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Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair Review

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair: Introduction

About.com Rating 4.5 Star Rating
User Rating 4 Star Rating (1 Review) Write a review

By , About.com Guide

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, London

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair

© Laura Porter (2006), licensed to About.com, Inc.
The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair attracts thousands of visitors every year. They come to soak up the wonderful festive atmosphere and browse the best of British crafts, home accessories, unique jewelry and clothing, along with homemade food and drink – away from the hustle and bustle of the high street.

The Bottom Line

The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is a London annual event every November to celebrate the festive season. This is your chance to be ready in plenty of time for Christmas this year. With over 400 exhibitors you will have no problem finding unique gifts for all the family. There are also delightful classis Christmas decorations as well as delicious food and drink to sample and then take home.

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, London

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair

© Laura Porter (2006), licensed to About.com, Inc.

Pros

  • Helps you get ready for Christmas before December!
  • Everything you need for Chrismas under one roof
  • A chance to buy unique gifts

Cons

  • Don't get carried away as some of the goods are pricey
  • Can get crowded so allow plenty of time

Decorating

You can gain Christmas decorating inspiration from the wealth of exhibitors selling fragrant wreaths and garlands, simple Shaker-inspired tree decorations, and handmade candles and baubles.

Food and Drink

The Food Hall is the ideal place to get in the Christmas spirit with wine, port, and other festive beverages, all on offer to sample.

Unique Gifts

The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair is the ultimate Christmas bazaar. There is always a wide choice of handcrafted gifts such as wooden toys, ceramics, jewelry, clothes, home furnishings, and accessories.

Guide Review

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, London

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair

© Laura Porter (2006), licensed to About.com, Inc.

I enjoyed the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair as it gave me loads of ideas which is what I think these events are all about: inspiration. The Christmas decorations were stunning, if a bit expensive, but I do understand you should pay more for something handcrafted. I love traditional Christmas decorations so it was a pleasure to find so many on sale.

Allow plenty of time for your visit as there was a gift wrapping demonstration I would have liked to see but I didn't have time. The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair has been running for over ten years and is a popular event so be prepared for crowds, but not as bad as Oxford Street or the West End.

Allow yourself time to explore Upper Street (Islington) where the Fair is held. There are some great cafes and restaurants and interesting boutiques for even more shopping. I can recommend the S&M (Sausage and Mash) Cafe.

User Reviews

 4 out of 5
Country Living Xmas Fair - Something for everyone., Member Londoncraft

I'd say there is something here for everyone and the prices were very good. Plenty of cheap imported items and a good selection of quality makers sprinkled about the fair. The imported items can be seen cheaper in many high street stores. The hand made items seemed to be great value and the quality second to none. It must be said that there are better fairs for designer makers, but still when you find them here it’s worthwhile. My personal favourites being some serene hand thrown porcelain by a drop of the ocean pottery and some beautiful bevelled glass by someone who’s name escapes me. Most of the ceramics had a factory element to them, which was disappointing. Some interesting food, including an independent chocolatier (Paul Wayne Gregory ) and some great cooking sauces and chutneys. There was cheese available, a personal weakness, but the limited number of small independent cheese makers was disappointing, but then it’s not a food fair. I know it's a bit early but chaps, but a great place to do your Christmas shopping. Judging by the amount the ladies were spending, you can't go wrong.

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