We got asked by YOU magazine to write some ideas for Christmas time! YOU magazine – “Christmas Ideas for couples”
http://you.co.za/lifestyle/romantic-ideas-for-christmas/
“With Christmas and the holidays just around the corner we asked date and proposal planning expert Philippa Stewart to share Christmas ideas for couples:
Christmas time is all about love! And although your finances can either leave you smiling or miserable, spending a lot of money to spoil your partner is really not what the festive season should be about. Going all out can also put pressure on the other partner, therefore rather invest in gift ideas which cost less but create true joyful moments.
- To market!
With the holiday season about to kick off so are the Christmas markets. Men generally hate shopping and steer clear of shopping centres but Christmas markets are less busy, more festive and serve fresh and delicious foods, drinks and often live music. And don’t think the ongoing markets such as the Neighbourgoods market in Cape Town and Joburg don’t get festive too – Christmas shopping is on the cards. We love Irene Village Market on in Pretoria from 3 – 8 December: https://www.facebook.com/events/320612054731925/
Also try the Charity Christmas Market in Parkview, which runs from 29 November – 1 December, with more than 70 stands to visit and lots of festivity! More here: https://www.facebook.com/Nicarela
- Get creative
Decorate the Christmas tree together this year! Make the most of that evening by arranging a special candlelight dinner for two and surprising your partner at dinner with a personal ornament made just for him/her. Get creative and find amazing decorations for Christmas online ( http://www.gingerray.co.za/).
- Breakfast in bed with us!
Holiday time can add extra pressure to your relationship. Christmas is expensive and let’s not forget that it’s that time when families come together – yes, this can be tricky. Enjoy a quiet morning with a good old-fashioned breakfast in bed for just the two of you. Our Breakfast Box is the perfect touch for this romantic occasion ( https://www.theperfectproposal.co.za/the-perfect-box). Our boxes have been created to make life easier and save you time; we create your breakfast box with tips, ideas for the occasion and of course coffee, champers and the perfect recipes plus goodies that make your breakfast box personal and unique.
- Advent calendar
Create a special advent calendar for your partner. Spoil him or her for the 12 days leading up to Christmas with a note and a gift. These love notes tell them what they mean to you. Keep it simple; one sentence of genuine feeling is all it takes. If you want to spoil your partner before Christmas, add a present for each day, from a spa voucher for two to a twig of mistletoe, chocolate or their favourite treat. Place these gifts in boxes and let him or her find them in a different spot each day.
If making and creating isn’t your forte go for an electronic advent and send your partner a special message each day leading up to Christmas.
- Holiday baking
Get in the kitchen, pop a bottle of champers and get baking. Go for holiday recipes that you both love and make sure you get a Christmas cookie cutter. And if baking isn’t your thing – we suggest the best hot chocolate recipe; it’s simple and Spanish style ( http://www.jennamcarthur.com/white-on-trend/ ). Also try Martha Stewart’s Ultimate Hot Chocolate ( http://www.marthastewart.com/335381/ultimate-hot-chocolate?search_key=hot%20chocolate)
XOXO