Noticing November Before it Passes By!

In case you hadn’t noticed, there are two months of the year that – well – simply get lost! They’re February (when the festive fun and family holidays are over, but the new year proper is yet to begin), and November (which everyone puts to one side as they look ahead to December and Christmas). This is two whole ‘waiting-rooms’ we could be enjoying more, which is why we invite you to join us, right now, as we ‘Notice November’ and navigate it so it counts!

Table etiquette

November is the last month of spring. Celebrate it by sprucing up the dining or coffee table with a vase of fresh flowers, a pretty candle, and a little framed photo of a friend or holiday snap.

Seasonal specialities

N is for November and also for New season produce. Mark the moment with an asparagus omelette and a fresh mixed-berry dessert with a scoop of gourmet vanilla ice-cream. Invite a friend to join you, and toast the month with a glass of sparkling chilled mineral water with fresh cherries bobbing on top!

Spring scents

Who doesn’t love the scent of newly mown lawn! For many, November brings the first cut of the season. After you’ve groomed the grass, dust off the outdoor furniture, set it up, and welcome in a new season of outdoor living with a neighbourly or family barbecue (before the Christmas rush!).

Early-bird breakups

These days, anyone in their right mind (and that includes your grandies’ school principal) now schedules end-of-year break-ups for November in order to avoid the December rush. That’s your cue to grab the diary and mark the dates, book in a treat at the hair salon or manicurist, and head out to look for something new to wear to the events.

Book-swap bash!

Summer hols are calling, and your book shelves are bursting at the seams. It’s time to phone friends and invite them to a book swap gathering at yours. Everyone brings one (or more) books they want to pass on, and collects some new reading material to take home! To make it happen on the day, start with a lucky-dip where all the books go into a carton, and each guest (without looking), picks out a book. Once everyone has a book, if it’s not to their liking, they can swap it for another person’s. When everyone is ready, it’s time for another lucky dip! Any left-over books can go to the op-shop.

Pod-cast perfection

Calling all podcast lovers – it’s time to pick out your festive season listening, and download it. Don’t leave it until you’re in your holiday accommodation, the grandies are running wild, and your mobile data is running low.

Group gifting party

We all do it – re-gift a present that, while appreciated, isn’t quite what we can make use of. Or we may hunt out a special object we no longer need but which we know would be loved by someone else. Now, take it up a notch by inviting members of one of your social groups (such as those from a book club, Pilates, or walking group) to join you in a gift-gathering where you pool all the gifts, so you can then choose from a wider range. Tip: take care not to include items that may have been gifted to you by someone attending the gathering!

Op-shop outings

Charitable organisations like to plan ahead for the festive season, which is why their Christmas goods (such as Christmas decorations, unused gifts items, fabrics, and fripperies) are for sale in November. Ask your local establishment what date they set out their Christmas market table, and be the first in the queue!

Toying with an idea

Wooden toys are valued beyond measure for their durability and sustainability. If you’re a dab hand at repairs and painting, check out second hand stores and ask at op-shops for wooden toys that require a mend or spruce-up. Take on the task in time to present the refurbished toy to a charity, Toy Library, or a special grandchild. Note: always use non-toxic paints when refurbishing toys, and if you’re not certain about what is currently considered a ‘safe’ toy for little ones, ask at your local Toy Library.

This year, make November a month to remember by celebrating it every day!