Christmas 2014, Bents style

Bents is a garden centre about three miles up the road from the farm and seriously, it is one of my favourite places.
I have been dying to go and see this year’s Christmas displays since they opened a couple of weeks ago but, knowing my birthday was coming up, I waited so it would be an extra special treat and I am so glad I did.

On my (numerous) visits last year, you could be forgiven for thinking it couldn’t get any better but year on year they seem to do it and this time, I was definitely not disapointed.

My parents treated Boo and I to a special birthday breakfast. It was totally yummy. I opted for the vegetarian breakfast and Boo had a (non-veggie) kids version.
I didn’t expect her to eat it all but she tucked in and, apart from a few morsels, ate every last bit. The food at Bents is truly delicious.

Unfortunately Boo then wanted to go and have a play outside in the children’s play area. I was itching to see the Christmas displays but a few more minutes wait didn’t do me any harm and a happy child meant that she would look around the displays without complaint.

As we were outside, we walked through the garden centre to reach the first Christmassy area. The model villages. Boo’s ultimate favourite bit.
She loves looking at the moving parts and enchanting music of the little people in various scenes.

There were also amazing lit up figures like deer, snowmen, Father Christmas and penguins. It really is a delight for children. Okay and me. I absolutely love it.

A huge Yankee Candle display sets the scene even more throwing scents of gingerbread, cranberries and mulled wine into the air as shoppers pass by.

The place is famous for its Christmas tree displays themselves and this year, the designers really excelled themselves.

From 1950s glamour to traditional reds and greens, there really is something for everyone’s pocket and taste and, it really makes you stop and think how well (or not) you dress your own tree.

Thankfully, Bents is continuing its tradition of holding special nights in the run up to Christmas to teach people essential skills such as tree dressing and gift wrapping so you can take a little of the Bents experience and expertise home with you.

They have tables set ready for Christmas dinner to give you an idea of what you could achieve in your own home. I liked so many of them but, I suppose the farmhouse style option would work best in my home.

 

Anyone who knows me, knows how much I like tartan. I don’t know if it’s because I associate tartan with the country look I would like to achieve at the farm or maybe I have some Scottish roots way down the line but this was my favourite display:

There is even an indoor Christmas tree forest which you can walk through and is complete with a life-sized deer.

In true Boo style however, she had had enough by this time so my next visits will focus on what I missed-namely the food hall and the new extension with is due to open soon.

You really could go every day to this wonderful place and see something new each time. I am counting down to my next visit. I may even ask Hubster to have Boo one night so I can go and wander around on my own.
To find out more about Bents like opening times and more about their new extension and Christmas display evenings, visit: www.bents.co.uk

 

 

*I was not compensated for this post. I just love Bents. Why not visit yourself and see if you agree.