Had it up to here with tired old tinsel?
Need inspiration for gifts that won’t break the bank?
Check out these creative ways to make the yuletide yay!
1. Coming up roses
Eliminate the annual stress of untangling the fairy lights by buying a faux tree with lights already attached. Then stud with clusters of artificial flowers for your simplest yet prettiest tree ever. Rose bunch, $20 (for 10); and tree, $140; both The Warehouse.
Although an artificial tree might not boast the fragrance of the real deal, there are no fallen needles to pick up and it’ll last as long as you like.
2. Open sleighs
No time to bake a thank you for the teacher? The kids can help make these candy sleighs using spearmint canes, blocks of chocolate and other tasty treats.
3. You name it
Tape sets of three candy canes together to form creative place settings. They’ll do double duty as a (tasty) favour for guests to take home.
4. Mixed Blessings
An ideal gift for your neighbours or postie, layer the dry ingredients of your favourite recipe in a large airtight jar. Finish with a ribbon and copy of the baking instructions.
5. The final countdown
If you’re looking for something a little more chic than the usual store-bought advent calendar, try making your own, assigning each day a family-friendly activity. You could use mini pegs to secure each number to seed lights or wind them around a ladder.
6. All in a row
Put an empty plastic wrap or tinfoil box to good use: Simply remove the sharp metal cutting strip, paint the exterior, line with baking paper and fill with biscuits or chocolate truffles. Decorate with ribbon and a name tag.
How To Make a Christmas Wreath
