I should probably start off by saying if you don’t know what La Hogue is, it is a brilliant farm shop and cafe located near Chippenham. When I was at my previous job (before becoming self employed) I would go there for lunch with my dad on a Wednesday everytime I was on a late shift, and the food was always delicious.
Every year they have a Christmas Barn packed full of wreaths, decorations and gifts. You can also buy a real tree here and stock up on mistletoe while you’re at it. I visited last year for my wreath and it really helped to get me in the Christmas spirit. It is also great for getting an idea of how you want to decorate your tree. There was a section that had a London theme with soldiers and red phone boxes, a gold section, traditional reds and even bright pinks and blues.
It isn’t just tree decorations, there are also a wide variety of ornaments. There were so many things I loved that I may have to go back for. They had such a cute nativity scene which lit up, although I do already have a nativity that I use every year. I feel like I need the Noel decoration that lights up as well as the pretty little globe which has a tiny house in that also lights up.
When we had finished checking out the barn we made our way over to the farm shop. Last year I ordered my Christmas turkey here and got all of my other Christmas food too. This weekend is the cut off for being able to order your Christmas meat so it was my final chance to attempt to get organised. I love checking out what locally grown produce they have. Between me and my sister we came away with three different cheeses, biscuits, fudge, cidar and burgers. A rather random mix! Unfortunately we didn’t have time to go in the cafe but they do the most amazing hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows.
I will be going back Christmas week to pick up my turkey and get a lot of my Christmas food. I think that it is nice to be able to shop locally rather than always going to the supermarket and I always find it makes Christmas that bit more special.