Christmas has already arrived...in Codford!

If you are looking for unique and exciting Christmas Gifts and Decorations in Warminster, making the trip to East Farm in Codford is definitely worth the effort.

Forget about those horribly tacky shops that open up temporarily for 2 months on the High Street, usually in a deserted shop unit, selling the most incredible tat. This is entirely different.

One cold and crisp Saturday afternoon I decided to venture down and see what all the fuss was about.

As you pull off the A36 between Warminster and Salisbury, and drive up the (very well sign-posted) track into East Farm, you will have a moment whether you wonder if you have got completely the wrong end of the stick. However, it is important to persevere, as at the end you will find a collection of buildings including a spectacular display of Christmas Gifts, Toys and Decorations...as well as a very cute donkey and in December, Father Christmas' Grotto!

East Farm Christmas in Codford is now in its' second successful year, and has been set up by Jennifer Stratton. Jennifer's background is in Events Organising, so when it came to setting up her own Christmas-themed business, she was already used to creating imaginative and exciting "set pieces" for clients.

The shops sells a huge range of Christmas gifts and decorations, from scented wreaths (made locally in Bath) to chic and unique baubles and tree decorations from Scandinavia. In many cases Jennifer believes that her overseas suppliers are dealing only with her, and so many of the items really are unique for UK shoppers. With such a huge amount of stock, how did Jennifer decide what she wants to sell?

"I tend to sell the things I like, the things I find attractive", Jennifer says. "In our first week we sold a beautiful Christmas carousel for £350...I was staggered. I loved it but I wasn't sure it would sell!"

Jennifer makes the point that there is something at East Farm for all tastes and ages, and to suit all budgets. We saw everything from life-sized artificial trees to novelty Gin and Tonic scented bubble bath (no, really)! The room is colour themed, with beautifully decorated trees to help visitors see how the pieces look in context. We particuarly liked the over-sized beautiful glass baubles, the delicate metalwork cages to hold tea lights, and the scented Christmas wreaths.

We also particularly liked the play area which had been set up for young children. Anything that keeps them away from glass ornaments gets my vote!

Elsewhere there is a gift-wrapping service, a beautiful vintage themed café with vintage crockery and beautiful furnishings, and a "nativity style" stable complete with Tinsel the Donkey and friends. Again, great for the children to feel part of the experience, and from December Father Christmas will be in residence, to meet children and read them a story...book in advance for this one.

This is so much more than just "a Christmas Shop", so bring the children or grandchildren and spend a lovely, very sweet couple of hours at East Farm. At the very least you will leave with some great ideas for Christmas!

East Farm is on the edge of Codford village, close to A36 and is signposted. For more information, to enquire about specific products or to book a visit with Father Christmas, please telephone Jennifer on 01985 850982, email info@eastfarmchristmas.co.uk or visit their website www.eastfarmchristmas.co.uk