That will be C for Christmas then :o)
And I really didn't think I would be muttering anything about Christmas till December 1st but hey, it's what hit me when I popped in to Matalan the other week.
Now I actually have a soft spot for Christmas paraphernalia at Matalan. It all punches above it's weight in terms of price. Last year I was spotting baubles in there which wouldn't have looked out of place in Anthropologie but at a third of the price. Only thing ... I was too late for the ones I really wanted. But this year, I'm starting early.
So I bring you Christmas in October. Sorry. But you'll thank me later. And this is nothing about clothes so you can stop reading now if you want. But if you like decorations .... read on!
The first thing that really grabbed me. Really really grabbed me. The wall stickers. The one below is not online so I can't show you a stock picture of how it would look on a wall but I love the Christmas tree design on this. All kind of scribbly and all kind of Quentin Blake'y. You get two sheets as well so double the fun. This is more than perfect for those persons who have little room space and can't fit a tree in but might have a blank wall which is crying for a little something. I actually have a wall which is perfect for one of these .... so I've bagged a set!
They also do a more traditional styled one which is online :
And these are the ones they do have online currently which are £8:
Oh yes, we also have baubles. Big baubles. They are £3-4 a pop but these are weighty numbers. If you're the kind of person, who likes to buy a new bauble each year to add to the tree, you would do well to look here. I just took a few pics of the ones I saw in store :
But there are plenty more unusual and contemporary ones online which are worth a look :
Fan Bauble Decoration and Geometric Star Decoration
Mosaic Bauble Decoration and Alphabet Hanging decoration
There are more traditional styled ones too but those above are the ones which jump out at me for being a little more unusual.
I know there are a few ladies out there who like a more gentle homely look and the soft greys in this felt garland is pretty :
And although not strictly Christmas, I was rather drawn to these cushions and the throw. Matalan have definitely gone big on the neutrals and alphabet items this year and I'm loving it.
And anyone like these big letters? I do. Only £3 each. Anyone got a shelf to spell out XMAS on?
A wander through the gift wrap section yielded these rather cool gift tags, paper bows, washi tape and raffia and twine!
Another item worthy of a mention are the alphabet wine bags.
Now I didn't see these online but I bought something similar a few years back. I love that you can get a 45 pack of these snowflakes for £6. Don't restrict them to the tree - tie them on your presents as an extra finishing touch.
In a similar vein, these are rather different for the tree or tied to a present.
And because I'm a mum, I like the look of these for the little ones. The packaging is rather cool :
And then I was running out of time because I spent too long in the candles section. I found these lovely initialed candle holders and I spent way too long faffing trying to make my name in them but alas, no matching E!
.... but I'm not a quitter.
So Christmas in October - sounds daft but I know there's a few of you who like to start early and if you start early, you can pick up some goodies now before they sell out. Because Christmas is only 77 sleeps away! You have been warned!
I couldn't agree more, Matalan is my go-to store for fabulous Christmas decorations at a great price! I was in on Tuesday & they had the most gorgeous grey decorations that I'm going back for tomorrow (please still be there!)
ReplyDeleteI generally love the homeware & their premium range towels are superb. But I have a fake fur throw on my list to get tomorrow too! X
They actually had all this in from a couple of weeks ago and I started writing this post in September and then went off and did other stuff but their home section is really strong. I do love the wall sticker that I picked up - I don't know if I'll be saying that after trying to put it up ;o/
DeleteAnd I did see a faux fur throw on a shelf too high for me to reach - I could do with one for the little leather sofa which the boys bounce on - just to take the brunt of it a bit.
Hi Sue
ReplyDeleteIve been following your blog for a while and absolutely love it! This is my first post though, I wanted to let you know that if you download the Matalan app to your phone there is a 20% off code thats valid until 13th October so all those Christmas delights will be even cheaper! Im heading to my local store later to stock up :) x
Thank you Claire! I actually have the Matalan app on my phone, there was a really helpful shop assistant instore who advised me a couple of weeks ago to download it and I've just checked the offers and it's there! Now do I have time and energy to return my wall sticker and rebuy it???
DeleteI have always thought Matalan was really good for homeware, but I'd never checked out there Xmas Dec's before ....These are beautiful and look way more expensive, and as you say stock up now because at those prices they won't be hanging around!! Our Matalan has been a bit poor recently on the home front, so may have to go to one of the major branches to see this selection, but any excuse to go shopping really?! Xx
ReplyDeleteThey do have some goodies in there - it's one of those places where if you keep an open mind, you never know what little gems pop up. I think the one I popped in to was a pretty good one - it always seems to have quite a range in. But if you do get a chance, have a look at the Christmas decs - they're good!
DeleteFlip, I'm getting myself down there on Monday!! I've a 20% voucher too - yee haw!! Thanks for the tip off x
ReplyDeleteLots of goodies in store - look out for the pompom shoes!
DeleteDarn, wish I'd know about the 20% off, I was in Matalan today. Loving the Christmas stuff and got some fab copper effect picture frames and some 'scandinavian log fire' scented candles!
ReplyDeleteIf you're passing by, you've got another few days to take up on the offer and you could always return what you originally bought and rebuy it?
DeleteGuess what my first stop will be after the school run drop off tomorrow.......Matalan has some amazing Christmas stuff and I don't want to miss out!! Thanks to your lovely reader Claire I am going to take advantage of that 20% off code too! Another fab post Sue! xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle! I was just thinking I could take advantage of the offer and buy some of that washi tape - I love stuff like that. And I might see what else I can pop in the boys' stockings :)
DeleteOooo thanks for the reminder Sue! I usually leave it far too late and miss out on the best stuff.. Will be visiting my local store this week to stock up on stocking fillers, boys' pj's and lots of other stuff. Sue xx
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe my eyes when I went a couple of weeks ago and it was full on Christmas stuff but I took a really good nosey and I'm glad I did. I only popped in for a pair of wellies for the big boy!
DeleteOoh, lovely. I already have far too much Christmas stuff! Sits on hands...
ReplyDeleteSo do I. I have 5 boxes worth. Eeek. The hubs has a job getting everything down for me when it's time to put up the decs!
DeleteI love matalans home stuff in general and always head there for Christmas stuff! Might have purchased a Christmas duvet set for Elodie's bed last week.... :-D
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder if I should "Christmas" up the boys beds but I never get round to it. I end up spending all the money on their presents instead!
DeleteOh I can't tell you how much I love Christmas and the build up to it! I've started buying presents already and I think you have to buy things now otherwise it's upon us before you know it and there's only tat left! Love all of these, Sue. Must get myself to Matalan! Lynne xx
ReplyDeleteI love the build up more than the actual event. And I've been good this year ... I'm two presents in! That's a first for me. I'm much more a December 24th buyer!
DeleteI do LOVE Christmas!! In particular the decorating of the tree and the house and wrapping the presents.
ReplyDeleteOff to find my nearest Matalan!!
Ruth xx