This past weekend felt like the true beginning of Christmas for us here at Petersham Cottage Candles. It was one of those wonderfully busy, joyfully tiring weekends where you fall into bed with cold feet, a full heart, and the faint smell of Christmas still clinging to your jumper.
Laycock Cider Christmas Market
On Saturday and Sunday, we packed up the car from our little cottage in Dorset and headed off to the Laycock Cider Christmas Market. By the time we arrived, the air was already full of that proper festive mix, woodsmoke in the distance, mulled cider, and the soft murmur of people pottering between stalls.
Unpacking the candles is always one of my favourite parts. There’s a quiet little moment before everything starts when the jars come out of their boxes, labels straightened, wicks trimmed, and suddenly the stall looks like a tiny extension of the cottage kitchen: rows of Orange Pomander, Christmas Wreath, and Festive Orchard, all lined up and ready to be discovered.
Over the two days we met so many lovely people, some who had never heard of Petersham Cottage Candles before, and some who came over saying, “I saw you on Instagram and wanted to find you in person!” That still feels a bit surreal, in the best possible way.
I loved hearing which scents reminded you of your own homes and Christmas memories.
A Peek at Our Stall at Laycock Cider
To give you a little glimpse
One of the unexpected joys of the weekend was getting to know the other stall holders. Between topping up stock and chatting to customers, there were stolen moments to wander around, say hello, and admire everyone else’s work. We came home with a few gorgeous bits from our neighbouring stalls, little handmade pieces that are now hanging among our own Christmas decorations at the cottage, making the place feel even more special and full of memories from the market.
Handmade Christmas Decorations
Handmade by AsterCollective_uk
Christmas Market Stall Video
To top it all off, Dan created an amazing video of our stall. You can watch the video below.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, picked up a candle, had a sniff, or just lingered for a chat. As a small, home-grown business, those conversations really do mean the world. Every time someone chooses one of our candles, I don’t take it lightly, I know you’re trusting us to bring a little comfort and warmth into your home or to someone you care about.
As if the weekend wasn’t festive enough already, we also headed to the Dorchester Christmas tree light switch-on.
You can read more about our evening in Dorchester via this link: Brewery Square
By Sunday night, we arrived back at the cottage tired but happy, the boot a little lighter and my head buzzing with ideas for future markets and little tweaks to the stall.
Weekends like this remind me exactly why I started Petersham Cottage Candles. It’s not just about wax and wicks, it’s about the people who stop, smile, share a story, and go home with something that will quietly glow in the corner of a room and make it feel just a little more special.
Thank you, truly, if you came to see us at Laycock Cider Christmas Market, waved hello, bought a candle, or even just had a sniff and a chat. And to everyone following along from home, online orders, kind messages, likes, shares and little comments, you are very much part of this cottage story too.
Here’s to more festive weekends, twinkling lights, and cosy evenings ahead
With warmth,
Gareth & Danny
Petersham Cottage Candles