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00:00Christmas is coming.
00:04We'll put you on the tree.
00:06And this year, I want to create something special on our farm.
00:11It feels rustic and regal.
00:13A space where the whole family can craft, make and create together.
00:18That is one special little pine cone.
00:22With Kelvin by my side...
00:25How's that?
00:26Much easier.
00:27And our four kids adding the perfect blend of festive fun and chaos.
00:32Who comes at Christmas?
00:34Santa!
00:36I'm taking time out from farming to indulge my newfound passion for interiors and upcycling.
00:43Hey, look at that!
00:46It'll be pride and joy in the centre of the stables.
00:50Drawing inspiration from the incredible landscape that surrounds us in the Peak District.
00:56This is exactly what we want!
00:58Look at those lovely red berries, cos what colour is Christmas?
01:01Red!
01:02Join me as I transform our barn into the perfect space for a Christmas party for our family.
01:09Hello!
01:10Would you like a winter warmer?
01:11What do they mean?
01:12There you go.
01:13Filled with handmade touches...
01:15Oh, you're going for really big carrots, eh?
01:17All made with love in the Fletcher's Country Workshop.
01:22Merry Christmas, Brendan and Grandma!
01:23Oh!
01:24Oh!
01:35As an olden girl born and bred...
01:37Come on!
01:39...I never imagined I'd end up loving farm life quite as much as I do.
01:43These are like our favourite evenings.
01:46We're out till it goes dark, really.
01:49Doing jobs, having fun.
01:52And being surrounded by such beautiful countryside has become a huge part of what I enjoy about
01:58living here.
01:59I think the nature and the outdoors has really brought a side of me that I didn't know was
02:05there.
02:06The opportunities are endless here.
02:08Every season gives you something different and every season I can think of something new
02:12and that's what I love about it.
02:14And living on a farm means there's a wealth of old materials lying around, just waiting
02:19to have new life breathed into them.
02:22Look at that!
02:24When something looks like a complete mess to Kelvin, to me, I'm like, I could make something
02:29out of that and Kelvin's just like, Liz, you're not though, are you?
02:35But now I am.
02:37With Christmas just a few weeks away, I have a plan to transform our old stable barn by upcycling,
02:44repurposing and decorating the space for a family Christmas party.
02:49So, today I'm heading off the farm to an antique and salvage fair in search of some inspiration.
03:03Already spotted something we want.
03:06Oh, that's stunning.
03:08They would look nice outside, the doorway.
03:12I'd once be scouring the halls of the Trafford Centre for shoes and handbags, but these days
03:18it's anything old and rusty that catches my eye.
03:21I'm going to pick up a few little bits for the Christmas party, but also, I'm going to
03:25try and get things that I can use at the farm and maybe make or create and renovate.
03:31Wow, look at that.
03:33A bath of kids in that.
03:37He knows what he's doing.
03:39Hello, you all right?
03:40Is it short stall?
03:41Yeah.
03:42Is the frame for sale or is that yours?
03:45Neither is my lunchbox or my coffee pot.
03:48That's a nice one though, eh?
03:50Yeah, I got it down in France.
03:51How much was it?
03:5230 euros.
03:53No.
03:54Yeah, you certainly can't have it.
03:56I'll give you 35.
03:58Lovely.
03:59Thanks.
04:00Have a good day.
04:01See you later.
04:03Well, no deal this time, but that ladder has definitely inspired me, so I'm on a mission
04:09to find something similar that is for sale.
04:13Good morning.
04:15How much are your ladders?
04:1760 pounds a pair.
04:19For two?
04:20They're a nice height.
04:22They are a nice height.
04:24Dress and flowers dangling down.
04:27Fairy lights.
04:30Stunning.
04:31I like them.
04:32I can't bat them down on 60 quid.
04:34I think that's a bargain.
04:35I'm going to take the ladders.
04:37Yeah?
04:38So it is a deal.
04:39Yeah, thank you.
04:41Right, now let's see what else I can buy.
04:46I'm up and running.
04:47These old ladders could make a modern take on a Christmas tree or a fabulous frame stacked
04:52with blankets by the fire pit.
04:54Who knows what I'll find next?
04:58If you do them for 30, I'll take them.
05:00Yeah.
05:01It's a deal.
05:02Brilliant.
05:04How much is it?
05:05This is going to be expensive.
05:06That is 750.
05:08Oof.
05:09Where have you had these from?
05:11Give me a good story, even if it's made up.
05:15You know your ladders?
05:16Yes.
05:17How much are they for two?
05:18Er, £60.
05:19What do you do with me for 20 each?
05:21I can't, no, sorry.
05:2250?
05:2350.
05:24I'll do two of them for 50.
05:25Two for 50.
05:26Deal.
05:29Cheers.
05:30But I just keep buying ladders.
05:31But they're handy!
05:33This is my antiques haul, and I can't wait to get cracking.
05:39I'm really happy it's been a really successful day.
05:42Good morning cows.
05:52Now, if I'm going to get up cycling, I'm going to need my own workshop, and at its heart, a solid workbench.
06:00I've been saving some old fence poles for this very job, and I know the perfect man to help me build it.
06:10I've called in the original handyman, the man that knows everything, the walking encyclopedia, my dad.
06:18Here dad, I've made you a cup of tea, to make you work faster.
06:22My dad, David, is always happy to lend a hand.
06:29Let's have a look.
06:30And teach me a few tricks of the trade along the way.
06:35So the best wood is what we've piled up.
06:38Okay, well you pick the legs and I'll pick the tops.
06:40Just lie them on the floor and see whether they're straight.
06:47So that's going to go there like that.
06:50That's going to go bolted like that.
06:54Yeah.
06:55Another piece going to go across here to support them.
06:58Fancy.
06:59You got your design now?
07:00Yep.
07:01So I can go home now.
07:03Right Elizabeth, if you use that machine and load them on, can you drive that machine?
07:10Dad, of course I can drive that machine.
07:12You're not a wag then?
07:14I'm not a wag, I'm a farmer.
07:20I want to make something that has the DNA of the farm engrained in it.
07:29Something that will live on for generations at the Fletchers family farm.
07:34Growing up I've watched my dad do DIY all the time.
07:38He built the extension on our house.
07:40He was always fixing the car.
07:42I remember at school someone asked me, what job does your dad do?
07:45And I said he fixes videotapes because he just used to fix our videotape.
07:48And I thought that was his job.
07:50Hey!
07:51That wasn't too bad.
07:52Shall I have a go?
07:53This is where you said, use one I sawed earlier.
07:54Got you.
07:55Easy as it was, is it?
07:56Ready?
07:57Yeah.
07:58Hey!
07:59Hey!
08:00Hey!
08:01You think we're going to mass production?
08:02I know.
08:03He's starting to take off.
08:04Hey!
08:05Hey!
08:06Hey!
08:07Hey!
08:08Hey!
08:09Hey!
08:10Hey!
08:11Hey!
08:12Hey!
08:13Hey!
08:14Hey!
08:15Hey!
08:16Hey!
08:17Hey!
08:18Hey!
08:19Hey!
08:20Hey!
08:21Hey!
08:22Hey!
08:23Hey!
08:24Hey!
08:25Hey!
08:27Hey!
08:30It's starting to take shape.
08:31And this is the exact look I want.
08:34The problem is I know what's going to happen when I love it.
08:36And I'm going to want 10 more tables.
08:37Well, surely it'll excuse if so a lynx that's not...
08:43There we go.
08:44I think we'll focus on just the one for now.
08:46But I think dad and I have earned a brew.
08:49Look at that!
08:51I'm being pret.
08:52I'll make you a cup of tea.
08:55With some biscuits, it'd be great.
08:57Very incorrect. This is why I'm hired to David, because she's just resourceful.
09:01Right, get the kettle on, Kelvin. We've got work to do.
09:09So we've made it strong now, and now we can flip it.
09:13This is the big moment.
09:15Oh!
09:16Take it!
09:21Oh, look at that!
09:25Lovely.
09:25Lovely. More chicken!
09:29That is so good, Dad.
09:32I'm impressed myself.
09:35That's the first table I've ever made.
09:40Me and my dad have always made a good team.
09:44I knew you were the man for this job.
09:46And my workbench is done.
09:48Alongside the upcycling and decorating in the barn for our family Christmas party, I also want to get creative in the kitchen.
10:03I'm no Nigella, but over in the cottage, I've been cooking up some ideas that I'm hoping will look good, taste good, and that the kids can help with too.
10:13I really want the twins, Max and Mateus, to be involved in this party, and getting them involved can often be complete chaos.
10:20So I've found a little cheat where they can get involved and feel really proud of something they've done.
10:26So I've got brownies, strawberries and double cream, and I'm really hoping that this is what the twins are going to make.
10:34These sweet little edible Santa hats simply need constructing, which is the perfect task for Maximus and Mateus.
10:46We're going to make little Santa brownies.
10:48Ooh!
10:49That's really yummy!
10:52Well, Maximus is all in.
10:54Using a small biscuit cutter, Mateus makes the base of the hats.
10:59Push that down.
11:00Push!
11:02Yay!
11:02And then look what's in there.
11:04Brownie!
11:06And then, do you want to do the cream?
11:07Yeah.
11:08You put a spoon of cream on.
11:12That's it.
11:14Double cream acts like the glue for the strawberry.
11:17And then you put your Santa's hat on.
11:21You put your hat on.
11:23I'll bring it over.
11:26Hey!
11:27And then what do we need?
11:29Just a little tiny bobble.
11:32Put that in.
11:33Go on, hold it over.
11:34Eee.
11:35Eee.
11:37Yay!
11:38Oh, my God!
11:40Done it!
11:41There's your little Santa's hats.
11:43Yay!
11:45I'll eat it now.
11:47Good call, Mateus.
11:48A taste test before we serve them up is a must.
11:52Is that tasty?
11:55Mateus, it's a two-hand job, this.
11:57Is that good? Shall I try this one? Check it's good. Ready?
12:04Mmm! We can't eat them all boys. We're making these for the party.
12:13Let's cut a few out and then we can do a few in a row.
12:17As the twins are now three, this is the first time they've really understood how special this time of year is.
12:24And I'm loving every minute of it.
12:26Who comes at Christmas? Santa!
12:30And how does he get into your house?
12:32In the chimney! Through the chimney. Yay!
12:35Can you do some more cutting for me?
12:38So just as I thought, it's absolute chaos, but they're having loads of fun.
12:42I'll definitely end up doing these. They're just happy eating the strawberries.
12:46But well done!
12:49After four years of living and working on the farm, it feels really exciting to find time to pursue my newfound passion for interiors and upcycling.
13:12And to do it properly, I need a workshop.
13:16Kelvin! Hello!
13:18I've got a job for you.
13:20I've got my eye on a couple of bits of old furniture that will work well alongside my new workbench.
13:27So you're off handyman duties, you're on heavy duties.
13:31And they all need some muscle to move them to the barn.
13:34Right, so this, that...
13:36So this table, that block...
13:38And the cabinet.
13:39Three things, all right, OK.
13:41Well, I will be able to carry this.
13:43This is really heavy.
13:45I'm really strong.
13:46Come on then.
13:48Oh!
13:50This is...
13:51When I ask Kelvin to do a job, what I mean is I don't want to get involved.
13:56Just bring it to me.
14:00Oh, what's he got here?
14:04You keep it balanced.
14:06Yeah, you push it.
14:07Can I get on?
14:08I guess you can, yeah.
14:11How's that?
14:12It's much easier.
14:16Such a smooth driver.
14:18Are you ready?
14:19One, two, three.
14:24Marnie will be on this.
14:26The spotlights.
14:29Be it a stage, a workshop, or my next project, Kelvin's always on hand to help me realise my ambitions.
14:37It just looks good, doesn't it?
14:40Right, butchers block against the bale to me.
14:45Not too far of it.
14:46Fair?
14:47Yeah.
14:48Right, do you need me for anything else?
14:49No, I'm going to live in this area for a minute and see if the feng shui is right.
14:54Don't forget my ideas.
14:55Fairy lights, a name plaque.
14:57Someone will be in touch, but thanks.
14:59And now I can put my little touches on and make it feel even better.
15:08It's my little shape.
15:09I actually love it.
15:10It's going to be so good to be making things here now.
15:14My own little workshop.
15:15Now, not only does it feel really festive, but there's a spot for everything.
15:16And everything should have a place.
15:17Calvin's always telling me to get organised.
15:18I'm officially organised.
15:19I'm officially organised.
15:20I'm officially organised.
15:21I'm officially organised.
15:22I'm officially organised.
15:47Our 120-acre farm sits on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
16:04And alongside the land we use to graze our livestock is 40 acres of woodland.
16:10And today, the kids and I are out foraging for natural decorations.
16:14We're here to talk first.
16:15But I have a map here.
16:16We're seeing this.
16:17We are looking for a berry tree.
16:18We are looking for a berry tree.
16:19This is exactly what we want.
16:24Look at those lovely red berries, because what colour is Christmas?
16:30Red!
16:31It's over!
16:32Oh my God, a good one!
16:34Look what that's made!
16:35Chop!
16:36Can you put them in the basket?
16:37Careful, because it's snaking.
16:39Max, Mistletoe.
16:40Shall we face us a go while you're putting that in the basket?
16:42Oh I love you.
16:43The kids do love being outside so I do try and get them involved in little jobs
16:48like this as much as possible. How long I can keep their attention is a totally
16:52different matter. Right, should we go down to the river?
16:56While we continue our bounty hunt for decorations, Kelvin's getting busy in the
17:02workshop, creating something special for the Christmas family celebration with a
17:07little help from Jordan, a craftsman who's been working wonders with wood for
17:11over seven years. So then Jordan, the last time I did anything with wood properly
17:16was like you know woodwork at school but saying that my teacher always said
17:20Kelvin you're good at this. I'll remember that. Jordan specializes in creating unique
17:26platters that retain as much of the woods natural character as possible. Wow, so if
17:31you grab the end of it, we'll bring it over to the table. And today he's helping Kelvin
17:37to create one.
17:42There we have it. Wow, as easy as that. Once cut to length, the bark is removed to reveal its natural living
17:52edge. We don't want to be taking chunks out of the wood if we can help it. You can pull
17:57that off now if you want. Alright, okay. Should all come off in one piece. It's perfect. We are going to move on to
18:03softening these edges now. Okay. Sanding reveals the oak's unique grain and character.
18:10Liz would be so envious of this. How was that? Was that good? Brilliant, yeah.
18:17Probably take these off now. We'll take these off now.
18:20These off now. It counts up for you, isn't it? It's good, isn't it? It's nice.
18:24Is this normal? It is normal and you do find yourself, wow. Just sit in your workshop on your own.
18:31It's lovely. Just sit there. Well, we'll be careful of how we say that.
18:35While Jordan and Kelvin talk of starting their own Wood Appreciation Society,
18:40the kids have been enjoying our creative collecting adventure in our woodlands.
18:45It's so slippery. Right, look, there's a perfect tree there that we can all reach and get some branches.
18:56Let's go.
19:00Shading it. Oh, it's ready to catch.
19:08Look at all these brown branches with some shrimp.
19:10Oh, guys. And then, I think we've got what we need.
19:15Back in the workshop, Kelvin's serving platter is starting to take shape.
19:24I've gone from quite a rough at the edges and now that kind of feels just so smooth,
19:27but it's still got its natural, rustic charm, hasn't it?
19:30Yeah, and that's, I mean, part of keeping the live edge as well is you can see the tree there.
19:34Yeah. So, I did notice you admiring the branding earlier. Have a quick look at that.
19:39Oh, my... That is amazing. Fletchers. Yeah.
19:44I love that. That's a great touch. Thank you. Wow.
19:46So, you can put your own stamp on it and it can sort of live in the family forevermore.
19:51That's amazing. Oh, thank you. That's really, really thoughtful, that. That's great.
19:56Once the stamp has been heated up, it's time for Kelvin to make his mark.
19:59There you go. That's very hot, so don't touch the metal.
20:04Careful. Look for the top. Top and the bottom. Got it, got it.
20:06Steady hand. Right, this is it. This is the moment.
20:10Steady hand, steady hand. That's bob on.
20:13And there we go.
20:17Fletchers, it's on. I've made my mark.
20:20You've stamped it. There we go. Wow.
20:24A final once-over with the sander, and the board is ready to be sealed,
20:28with a food-safe oil which will accentuate its wonderful natural features.
20:33Oh, this feels good. Oh, this feels good.
20:37You don't lose hours doing this. You could lose days doing this, couldn't you?
20:40Yeah, yeah. Many men have been lost in their woodwork shops.
20:44It can't be good for marriage, but maybe this is great for marriage.
20:46But I could, honestly, I could see myself doing this.
20:53What a great day. I've really enjoyed that, yeah.
20:56Really enjoyed that. Is there a group? Do we have a group?
20:58There are a few groups, yeah. A monthly meet-up? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
21:01What do we talk about? Just wood? Mostly wood, yeah.
21:05I love it. Serving platter made and Kelvin converted to craftsmanship. Job done.
21:16We have a huge barn to decorate for our Christmas celebration,
21:22and attention to detail and handmade touches are a must.
21:26So back in the cottage, the stove is on, baking orange slices on a low heat to dry them out.
21:32They can then be threaded on string to make fragrant Christmas garlands.
21:37Actually, it smells a bit. And I've recruited Marnie, the perfect little crafter, to help me make them.
21:44I've got this, a little bit of cinnamon. Cinnamon.
21:47Oh, favourite. Oh, that is so nice. Smells like Christmas, doesn't it?
21:54We've gone with the classic Christmas smells of cinnamon and cloves,
21:58but you really can experiment to create your own perfect garland.
22:03So, look. And that going on and on and on will look so nice.
22:07Oh, it's so cute. So, let's see what you make of it. I've done the first two.
22:11OK. So you go for the next.
22:14We like our little crafting moments, don't we? Yeah.
22:18Nice bit of peace and quiet from all the boys. Oh, God, yeah.
22:22Being the big sister of three boys isn't always a walk in the park,
22:27so it's lovely to get some one-on-one time with Marnie.
22:31What's your favourite thing about Christmas?
22:33I quite like the roast dinner. Oh, I like a roast dinner.
22:38The favourite thing about the roast dinner, as if we all know,
22:42Yorkshire pudding. So the best thing about Christmas for you is a Yorkshire pudding.
22:46It's not about the presents, it's about the food. That's the kind of girl I'm like.
22:50OK. These simple garlands don't just smell great.
22:54They also look great. Wrapped around a tree, hung from the mantelpiece,
22:59or mixed in with some foliage on a cabinet. Right, you get your end.
23:05I'll get mine. There we go. It looks fabulous. There we go.
23:11That'll look gorgeous. That's just one gallon. We've got at least...
23:15Ten thousand. Five million more to make.
23:19So we'd better get stitching.
23:22Stitching, not sniffing. Come on. Get working, girl.
23:26Come on, then.
23:36Our foraging trip has inspired an idea for a table centrepiece
23:40that could incorporate one of the pieces I salvaged from the antiques market.
23:45It is an antique ladder. Ta-da!
23:50So I've invited Floris Rochelle to my workshop to help bring my ideas to life.
23:56So I thought if we laid it in the middle and then we can create it around this...
24:03Of course. Rochelle's stunning creations for weddings and events are real showstoppers.
24:10I'm hoping for a wow centrepiece for our Christmas family party too.
24:15Yeah, I think it'll work great. It'll go with the table and all of that kind of thing.
24:20Yeah. Why don't we have a go? Let's do it.
24:23Phew. Rochelle didn't hate my ladder idea.
24:26So if we start just having a bit of a go with it, you can do clusters, you can do separates and
24:32we'll just mix it up and see how we like it. It's about the levels. I always think it's about
24:36the levels. Of course it is. And especially when you've got a long table, getting that height and
24:41things like that make it a lot more interesting. Rochelle has promised to take the vision from
24:46inside my head and help me create an impressive centrepiece using a few simple tricks and tips.
24:52There we go. What we'll do now is make the foliage into tiny little hand ties, yeah, and then we can
24:59place them in. That means if anyone knocks the table when they sit down, it's not falling all over
25:03the place. And if it does, it's easily picked up. Should we start with this first? Yes, let's do that.
25:09This is straight from my forest, by the way. And it's absolutely gorgeous. I think you've caught
25:13it at the right time. The best thing to do is take it. Oh, watch your eyeballs.
25:21Give me a reticle. I didn't realise it was that long.
25:24So we're cutting at the breaks at a little bit of an angle. Oh, at an angle, not straight on.
25:30So can you see? I've got a little bit of an angle on there. Oh, yes. Yes.
25:35That just means they can drink a lot better and last you a lot longer. That goes across
25:40leaves, flowers, everything. Lesson number one. Don't blind the tutor. Lesson number two.
25:48Whatever bit is going to go into the water, we have to make sure that all the leaves are off it.
25:54If they go into the water, your water will be discoloured. It'll be a bit brown. It'll look dirty
25:58really quickly. What I love about doing things like this is you just start from nothing and it's
26:04slowly building up and you don't know where it's going to go. There's no formula. Exactly.
26:08It's just... It's just fun as well. It's just fun. It is.
26:12What do you guys do for Christmas? Do you have any little family traditions?
26:16We do, actually. We are a huge family. My mum is one of nine children.
26:22So, there's cousins and all sorts. So, we tend to have our thing on Christmas Day and then Boxing Day
26:29is a massive party for us. Oh, I like that. If everyone does something, we're Jamaican
26:34background. So, you know, we've got the curries going on. We've got the rice and peas happening.
26:39It's chaos, but the best kind of chaos. Yeah. I think Christmas is supposed to be a bit chaotic,
26:44isn't it? Yes. Love that.
26:46Comb. That's it. Oh, they're perfect layers. Perfect. So, we've got the open down. We've got a bit going over.
26:53Now, for the finishing touches. So, we're going to add a little bit of warmth to it. Candles.
26:59Oh, candles. Candles. Yes. Candles. We started with an antique ladder and some forage foliage and now
27:06we have a stunning centrepiece for the party. I really, really love it. It's exactly what I wanted.
27:13It feels homemade. It feels rustic and regal, doesn't it? Absolutely, yeah.
27:18I really love it. Thank you. You're so welcome. I've really enjoyed it. So,
27:22thanks for having me. Thank you.
27:34Like every family, we have our own traditions at Christmas. And when it comes to food,
27:40my mum, Mary, is in charge of creating everyone's favourite festive pudding. And today,
27:46she's sharing the secret recipe with me. She's even brought the spoon that I grew up with.
27:54Like, how long have you had this spoon? It was a wedding present. Oh, my God.
27:56How long have you been married? 48 years. So, the spoon's 48 years old. Yeah.
28:00Oh, my God. And I'm only 23. Me too. Me too.
28:07Now, it's not a classic Christmas treat, but in our house, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without it.
28:14So, we're going to make our family traditional Christmas pie. Yeah.
28:18And you're going to finally pass the recipe down. You're going to finally learn to make it.
28:21Because it's been top secret all this time. I know. Passed down to my mum from my Irish Nana,
28:28this simple dessert has been a firm favourite in our family for years. And the best bit is,
28:33there's no cooking required. You can make a start if you wish. I remember this when you were doing it
28:40and never being able to wait for the ingredients to be just mixed together. You wanted to eat it
28:44before it was actually... Yeah. First job, making the biscuit base. So, use this, start to crush.
28:55Was this what you did just to keep us busy, Mum, as kids? Because I remember doing this. Yeah,
28:59we'd be quiet for five minutes. Biscuits crushed. Right, melted. Then melted butter binds the biscuit
29:08into the base. Make sure you spread it all around.
29:11That is the best smell in the world. You can press harder than that to make sure that it's thin,
29:20otherwise it'll be too fat. It's much easier when you're just eating it.
29:25That's not bad, is it? Very good. Nice. Right, we'll put this in the fridge.
29:33While the base hardens for half an hour or so, I get to making the topping.
29:37That's right, zero it. Wait, it's zero with that on, isn't it?
29:41Yes, zero with that on. That's right. You know more than I thought you did, Elizabeth.
29:46Well, this is how I weigh the sheet, Mum. Oh.
29:50Cooking has never been my forte, so this no-bake cake matches my skill set perfectly.
29:57Now, it's time for the alcohol. And you can use a liqueur, you can use anything.
30:02Right, can we put this on? Right, wild. Go ahead, wild.
30:04Wild. Full volume.
30:08I have such fond memories of baking with my mum as a kid,
30:12and it's all coming flooding back as the kitchen fills with the smell of chocolate.
30:18This is the bit I remember. And we need the bowl for...
30:21Oh, my God, that is so good.
30:23So, you just never get bored of that taste, Mum.
30:25What's your favourite part of Christmas, Mum?
30:29I think it's actually seeing the children. Christmas is definitely for children.
30:33A layer of cream tops it off.
30:36Now, this is the final little bit.
30:39And it looks and smells amazing.
30:43It's done! Look at that!
30:46I think it looks like you made it, Mum.
30:47Well, I think you've done very well there, Elizabeth.
30:49That is your very first Christmas pie.
30:52It's been in the family for generations, and you've got to your age before you've
30:56finally learned how to make one.
30:58I still definitely prefer eating it, but I appreciate now how much goes into it.
31:03Thanks, Mum.
31:03The twins have helped with the party food.
31:17Marnie is Queen of Decorations, and so now it's time for Milo to make something special.
31:22So, Milo, you know we're going to have this little party?
31:24Yes.
31:25Christmas party, and all our friends and family are going to come.
31:27Yeah.
31:28I thought it'd be really nice to make little Christmas cards, because what do me and you love doing?
31:33Painting!
31:34We love painting.
31:36And guess what we can use to paint cards with?
31:39Potato.
31:41A potato!
31:43Christmas for us lot is all about the simple things in life.
31:47Fine art skills are not required here.
31:49A spud, some card, and a blob of paint combined with a bit of imagination, and we're away.
31:56We could make snowmen, owls, reindeers.
32:00Polar bear.
32:01Polar bear.
32:02A polar bear.
32:03That's a great idea.
32:03Penguin.
32:04A penguin.
32:05Get your piece of card.
32:07Get my piece of card.
32:09And all we have to do, I'll show you the first one and then you can do it, is go like that.
32:13Look at all that.
32:16And then you help me stamp it on.
32:20Hold it, hold it.
32:25Look at that!
32:26So, shall we do a few of them and we can do some different shapes?
32:31Yeah!
32:33And then stamp.
32:36Beautiful!
32:38That's a good one!
32:41You do some more.
32:42Because who we've got?
32:43We've got grandma, grandad, nanny, grandad.
32:47Got a few to do.
32:50Hey!
32:52You're really good at this.
32:54Keep stamping.
32:55OK.
32:55Come on.
32:57Brilliant!
32:59Once the cards have dried, it's time to add our very own artistic flourishes.
33:05Shall we do snowmen first then?
33:06Yep.
33:07You get me an orange, let's do the nose first.
33:09So it's mine.
33:10I'm going to make my carrot a little bit longer.
33:13Yeah?
33:16Oh, you're going for really big carrots there.
33:19I love it!
33:20Mine!
33:22Oh, you're giving yours a hat!
33:23That's a good idea.
33:25Can I give mine one?
33:27I think they are amazing.
33:29Yeah.
33:30Now, let's write our little messages.
33:31Who do you want to write yours to?
33:32Grandma.
33:33I know these cards will be cherished
33:36and given pride of place on the grandparents' mantelpiece.
33:38Then you can put love...
33:43My love.
33:44Wait, wait.
33:45Where's the o?
33:46There is no o in here, just because we're from Oldham.
33:49No, no o.
33:50No, it's love.
33:52Love.
33:53Not love.
33:54That's just our accent.
33:56Love.
33:56Love.
33:57You're right, love.
34:00And some love hearts and kisses.
34:03Amazing!
34:04She's going to love that.
34:06To Grandma, hope you're all right.
34:08Merry Christmas.
34:09Love, my love.
34:10I think they look fabulous.
34:16Do you enjoy that?
34:16Yeah.
34:17Give me a kiss.
34:18Well done.
34:19That's the Christmas cards.
34:21Done.
34:21Yep.
34:22It's time to turn this barn from a country workshop into a festive grotto.
34:37Oh, brilliant.
34:38I'm like...
34:39Kelman's asked me to move the sheep about ten times.
34:41I was like, no, I'm making bows.
34:43I've enlisted a couple of friends to help, and Marnie's working wonders with a glue gun.
34:51That is one special little pine comb.
34:57Seeing all this come together is one of my favourite parts of the process.
35:01Oh, the bow's going to be too heavy, isn't it?
35:08It's too heavy for the bow.
35:11Sometimes you look back and you think, oh, God, no.
35:14But then, as you build, it comes to life.
35:20Oh, that's...
35:21Yes!
35:22That'll look great!
35:23These are the little oranges that I dried out with Marnie, and we made these with little
35:28cinnamon sticks.
35:29I think they're just really effective, and they smell great.
35:34Doesn't matter if it's not perfect, it's Christmas!
35:43These are the picture frames I got from the antique fair, and this was the exact idea I had.
35:47I just wanted them hanging in all random shapes, just put some nice, simple fairy lights around them.
35:53And we're just going to put some little decorations, just to make it feel Christmassy.
35:57Just gives it that little pop.
35:59It just gives it that little pizzazz, doesn't it?
36:04What do you think?
36:05Nice!
36:07I know they look nice, but what's the purpose here?
36:09Oh, yeah, there's no purpose.
36:11You just see it and you think, I'll have it.
36:15Very festive, isn't it?
36:17It's looking well.
36:18It's amazing what a bit of tack can do, isn't it?
36:20A bit of, a bit of tack.
36:24This is not tack.
36:25A bit of imagination.
36:26Artistic.
36:28That's the thing, it's just artistic.
36:30Why did you do that?
36:31I don't know, I just fancied it.
36:32That's the whole point of art.
36:33There's no answer to it.
36:35With the Christmas barn coming together, I've got one more surprising store for Kelvin,
36:42and another skill for him to learn for our party guests.
36:47Back in the cottage, I want us to create the perfect tipple for our party.
36:52So, I reckon we'd go with the apple mint and lemon. Can I try it before we have a package?
36:56Yes.
36:57With help from mixologist Joe.
36:59Oh, yeah, it's good, isn't it? It's quite smooth.
37:00Yeah, it is.
37:01Yeah, it is smooth.
37:03And we've got our own special ingredient, gin infused with botanicals foraged from our land.
37:09Oh, wow, put them in, aren't it?
37:10That we like to incorporate into a Christmas cocktail.
37:14We're going to use 35 millilitres per person of gin, a little bit of sugar syrup, cranberry.
37:22First up is a Christmas gin fizz.
37:25So, now we need to shake it.
37:29Well, it certainly looks, cheers, and tastes amazing.
37:33I like that.
37:36So, now we're going to put you to the test and see if you can make it better yourselves,
37:40but I'm not going to help you.
37:41So, do... But if you remember, I did tell you the measurements per person.
37:45It was 35 millilitres gin, wasn't it, per person?
37:48Yeah.
37:4970 mill remaining 30 mill, 15 mill each of...
37:52I'm giving all the trades away, yeah.
37:54You're such a teacher's perch.
37:56Cranberry.
38:00You went 30... Oh, you went 30 mill for that, yeah.
38:02I mean, it don't matter, actually, does it?
38:04Because by the time you've had a few of these, you haven't got a clue what's in it.
38:07You're just throwing it in, aren't you?
38:13The ingredients list isn't long, but getting the measurements right
38:16is apparently the key to making the perfect blend.
38:20So, I would just want the egg white.
38:22Are you sure?
38:23This seems a little... An egg in a cocktail?
38:24Yeah, this feels a bit adventurous.
38:25The egg yolk has gone in. The egg yolk's in.
38:33Oh, my God, I've got it out there, Bailey!
38:39I think Liz has put the ice in too early,
38:41because you should mix it without the ice first.
38:44I've not done the dry shake.
38:45You've not done the dry shake.
38:48Judging by our performance today, the guests are going to go thirsty.
38:51The drink will be ready in a minute. Please wait.
38:58It's last orders.
39:02The moment of truth. Right, you need these things, don't you?
39:06A bit of froth.
39:07Look at that.
39:08It looks good.
39:09It looks good.
39:10It doesn't taste good.
39:12Cheers.
39:12Yes.
39:13Merry Christmas.
39:16That is good.
39:16I'm not saying it. This is good.
39:18Whatever measurements they work, work.
39:20Trace mine.
39:22I want you to taste it, Jo, and just tell me if it's good or not.
39:27That's better than mine.
39:29That's actually good.
39:30Let him let Jo taste it.
39:32I don't know how you've done that.
39:33Now, Jo, give an honest opinion.
39:41It's pretty good.
39:41It is, isn't it?
39:43How has she done that?
39:44They were all the wrong amounts.
39:45I don't know. Do you want a job?
39:46You just have to see if you can replicate it at the party.
39:49Oh, no, I can never create the magic twice.
39:51I can't believe you've made that.
39:52It's good, isn't it?
39:53Yeah.
39:55While Kelvin ponders why his more methodical approach didn't win Jo over,
39:59we're on to our second cocktail.
40:01And I'm hoping this one will warm the cockles of our party guests.
40:06What we've got in there is you've got your cinnamon,
40:08you've got your ginger and a bit of the apple as well,
40:09so I think that'll come really, really nice when we add that gin into it.
40:12Thankfully, this one is a little less shaken and a bit more stirred.
40:17Apple garnish in there, and then your gin hot toddy ready.
40:21Wow.
40:21Gin hot toddy, Fletcher style.
40:25What do you think?
40:26Wow.
40:26Nice?
40:27That is amazing.
40:29It's like spicy but fresh.
40:31So do you think this fits the bill for the party?
40:33Absolutely.
40:35Gin on tap, that is a Merry Christmas.
40:37Gin on tap, yeah, yeah.
40:38The day of the party has finally arrived.
40:51It looks really good.
40:52It looks really Christmassy.
40:55And then any time now people will be arriving.
41:00A bit of Christmas music on, don't we?
41:05I'm so pleased looking around at all the decorations.
41:08The table I made with my dad is centre stage,
41:11topped with a wonderful floral arrangement.
41:14Perfect.
41:16And on the food table, my first Christmas pie looks delicious.
41:20I think I know Laura, we're very proud of that.
41:22That is a good sprinkle of flake, good base.
41:25She was always about a good base.
41:28So much about it.
41:31Marnie is in charge of her own winter warmers.
41:33It's magnificent hot chocolate with some marshmallows, flakes and cream.
41:39And after lovingly creating a charcuterie board in the workshop,
41:43Kelvin's finally ready for me to see the finished piece.
41:47These little actor hands, look what they've done.
41:49Oh, it's so good.
41:51I've got the perfect place for it.
41:54That is stunning.
41:55It's like a piece of art really, isn't it?
41:57I'm an artist.
41:59I'm an artist.
42:01Have you got the barbecue on though?
42:03No.
42:04No, get the barbecue on and I'm just going to admire this.
42:07Merry Christmas.
42:09We've all loved finding time to get creative.
42:14And seeing everything we've built, crafted and upcycled come together,
42:19feels like a really special moment.
42:23And as our family and friends arrive, it's time for me to turn hostess.
42:33Would you like a winter warmer?
42:35Winter warmer.
42:36Do you want a little gin in it?
42:37Put one of them in.
42:38There you go.
42:41People are drinking it so fast, I can't want it up inside.
42:46With the party well underway, Milo has got something special to give to his grandparents.
42:53I've made a letter for you.
42:56You've made something for me?
42:57Yes.
42:58Oh, look at that.
43:00Wow, have you done that?
43:02Yeah.
43:02To Grandma, hope you're all right.
43:06And Merry Christmas.
43:08Love, Milo.
43:09Oh, do you love her?
43:09Yeah, and I did a snowman with the ice cream for you.
43:12That's really, really good, isn't it?
43:14Merry Christmas, Grandma.
43:15Oh, right.
43:17Wow.
43:18We'll keep that forever.
43:20Yeah.
43:20Put it on the mantelpiece.
43:22Yeah, it'll be the best card.
43:24The party is going really well.
43:26Everyone was loving the hot toddies.
43:28They've all got a nice hot drink.
43:29The barbecue's going.
43:30And just, everyone's just made themselves at home.
43:33All the little projects that I've had on the go.
43:36It's just made the roomies special.
43:38It's got everyone in the Christmas spirit.
43:40And things aren't perfect.
43:42Oh, that's me.
43:47What started as a vision in my head has come together to create a wonderful party space
43:53filled with family, friends, and fabulous food, too.
43:56That is my mum's secret recipe.
44:00It's the cake she makes for whatever celebration we've got going on.
44:03It's really nice.
44:04And she's finally shared the recipe, and that's the first time I've made it.
44:07Ooh.
44:08The no-bake cake is proving very popular, but the real test is what does my mum think?
44:14Oh, do I get a piece of this?
44:16It's a napkin job, because we've run out of plates.
44:18Oh, that's my cup.
44:18Might have put a bit of extra sherry in there.
44:20You did, didn't you?
44:21What do you think?
44:24I'm sure.
44:26It's good.
44:27It's good.
44:28Yeah, it's just like yours.
44:31While people dig into the cakes and the twins' Santa hat brownies,
44:35Kelvin is serving up the Fletcher Fizz cocktails.
44:39Double...oh, hey, up, hey, up.
44:41Double cap cranberry.
44:43It'd be helpful if he was a bit more knowledgeable.
44:46You think you need to be a bit more theatrical.
44:48There we go.
44:50That's how they do it in the phones.
44:51Ten out of ten for effort.
44:53So, you're welcome, Flash.
44:54There you go. Thank you very much.
44:55Flash to Gin Fizz.
44:57It's a good health.
44:59With glasses full and everyone having fun, I'm having a real pinch me moment.
45:05I just want to say a massive thank you.
45:07I'm so grateful for you all coming.
45:09It's so nice to see you all.
45:10It's so nice to catch up.
45:11And it's never done often enough.
45:13So, thank you and, yeah, let it carry on.
45:21From a stable block to the perfect place for a Christmas party.
45:26Who knows what I'll think of next, but transforming this space has certainly been fun.
45:31It's really awakened the spark in me of where we can find things that are old or going to be thrown away and make something amazing with it.
45:41And it can change every single time into something else.
45:45Are we ready? One, two, three.
45:47It's having everyone here, all of us celebrating family, celebrating Christmas and just being together.
45:53It's moments like this that you look back on and it just, that's what it's all about, isn't it?
45:58That's what we're here for.
46:00One, two, three.
46:04Right, guys, the bar's still open, so let's get a top up.
46:28So, let's get started.
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