Monkton Elm News, Events and Tips Blog

Keep your little ones entertained and eagerly employed on Christmas Eve with some of our handy hints:

Our handyman has created a wonderful giant model gingerbread family as part of our Christmas displays. We were so impressed with them that we thought we could use them to help raise some money for our chosen charity, Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Tis the season to be jolly and/or merry and bright but that doesn’t mean you have to be ultra-traditional...you can be kitsch and contemporary instead.

Somerset families are invited to join us in the festivities at our two Christmas open evenings on November 23 and 24 from 4pm until 8pm with live entertainment, food sampling and the chance to see festive displays.

We’re hosting a Christmas craft and gift fayre in aid of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) on Thursday, December 8 from 3.30pm and are looking for crafters to attend.

  In the run up to the festivities, there are lots and lots and lots of jobs to be done. Follow our great guide and stay ahead of the game this year.

Real Christmas trees are great for the environment as they are grown as a field crop so as soon as one is cut, another is planted.

We love decorating our in-store Christmas trees for our festive displays and thought we’d share our top tips on creating the perfect tree.

  Now is the time to start thinking about how you’re going to decorate your home for the festive season.

  We have lots of tips and advice for anyone thinking of having a fresh Christmas tree this Yuletide.

This year we’re hosting two special Grand Christmas Weekends on Dec 5 and 6 and 12 and 13 and we’re looking for amateur school choirs that sing for fun and fundraisers, staff or volunteers for charities that like to go caroling to come along too.

If you’re looking to get ahead with your Christmas plans and shopping this year then why not pop in and see us to get some inspiration.

  If you’re looking to get ahead with your Christmas plans and shopping this year then why not pop in and see us to get some inspiration.

It’s busy, busy, busy in the houseplants section of the garden centre at the moment. We’re all preparing for the biggest event of the year and making sure we have the best quality plants in-stock for the festive season.

Children who want to send Santa their Christmas wish list will be able to post a letter to him for free here  until December 15th and receive a letter back from him.

HOW THE POINSETTIA BECAME THE OFFICIAL CHRISTMAS PLANT This ever popular Christmas plant has an interesting history. A native of Mexico, it was introduced into the United States of America by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first minister to Mexico, in the 1820's. In the wild it can reach 5 metres or more, and was once harvested as an important crop by the Aztecs during the 14th to 16th century, when its sap was collected and used to control fever, and the red bracts made a reddish dye.

We’re inviting you to come and watch Father Christmas arrive by reindeer and sleigh and enjoy complimentary festive entertainment too.

If you’re keen to get festivities underway why not come along to our Christmas Open Evenings on November 18th, 19th and 20th.

We’re thrilled to have raised £3,200 for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW). We have supported CHSW for many years and it’s great to see how the money can really make a difference.

Christmas trees Remember to buy your live Christmas tree – we have a superb range to choose from including the non-needle drop Nordman. All live trees will need watering so buy a self-watering stand for cut trees. A can of Spray ‘N’ Save will also help prevent needle loss. We have a huge range of lights and decorations too.