Crafty ideas and artisan inspiration awaits at this festive fair
The Country Living Christmas Fair will have more than 300 designers, makers and boutique businesses offering seasonal treats and gifts you won’t find on the high street
The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is back at the SEC, Glasgow from this Thursday 15 November until Sunday 18 November.
This annual event, viewed by many loyal visitors as the start of the festive season, is a must for anyone looking to get Christmas sorted in one fun filled festive day out.
Over 300 of the UK’S finest designers, makers and boutique businesses will gather together under one roof to showcase unique gifts and festive inspiration to help bring a Christmas sparkle to every home.
There will be everything from gorgeous garlands to beautiful baubles, scented candles and stylish cards as well as inspired interior ideas. This is also the ideal place to find that unique Christmas outfit with a collection of evening and designer daywear available, as well as beautiful accessories including bags, purses and jewellery. There will be gifts galore for the kids including handmade traditional wooden toys, beautifully-made soft toys, chunky knitwear, cosy pyjamas, pretty party dresses, bright wellies and hundreds of other items ready to be wrapped and placed under the tree this Christmas.
Arts and craft lovers can pick up everything required to get seriously creative this Christmas. They can also have a go at creating their own unique items at The Country Living Crafting Workshops where 23 sessions will take place over the four days. Experts will guide visitors as they make something special to take home including a Christmas Wreath, a Festive Ribbon Flower, Merry Mini Mittens, Ceramic Gingerbread Men, a Lavender Filled Heart and a Crocheted Snowflake. Tickets for The Country Living Crafting Workshops can be booked in advance, priced at £4 each.
Foodie delights
For foodies, the temptations and treats are endless. An exclusive collection of artisan food and drink producers will give visitors the chance to sample authentic regional delicacies such as gourmet sausages and hams, local cheeses and pâté, Christmas cakes, puddings, chocolates and tempting festive drinks.
The Country Living Kitchen Theatre will bring together some of the country’s finest food and drink producers. Visitors can watch demonstrations and pick up tips from top chefs as they prepare tempting seasonal dishes, using delicious, fresh ingredients.
Guest presenters include John Quigley from Red Onion and Jasmine Mcdonagh of Scotia Spice, who will be on hand to share the secrets of using spices in cooking, while Sheila Jones of Mrs Jones – Passion in Baking – will be decorating cakes and sharing baking tips. Michelle Maddock of Clootie Mctoot Dumpling will also share the secret of making the perfect dumping while Bob Mcdonald from Burren Balsamics will explain why balsamic vinegar is so much more than a dressing.
A festive day’s shopping wouldn’t be complete without popping in to the Viking Cruise Champagne Bar – a great place to review purchases, plan the rest of the day’s shopping or just relax with a glass of champagne.
● Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, SEC, Glasgow, 15-18 November, tel: 0844 581 1385 or visit www. countrylivingfair.com Textiles by April
April Hay, described by Gok Wan as ‘a designer to look out for’ set up Textiles by April in 2016 with the aim to create luxury wearable textile pieces for fashion and home furnishings.
Textiles by April uses vegan fabrics, which are printed sustainably in the UK using environmentally conscious methods then manufactured into a range of lifestyle products in Glasgow.
April takes inspiration from Scottish geology and landscape, travelling the country with her camera to gather imagery to inform her collections. Agate, quartz and other rock textures can be found throughout her prints, which are designed to transcend seasons and to be styled with any outfit.
This will be Textiles by April’s debut at Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, where they will be showcasing their latest products to browse and purchase, including the current collection, which includes striking scarves, coin purses, travel mugs, Christmas decorations, pocket squares, clutch bags, cushions, cosmetics bags, notebooks, hand mirrors, coin trays, pencil cases and unique Christmas decorations.
● www.textilesbyapril.com
Jasmine Mcdonagh of Scotia Spice will share the secrets of using spices in cooking