Homebase-gate

Phew. The first Christmas bonanza weekend out of the way.

Am tired, have big bags, lots of spots and feel particularly special and xmassy.

Ok, so from Friday. Met very very drunk boyfriend at the tube and realised that I was going to have to put some serious effort into sobering him up before we could attend the dinner party we were supposed to be going to....a couple of slaps and pints of water later, we arrived, slightly dishevelled- lovely evening.

Saturday, we went on our inaugural visit to Homebase. A traumatic experience for any couple in their late 20's, particularly when both of us haven't the first idea when it comes to DIY. On the plus side, we weren't trying to negotiate some heinous DIY task, we were infact, choosing an xmas tree (our first xmas together alone- so it had to be done- or else where would the presents live?)

We ventured out into the cold 'garden centre' where all the lovely piney smelling nordic firs were standing, wrapped up and ready to be dispatched into cosy living rooms around the Wandsworth area. We picked up a wrapped tree and a portly man dressed in green offered to open her up, so we could see her 'shape'. She was gorgeous, and pricey and mine. After a minor tantrum we put her in our trolley and proceeded inside to pick some 'tasteful decorations'. In there, we had a minor incident with a deaf child involving a loud and very high pitched train which played 'jingle bells' on loop whilst zooming around a track. After the third rendition, I ripped the train off the display, tore out the batteries and slammed it back down in a christmassy rage.

No sooner than I had done this, a small deaf child ran up to the display, and started to cry 'mummy, someone's broken the train'. At this point, we paid for our tree and decorations and did one. Thank god for a small mini cooper and fast getaways italian job style.

Tree is now up and is fully blinged with silver decorations, and I have named her Chrissy, because, well, why not. She is being fed and watered everyday and in return twinkles and shimmers with her festive load and drops minimal needles.

Saturday night, we glammed up and hit St James Park for one of S's colleague's wedding receptions for a quick pre-dinner drink. We were kept entertained brilliantly by the drunken family members, some of whom were passed out at various tables, some were gurning and staggering around on the dance floor, and some who were just lurching around the place. All women, all in their 60's and 70's. I hope I can behave this terribly when I'm a wrinkly.

Dinner at Ramsey's Boxwood Cafe at the Berkeley hotel was awesome, totally recommend this great litle restaurant. It's hidden away, dark, romantic with discrete and impeccible service and of course food to die for. Yum yum yum. Shame we were sitting next to an office party where the obligatory singing and tying of napkins onto heads occured at about midnight....ah well. It's Christmas. Didn't you know?