This time we were given press passes (get us) and it meant we got into the show a bit earlier than most and could take everything in whilst the aisles were empty and the stands not overcrowded with bargain-hunters. Outside the centre a lovely little wonderland set had been built with sleigh and snowman as well as snow being blown out over us as we entered. It made me feel lovely and Christmassy!
Then we entered the winter wonderland filled with snow-covered trees and light displays, before making our way into the hall. Like last time, it was sectioned off into Interiors, Home Improvements, Technology, Food and Drink, Fashion and Beauty, and this time it had the Christmas Gifts and Decoration sections extra.
There were several celebrities in attendance, unfortunately no George Clark this time though. We did watch a cookery session with Brian Turner whose restaurant we visited many moons ago and he came out of the kitchen and spoken to every table, which is something we always remember. We also spotted Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen wandering around the show and someone else saw Gino D'Acampo too. It's always fun to see these people in 'real life'!
We had a wander around each section, this time we did seem to whizz round them all. I think we learnt from our last visit though, that the DIY and technology sections are not really for us. We did spend more time in the Food & Drink this time though, and in fact tended to sample the food and drink on offer from the stands rather than spending a fortune on lunch *sneaky tip*
We also enjoyed the Christmas stands, although there isn't anything in particular that caught our eye to take home. I did love the Christmas lights but unfortunately this year our budget doesn't really stretch to them.
We did both buy ourselves a tree decoration - a beautiful glass bauble from Treasure Tree and a hanging reindeer head from The Contemporary Home.
My mum also bought herself a neck and shoulder heat pad from Click Heat - she suffers with arthritis so it will be interesting to see if this helps. If nothing else it's like a hot water bottle for your neck - divine! I also enjoyed seeing Hamleys and saying hello to their bear - they were telling me all about their meet and greet with Santa this Christmas at their Trafford Centre store and I am definitely considering booking this for my two.
We spent about three hours at the show and had a nice morning having some mother/daughter time without the children around to break our conversation. We don't always get a lot of time just the two of us, so it is always appreciated so thank you to the Ideal Home Show for the opportunity and a chance to get ourselves into the Christmas spirit! If you live in the south and want to attend the Christmas show this weekend at Earls Court then make sure you get your tickets here.
*We were provided with entry FOC for this review however all opinions are my own.
