Christmas Fair Preparations

This week has been a flurry of activity with preparations for the Cliff School Christmas Fair where we will be hosting a stall selling all sorts of goodies. We have been choosing a selection of our ranges including lots of Christmas decorations and gifts including our current best seller - this Shabby Chic Christmas Bunting.

I've already earmarked a place in my own home for this bunting (if there is any left!) and think it will look great strung across the chimney in my kitchen.

Hope your preparations are going well.

Christmas Has Arrived At Homes & Dreams

I know its only October but we like to be prepared at Homes & Dreams and so we are happy to announce the arrival of our 2009 Christmas range.

This year we based our range on delicate shades and ivory tones with just a hint of festive red to decorate your home for Christmas.

Already we have sold some of the Reusable Advent Calendars so it just goes to show that some of our customers are as organized as we are!

Have fun planning for Christmas!

New Shopping List Message Holders.

This week we have introduced these shopping list message holders. They are great for holding all those bits of paper together as they have a wooden peg on the back and a magnet so they can be stuck to your fridge or one of our Magnetic Memo Boards. They are priced at only £2.25.

Our New Art Range Has Arrived!

At last, our new range of wall art has arrived in our shop.

Our range of art panels are made by hand and are the perfect marriage between reclaimed wood, craftsmanship and modernity of design.
Each panel is made from recycled woods which have been aged naturally. They are printed and finished by hand making each piece unique.
They work well individually or for stunning results hang in an eclectic mix.

Why not take a look for yourself at http://www.homesanddreams.co.uk/

Top 10 Childrens Garden Plants

Following on from the last post here are our top ten plants for a child’s garden.

1. Lamb’s Ears - This perennial with its fuzzy leaves is a favorite in any child’s garden. Children love to feel the soft silvery leaves.

2. Buddleia - Butterfly bushes make wonderful small trees in a child’s garden and most children are fascinated by the winged creatures covering the plants.

3. Sunflowers - These cheery, yellow annuals are fun and easy to grow.

4. Snapdragons - They can pick the flowers and make them talk.

5. Mint - Children enjoy the smell of different mints and rub the leaves between their fingers to release the scent.

6. Thyme - Use this plant between stepping stones. It is tough enough to handle the occasional mis-step.

7. Curry Plant - The warm spicy aroma smells just like curry.

8. Carrots - Children like the fluffy tops and enjoy the surprise of finding veggies growing underground.

9. Lavender - The foliage of these plants is a lovely gray green, but the best part for kids is picking the flowering wands.

10. Grass - Its smell great and cushions them when they fall over!

Have a great time in the garden and don't forget to take a look at our 'Mr McGegors Grow Your Own Gardening Kits'. These are a great way to introduce your little ones to the joys of gardening!

Gardening Ideas For Children

The weather looks like it might be picking up at last. This weekend I'm planning to get out into the garden with my son as he has a nature project to work on for school which involves us looking for bugs!



Children love being outdoors so here are a few ideas:

• Collect flowers, berries, leaves and insects


• Plant seeds (inside or outside)


• Create vegetable, fruit and leaf prints


• Make seed mosaics


• Simple supervised tasks such as deadheading or watering plants


• Start a wormery


• Watch a butterfly or tadpole develop


• Place carrot tops in water & watch them sprout roots and leaves


• Press and dry flowers


• Arrange fresh flowers

What is Country Style?

What springs to mind when you think of country style? Aga's and muddy boots? Creamware and chintz?

I guess there is no definitive answer as people have different ideas about living in the country. To some it may be the pretty country cottage with climbing roses around the door, for others a rustic barn conversion - both stereotypical of country living but both completely different in style.

The country style of home decorating remains popular because the suggestion of rural life can seem to offer simplicity and a refuge from urban pressures. Country-style decorating can draw its inspiration from French, English, Swedish, American, and other cultural influences. However, pieces from different periods and traditions can be blended in one home as long as comfort is the principle ingredient. No country-style room should be too studied, for it is meant to be lived in.

To me the term Country style means a comfortable, lived-in look of a farmhouse or country cottage. The style inspires guests feel to comfortable in a country style living room or drop in for a cup of tea and homemade cake in a country style kitchen. This design style is casually elegant with a compliment of sturdy, practical furniture and warm rustic accessories.

Homes & Dreams features a collection of timeless decorative accessories for the country home & garden. From wonderful wall art to gardening gifts, our diverse range of home accessories are selected to reflect the enduring elegance of English country style with a hint of vintage charm.