Home, Garden and Beyond

As we welcome in November, we’re bringing you ideas of things to do in the home, the garden and out and about!

Home

November is really good time to begin early preparations for Christmas. We’re not talking about getting the decorations down from the attic quite yet, but why not use these weekends as an opportunity to de-clutter the house ready for all the holiday hosting. Use your free time to carry out those small DIY jobs you’ve been putting off which will take the pressure off when things start to get busier during the festive season. Another way to get a head start would be to make your Christmas cake now. Not only will this tick one item off of the Christmas job list, but it will also allow the cake plenty of soaking time which will ensure you have the most indulgent Christmas cake yet!

Garden

With December frosts just around the corner, November is the perfect time of year to plant your spring bulbs. Plant an array of daffodils, tulips and hyacinth bulbs as well as pansies, violas and primulas to create a stunning array of bedding flowers next spring. It is also time to plant delicious spring fruit and vegetables, like rhubarb and asparagus crowns, currant bushes and raspberry canes. Don’t forget to continue to clear fallen leaves on your lawn, as well as aerating it to ensure it’s in tip-top condition for the BBQ season next year.

And Beyond…

It may be getting colder and the days are definitely getting shorter, however there are lots of things to do and see across the country at this time of year. Wrap up warm and head outside to make the most of November with friends and family.

Bonfire Night always kicks off November with a bang, and with local firework displays across the country it is a great way to get the family outside. Lewes in East Sussex is Britain’s biggest Bonfire Night, with six local bonfire societies joined by around 30 visiting groups. Alternatively, why not host your own Bonfire Night. Tesco’s have a wide range of fireworks available which are safe to use in the garden. Combine with sparklers and a winter BBQ to celebrate Guy Fawkes from the comfort of your own home/garden.

The National Trust are hosting a wide variety of events this November, such as the Champagne Lover’s Dinner at Waddesdon Manor on Saturday 5th November, with Waddesdon’s own bubbly served by the magnum. For a more child friendly day out, why not check out National Trust Gardens such as Acorn Bank in Cumbria, Blickling Estate in Norfolk and Colby Woodland Garden in Pembrokeshire, packed full of family fun activities.

We hope we’re inspired you with activities and events for November to enjoy at home, in the garden and beyond. Gather your friends and family together and enjoy what this beautiful season has to offer. Don’t wait until December to let the fun begin!