It's almost upon us! Monday is Royal Mail's recommended last posting day for Christmas. We'll still be dispatching those panicked last-minute packages on Tuesday, but then are heading off to Switzerland. (I had thought we'd be treating Claudia to her first sight of snow, but it seems we could actually be leaving the white Christmas behind us!)

We'll be back on 28 December. Until then, the shop stays open but orders placed now will only be posted on our return. Don't count on emails being answered before then, either. Rather, look ahead in anticipation to the fabulous January sale... and of course, for those in the area, to the first Open House event of 2010: taking place on 2 January, giving you a first shot at the sale bargains. (The online sale starts on Sunday 3rd.) As usual it's from 3-6pm on Saturday afternoon, at my home in Isleworth, west London, easily accessible by public transport; please leave a comment or email me if you'd like to be added to the Open House mailing list for full details.

Since this is the sale preview, there won't be any other OH special offers, but there is free swag. You can take your purchases home in one of these.

See you then!