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Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

All the homemade Christmas people over here please, lets share our ideas :)

944 replies

BabyDubsEverywhere · 29/08/2011 20:04

Do we have a 'Homemade Christmas Thread' going yet? Ive linked to last years below, I am determined to MAKE MAKE MAKE this year and bugger the responses Grin

I need a fail safe mulled wine kit to give people please if anyone can help, Thankyou :)

Last years thread!

OP posts:
Original poster
BabyDubsEverywhere · 22/09/2011 19:34

Scout, would you share your syrup recipe please :)

OP posts:
theancientmarinator · 22/09/2011 22:30

Flubbabubba For pot pourri try to get a copy of Angela Flanders "Aromatics" which is available second hand from Amazon or maybe from your local public library? the amazon synopsis describes it as including "30 seasonal recipes for pot-pourris and instructions for making lavender bags, moth sachets, scented pillows, drawer liners, bath potions, soap balls, candles, pomanders, scented writing paper and furniture polishes. There is also information on how to create large-scale pieces such as wreaths and swags, an exploration of the relationship bewteen scented products and aromatherapy, and a comprehensive botanical guide to all the flowers and plants featured." My old copy is long gone but I remember it as a good intro to making pot pourri and other things with lovely pictures to inspire. Peaz where are you getting your energy?!!

ZimboMum · 23/09/2011 07:42

cj and cartblanche I had the same question over lemon juice / lemon oil. The original recipe is here (I think):

www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/05/lemon-sugar-hand-scrub-for-mom.html

There are quite a few comments and right at the end the creator clarifies that you could use either juice or oil. Most people seemed to say if you go for juice you need a lot more than 4 tbsps and also that a milder oil might be nicer. I've just bought lemon oil and will be getting so extra mild olive oil and will then be able ro mix up a batch. Also seems to last for a while without probs.

Scout19075 · 23/09/2011 13:25

Mulling Syrup

FagAshLill · 23/09/2011 14:05

How do you make the Christmas Pot Purri? The slices of oranges and stuff? They would look great threaded on my tree.

FagAshLill · 23/09/2011 14:12

Nevermind - found it.

Thank you all. I have now decided what I'm having on my tree.

Oranges (dried slices and whole studded with cloves), Lemons, apples, Cinnamon, sage, rosemary and...I'm sure I can think of something else.

FreakoidOrganisoid · 23/09/2011 14:18

I'm not everso creative... but I can make one of these for a lot less than this can't I?
Any tips?

FagAshLill · 23/09/2011 14:24

Wilkinsons have that frame, then all you need to do is paint it, cut out thick cardboard hearts and then stick the maps to them. Insert into frame and voila - the exact same thing for about a 5th of the price.

FreakoidOrganisoid · 23/09/2011 14:38

Thanks Smile

FlubbaBubba · 23/09/2011 16:06

FagAsh can you link me the Christmas pot pourri recipe?

I've been going mad on fleabay and at my local haberdashers with felt and buttons and things today :) - my poor relatives is all I can say! :o Wink :o

FagAshLill · 23/09/2011 18:30

The one with the oranges Flubba?

I couldnt find that one but I did find how to dry the slices if that's what you meant.

FlubbaBubba · 23/09/2011 18:35

Yes please FagAsh - haven't made pot pourri before and the recipes I've come across make a right old faff of drying them out...

FagAshLill · 23/09/2011 18:38

here It's easy enough to dry them out then just thread them.

I'm going to decorate our tree with things like this, I want it smelling of fruit, spice and pine. I cant wait now.

FlubbaBubba · 23/09/2011 18:56

Thanks. Now all I need is for the engineer to be able to fix our oven on Tuesday, otherwise my Christmas plans may need to be adjusted somewhat! :(

Alouiseg · 23/09/2011 19:00

Please help: I need a large infuser jar, with a tap at the bottom for my fruit vodka that I havnt made yet. So far I can only find them for sale in America, shipping could be tricky. A very nice lady with a vintage website hire business has offered to sell me one for £150. I can't bring myself to reply politely yet. Any ideas?

mogs0 · 23/09/2011 21:32

Woohoo! I have just made my first button Christmas tree (as seen on pinterest!).

I am planning on having a table at a craft fair my sister is organising so I might need to do a few more before then Grin.

100 mini jingle bells have just been ordered to add to the bottom for a bit more festiveness.

I keep meaning to make a list of all the things I'm supposed to be creating but keep putting it off then finding something else i'd like to make Hmm Grin.

Oh well, I'd better get started on Christmas tree number 2!

LoveInAColdClimate · 23/09/2011 21:33

Pictures, please, mogs, if you can? I was going to do some of those, how exciting!

FlubbaBubba · 23/09/2011 21:34

Woohoo mogs - post a pic when you get a moment so we can aaah and cooo at your cleverness. I've just finished my first felt heart decoration. Bit wonky at the top but still, very happy with it.

mogs0 · 23/09/2011 21:55

I don't know how Blush. It won't give me the option to choose a file but could be because I'm on the iPad. I'll see if I can upload a pic to somewhere else...

angelpantser · 23/09/2011 21:56

Alouiseg would this beverage dispenser from Amazon be suitable for your vodka?

mogs0 · 23/09/2011 22:05

Damn it, I can't get the photo onto photo bucket either! I think I'll have to turn the pc on tomorrow and do it that way. I might even have 2 trees by then.

Flubba - well done! I'm sure the wonkiness adds to the charm!

Alouiseg · 23/09/2011 22:10

Thank you AngelPantser I've ordered it, from Canada so I've been stung for £26 shipping, just hope that customs won't want their slice either. Still cheaper than cheeky Miss Intage in Suffolk though. Thanks x

mogs0 · 24/09/2011 00:18

Well, 2 hours later and I have made 4 trees and a circle bauble thingy with the random sized left over buttons - it's not a quick process!

I think I'm going to have a quick go at a pin cushion before bed.

One of my goals tomorrow is to track down all the gazillions of crayons that are lurking all over the house an try out the melted crayon suggestion.

ZimboMum · 24/09/2011 04:02

mogs0 I've made ten of the button Christmas trees and just love how great they look for minimal effort. Added in a few red buttons to each one to add to the festivity and to stretch my green button supply!

zaphod · 24/09/2011 09:54

I made the hand scrub yesterday with lime juice and extra virgin olive oil. There is virtually no smell off it but olive oil and the oil has already started to rise to the top. Looks lovely but leaves your hands feeling slightly greasy. I will use it as a body scrub instead, I think, and next time use a lighter oil as base. Serves me right for not reading the comments!