Kirstie's Handmade Christmas

I find its difficult not to remember a comedy sketch with actress/impressionist Deborah Stevenson as a pitch-perfect Kirstie Allsop intervening in a fire-brigade rescue from a burning house. "Kirstie"'s urgent intervention was to contribute a hand-crafted leaded glass window panel with, in large red letters, "Fire!". in the centre. The joke was how seriously Kirstie takes craft and how oblivious she is to doubters or smirkers.

But seriously, what a delightful seasonal and educational tv series which reflects her real enthusiasm and refusal to accept second best anywhere. The contributors are very well chosen - both for their creativity and skills as well as their engaging personalities. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy, entirely missing thankfully is the extreme reality TV tension and agonising delays in announcing winners and losers. The diverse contributors appear relaxed and proud both demonstrating and talking about their very different crafts, It's beautifully set both internally and externally apparently in Blenheim Palace.. KIrstie confesses how much she enjoys Christmas and she contributes greatly to our enjoyment too.

Watching this you have to think how much time people have on their hands to craft junk just for 1 day of the year. Kirstie herself comes across as obnoxious and condescending and the crafts shown on the program are just pointless. Stay away unless you want to be angered.

Relaxing and sweet. Great inspiration for things to try, or just watch other people making them! Have it on in the background while you're doing other things and it really brings a festive feel. It's a charming show about ordinary people just trying to do things well. Can't imagine why it would make someone angry... perhaps that person needs a counsellor. Enjoy!