This Christmas we had to have a Weekly Wants dedicated to cosmetics, for our face is almost as important as that elusive sequin party dress we're always searching for to wear at the office party.
‘Tis the season to be extra’ and that sentiment should, of course, apply to your makeup routine as well because what other time of year are you able to rock out on a Monday morning with a red lip and a glittery eye without your manager John asking if you’ve been home since Saturday night.
Compiling a crowd-pleasing playlist for the holiday season is an art. One doesn't simply wing it with Wizzard when it comes to Christmas floor fillers, oh no. You've got to know your audience, suss out what makes the people's feet happy and mix it up with the old, the new and the less familiar.
You need tunes that’ll carry you all the way through from December 1st when you’re decorating your tree right up to the big day itself. You’ll need choirs, high notes, trumpets, minor chords and stamina. Plenty of stamina.
Get your festive grove on with these feel-good tunes. From the Mariah belters to the Bublé bangers, if it’s cheesy, catchy and leaves your toes a’tapping uncontrollably then you betcha, it belongs on the festive jingles playlist.
Whether you’re looking for classic carols to make your nan’s heart sing or Bieber’s pop rendition of drummer boy, there’s something for everyone in this yuletide mash up.
Songs From the Movies
Christmas Eve listening done right! This is the time to turn up the film soundtracks, unleash the Polar Express ballads and raise the roof with a good ol’ hum along to the flurrying flutes behind the much-loved Home Alone theme. It’s enough to thaw out your innards isn’t it?
All your favourite classics re-imagined for a new era. Entertain your guests with these chilled-out tracks, perfect for playing away in the background as you get on with the task in hand: making a dent in that festive feast. Reworking a Christmas classic is a risky little game but if anyone’s cut out for it, it’s Ariana Grande.
Permission to add this year’s John Lewis ad soundtrack by Bastille to this category – granted. Originally a rock classic by REO Speedwagon back in 1985, the Can’t Fight This Feeling cover has been given a pop-indie edge and we just know we’ll be playing it on repeat this Christmas. It’s what Edgar would want.
Yuletide is all about the warm and fuzzy jams. The soothing kind you want on in the background when you’re slightly over wrapping all your gifts with Rowan Atkinson levels of enthusiasm and accuracy in that iconic Love Actually scene.
Enter Irving Berlin and Tchaikovsky’s nostalgic Nutcracker ballet. Their dulcet notes will keep you calm enough to carry on.
Queen Mariah rules this category – we can recognise those jaunty piano chords anywhere! Christmas pop anthems provide the best backing track for the family games segment on Christmas Day, or peeling the spuds ready for roasting with The Pogues.
And when gramps falls asleep – because let’s face it, with a belly full of turkey he will – pump out a bit of raucous Slade. That’ll liven him up in time for the Queen’s Speech.
And for a round-the-clock playlist to keep you in the holiday spirit from dusk till dawn, here’s the ultimate playlist featuring everything from all categories, rolled into one. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.
Something that can prove particularly difficult at Christmas time is catering for your meat-free guests, but veganism has come a long way over the last decade and each year we're discovering more and more ways to elevate our dishes without meat and animal products.
If you’re looking to introduce more vegan options into your diet or have a family member who has recently gone vegan, here are a few tips, recipes and foodie picks to make this Christmas feast the best one yet.
Nut Roast
Shuffle over turkey, there’s a new festive showstopper in town! Make a vegan Christmas dinner equally spectacular with a nut roast or wellington. Gaz Oakley (Avant Garde Vegan) has a fab recipe for wellington and also a stunning centrepiece nut roast wreath, whilst Jamie Oliver’salternative nut roast with a pastry base switches up tradition but still packs plenty of flavour.
If you’re looking for a time-saving recipe, Artisan Grains has a great pre-made nut roast mix that’s easy to adapt and add ingredients, or Clive’s nut roast comes ready-made and just needs heating.
Not mad on the nut roast idea? Higgidy Sweet Potato and Red Onion Parcels are a great alternative and lighter option for the main course – because we all need more room for roast potatoes.
Side Dishes
Sides are just as important as the main course and these trusty recipes by Jamie Oliver never disappoint. Side dishes are typically the same as your standard Christmas dinner, but here’s a few ideas and extras that are a great for vegans:
It’s not dinner without gravy and chutney and there are plenty of recipes and ready-made options on the market that all work well – this gravy recipefrom Jamie Oliver is really flavourful, whilst Nigella Lawson’s chutney recipe is as extra and festive as you could imagine.
Alternatively, Mary Berry has a simpler yet equally yummy tomato and onion chutney that’s perfect for sandwiches a la Ross Geller’s Moist Maker.
If you’re looking to buy rather than prepare your gravy from scratch, then Bisto Original is vegan-friendly, whilst most supermarket-own chutney is dairy-free.
Sweets & Puddings
When it comes to dessert, you can either go all-out with tradition or keep it simple. Open the vegan Booja Booja Hazelnut Truffles or whip up a Yule log with custardto boot. There’s no such thing as holding back on the desserts at Christmas!
If Christmas pudding and mince pies are more your jam, Waitrose has some great vegan options that taste just as good as homemade (just don’t break that to your mum).
Snacks & Extras
And speaking of treats, vegan snacks have really upped their game over the past few years. From fancy alternatives to classics you didn’t know were vegan, here are a few recommendations of a few of our tried and tested faves:
From the most magical wedding we've seen this year to epic New York Christmas content, it's no wonder why Noelle is one of our favourite bloggers from across the pond!
Tell us a bit about your story and how you started your online journey?
I grew up in the small town of Hammond, Louisiana. Growing up I always felt different in my younger years, not in a good way. From a very young age, I had a love for fashion and photography and really loved dog photography, hah! Working in thrift stores and doing little photoshoots with friends became my life as a teenager. At 18 I moved to NYC and a few years later met my friend Rachel of @JagLever. I became her photographer and through her encouragement, I started my own Insta! From there I went through so many body changes with getting older and felt I finally found my voice in this big blogging community and for some of the first years of my life, I feel comfortable in my skin and love sharing my journey so it can help others!
What do you love most about being an online creator?
I love sharing my
story of self-love and hearing how it actually impacts other women (and men!)
lives and how my voice is actually making a difference at how they see
themselves and love themselves.
What do you wish more people knew about you?
I think people make a lot of assumptions about me, where I
come from, who buys me things etc.. my mom died when I was 7 and my dad 16. I
worked my butt off for every single thing I have. I dropped out of college at
18 and moved to NYC. Many days of my life I had a negative balance in my bank
account while working retail and trying to figure out how to make my next move.
But I’m proud of what my journey looks like. I’m proud to say I did this and
walked those steps and opened those doors.
You probably had one of the most magical weddings of 2019! Tell us your inspiration behind it and why Christmas?
Well… my name is Noelle so naturally, I was BORN to love Christmas.. but truly I do and I’ve always thought Christmas tree farms had something magical about them. A few years ago I saw @KJP’s tree farm wedding and thought it was perfect and I’d love to do my own spin off that. We wanted this magical night under the stars with the Christmas trees with a touch of Harry Potter’s Great Hall and man… it was everything and more.
What’s your favourite time of year and why?
I can’t pick between Halloween and Christmas.. but overall
FALL is my season!!! The crisp air, falling leaves, cider season, spooky
season, sweaters, PSL! It’s amazing.
Harry Potter. Like him, I lost my parents at a young age and he gave me hope I could move on from it and that I was destined for more. I swear it got me through some very hard times.
Favourite Christmas tree in New York?
The Lotte Palace Christmas tree!
What was your favourite subject at school?
Drama class… I wish I would have stuck with theatre because
I loved it so much! Maybe one day…
What does your ideal weekend look like?
One night cosied in with my husband (OMG FIRST TIME I’VE EVER TYPED THAT!) and one night out all glammed up with friends! I like having one of both!
What will you always find in your handbag?
A MESS. My bags always look so messy it would give many people anxiety! A fav nude lipstick, red lipstick, candy and lots of random receipts. Nothing very exciting… just a big mess!
What’s your current motivational mantra?
Don’t wait for that perfect day, perfect body, perfect size.
DO IT AND WEAR IT NOW!
For most people, the most anticipated event of the festive season is tucking into the gargantuan feast and all the trimmings; gathering everyone round the table for our two favourite F words: food and family.
Christmas is the perfect time to switch up your everyday décor and create the table setting of dreams for you and your guests to dine at. So, to help you on your way to hosting a magical meal for all the fam, here’s all the styling suggestions you need to make your table the talking point this Christmas. We even called on Maxine from the We Love Home blog for a few top tips you’ll find sprinkled throughout!
Pick a theme
Use lots of fresh foliage on your tabletop. Lay branches of Eucalyptus down the centre of your table and place a sprig of berries at each place setting for a festive feel.Maxine Brady
Reds and greens always make for a traditional colour combination whilst frosty silvers, whites and golds create a contemporary Scandi feel. You can pair dark charcoal grey linens and gold accents with a hint of red for a tablescape that’s both modern and cosy. For anyone itching to exercise their festive finesse, why not plan a menu that highlights your theme, too. Hostess with the mostest dontchaknow!
Layer your look
Add more visual interest to your table with charger plates and placemats. It’s a simple way to elevate your décor and it also makes your guests feel a little fancy pants.
Foliage
Fill the centre of your table with ivy, poinsettias and sprigs of holly for a traditional look or scatter in some dried oranges and pinecones amongst a garland for a rustic effect. For a fuss-free floral tablescape, you can always just stick with the greenery and a sprinkling of table confetti or white baubles.
Consider your interior style
Complementing your table décor with the rest of your space is an easy way to make sure all your elements come together. Incorporate similar tones, patterns or textures from your interior style into your table setting to create a beautifully balanced atmosphere for you and your guests.
Use a centrepiece
Create height with candles, vases filled with fresh foliage, flowers, ornaments or a mixture of all of them. A Christmas wreath can double up as a table centrepiece and looks charming with a few pillar candles dotted amongst it. Just make sure there’s enough room for all your tableware, serving dishes and glasses.
Lighting
Fairy lights will let your table glimmer way past lunch time. Pop strings of battery powered fairy lights down your table and candles will add glow to your Christmas lunch. Maxine Brady
How do you want to light your Christmas table? Do you want twinkly fairy lights, ambient candlelight or the warm glow of a floor lamp. Mood lighting is always great for a dinner setting. Use individual tea lights in holders, pillar candles in hurricane lamps or lanterns for a laid-back setting, perfect for relaxing with friends and family.
Place cards
Write your guests’ names on place cards, leaving one side blank for guests to fill in an achievement or something they’re proud of this year. Make a napkin bundle and place a name card on top with a sprig of something festive for a simple and aesthetically-pleasing way to help your guests find their seat.
It’s all in the detail
Keep track of whose glass is whose with coloured ribbons that match the theme of your table top. It saves drinks being wasted, too.Maxine Brady
From cutlery to glassware, the finer details can make all the difference when it comes to setting a table for Christmas. Here’s the part when you can bring out your metallic knives and forks and luxe gold-rimmed glasses. Pull out all the stops!
Crackers
It’s not Christmas unless you’re navigating yours and your family members’ arms is it? We are of course talking about pulling the crackers. Coordinate your party crackers with the rest of your colour scheme or mix and match with a kitsch print to lift a darker arrangement.
How will you be decorating your Christmas table this year? We’d love to hear what festive themes you’re going for!
The office Christmas party is creeping ever closer which means you're gonna need some kind of survival guide to keep the mischief contained enough to protect your employment. In an ideal world, anyway.
Here’s how to survive your office party shenanigans. May you make it out relatively unscathed.
Get ready in the loo – it’s not a Christmas do until you’re applying your makeup in a terribly lit bog and choking your colleagues with deodorant and Elnett.
Go all out on the festive theme. Now is not the time to hold back on the sequins and floor-length gowns, Julia.
Make a beeline for the buffet. Line your stomach with crudités and classic party dip or forever hold your peace. And secretly judge those who stab at the garlic quadrant with a breadstick like it’s a pool of eternal youth
Drink all the water. The aim is to be more hydrated than your Christmas tree at this point.
Don’t make the mistake of wearing a jumpsuit. See above.
Now is not the time to free the nip. Pack safety pins, tit tape, blue tack, gaffer tape – whatever it takes to keep your baps buckled in
Pace yourself. The merriment can run away with you at a time like this. Think sobering thoughts. Dot Cotton on a stretcher. A world without David Attenborough.
Know your poison. Wine, Sambuca, Jägerbomb. Unless you want to sip from the devil’s cup, avoid them all and remember, your body is a temple.
Try to look at life through the eyes of HR. Nothing says social sabotage like necking on with the CEO. Sure, this is a company blow out but it doesn’t mean you should blow the boss.
Beer courage will probably convince you that now is a good time to bring up your pay rise. It is not.
Accept that you’re going to get snap-happy with the blurry selfies and meet the new body parts you never knew you had. We see chins, chins everywhere.
Two unlikely colleagues will be heavy petting in the corner. Don’t be one of them.
Set an alarm to remind you when you need to head off. No one wants to be sleeping in the office dog bed because they missed the last train home (we have absolutely no first-hand experience of that. Zero)
You’re pretty liquored up, you’re feeling loose-lipped and adventurous. You might decide it’ll be fun to snog Kenny the copy guy. Again, don’t go there.
You might feel brave enough to tackle the key change in I Will Always Love You on the karaoke machine but know your weaknesses, friend. Stick to ABBA.
The Christmas party is a great way to catch up with people you spend 8.5 hours with five days a week. Prepare questions in advance in case the chat runs dry halfway through your duck liver brioche
Fight the urge to weep in a circle to Robbie Williams’s Angels. No one needs to see that.
Always, ALWAYS say thank you. It’s easy to forget all the organising that goes into an office knees up, so manners can go a long way. Make sure you acknowledge the person who pulled it all together
Leave on a high with your dignity intact. Je nais regrette rien!
In a world that is becoming increasingly dominated by generic profit-hungry superstores that look the same, think the same and act the same, the small independent businesses inject a much-needed sense of creativity and heart into our local high streets.
With their unique product offering and bespoke service, they breathe new life into the shopping experience and make the community what it is, which is why if you’re yet to start your Christmas shopping, you might want to consider championing your local gems over the giants this year.
From the quirky and eclectic to the downright delectable, have a look at some of the independent stores in Brighton that are encouraging us to shop small this Christmas.
Dowse
Located in the heart of Brighton’s bustling North Laine, Dowse is our go-to destination for handpicked art, paper goods, unique ceramics and design-led gifts.
A unique collection of contemporary home furnishings, candles, recycled goods and kitchenware from around the world. If you’re looking for something you won’t find in your bog-standard department store, InHouse Space is your guy.
Homemakers, be warned! You won’t be able to resist the allure of Abode’s interiors collection. The beautiful edit of small furniture pieces and original home accessories is what makes this place stand out in all the best ways.
Stationery geeks, rejoice. This place is home to the best-looking pens you’ll ever have the pleasure of holding. And not just pens but magazines, books, notepads, diaries and greeting cards, too. It’s got it all.
A new addition to one of Brighton’s prettiest streets, Hold is a cosy independent lifestyle boutique brimming with hand-picked products designed to love and last.
Passionate about simple design, Workshop Living has cemented its place in the Brighton Lanes as the place to shop for minimalist, functional goods for everyday living.
We wish we could bottle the smell of this place and send it to you but for the sake of this feature, you’re just going to have to trust us when we say it’s a real nostril-pleaser. The perfect excuse to come to Brighton and sniff it out for yourself.
Situated on the corner of one of Brighton’s most Instagramable streets, Tidy Street General Store is a household name. Run by mother-daughter duo Claudia and Florence, this one-off shop stocks a discerning edit of slow & eclectic wardrobe staples and reimagined home goods.
Born out of a caravan called Yak, this is a real home-grown story of a little fashion start up with huge ambitions. The hype is real. Discover their beautiful selection of handmade dungarees asap!
Stocking the likes of Ganni, Grenson Shoes and LF Markey to menswear classics from Kestin Hare and Saturdays NYC, this independent clothing and homeware store offers a beautiful curated collection of inspiring makers, brands and gender-neutral wear.
It also places a special emphasis on working with consciously-aware brands such as Maison Louis Marie and The Nude Label.
Just pure, local, artisanal goodness. Available in-store only but it’s worth a trip to Brighton for Bareny’s Deli alone because cheese is life. Get the truffle cheese, you won’t regret it.
Where to find it:
39 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
BeChocolat
Produced daily using the best quality cocoa and handmade by internationally renowned maître chocolatier, Michel Clement. Vegan chocolate, whatyousaying?
Stuck for snack ideas to lay on for your guests in that weird limbo between Christmas breakfast and dinner? We've got you covered with these moreish canapés.
Brie & Cranberry Parcels
No festive spread is truly complete without a generous slab of brie and what better way to please a crowd than with cheesy, cranberry filled parcels of flaky filo pastry. Oo-er.
For a Christmas treat that’s both sweet and savoury, tuck into these bite-size nibbles. They’ve got the whole package!
SERVES
PREP:
15 MINS COOK:
10 MINS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Filo pastry
Cranberry sauce
Crushed walnuts
Butter
Brie cheese cut into cubes
Rosemary for garnishing
Cut the filo pastry into 10 rectangles and brush all over with melted butter.
Spread a spoonful of cranberry sauce evenly over the pastry and top with a few cubes of brie and a handful of crushed walnuts.
Then brush another sheet of filo pastry with melted butter, place on top of the bottom layer and twist the ends to form a sweet / parcel shape.
Repeat with the remaining pastry and ingredients and bake until crispy and golden.
Houmous Crostini
Feed your guests with these time-saving veggie appetizers on Christmas Day. Prepped and ready to serve in under 10 mins, they’re the perfect solution for doing Christmas breakfast the lazy-girl way. Here’s to spending less time in the kitchen and more time sinking mimosas with your family.
SERVES
PREP:
10 MINS COOK:
5 MINS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Ciabatta bread
Avocado
Houmous
Cucumber
Cut your ciabatta or baguette into slices and toast under the grill for 1 – 2 minutes each side.
Add a slather of houmous on each slice and top with cubes of cucumber and avo for a refreshing savoury snack in between all the rich Christmas choc and mince pies.
Salmon Blinis
Kick off your culinary celebrations with these classic mini pancakes. Delicious served with smoked salmon and smothered in cream cheese, brunch snacks don’t get more Christmassy than this. Simply pile high with the toppings of your choice, season generously with a squeeze of lemon and cracked black pepper and try not to snaffle the lot in one go.
SERVES
PREP:
10 MINS COOK:
5 MINS
EASY
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
Smoked salmon
Cream cheese
Fresh chives
Lemon
Pre-made blinis
Lightly grill the blinis in your oven under 170°C
Once cooked, transfer the pre-prepared blinis to a plate and top with cream cheese, slices of smoked salmon and a sprinkling of freshly chopped chives or dill if you prefer.
Serve with lemon or give the lot a generous squeeze before handing round.
Adding seasonal flourishes to your home is a must at Christmas time and one of the easiest ways to do it is by styling up your mantelpiece - your tree can't have all the attention now, can it?
Your fireplace is a great place to start because it’s usually the focal point of a room but while it’s only a small and narrow space, it can be tricky to decide exactly what you want to do with it.
We’ve included a few options to suit different aesthetics from the colourful and eclectic to the simple and understated. Happy decorating!
Golden Glow
Christmas lights aren’t just for the tree. Add a holiday glow to your mantelpiece with ambient fairy lights, tea lights and candelabras.
Embed your lights into your garland or make an easy centrepiece simply by folding them into an empty hurricane vase or two.
Gold bottle brush trees, faux foliage and metallic accents finish off this beautifully understated arrangement.
You can also try leaning different sized decorations against the wall and layering them in front of one other for a relaxed display that feels perfectly undone, just like the stars in this festive vignette.
Scandinavian Vibes
Should you want a cosy look that still feels stylish, stick to a simple colour palette of frosty hues and gold for a fuss-free mantel with big impact.
Nordic white stars create a classic and restful mantel while the gold candelabras add a hint of opulence.
Three simple pillar candles keep the focal point from becoming too crowded in the centre and the height of the candelabras create just enough balance and symmetry. Subtle but undeniably festive!
The Maximalist
If you can’t go big at Christmas, then when can you? This mantelpiece décor is all about the f-u-n. Fill the narrow ledge with thick foliage to create depth and movement. We’ve gone for faux greenery here but you can use fresh garland if you prefer.
More is more when it comes to maximalist styling, so don’t hold back on colour and texture. The greenery of the foliage anchors the display, creating fluidity and visual harmony while the coloured baubles nestled into the garland and hanging from the mantelpiece provide the perfect contrast against dark walls.
Balance your focal point with a pair of pillar candles, vases, or lanterns at either end of the mantel to add symmetry. Finally, for a playful and eclectic twist add in a non-trad ornament like this quirky flamingo!
Styling Tips To Consider
Complement Your Colour Scheme
Tie your mantelpiece colours in with the rest of your living space for cohesion. Whether it’s your sofa, a feature wall or your artwork.
Stick to Odd Numbers
Like floristry, any visual display is best arranged into groups of odd numbers, especially threes.
Vary Heights
Stacked books and tall candelabras are great for drawing the eyes upwards into the vertical space and elevating your smaller decorations.
Try to Achieve Symmetrical Balance
Start with your focal point (the large piece that anchors your design) and build out by arranging elements either side of your pièce de résistance.
If perfect symmetry is too polished and buttoned up for you, go for balanced asymmetry instead. Just make sure you create the same visual weight on either side of your focal point.
Don’t Forget to Use The Whole Space
You can hang festive bunting or stockings across the fireplace to create visual interest below the mantel arrangement.
Add a Living Element
Festive foliage, whether it’s real or faux, will not only add life to your mantel but it’s a great blank canvas to work with. Once you’ve got that in place, you can layer it with colour, texture and light to your heart’s content. If you don’t want to go all-out holiday spirit with a full garland, you can experiment with sprigs of fresh eucalyptus, berries or branches of fluffy cotton flower.
Avoid Straight Lines
Cluster your items together, staggering some slightly in front and some behind rather than lining them up side by side. This will help establish depth on a narrow mantelpiece.
Alternative Gift Wrapping Ideas For A More Sustainable Christmas
While glossy and glittery wrapping paper is undeniably pretty to look at, it tends to contain non-recyclable elements such as plastic, dye, foil and leftover sticky tape. Cue the black bin liner making the rounds on Christmas Day and heading straight for land fill. Five million tonnes of it every year in the UK, to be exact.
To cut down on waste and have a more resourceful Christmas, we’ve pulled together some alternative gift wrap ideas to try.
May your presents come suited and booted in all the sustainable garb!
Paper Grocery bags or Brown Paper
For all the neutral gift wrap enthusiasts out there, use brown paper lunch bags hand-stamped with festive designs by yours truly. Minimalist, chic & Scandi – lovely jubbly.
Wrapping gifts in fabric, or Furoshiki as the Japanese tradition is better known, is the perfect antithesis to throw-away culture.
You can use anything from headscarves and linens to tablecloths to swaddle your gifts. Kitsch is the new fetch!
Lush Cosmetics have a lovely selection of knot wraps, some of which are made from recycled plastic bottles. From city maps to vintage prints, there’s something for everyone.
Enter the holy grail of budget-friendly present toppers: hand-drawn ribbons. You can use craft paint to draw bows, holly, baubles or the whole of Whoville if you’re feeling particularly ambitious.
No paint, no problem – just whip out a felt tip pen or a faithful Sharpie instead.
Old newspapers
Make your news travel further by repurposing old newspapers to wrap your gifts. Resourceful, indeed and probably the only way to put a positive spin on British politics right now.
Eco-friendly sticky tape
Even the most well-intentioned of us may not realise sticky tape isn’t recyclable but it’s one of the worst offenders for the environment around Christmas time. Use an eco-friendly alternative like this biodegradable packing tape from The Green Stationery Company.
Before you go throwing those fallen sprigs in the bin, you might want to save them for your present toppers. Brown paper, jute string and a sprig of greenery to boot looks oh-so-pretty.
If your tree hasn’t dropped any branches, you can always pop to your local florist and see if they had any casualties when making their wreaths this year. They often sell Christmas trees too which means they’ll have plenty of branches to spare. Sure it might be a weird request, but we do what we have to do to spruce up our festive offerings.
You can go for a walk and forage for holly, berries & pine cones, too. Decorate them with spray snow or gold spray paint for a beautiful festive effect.
Cookie cutters and any spare decorations also make for great Christmassy present toppers. Or you could even go all-out Star Baker and make your own cookie gift tags. Is there anything better than receiving something edible and personalised? No, no there is not.
Raid your kitchen cupboards
Sprigs of rosemary look just as nice as Christmas tree branches atop your gifts and they smell great, too.
If you have any oranges going spare you can slice them up and dry them out in the oven on a low heat to use as festive fodder.
Re-use old clothes
If you have any old knitwear or embroidered dresses, cut them into thick strips and use them as wrapping trim.
