Every year in the 10 days or so leading up to Christmas I try and add a little sparkle to my shop-bought gifts by adding a little ‘extra’ that I’ve made myself. I’m neither a saint, nor Kirstie Allsopp, so I keep it pretty simple.
A bundle of parmesan cheese straws (here’s Mark Hix recipe) fresh from the oven and wrapped in pretty ribbon is always a winner (especially with men when presented with a good red!), or a jar of homemade marmalade that I made months ago and stock piled in preparation (my failsafe ‘elderly relative’ gift). That batch of elderflower cordial I made earlier in the year has been languishing in my freezer, I’ll be defrosting it and decanting it into stoppered bottles and presenting it with a bottle of Prosecco for easy Christmas Day cocktails. I also thought that a trio of Kilner jars filled with spiced apple compote, homemade granola and my super easy DIY yoghurt would be a great gift and a welcome change from heavy Christmas fare.
I’m also waiting for a delivery from Baldwins, my fantastic South London based apothecary, so I can make a nourishing body oil and corresponding body wash as last minute gifts for girly relatives. I’ll be posting the recipe for this next week (here is my first attempt at DIY beauty, a scalp nourishing bergamot and lime shampoo).
Tomorrow I’ll post a couple of ‘go-to’ sites for brilliant, UK-based (and UK-tax paying!) gift companies that I’ve come to rely on since moving to the sticks. The bliss of Christmas shopping minus the crowds, cold and blaring carols is not to be underestimated!