Calm Christmas
18 CalmMoment.comEasy homemade
decorations
Gingerbread stars
Edible decorations are twice as good
as the regular sort: not only do they
look great, but they’re delicious too. And
they’re very easy to make – perfect for
getting children to help out (particularly
if you promise to let them test them
once they’re baked!). Sarah’s recipe
creates wonderfully chewy biscuits that
will fit in perfectly with a traditional or
Scandinavian décor scheme. Find out
how to make your own batch of biscuits
at bit.ly/gingerstarsCranberry garland
Tangy cranberries are always associated
with a Christmas feast, but these
shiny red berries are also perfectly
suited to decorating. Like orange slices,
cranberries will need to be prepared for
crafting (you can find full instructions on
Sarah’s blog at bit.ly/cranberrygarland) –
if you simply use fresh berries they won’t
last very long! With a needle and thread
you can string prepared berries together
to make a garland of any length, which
will look lovely hung around your tree,
from the mantelpiece or laid along the
length of your dining table.White clay decorations
Making your own decorations means
you can be sure they’ll fit exactly with your
decorating scheme, and using a simple
salt dough (made with one cup of plain
flour to half a cup each of salt and water)
or – even easier – ready-made air-drying
clay, will let you create striking ornaments
that will last for years. Sarah has made
classic white stars for her home using a
biscuit cutter but you could try any shape
or colour. Have fun experimenting!
Find more of Sarah's ideas at
rockyhedgefarm.comPhotograp
hy:^
Sarah^ Blan
kenshipSarah Blankenship’s simple style means she’s able to focus on making
thoughtful decorations rather than filling her home with shop-bought
displays. Try your hand at our favourites...