The lovely stalls with all the handmade wares. Nuts roasting over hot coals. Wine mulling with cinnamon and cloves. Were we on the streets of a London, Berlin, or Paris Christmas market? Oh no. Our big little hamlet of St Paul has gotten into the market spirit and for the last five years there has been a pop up market for three weekends in December. Most of the stalls were knit wears of hats, mittens, scarves. There was a wood carving booth and a few selling ornaments. It was pretty tiny, but I could see coming late afternoon and into the early evening hours could be kind of fun as there was another stall for food and long benches and tables set up surrounded by portable fireplaces.
Even though it was morning, we had to pop into the bar tent and try some mulled wine. It actually though was more of just a regular wine that was fermented with the intention of being served warm. DD1 and I shared, and let DD2 have a little sip. We both thought it was good, but not the spicy, decadent and thoroughly warming mulled wine she remembered in London. Well, they do have 900 years on St Paul to perfect the market.
I can't say I'll get a chance or take the time to post in the morning. I've been quite slow as it is, sleeping in a little later. Today will be some more cooking for the items for today and tomorrow, and eating leftovers. I'm really enjoying the time with my family.
The time spent together is the true gift! Merry Christmas, Sam!
ReplyDeleteAnd now, just one more day with my son home. It goes fast but life evolves.
DeleteThat looks like such fun. Merry Christmas my friend.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pretty fast wander, but I think we might go lter next year and then see the city lights and maybe combine a happy hour somewhere.
DeleteThat market looks lovely - and it's odd that at the markets I went to last weekend knitwear wasn't even on the agenda or I probably would have bought some. But the mulled wine - oh how lovely is it to smell it (and drink it) while you're walking round in the cold. I remember a good few years ago my friend called the fire brigade out to her flooded basement, and as they were pumping it out my neighbour asked if I could make them some coffee as it was really cold. At the time I didn't drink coffee so had none in the house and didn't expect they'd want tea, so I made up a vat of mulled wine and firemen or not they really enjoyed it! Probably should have thought that one over but …. what the heck, this is France! Have a lovely Christmas and enjoy having your family around!
ReplyDeleteThat was a nice way to thank them.
DeleteThat looks like a fun excursion. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteIt was a sweet little market-maybe it will expand over the years.
DeleteLooks like so much fun. Here's hoping you have a wonderful day, full of family & relaxing.
ReplyDeleteTo you as well!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas t you and yours!
ReplyDeleteWe did have a good few days-I am wearing out though!
ReplyDelete