.

1. Lighting a softly-scented natural wax candle as the afternoons grow darker or coming home to my timer-operated battery candles and basking in their warm glow as we settle in for the evening.
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2. Bringing out some of my favourite blankets and pillows and layering them on sofas and chairs to encourage people to snuggle up.
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3. A pause for a cup of tea mid-afternoon - with some cookies, of course!

Chocolate Chip Slice & Bake Cookies I keep rolls of the dough for these yummy cookies in the fridge or freezer so I can have hot, fresh cookies anytime I want. Get the recipe

4. Warming dishes that make the house feel welcoming

Beef Stir Fry with Sweet Spicy Sauce A hearty stir fry with a homemade sauce that ticks all the boxes, spicy, sweet and adjustable to suit your family's tastes. Try the recipe

5. Batch-cooking my favourite soup for easy lunches

Muligatawny Soup This easy vegetarian soup is hearty and warmly spiced, perfect for enjoying after a walk in the crisp fall air. Get the recipe

6. Something gently spiced cooking in the oven.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins These indulgent Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are an easy to make treat the whole family will enjoy. Here's the recipe

A Touch of Festive Thinking

Just a few things I am doing with a nod towards the season to come, but without any pressure or rush.

1. Making a gentle start on a few gift ideas. If you are feeling like you would like to do this too, you may enjoy this article on Holiday Shopping Tips and Gift Ideas or if it feels too early, you can pin it or bookmark it for later.
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2. Browsing cookbooks and old notes putting together a list of holiday recipes I want to try this year. If this idea resonates with you, you might want to check out my Christmas Recipes and Ideas post for some inspiration and pin it to save or check out later. The post is updated regularly as I develop and share new recipes.
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3. Getting ready for Stir Up Sunday on November 23rd, when we traditionally make our Christmas puddings here in the UK. I'll be making my husband's grandmother's Victorian recipe for Christmas pudding, the one our family has been making for generations. I'm thrilled that so many of you have made it part of your Christmas traditions as well.

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This week I'm...

Reading - Korean American - Food That Tastes Like Home* by Eric Kim and an advance NetGalley copy of Meet the Newmans* by Jennifer Niven.

Watching - The last episode of The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy (and special guest Michael Bublé) on Apple TV

Listening to - Making a Moving Cookbook Memoir with Eric Kim on the Everything Cookbooks podcast.

Recommending - Come home to a beautiful candle-lit glow with timer-operated battery candles*. Try placing weather safe outdoor versions by your front door to light your way as well as having them inside.

That's all for now. Wishing you calm, happy days as we embrace the warmth and comfort of now and look forward to the sparkle to come.

Thank you so much again for being a subscriber. Remember you can reply to this email with any questions, comments, suggestions or just to say hi. I love to hear from you.

Warmly,

April x

April J Harris | Helping you make the most of life at home and away

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