Alternative pomander

Ollie was struggling to push cloves into an orange yesterday, so we tried out making a pomander with an apple instead.

I have no idea how well it will keep, but it smells divine today and is filling the house with a lovely festive smell.

I got the idea from seed feeder apples we made last year at an open day at RSPCA Mallydams Wood.  Very simple to make, with sunflower seeds pushed into an apple in the same way we have done here with cloves.

Perhaps a double gift could be made - a smelly one for your house, and a seedy one for your garden.

How to make a paper plate Christmas tree

Here's a lovely idea pinched from a clever friend.

Take one paper plate.

Paint it green.  Leaving the outside edge white produces a snowy effect on the finished piece.

When the paint dries, cut it into quarters.

Arrange into a Christmas Tree shape as shown and glue pieces together.

Add glitter, sequins and any other small decorations you fancy.

Hang up and admire.