It’s late October, and the wholesome soup weather has well and truly arrived. Halloween is almost here - even if officially, it’s still a few days away - and I’m enjoying seeing the autumnal displays popping up in windows and on doorsteps. There’s something so warm and celebratory about pumpkins, fairy lights, and that golden glow.
I love when the local children call round, dressed as witches or ghouls for ‘Trick or Treat’. I always keep a few fun treats on hand - it gives me a great kick to see their delight. But truth be told, I keep things fairly low fuss this time of year. Christmas is hot on Halloween’s heels, and I like to save my energy for the sparkle and calm that follows the December rush.
Once the gifts and cards are sorted, everything else seems to fall into place, so I try to get a head start early. I stash away little finds throughout the year, but it’s usually around now - after September has safely passed - that I really get into gear.
So, if you’re like me and like to get ahead, here’s a gentle start. Below you’ll find a few of my favourite collections - a little inspiration to spark that cosy festive feeling. Before you start you may like to try out a Christmas planner to keep track. Check out mine here.
Cards to start you off
Now is the perfect time to get your Christmas cards underway.
Find the ones that speak to you, have them at the ready, and then make an evening of it: a cosy fire, a cuppa (or a little glass of something festive), and a quiet hour to write them. You’ll feel marvellously ahead of the game.
👉 Browse my Christmas Card Collection here →
(A mix of art cards and handmade designs to post or gift.)
Easy gifts for posting
If you’re sending gifts this year, lightweight pieces are perfect for posting early.
Remember: Parade Handmade offers a flat-rate postage of €5 within Ireland - boxes, envelopes, or mixed items, all covered as long as they fit the An Post green envelopes.
A few of my favourites to post easily:
A few lovely collections you may have missed
If you haven’t popped by the shop in a while, here are some recent (and much-loved) collections worth a look:
Keep an eye out for my next blog post, which will feature a few more Christmassy musings and a few gift ideas for early birds.
Until then - stay cosy, stay calm,
Amanda
