Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2015 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

Julia’s Black Forest trifle Preparation time: 30 mins, plus 4 hours chilling Cooking time: nil Serves 8 1 x 85g packet strawberry jelly crystals 600ml thickened cream ¼ cup icing sugar mixture, sifted, plus extra to dust Woolworths Select 2 Layer Unfilled Chocolate Sponge ½ cup sweet sherry or kirsch 500ml thick vanilla or chocolate custard 600g Woolworths fresh cherries, pitted, halved, plus extra to decorate Dark chocolate shards, to decorate 1 Make jelly following pack instructions. Cool, then pour into a 30 x 20cm lamington tin. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set. 2 Put cream and icing sugar in a large bowl and beat, using an electric mixer, until soft peaks form. Remove and discard icing from chocolate cakes, if necessary, then cut cakes into 3cm…

Gift container for Jolly crunchy rocky road 1. Wrap a strip of free paper around a lidded jar, securing overlapped join at back with double-sided tape. For a more elaborate finish (as pictured at left), cut a 6cm-wide strip of red card and wrap around lower half of jar, leaving a 5mm strip of paper showing, then secure with tape at back. Cut a 4cm-wide strip of paper, place over card strip and secure with tape. Trim with ribbon. To finish (as pictured above), place jar in centre of cellophane sheet and bring ends together just above jar. Scrunch ends together, secure with a ribbon bow, then fluff out cellophane. Stick the chocolate biscuits together with a dab of melted chocolate Box up your Spiced rum vanilla cupcakes 2. Allowing…

Bring your best There are certain occasions during the year when we tend to overdo it, like footy finals or hens’ nights. But for this festive season, you might like to make your motto, ‘fewer glasses, better wine,’ so you can take it easy and thoroughly enjoy each mouthful. Greet your guests with a fine craft beer or top-shelf Aussie sparkling white and take the bubbles to the table to complement the flavours and relaxed pacing of your antipasto platter starter. When you move onto the mains of roast ham, chicken, turkey or pork, try pairing with an Australian sparkling red, such as shiraz, which will also work just as well when the meat is served cold over the next few days. There are a vast number of sparkling reds…

For shopping details, see Stockists page…

For shopping details, see Stockists page…

Garlands of Christmas lights, from the everyday to more decorative varieties, can be transformed into stunning tabletop lanterns – so beautiful they’ll take your breath away – simply by placing them under glass domes. Wrap the light cable of each garland with florist wire to give it structure, hang it from the top of the dome and shape it to fill up the space. You could even place your lights and battery pack inside a large ordinary glass preserve jar – the florist wire is optional. You’ll be amazed by how good it looks! Here’s how to make a LIGHT-FILLED CLOCHE For the large cloche, you’ll need two sets of lights. Steps 1 & 2 Using florist wire, starting about halfway along light cable and working away from battery pack,…

Art of glass 1. Give your glassware gift an individual touch by choosing a gorgeous design and engraving it. Pick the herb 2. Use a diamond tip on your engraver to label herb pots. Then paint, wipe with a damp cloth and plant up a bunch. Papered pots 3. Pretty-up pots with strips of your free paper to tie in with your table’s colour scheme. Here’s a deep idea – use an engraving tool to design one-of-a-kind pressies. Available from Bunnings and other hardware stores, engravers are surprisingly affordable given the gorgeous decorations you can create. Pick up plain glasses from a homewares store and terracotta pots from your local nursery and you’re set to start. Keen to dig into a bigger project? Try your hand at this spike-legged stable…

It’s backyard bliss! Cut, paint and stick PVC tubes together to make the target. Number as you wish. Give each player three balls, step back about 10 metres and take turns to see who can land the highest score. Game on! BALL GAME Gather your supplies 1 x 1m 100mm PVC tubing1 x 3m 100mm PVC tubingAdhesive numbersBouncing balls You’ll also need Hacksaw; mitre box or set square; pencil; medium- and fine-grit sanding blocks; mask; drop sheet; plastic primer; coloured spray paint; Selleys Liquid Nails Landscape Note All PVC tubing lengths measured from flat base to highest point of angled cut. Here’s how STEP 1 Using hacksaw and mitre box, cut the 1m length of PVC tubing in half at a 45° angle. Alternatively, use set square and a pencil…

1 Chinese windmill palm An elegantly shaped tree, the Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) is well suited to growing in the subtropics, along with cool and temperate climates. Its beautiful silhouette and graceful fan-like fronds are perfect in a pot or garden setting. Plant in full sun in well-draining soil, and protect from strong winds. Height: 7m 2 Golden cane palm  A popular landscaping plant, the golden cane palm (Dypsis lutescens) is ideal for bringing a tropical feel into your garden or home. Its bright green and gold stems are a stand-out and the dense foliage is perfect for providing that lush verdant look – great for screening. Plant in a large pot and place in a well-lit spot indoors or, if planting outdoors, position in…

POT UP A CONIFER Gather your supplies Potted conifer (we used Picea glauca ‘Christmas Star’) 30–40cm diameter terracotta pot Fresh potting mix You’ll also need Gloves; secateurs; watering can; seaweed solution Here’s how STEP 1 Wearing your gloves, lift potted conifer out of its plastic nursery pot and sit it in terracotta pot to check for size. You need to ensure that soil surface of plant will sit a few centimetres below lip of new pot. STEP 2 Lift conifer out and, using secateurs, loosen any tight roots which encircle outside of root ball. STEP 3 Carefully position conifer in new pot, making sure it’s centred. Backfill around plant with fresh potting mix. STEP 4 Firm down potting mix, ensuring no mix is heaped up around trunk. Use watering can…

In each issue we give ideas, tips and planting advice for different climate zones, so it’s important to find the zone number for your area. Naturally, there will be cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask a horticulturist at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions. Step up the mood Welcome the festive season (and your guests) with this sweet set-up. Look for a recycled timber ladder and paint it white or leave unpainted for a rustic look. Position on the porch, near the front path or in a garden bed, then arrange wooden letters on the rungs to spell out MERRY, XMAS or JOY and decorate with tea lights in glass jars. Play garden games other than the traditional cricket with a more…

WHAT’S ON Delve into the romance and history of Queensland’s tropical rainforest past with a visit to the National Heritage-listed gardens of Paronella Park. On the banks of sparkling Mena Creek, near Innisfail, the gardens surround the ruins of a Spanish-style castle built in the 1930s by immigrant José Paronella. Although severely damaged over the years by a fire, cyclone and several floods, the remains sit amid 5ha of lush forest with walks, waterfalls, bridges, exotic plants and soaring trees. Open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9am–7:30pm, visit paronellapark.com.au.…

Do-it-all cranberry gravy Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 5 mins Serves 4 2 Tbsp butter2 Tbsp plain flour500ml best-qualitychicken stock½ tsp celery salt½ cup cranberry sauce2 Tbsp tomato ketchup1 Tbsp creamJuice of ½ a lime 1 Combine butter and flour in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until thickened. Pour in stock and simmer, whisking constantly, to a thick sauce. Whisk in salt, cranberry sauce, ketchup and cream. Add lime juice; stir. Serve. Sticky rice parcels with banana and taro Preparation time: 10 mins plus overnight soaking Cooking time: 40 mins Serves 6 250g glutinous rice½ cup coconut cream½ cup caster sugar1 pandanus leaf (availablefrom Asian grocers)400g can kidney beans,drained2 tsp sesame oilJuice of 1 lime1 cup taro, finely diced6 large pieces…

Cook this barra recipe and love it, and, for added convenience, check out pepperleaf.com.au. Each week, the food editors at BHG and New Idea team up with Pepper Leaf to create the best menu in town. All you have to do is sign up, and the recipes and ingredients are delivered to your door – so easy for you! Raw slaw with tofu and peanut mayonnaise Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: nil Serves 6–8 4 striped baby beets¼ white cabbage, finely shaved1 kohlrabi, peeled, cut in half andfinely shaved (look for it ingreengrocers)2 carrots, finely sliced5 spring onions, white part only,finely sliced2 long red chillies, finely sliced1 Tbsp poppy seedsSea-salt flakes, to season2 Tbsp roasted peanuts, roughlychopped, to serve TOFU AND PEANUT MAYONNAISE 200g silken tofu80ml grapeseed oil (or…

Giving is a pleasure in itself, but when you present a skincare necessity or decadent indulgence, you’re sure to put a fresh smile on the recipient’s face. Here, top picks for her, him and the teens, priced from $10–$150; something for every budget and personal style. for her… the Wonder Woman in your life 1. Make her tub time blissful, Bath Jewels, $60, Aromatherapy Associates. 2. It’s all in the name: Pure Decadence, a sensual woody scent, $150, Marc Jacobs. 3. Give her an instant holiday glow, Shimmer Brick, $75, Bobbi Brown. 4. She’ll fall in love with this anti-ageing silk pillowcase, Slipsilk, $79.95, Slip. 5. Delight her senses, body-soothing British Botanical Shower Cream, $65, Elemis. 6. Gift her two delightful treats in one , Hand Picked Lavender Duo, $55,…

Got a slinky summer number to shimmy into but afraid someone will ask when you’re due? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back – and your front! You can beat the bloated belly blues by following this simple plan and you’ll be rocking that frock (plus skinny jeans and swimsuit) in no time at all. 1 KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT (said with love!) Chewing gum with your mouth open, talking while you eat, eating too fast and drinking through a straw all lead to swallowing air, which can cause uncomfortable gas and bloating. Yep, really! 2 Fennel seeds; get some. See also, pineapple and parsley! Munching on a small handful of aromatic fennel seeds can help relieve uncomfortable gassy situations. Ditto a few chunks of fresh pineapple or sprigs of parsley.…

MIND YOUR SPACE If you’ve wanted to bring the concept of mindfulness from your meditation practice into your living space, this book will help. The Mindful Home (Exisle Publishing, $34.99) shows you how to make home a place of harmony, beauty, wisdom and true happiness. By creating an environment you really want and need, you’re more likely to be better rested, more fulfilled, happier and healthier. And who doesn’t want that? Visit exislepublishing.com.au for more info. Make a date We all know that screen time is having a serious impact on the next gen. Here’s another thought: it’s been implicated in an increase in the number of kids with myopia (short-sightedness). Signs to look for (pun intended) include tilting or turning of the head when looking at something, frequent blinking…

This simple shelf pin unit can be reconfigured as quickly as you like, so you can change the display of your favourite design pieces whenever the mood strikes! A smart and stark black and white scheme suits a more formal, coordinated style of presentation, then you can turn the board around to show your wilder side! Bold and bright colours are a great backdrop for more eclectic pieces, making them stand out. The pins move in and out of the board, so you can adjust them to suit a new purchase or swap them around for a different look. PIN ART SHELVING UNIT Gather your supplies Backing board (2), 1200 x 900 x 16mm MDF Leg base (2), 440 x 90 x 45mm dressed pine Leg uprights (4), 100 x…

Do I look familiar? Due to changes in TV scheduling, this bear rug is being repeated. So here it is, in case you missed it the first time. Go, grizzly, go! Have fun with the shape of this playful rug by using any animal outline. A tip to keep costs down? Pick up fabric remnants (upholstery pieces are ideal!). Give your floor a great big bear hug with this playful grizzly rug! Using a patchwork of floral fabrics, stitch together the body of the bear, then add the details (eyes, nose, ears and paws) with blanket stitch in coloured thread. Beary nice!…

Christmas and family are totally inseparable! And despite what family means to you, it’s those relationships in your life that make Christmas Day the thriller it is – however you celebrate it. And because here at BHG we buy into it unconditionally, this year we’ve created a big family Christmas feast for you, with the plan you set it all out at once so your table groans under the weight of abundance, deliciousness, sharing, laughing, spilling, yelling, clattering, chattering and most of all togetherness. You can pass me a lot of that please! Just take the ultimate starter on page 42, and serve it up as your cue for ‘all in’. Be assured that will set the tone and you’re on your way to the most unforgettable Christmas meal your…

Christmas fruitcake Preparation time: 30 mins plus 2 hours soaking Cooking time: 2 hours 15 mins Serves 24 600g sultanas450g raisins200g dried apricots,roughly chopped1¹/ ³ cups sherry or apera½ cup apricot jamFinely grated zest and juiceof 1 orange250g butter, melted andcooled, plus extra, to grease1 cup caster sugar3 eggs, whisked2 cups plain flour½ cup self-raising flour3 tsp ground cinnamon2 tsp mixed spice1 tsp nutmeg250g packet ready-to-rollmarzipanFresh flowers, to decorate BUTTERCREAM 125g unsalted butter, softened1½ cups pure icing sugar, sifted½ tsp vanilla extract 1 Put sultanas, raisins, apricots, 1 cup of sherry, jam and orange zest and juice in a large bowl, mixing to combine. Cover and leave to soak for at least 2 hours. 2 Preheat oven to 160°C. Grease 2 x 17cm round springform cake tins and line bases…

Orange, pistachio and cranberry cake Preparation time: 15 mins plus 30 mins cooling Cooking time: 1 hour Serves 12 250g unsalted butter, chopped, softened, plus extra, to grease 2 cups self-raising flour, plus extra, to dust 2 tsp vanilla bean paste Finely grated zest and juice of 1 orange, plus 2 tsp extra fresh orange juice, for icing 1 cup caster sugar 3 eggs, separated ½ cup pistachio kernels, finely chopped 1 tsp baking powder ¾ cup Greek-style yoghurt ½ cup reduced sugar dried cranberries, finely chopped, plus ½ cup extra, to decorate ¼ cup icing sugar mixture, sifted, plus extra, to dust 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 24cm bundt chiffon cake tin with butter and dust with flour, shaking off excess. 2 Put chopped butter, vanilla, orange…

For shopping details, see Stockists page…

For shopping details, see Stockists page…

When the masses arrive at your place, not only will they be delighted with your table-setting skills (and the glorious aromas coming from your kitchen), they’ll be bowled over with swoon-factor by your handmade timber Christmas tree. Inspired by the colourway of your table setting, this show-stopping piece (see opposite page) is created with staggered lengths of stencilled timber – get your hands on the free project sheet to make it in time for Chrissie! As the day unfolds, move gifts from tabletop to under (or on!) the tree to make way for the wonderful food. Sit back, relax and have a brilliant day – cheers! Lay the table 1. While the roast is in the oven, dress your Christmas table with festive flare. Build up the centre of your…

Make a modern garland with season-inspired natural timber decorations or similar wooden craft shapes. This base measures a whopping 900mm across and uses five packs of the BHG Christmas decorations (see below to order). For a smaller wreath, adjust the measurements (see instructions, right) to suit – you’ll need fewer decorations, too. How to order your BHG Christmas decorations Visit bhgshop.com.au or call 1300 745 898. The set costs $19.95/24pk including postage and handling. Delivery within Australia only. While stocks last. Please allow at least 14 days for delivery. Here’s how to make a TIMBER WREATH Step 1 Using a jigsaw, cut a 900mmdia. circle from a piece of 1200 x 1200 x 3mm CD plywood. Cut a 600mm-dia. inner circle, leaving a 150mm-wide wreath base.…

Problem solved: somewhere to sit your drink outside – where it won’t tip over! With its spiked leg, this table will stay upright on any soft surface. Flip the handle on its hinge to form the tabletop. And the holes for glasses and bottle? Just brilliant! Stake into the sand or lawn, set out the snacks and pour your favourite wine. Now that’s civilised. FOLDING WINE HOLDER Gather your supplies Top, 400 x 285 x 19mm pineLeg, 385 x 90 x 45mm pineMounting blocks, 75 x 30 x15mm pineSpike, 300 x 19mm dia.Tasmanian Oak dowelM8 x 100mm cup head bolt and nut8mm washer (3) You’ll also need Cordless drill, 44mm, 57mm and 86mm hole saws; jigsaw; sandpaper; sanding block; power saw; handsaw; 19mm spade bit; 8mm drill bit; PVA glue;…

Want to hold on to the serene feeling from your last holiday? This glorious Asian-inspired pavilion, complete with a calming water feature and ‘floating’ deck, will be your go-to spot for peace and relaxation. The pergola’s shapely wings recall Japanese Shinto structures. Surround it with lush tropical-style plantings, dress it with a couple of lanterns and choose a generous outdoor setting – you’ll feel ommmm-mazing! 1. Design a space you can use all year round, with a raised deck, a stylish water feature and comfy furniture. 2. Slow the pace with your own tea ceremony in serene seclusion. To enhance the gentle mood, include orchids like this white moth orchid ( Phalaenopsis sp.). 3. To create a tropical Asian-inspired garden, use lots of lush foliage plants. Palms,…

Make impressive metre-high nutcracker figurines to put on your front porch or back deck and help spread an air of wonderment and joy this festive season! With their red and gold uniform highlights and fluffy fur-trimmed hats, these cheery soldiers will also look great inside the house. Put them along your hallway or by your Christmas tree to keep your pressie stash safe! POTTED SOLDIERS Gather your supplies 270mm dia. terracotta pots (5) Primer or undercoat Gloss spray paint in black, red and dark blue Paint sample pots in black and for ‘face’ (we used Dulux ‘China Doll’) 18mm-thick plywood, for base 10mm threaded rod with 2 nuts, to fit 10mm metal washers (2) 16mm metal washer Large rubber washer Selleys Liquid Nails Landscape adhesive Trim items: black belt; gold…

• Mini cordless power hand shears• Flowering-plant seed selection• Garden planting diary• Mini barrow for little gardeners• Bonsai kit• Car boot liner for trips to nurseries• Potted perfumed rose and matching perfume or aftershave• Hamper of small gardening tools• Floral-design garden gloves or gumboots• Hose and winder for wall mounting• Heated propagating kit• Wire topiary training frames• Garden club membership• Garden arch• Sundial or birdbath• Hammock• Worm farm• Weathervane• Subscription to Better Homes and Gardens…

Rosebuds garner plenty of attention around Valentine’s Day, but when you grow your own roses you’ll get to enjoy them for up to nine months. They’ll bear flowers and bring you pleasure through spring, summer and autumn. Enjoy the old with the new There’s so much diversity in the rose family that you can use them in all sorts of areas and ways – feature shrubs, hedges, climbers and more. Here’s a look at a few lovelies you may not be familiar with. 1. David Austin roses, also known as English roses, are a delightful group that bear old-fashioned style flowers with delicious scents. They come in both shrub and climbing forms. 2, 3. Rugosa roses feature tough, wrinkly leaves that are resistant to disease. They suit coastal areas, as…

Christmas is a time when we come together to celebrate kindness and compassion. So why not extend these values to your table, and enjoy an animal-free feast this yea ? We’ve put together a great selection of delicious, easy, plant-based recipes on our website that your family will love. Because a cruelty-free Christmas is something everyone will feel good about. Win ONE OF TEN TOFURKY ROASTS THE PRIZE One way to enjoy a more compassionate Christmas is to put a mouth-watering meat-free roast on your Christmas menu. We’re giving away ten delicious Tofurky roasts – so enter now for your chance to win! HOW TO ENTER To be in the draw to WIN head to KinderChristmas.com Terms and conditions: Competition closing date: 14 December, 2015. Draw date: 15 December, 2015.…

Cauliflower tabouli Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time: 10 mins Serves 4 1 cauliflower, cut into smallflorets¾ cup extra virgin olive oilSea-salt flakes and freshlyground black pepper, toseason2 bunches flat-leaf parsley,roughly chopped1 bunch mint, roughly chopped4 green shallots, thinly sliced1 cup green olives, pitted,finely diced1 cup walnuts, roughlychopped2 tomatoes, deseeded,finely diced1 Tbsp white wine vinegar 1 Put cauliflower in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until cauliflower resembles small grains. 2 Heat ½ cup of the oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Add cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a fine sieve over a large bowl to drain, then set aside to cool to room temperature. Season. 3 Combine parsley, mint, shallots, olives, walnuts and tomatoes in…

Mocka Multi Stripe Teepees 1. With their colourful and playful prints, Mocka Teepees provide hours of cosy enjoyment for your children. We have seven Mocka Multi Stripe Teepees, valued at $99.95 each, to give away. mocka.com.au Kambrook prize pack 2. The Stack & Snack turns you into the toasted sandwich-master, while you can bake 12 cake pops in just five minutes with the Little Chefs Cake Pop Maker. We have 18 Kambrook prize packs of the Stack & Snack sandwich maker (RRP $49.95) and Little Chefs Cake Pop Maker (RRP $29.95) to give away. kambrook.com.au Fantastic Furniture Skulls Quilt 3. Brighten your little boy’s bedroom with the Single Skulls Reversible Quilt Cover Set & Cushion from Fantastic Furniture. The set features a reversible grey print design in poly-cotton, and matching…

When selling your house, you want it to look its best. Put yourself in a potential buyer’s shoes and you’ll come up with a list of small fix-ups and larger projects that, when completed, will boost your property’s worth. Street appeal Material cost $825 (plants, mulch, soil) DIY skill level Low Time frame 4 hours Pay a tradie $2100 Your front garden is the face of your home, so give it wow value. Use extra plants to add life to garden beds, staggering them for the best effect. Spread mulch over any bare soil, buying in bulk rather than bags. Finish with a welcoming bench seat and cushions by the front door. Level it up Material cost $1300 (sleepers, concrete, plants) DIY skill level Medium Time frame 2 days Pay…

CHRISTMAS TREE You will need: • 50cm x 112cm wide fabric in 6 different coordinating colours – green, aqua, red and white, go d, navy and fawn• 42 x 10mm gold Folley Bells• .25kg bag of Hobby• Matching thread• Genera sewing supplies• Hand sewing needle• 25cm length of cord Here’s how: STEP 1 Make an 18cm equilateral triangle pattern using the Brother ScanNCut. STEP 2 Cut 14 gold, 10 red and white, 6 fawn, 8 aqua, 12 green and 8 navy triangles from fabric. STEP 3 With right sides together and using matching fabric, stitch triangles together leaving a small opening along one straight edge for stuffing with Hobby Fill . STEP 4 Trim points of excess fabric and turn triangles through to right side pushing out points with scissors. STEP 5 Fill each tr angle with…

Taking inspiration from the colours of midnight skies, golden wattle and reds as rich as desert sand, this year’s celebrations are stunning! Turn your free sheet of exclusive wrapping paper (our gift to you) into beautiful decorations for the tree and table, or use it to wrap your gorgeous gifts of love. 1 Wish-list gifts Create an impressive display of gifts decked out in luscious ribbons. Let the pattern on the paper provide the detail, then add shiny or sheer bows in similar shades. 2 Easy themed ornaments Pick up empty glass baubles (available from craft stores), then feed 5mm x 30cm strips of your free paper through the opening to spiral inside. Replace the caps (paint them copper, as pictured, gold or silver), thread with a ribbon and they’re…

Menu the starter Ultimate antipasto platter the mains Crispy pork belly with caramelised pears Roast lamb with cider, honey and mustard Roast chicken with pistachio feta stuffing Cranberry, lime and almond-crusted ham Salmon with pomegranate and herb crumb the sides Prosciutto-wrapped chipolatas The new green salad Cinnamon spiced sweet potato wedges Brie, sour cream and chive potato bake Roast tomato and feta towers Grilled broccoli and mozzarella salad the sweets Chocolate semifreddo with honeycomb Mango cheesecake with lime syrup Yule log with white chocolate coconut Butterscotch schnapps figgy pudding Better-for-you figgy pudding Here’s the plan: your table groaning with food, your family gathered around all helping themselves, the air filled with laughter. It’s the biggest and best festa you’ve ever hosted. On the following 20 pages you’ll find delectable recipes…

While dried fruit like figs and raisins taste great on their own, soaking them in rum transforms their flavour profile. The concentrated sweetness of the fruit blends with the sharper tones of the alcohol to give more depth. Cinnamon sticks are also known as cinnamon quills, and are available from large supermarkets. They have a sweet yet subtly spicy flavour. Store them in an airtight container for up to 12 months. A FREE GIFT OF SIX ISSUES FOR A FRIEND WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE TO FOR 12 MONTHS Turn to page 290…

For shopping details, see Stockists page…

For shopping details, see Stockists page…

With all the outdoor entertaining that happens in December, your alfresco living zone will get plenty of attention. If you’re after a gorgeous centrepiece with a difference for your deck’s dining table, check out this fabulous terrarium bowl filled with air plants (Tillandsia species). All that air plants need to thrive is a mist of water about once a week, so this terrarium is pretty much maintenance-free and will last you well through summer and beyond. TILLANDSIA TERRARIUM Gather your supplies Selection of tillandsiasGlass or perspex fish bowl,at least 30cm diameterSmall aquarium pebbles(we used natural andwhite-coloured ones)Peat mossMist spray bottle Tip You can buy tillandsias as packaged plants, visit collectorscorner.com.au for stockists. Here’s how STEP 1 Choose a selection of tillandsias with different leaf textures and colours, which are the…

The spectacle of Christmas is a lovely thing to feature outdoors – you don’t need to limit your tree to the living room. Conifers, magnolias and red-flowering natives all make fabulous focal points in open entertaining areas or greeting guests by the front door. You can dress them up by hanging with baubles or tinsel or adorning with a broad bow for striking effect. When Christmas is over, plant out in your garden or keep potted and recommission for next year! Turn the page for conifer-potting instructions from Graham Ross. 1. The white spruce (Picea glauca) makes the iconic cone-shaped conifer. It’s very slow-growing too, so you can keep it as a pot plant. 2. With its bright red blooms, the NSW Christmas Bush makes a statement in a decorative…

What keen gardener hasn’t wished they had a whole nursery at their disposal? Well, that’s part of the secret behind this truly glorious country garden in rural Victoria – Broughton Estate at Jindivick, about 100km west of Melbourne. But even if you don’t own a nursery, you can still borrow a few of these gorgeous ideas for your place! Meet the gardener Broughton Hall is the creation of David Musker, who also owns the nearby Jindivick Country Gardener nursery. With one feeding the other, the result is a constantly evolving landscape with a great diversity of species. 1. Soften hedges and structures with a tumble of blooms for a natural marriage of the formal and informal. 2. Wonderful for a large container, Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Heartbeat’ is an Australian-bred…

…at the nursery This hardy new hydie loves the sun! The award-winning ‘Sundae Fraise’ is a compact French beauty that produces masses of white blooms in summer and autumn. Starting off green, the flowers progress through white into various tones of pink. Quick-growing, it has medium water needs and prefers a moist yet well-drained soil. Ideal for growing in courtyards or on patios and balconies. Visit Plants Management Australia, pma.com.au. …IN BOOKS Give your garden an extra dimension by making it bird-friendly. Birdscaping Australian Gardens by George Adams (Penguin Random House, $59.99) has the lowdown on identifying visiting birds and how to grow the right plants to create nesting nooks. Beautifully illustrated with practical info, it’s a great reference for both devoted birdwatchers and novices. There’s even a section on…

Orange cheesecake with dried fruit Prep time: 1 hour Chilling time: 4 ours 30 mins Serves: 8-10 BASE Cooking oil spray 250g plain biscuits, crushed 125g Western Star Chef’s Choice Cultured Unsalted Butter, melted TOPPING 10g gelatine 40m orange liqueur (optional) 250g Perfect Italiano Original Ricotta 500g cream cheese Zest of 1 lemon 100g honey 2 Tbs vanilla sugar 400ml Anchor Pure Cream 125g mixed dried fruit, chopped GARNISH 75g mixed dried fruit, chopped 3 Tbsp honey 2 Tbsp rum (optional) 200ml orange juice, strained 10g gelatine 1 Spray a 24cm springform tin with oil and line the base with baking paper. In a medium bowl combine biscuit crumbs with the butter , stirring to combine. Press into base of the prepared tin. 2 Put the gelatine in ¹/3 cup…

Barbecued prawns with chilli pineapple Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Serves 8 16 jumbo green kingprawns1 large ripe pineapple,leaves intact, halvedlengthways250g caster sugar80ml water2 long red chillies, seeded,finely sliced1–2 bullet chillies, seeded,finely sliced2 cloves garlic, finelychopped3cm-piece fresh ginger,peeled, cut intomatchsticks3 kaffir lime leaves, finelyshredded1 Tbsp fish sauceJuice of 3 limes2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oilSea-salt flakes and freshlyground black pepper,to season1 cup mint leaves, torn2 cups coriander leavesLemon wedges (optional),to serve 1 To butterfly prawns, remove heads, keeping tails intact. Cut prawns lengthways, being careful not to cut all the way through. Remove and discard digestive tract. 2 Working over a plate to catch juices, use a sharp knife to cut around edge of 1 pineapple half, leaving a 2cm border. Remove flesh, leaving pineapple shell intact…

Corn and feta fritters Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time: 30 mins Makes 28 420g can creamed corn¼ cup milk150g feta, crumbled1 egg, lightly beaten2 green shallots,thinly sliced1 cup baby spinachleaves, shredded1 tsp baking powder2 tsp dried mint1 cup self-raising flourFreshly ground black pepper,to season¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 Put all ingredients except olive oil in a large bowl, mixing well to combine. Season with black pepper. 2 Heat 1 Tbsp of the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Working in batches, spoon heaped tablespoons of mixture into pan and cook for 3 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a plate. Serve warm or cold. Beetroot dip Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: nil Makes 2½ cups…

‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ Martin Luther King Jr, Baptist minister, activist ‘True forgiveness is when you can say, “Thank you for that experience.”’ Oprah Winfrey, talk show host, philanthropist ‘Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.’ Mark Twain, author ‘The weak can never forgive. That’s an attribute for the strong.’ Mahatma Gandhi, pacifist, civil rights activist ‘To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover the prisoner was you.’ Lewis Smedes, ethicist, theologian ‘Forgiveness is a painful and difficult process. It’s not something that happens overnight. It’s an evolution of the heart.’ Sue Monk Kidd, author ‘Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must…

Gather your supplies 1 Beads: 2 red pearl, 2 medium green crystal, 2 small silver and 2 small red solid crystal 2 Beads: 2 red pearl, 4 green seed and 2 clear bugle 3 Beads: 2 green oval, 2 green teardrop and 2 small red solid crystal 4 Beads: 34 red seed and 32 green seed; 6 x 80mm eye pins 5 Beads: 2 large green crystal, 2 medium green crystal, 2 small green crystal and 2 small red solid crystal You will also need Round-nose pliers (2); wire cutters; 2 x 50mm flat-head pins and 1 pair shepherd hooks in desired colour per pair of earrings Here’s how  STEP 1 Starting with a flat-head pin, thread beads as pictured for your chosen design (for design 4 see Steps 4–8).…

Simply visit win-michelin-tyres.pgtb.me/7swC8F win-michelintyres.pgtb.me/7swC8F and enter your details for your chance to win! Visit www.pacificmagazines.com.au/info/promotions for full terms & conditions. Entrants must be 18 years or over. Competition opens 12/11/15 00:01 AEDT & closes 10/12/15 23:59 AEDT. Winner drawn at Promoter’s premises 17/12/15 11:00 AEDT. Winner notified by mail & published in Better Homes and Gardens on 07/01/16. Total prize value up to $1000. The Promoter is Pacific Magazines Pty Ltd 8 Central Ave, Eveleigh NSW 2015 (ABN 16 097 410 896). Authorised Under: NSW Permit No. LTPM/15/00632. ACT Permit No. TP 15/06392.…

If your kids’ cubby has seen better days, it’s easy to revamp with a new theme and surrounding playground. The kids will love to play doughnut shop! Project 1 CUBBY CONVERSION Gather your supplies 150 x 50mm treated pine sleepers Treated pine to match existing frame 12mm exterior plywood Polycarbonate roof sheeting (translucent) and polycarbonate roofing screws Checkered vinyl flooring 140 x 22mm merbau decking 140 x 45mm treated pine 4mm marine plywood 4mm dia. dowel Craft letters You’ll also need Various-sized screws; Dulux 1 Step Primer, Sealer & Undercoat; Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen Acrylic; double-sided tape; Dulux Design Chalkboard paint Here’s how STEP 1 Remove parts of the cubbyhouse that have seen better days and can’t be repaired, such as rotting plywood wall linings, as here. Remove other parts…

Plaster of Paris is an often-overlooked craft supply and it’s not until you buy a bag and experiment that you discover how much fun it is to use – and just how versatile. To create these ‘raindrops’, make moulds using plasticine and fill with wet plaster. When dry, paint and hang on your wall. It’s a great project to make with the kids – rain, hail or shine! Know it all Why prime and paint the backs of raindrops? This allows the picture-hanging strips to make a good bond with the backs of the shapes so they hold firmly in place on your wall. Do you live in a humid area? If so, picture-hanging strips might not work for you. In this case, embed a paperclip into each shape before…

1 HAPPY FEET - Every family deserves their own Heartsong...& this Christmas, your family deserves to fall in love with Mumbles all over again. 2 HARRY POTTER - Give the kids a reason to stay home over the holidays... with 8 magical films to leave them spellbound. 3 GET SMART - Who wouldn’t want to hang out with 99 & spy on Maxwell’s special brand of Chaos? A classic that’ll bring laughs to young & old. 4 EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND - Everybody loves this sharp series - it’s ageless, timeless & wisecracking, just like Raymond’s mum. 5 HEY DUGGEE - Let’s gather for a Duggee Hug! Your little one’s new favourite show… so cute that even Mum & Dad will want to keep watching 6 BROADCHURCH - Everyone loves a…

HOW TO STITCH PAPER Using a regular needle, change sewing machine speed setting to slow. Adjust stitch length to 3.5 or as for topstitching. Test on similar-thickness card. Stitch design, lowering needle and lifting foot to turn work at corners. HOW TO GLOSS LIKE A PRO In a well-ventilated area, use a box to create a spray booth on a drop cloth or newspaper. Place work flat to spray. Using gloss spray, following the instructions on the can, apply in thin coats to avoid runs. Spray multisided pieces one side at a time. Apply multiple coats to achieve a glossier finish, or use Krylon Triple-Thick Crystal Clear Glaze spray to achieve the same effect in fewer coats. Allow time for project to dry in-between coats. CRAFT ’EM, GIVE ’EM Gather…

SIMPLY DELICIOUS When it comes to entertaining, not all crackers are created equal. Waterthins has a variety of crackers to suit any entertaining occasion and can turn a cheese platter into a gourmet inspiration. With the exceptional versatility of Waterthins, inspired entertaining ideas are never far away. BEAT THE BUGS AND ENJOY SUMMER LIVING OUTDOORS Mortein Outdoor Automatic Insect Spray Citronella protects you against flies and mosquitoes. Just set and forget, and it automatically releases a plant based active ingredient to create a 25m2 zone of protection. So it’s tough on pests, not people. CANINE COMFORTER The sun is shining, flowers are blooming and there’s a sense of excitement as the weather warms up. But many dogs experience environmental allergies in warmer weather, causing skin sensitivity and discomfort. The Royal…

Your shopping directory… Adairs 1300 783 005, adairs.com.au Albi (03) 9474 1300, albi.com.au Aromatherapy Associates (02) 9629 5193, aromatherapyassociates.com.au Australian Native Landscapes 13 14 58, anlscape.com.au Australian Wine Vintages thegoldbook.com.au Bed Bath N’ Table bedbathntable.com.au Better Homes and Gardens Shop bhgshop.com.au Big W 1300 244 999, bigw.com.au Bobbi Brown 1800 304 283, bobbibrown.com.au Bosch Australia 1300 307 044, bosch.com.au Bose bose.com.au Brite Organix briteorganix.com Bunnings Warehouse (03) 8831 9777, bunnings.com.au Cabot’s cabots.com.au Citta Design (02) 9360 7904, cittadesign.com Cleckheaton cleckheatonsuperfine .com.au/gifts CleverPatch 1300 836 522, cleverpatch.com.au Clinique 1800 556 948, clinique.com.au Coates Hire 13 15 52, coateshire.com.au Command command.com.au Country Road 1800 801 911, countryroad.com.au DATS Skip Bins 1300 003 287, dats.net.au David Jones davidjones.com.au Décor (03) 9759 2222, decor.com.au Design…