The CHRIST-mas WINDOW

It’s Christmas time in The Basin and Rainy Day Books is awash with wonderful gift ideas.

The window display this year features wood and natural items. After the success of last year with only recycled paper used it is another step forward in our “reduce, re-use, recycle” mantra.

The cost is minimal but the effect is fantastic. A huge wreath of dried gum nuts and Australian flowers almost fills one window and you can gaze through it to see a lovely old Father Christmas and a few specially chosen books for gift giving. Lots of bark from paper gums and lemon gums with pine cones and some sprayed nandina flowers complete the natural but festive look.

The outstanding wooden Christmas tree was made by Clive (with a broken arm!), the twig star by Meryll and the wooden ornaments are the only purchased items in both windows. Call in and I can tell you how to do the same for your ecologically friendly decorations.Don’t miss out on the handmade paper bird hangings complete with lovely beads for $10 while they last.

There is also a small wooden nativity scene as sometimes the real meaning of “Christ” mas gets lost in the busyness of the season.

New books include fashion, craft, cookbooks, classic novels, Jane Austen boxed sets and a lovely comprehensive book on horse breeds.  Children’s Christmas stories (including The velveteen rabbit) are great to encourage a bit of quiet reading time on Christmas Day.

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the “Best little bookshop in the hills” and every day brings new people, requests and fun for Rainy Day Books.

PS See if you can find the hidden ringtail possum.

Have a safe, happy and Holy Christmas

from

Meryll

Many thanks to Pat, Yvonne, Mick, Paul, Josh and Harry who all assisted in dressing the Christmas window.

M K R = Meryll's Kitchen Reads

Rainy Day Books has gone cooking mad and the window is full of brand new cookery books all at half the marked price.

Two fat ladies, Jamie Oliver, 4 Ingredients, Culina Mundi, Juliegh Robins, Monty Don, Rosemary Stanton and Gary Rhodes are a just a few of the cooks displayed.

Cook books (And gardening books) are one of my favourite ways to while away a wet afternoon. I may never use all of the recipes but it is a pleasure to just browse through.

I am having a great time now I have rediscovered the joy of jam and relish making. My kitchen smells wonderful for the day and my pantry is full of glowing jars. Quince jelly, preserved quinces, lemon/lime butter, rhubarb relish, nectarine jam are some of my latest creations.

...... © Meryll Williams Rainy Day Books  1301 Mountain Hwy, The Basin