CHRISTMAS BLOG: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
We can’t believe that Christmas is only just around the corner, and we realise how much of a busy time of year it can be. So, for this year’s upcoming festivities we’ve gone ahead and gathered some tips and tricks for you to try out – so you can skip the thinking and great straight to the doing! To find out some very handy tips and tricks, keep on reading:
Your system is a perfect addition to creating a winter wonderland this Christmas time, so we think that it is important to know how to maintain it. We have written previous blogs and have a maintenance guide that you can take a look at on our website, but for now we’ve broken down how to maintain your systems for any heavy snow we might possibly get this winter!
Awning Systems - Awnings should be retracted on snowy days. Do not operate your system on snowy days.
Motorised Blinds - Motorised Blinds should be retracted on snowy days to keep them safe from the risk of any damage.
Pergola Systems - (Freestanding & Attached Modules) - On snowy days retract the roof and do not operate these systems if you see ice or snow starting to pile up on your aluminium or iron framework profile, sweep it away.
We also believe it’s important for you to be able to decorate your system but don’t worry, if you haven’t gotten round to getting one of our stunning outdoor shading systems just yet, you can still steal these decorating tips for your outdoor area. Decorating is always a huge part of creating any atmosphere even more special, so take some of these tips to create a winter wonderland extravaganza to your outdoor area.
Battery Powered Fairy lights - Very versatile and easy to add to any area, they add a gorgeous winter twinkle wherever they are added.
Small Christmas tree - If you're feeling extra festive, a small potted Christmas tree is an excellent way to add a hint of Christmas to your outdoor area. You can even decorate it!
Colour Theme - You could stick with a colour theme such as Blues and silvers for Winter or even Reds and Greens for the festive tie of the season - this is a simple yet effective way of decorating your outdoor space.
So, you've got an up-kept system, and a beautifully decorated outdoor area, so you're now ready to have guests over - great! but what exactly can you do now? You want to make your guests feel even more welcome to your outdoor space and make it a time to remember, this is why we have taken inspiration from Jamie Oliver and whipped up his recipe for you to follow for your own homemade mulled wine!
Mulled wine is a very popular festive drink and doesn't take too much effort or time to make. It will be a great way to impress your guests as you enjoy your festivities. Try it now:
Makes 1.5 Litres and has a 20 minute make time.
Ingredients
200 g caster sugar
6 cloves
3-star anise
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves
2 oranges
1 lemon
2 x 750 ml bottles of red wine
100 ml crème de cassis
1 whole nutmeg, for grating
Method
-Place the sugar and all of the spices (except the nutmeg) into a large, heavy-bottomed pan.
-Add the bay leaves and use a speed peeler to pare the zest of the lemon and oranges. Add to the pan, slice the oranges in half and squeeze in the juice.
-Pour in just enough of the wine to cover all the ingredients. Place the pan over medium heat, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until all of the sugar is dissolved and you have a lovely fragrant syrup.
-Add the rest of the wine and the crème de cassis, then gently heat for 10 minutes, until warm and fragrant. Be careful not to let the mixture boil. Serve hot, with fresh nutmeg grated on top, and mince pies.
We hope you have enjoyed this week’s blog posts and are just as excited as us for the quick approaching festivities. Have a lovely Christmas and remember if you are interested in any of our systems feel free to contact us now!
