In this post instead of reflecting on 2024, I'm focusing on our first Christmas season, as it was filled with so much activity. I'll save the full year recap for our anniversary ;-)
Our first Christmas with you flew by in a flash of a thousand fairy lights, kicking off in November when we had the honor of being featured in our favorite local magazine, Once Upon a Town in Epsom and Ewell. This was the perfect introduction to our wonderful seasonal events, all of which were incredibly well-received. We truly enjoyed every moment and are over the moon with how everything came together!
We kicked off a festive December with a lively quiz night that was a total sell-out! The dining room was packed, and our quizzers enjoyed plenty of laughs, delicious focaccia, and tasty accompaniments. The tap craft beer from our favorite local bar, Ewell Tap, was a hit as well. We also took the opportunity to raise money for the Epsom Hospital Casey Ward with a hamper raffle. Huge thanks to PR queen and quiz master, Jessie Wales, who not only curated and hosted the quiz but also generously donated some raffle prizes. And a special shout-out to Bex by Design for engraving shot glass 'trophies' for the winning team!
Next, we received our magnificent 16-foot Christmas tree, which was a sight to behold. Decorating it was no small feat—no ladder could reach the top, so we had to get a little creative! Local Councillor Chris Watson did us the honour of switching on the lights, and we were thrilled to see so many familiar faces braving the blustery night to join us, the occasion also introduced marshmallows around a roaring fire pit, and our mince pies became a firm favorite for the rest of the month.
On November 27th, the scent of fresh pine filled the air, our Christmas tree market began and an array of spectacular rich green, lush and full Christmas trees filled our garden space with beauty. Even without decorations, each tree stood as an ornament in its own right. We can’t wait to do this again next Christmas!
Amidst the maze of trees, we were delighted to feature stunning wreaths crafted by Jade Green Flowers, who also led our popular Wreath-Making Workshop.This sell-out event radiated community spirit, as everyone got creative and left with stunning, sustainable wreaths and newfound knowledge.
We can’t forget our wonderful visitor, Santa, who joined us for three unforgettable days to read stories and spend quality time with our younger Secret Garden guests. Our shed, affectionately known as "The Stable," was transformed into a magical grotto, where the children had a blast chatting with Santa and soaking in the festive atmosphere. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with families sharing fond memories as their little ones tucked into their meals. We can’t wait to welcome Santa back next Christmas—promise we’ll be good!
Just when you thought the local festive events had wrapped up, we surprised everyone with crêpes and hot chocolate on Boxing Day—perfect for those feeling a bit "turkeyed out"! It was the ideal way to enjoy the fresh air, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Ewell Court Park, and indulge in treats that just don’t taste the same when made at home. We hope our post-Christmas crêpes and chocolate pop-up becomes a cherished Boxing Day tradition for years to come!
We are truly looking forward to hosting many more fantastic events in 2025, starting with our first-ever Supper Club for Valentine’s Day. We are thrilled to invite our brother, Chef Tomer Zilkha, over from New York to spoil us with culinary delights. This is sure to be another sell-out affair, so get yourself, your loved ones, friends, and family on the waiting list!
A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community for supporting us and making this holiday season even more magical. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all again in the year ahead!
Comments