Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2025 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Make it easy with our festive recipes starting on page 17. Editor Megan Osborne Creative director Scott Cassidy Managing editor Sophie Al-Bassam Chief sub-editor Jo McKinnon Digital editor Tahni Mesann Design director Monique Larracy Senior designer Carol Tang Garden editor Jenny Dillon Senior food editor Sarah Murphy DIY editor Tiff Bancroft Stylist Nonci Nyoni Creative projects editor Geneva Vanderzeil  Senior content producers Jade Coull, Rachel Iorfino, Livia Gamble  Editorial & production assistant Jada Susas  Enquiries (02) 9282 8000 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS  In your garden Tony Fawcett Moon guide Milton Black  Better pets Caroline Zambrano Better finance Andrea Black  Better books & experiences Rachel Iorfino ADVERTISING  Head of commercial, home & lifestyle Rhyl Heavener  Advertising enquiries (02) 9282 8000, advertising@aremedia.com.au  Head of sales NSW…

ROB CASLICK CEO, Two Good Co Rob is the founder of Two Good Co, a social enterprise that supports and employs women with lived experience of homelessness and domestic violence. We speak to him about his important work and share a recipe from Two Good’s latest book, Sweet Memories (see page 108). MEL BURGE Recipe developer and food prep We love it when Mel helps us at BHG! In this issue, she cooked the festive air-fryer recipes (see page 18) and prep-ahead menu (see page 24) for our shoots, and couldn’t stop raving about the mango jelly in the trifle. It’s one dish she’s planning to have on her own Christmas table this year. PHILLIP CASTLETON Photographer Phil has captured incredible images across Australia’s top publications. His work spans editorial,…

Make a wreath with monkey vine from a florist, then decorate it with faux flowers. We’ve used Coast to Coast’s faux gumnut bunch stem in mulberry, $15.95, and Floral Forest’s faux dancing lady orchids in burgundy, $6.80 per stem. The trees are dressed with berry picks, poinsettia stems and other baubles by Coast to Coast, $1.95 to $7.90. FLORAL FANTASTIC Create a bloomin’ big statement with artificial blooms of silk or plastic! Diagonal pink and orange lines give the tree structure. Pink bougainvillea created our base from bottom left to top right in two bands, then anthurium, proteas and green orchids were used to frame hydrangeas. The orange lines are marked by orange dahlias, orange and red orchids and red waratahs, with pops of yellow wattle. BRING IT TO LIFE…

APRICOT AND CHESTNUT STUFFED CHICKEN Recipe on page 56 Christmas is a special time on the calendar for chef and restauratuer Matt Moran. He loves nothing more than cooking fresh, delicious food for his family and friends while spending quality time together. Mixing the traditional (think: roast chook) with the modern (think: My Perfect Stock), Matt knows that preparation is key to being able to share his love language of food while being able to enjoy the event, too. We sat down with Matt to talk about his favourite festive foods and his tips and recipes to help you have a memorable Christmas. “CHOOSE A MENU WHERE YOU CAN PREPARE AT LEAST SOME OF THE DISHES BEFORE THE BIG DAY.” BHG: What’s the one affordable ingredient that feels instantly ‘Christmassy’…

BUTTER BISCUITS Recipe on page 82 PISTACHIO BISCUITS WITH WHITE CHOC GANACHE Recipe on page 83 SPECULOOS SPICED COOKIES Recipe on page 82 NEAPOLITAN ICE-CREAM SANDWICHES Recipe on page 82 TEA LIGHT CANDLES Instructions on page 84 POLYMER CLAY ORNAMENTS AND GIFT TOPPERS Instructions on page 84 POLYMER CLAY MINI CANDLE HOLDER Suggested cutters: angel, reindeer, gift, bow Gather your supplies • Non-stick baking paper • Polymer clay (100g makes about three candle holders) • Acrylic rolling pin or flat-sided glass • Small taper candles • Clay tools • Baking tray Here’s how STEP 1 Protect surfaces with non-stick baking paper. STEP 2 Knead clay with clean hands until soft and smooth. STEP 3 Using the rolling pin, roll clay flat to about 3mm thickness. STEP 4 To make the…

This recipe was passed down to Jacquie Imrie, program head chef of Two Good Co from her mum, Shirley, and we can’t thank her enough! If you love getting ahead on your festive prep, you can make these cakes up to six months in advance, which also gives you extra time to ‘feed’ the cakes with alcohol for maximum richness and flavour. JACQUIE’S CHRISTMAS CAKES Preparation time 1 hour plus at least 1 day soaking Cooking time 1½ –2 hours (in five 10cm square pans), 3½–3¾ hours (in 20cm round pan) Makes 5 small cakes or 1 large cake 340g (2 cups) sultanas 240g (1 cup) finely chopped glacé fruit (try apricot, peach, ginger and pineapple) 160g (1 cup) chopped pitted dates 150g (1 cup) chopped mixed peel 180g (¾…

NORDIC NICETIES Want to dress your Christmas tree with a dash of Scandi style? It’s all about simple shapes, primary colours and pale timber. You can cut out decorative stars and starburst shapes from a sheet of balsa wood. Or if you have some thin wood veneer left over from a project, try using that! If you prefer to keep things simple, string together beads of different shapes and sizes in a decorative dangle, or paint some wooden beads with festive stripes. Full instructions on page 126. A STAR IS BORN Fasten a starburst (left) in the centre of a box wrapped in decorative kraft paper. For more star power, tape a red envelope or cardstock under the ornament and wrap the box with colourful threads. Full instructions start on…

TOO THIN? If your gravy is runny, you can simmer it longer to thicken, but if it’s go time and it still looks watery, there’s a faster fix. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornflour with 2 tablespoons room temperature water and stir until combined. Stir into the hot gravy, then cook until thickened. LUMPY? Lumps form in gravy when flour added to hot liquid sticks to itself and forms small dry pouches that no amount of whisking seems to break up. You can put it through a strainer, but an even easier solution is to use a stick blender to smooth things out – right in the saucepan. Another option is to give it a quick whirr in a regular blender. (Only fill the blender a third of…

1 Hobbycraft knitting kit, $12, from Officeworks. 2 Haigh’s Spiced Chocolate Almonds, $26.50. 3 Reliance pickleball set, $25, from BIG W. 4 Cowelt garden tools eight-piece set, $63.99, from Amazon.   5 Natio for Men Essentials travel set, $27.95.  6 Haigh’s Milk Chocolate Baubles Classic Gift Tin, $21.50.  7 Belvoir Labrador bookends, $94.95, from French Knot.   8 Haigh’s Pistachio & Cherry Nougat, $21.90.  9 Haigh’s Merry Mixture Classic Christmas Gift Tin, $35.   10 Sevenoaks small planter, $19.95, from French Knot. SCAN ME Scan the QR code to shop these products.…

While many of our Christmas traditions come from Europe, one in particular hails from America – brilliant red and green poinsettias. The twist is that these plants bloom in winter. That’s perfect for Christmas in the northern hemisphere, so how do they bloom in our hot summers? (The answer is below left.) And those bright red ‘petals’? They’re bracts, or modified leaves, and the flowers are the tiny yellow things in the middle. Many people throw out their Chrismas poinsettias once the stunning bracts fall off, thinking the plant is dying. But take it out of its pot and plant it in your garden and it will grow into a beautiful small tree that will brighten your winter as the red bracts return. HOW DO OUR POINSETTIAS BLOOM IN SUMMER?…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. WILD SIDE GIVE IT A SHAKE Growing an edible flower patch is simple with this new Mr Fothergill’s seed shaker mix. It includes 10g of seed from nasturtiums, marigolds, chamomile and others, and vermiculite to get growth jumping. It’s $15 from garden centres, Bunnings and mrfothergills.com.au. BOBBY DAZZLERS Create a Santa-worthy display with the new Dianthus Dart series from Nature’s Décor. The six-flower range will bring a festive touch to garden beds, borders, pots and rockeries. Try the flamboyant red white picotee (pictured) or heat-tolerant blooms in scarlet, raspberry and white. Dianthus thrives in full sun and free-draining soil and, if planted now, it can dazzle through to autumn. You’ll find Dianthus Dart at plant retailers. KEEP ’EM THRIVING Indoor…

SCAN ME Scan the code to shop these great reads. TOP READ TWELVE GOLDEN GIFTS Spiri Tsintziras (ABC Books, $36.99) Nothing is more difficult than watching a loved one start to forget who they are. As someone with a family member diagnosed with dementia, I was apprehensive about getting stuck into this book. It’s a scary, tough experience for everyone involved. But Spiri Tsintziras is gentle with the delivery of her mother’s story. With love hidden between every line of this book, it was moving to read this tale of Spiri and her mother. I loved learning about the wisdom that comes with age and the exceptional understanding that comes with caring for a sick parent. If you’ve started to join your parents at doctor’s appointments, or worry about grandparents…

As much as we might look forward to it, Christmas can be an incredibly hectic time of year. That’s why we wanted to make this Christmas issue all about slowing down. All the shopping, planning, eating and socialising (often while crawling to the finish line at work) can leave us completely out of steam by the time we finally get to stop. Add to that the cost-of-living pressures and the constant digital noise we all navigate daily, and this “holiday” can leave us quite turned around. And don’t forget that, for some, Christmas isn’t the happiest time of year. It may be fraught with anxiety about keeping everyone else happy, or potentially painful for many other reasons. While I’m lucky enough to find joy in the season – whipping up…

Festive FRYER Turn your air fryer into a Christmas hero with a tasty feast ready for a crowd. AIR FRYER CHARCUTERIE CHIPS Recipe on page 22 AIR FRYER PORK WITH PEACH AND PECAN STUFFING Recipe on page 22 AIR FRYER VEGIE SALAD WITH TOASTED HAZELNUTS Recipe on page 23 AIR-FRIED CRISPY BEANS AND ALMONDS WITH ROAST GARLIC DRESSING Recipe on page 22 AIR FRYER CHERRY AND ALMOND TARTS Recipe on page 23 AIR FRYER CHARCUTERIE CHIPS Preparation time 5 mins Cooking time 10 mins Serves 4 120g plain potato chips 80g prosciutto 125g brie, cut into slices ½ x 100g tub fig paste, broken into pieces 40g baby rocket 20g parmesan, finely grated STEP 1 Line the air-fryer basket with foil to cover the entire base and walls. Fill with…

tomato summer The latest trend is choosing fewer decorations, but displaying them en masse. From piles of bread rolls and mountains of butter through to stacks of tomatoes, dress your dining scene with abundance. Take your lead from nature and use fruit, vegetables and flowers in a minimal but striking colour palette. TOP STYLING TIPS 1. Get inspired by nature Stick to a nature-inspired palette in your dinnerware and decor. Try greens and browns, plus a touch of white for something fresh. Mix textures to create visual interest, such as different timbers, ceramics and vintage-look cutlery. 2. Think seasonally In-season produce looks beautiful and sets the mood. Arrange an armful of your preferred vegetables – heirloom tomatoes and asparagus work well together – to bring bold colour and interesting shapes…

COLIN’S GRILLED PEACH AND HAM SALAD Recipe on page 90 SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 COLIN’S MANGO AND VERMICELLI CHICKEN SALAD Recipe on page 90 COLIN FASSNIDGE AND CLARISSA FEILDEL Join us as we show you how to make delicious dishes on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. For more recipes, go to bhg.com.au BHG TV presenter Clarissa Feildel is a self-taught cook with a diverse repertoire, thanks to growing up in Malaysia and her Nyonya/Chinese and Sri Lankan background. She has embarked on several foodie adventures with her husband Manu Feildel, from penning a cookbook to managing an event space. We chatted with her about her approach to Christmas and family cooking. BHG: What does Christmas with the Feildels look like? CF: It’s a mishmash of…

STRAWBERRY JAM Preparation time 5 mins Cooking time 15 mins Makes 3 cups 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 2 x 250g punnets fresh strawberries, hulled, halved 500g packet jam-setting sugar STEP 1 Place two small plates in the freezer for testing jam. STEP 2 Add all ingredients to a large, heavy-based saucepan. Stir on low heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes, or until the jam reaches setting point. Remove from heat. STEP 3 To test the jam has reached its setting point, place 1 teaspoon jam onto a chilled plate. Run your finger or push a teaspoon through the jam. If it wrinkles and doesn’t run together, the jam is at setting point…

Salad days is an old-fashioned expression for that period when young people haven’t had much experience in life. If that’s you when it comes to gardening, then growing summer salad vegetables is where you start. Beginner gardeners can see seeds sprint from the soil into salad bowls in as little as four weeks! Read on to catch the salad gardening bug – you may find longer-term garden projects will soon follow! Why WARP SPEED? Summer salad vegetables grow fast for a number of reasons: • Many of our summer salad vegies are annuals so have very short life cycles. • The days are longer and more hours of sunshine allow plants to photosynthesise more. • Warmer temperatures speed up plants’ growth. • Higher humidity provides some of the moisture essential…

1 Lush Snow Fairy bath bomb, $12. 2 Ginger & Me Mindfulness affirmation cards, $24. 3 Miss Blooms Flower Vintage tea cup candle, $42. 4 Candle Kiosk scented haze candles, $29.   5 Natio Australia Blend essential oil and Australiana Coast Blend essential oil, $24.95 each. 6 Hallmark x Guide Dogs Braille greeting card Big Love, $8.   7 Bands of Courage Great Barrier Turtle bracelet stack, $69.  8 Linen House Ocean City robe, $89.99, from Myer.   9 Natio Rosewater and Magnesium relaxing bath soak, $14.95. SCAN ME Scan the QR code to shop these products.…

SCAN ME Scan the QR code to shop these products. From gourmet treats to clever kitchen finds, your foodie friend will love these ideas. 1 Culinary Co By Manu salt and pepper mill grinder, $20, from Spotlight. 2 Pep pepper grinder, $19.95. 3 Maison Appret Classique boards, $69 each. 4 Ceramic palm tree board, $15, from BIG W. 5 Eat! An Italian cookbook by Sooshi Mango, $39.99, from Amazon. 6 Lankan Filling by O Tama Carey, $55, from Amazon.  7 Good Things by Samin Nosrat, $65, from Amazon.   8 Sesame by Rachel Simons, $49.99, from Amazon.   9 Lord & Lion x Peter Kuruvita the One and Only spice stack, $70.  10 Kip and Co Pistachio Crush margarita glass, $59 for two.   11 Openook Breamlea ribbed…

1 SECRET SANTA Secret Santa is popular among large families, friends and co-workers. Write everyone’s names on separate pieces of paper, then fold and place them in a hat. Everyone will randomly draw a name and buy a gift for that person, but the giver’s identity is secret. When gifts are opened, the receiver must guess who they think their Secret Santa is. Coming from a big Italian family, my Christmas Day is packed with relatives, massive feasts and, of course, gifts. To try to keep things affordable (there’s a lot of us!), we’ve tried almost every form of giving over the years, from Secret Santa (aka Kris Kringle), Bad Santa, gifts under $50 and DIYs. So, if you’re stuck on what to do with your family, try out one…

Go floral and FESTIVE • Nestle banksia seed pods and large gumnuts (that look like Christmas bells!) in a small branch of long-leafed eucalyptus to make a striking table arrangement for a drinks table, counter or mantelpiece. The long gum leaves can droop down the front and their perfume will fill the room. • Make floral arrangements with native blooms such as red kangaroo paws or red flowering gum flowers and twigs of silver cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii) or silver dollar gum (Eucalyptus cinerea) to get the classic red and silver theme. • Put cuttings of red bottlebrush flowers in glass vases as table settings, or place them in upturned glass jars with the lid on to keep things tidy when the stamens fall off. • Place a red grevillea…

TIPS TO GET YOUR PET TO WEAR AN OUTFIT Have you bought the cutest Christmas dress-up for your dog, only to watch them freeze like a statue the moment it touches their fur? Getting your pet into the festive spirit doesn’t have to be a battle of wills. “The trick is to start slowly,” says veterinarian Dr Laura Taylor from the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. “Let them sniff and explore the outfit before your put it on them. Then try short sessions with plenty of treats and praise.” Begin with easy pieces, such as a cute bow or patterned bandana, before moving on to the full Santa or elf costume, and always reward their willingness! “Keep an eye on your pet for signs of stress, such as lip-licking or…

HOW TO NOT GO BROKE AT CHRISTMAS! What’s really valuable at Christmas is time with loved ones. BLOCK OUT TEMPTATIONS Here’s a simple first step to avoiding serious credit card debt at Christmas. Just for 30 days, mute those social media accounts filled with irresistible offers and unsubscribe from marketing emails. They’re all designed to make you buy things, so if you don’t see them you won’t be tempted! Also try our tips on page 160 on ways to keep gifting costs down. BE SMART ABOUT BUY NOW, PAY LATER Can’t afford to pay for that Christmas gift right now? Don’t fall into the trap of using Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) to spend way more than you can afford. “The purchase cost can seem cheaper when you split it…

1 Martin Place Christmas Market Thu–Sat, Nov 27–Dec 20, Martin Place, Sydney, NSW. Free entry. If you’re a Sydneysider, Christmas isn’t complete without a trip to the Martin Place Christmas tree. This year, stop off at the Christmas Market as well to buy gifts for your loved ones (and a few sweet treats for yourself). Grab a bite to eat at the hot food stalls or the many nearby restaurants. 2 Jingle All The Bay Sat, Nov 29, Sandgate Town Centre, Sandgate, Qld. Free entry. This community celebration brings thousands to the main street of seaside Sandgate in Brisbane’s north. Visit for an evening filled with shopping, rides, musical entertainment and, of course, a visit from Santa. Stay a little longer to watch the spectacular Christmas Street Parade kicking off…

Kids When I spy a little craft kit, my inner child squeals. My heart always leads me to something fun and artsy when I’m buying for friends’ kids. These fruit and veg crochet kits are just the cutest beginner projects. The Knitty Critters Crochet Kits from Spotlight, $16 each Work pals It’s easy to find a mug with just the right quirky message for a colleague! That shared joke will bring a smile to your workmate’s face every time they grab a cuppa. Daily Mug from Typo, $9.95 (on sale 3 for 2). Yourself A lot of people use Christmas to get themselves things they’ve been needing for a while. But I prefer to give myself a treat, so it feels more special and indulgent. My pick? Haigh’s of course!…

STRICTLY LOUNGEROOM Blend the classic (fake) pine of a northern hemisphere Christmas with boughs of Aussie gum, and a raft of decor and styling that screams national pride. From beaded and glass ornaments to convincing fake Aussie native birds, why not curate your Christmas with everything you love about this beautiful sunburnt country. BRING IT TO LIFE 1. Reinvent with local This festive scene blends traditional Christmas with a modern Australian refresh. Take a wreath base, adorn it with faux gum and eucalyptus, then add a gorgeous Major Mitchell cockatoo. 2. Balance chaos and classic Our tree features an explosion of some of the most iconic things that make being an Aussie so great. From fairy bread and Bubble O’ Bill ice creams, to gorgeous sequined waratahs and banksia blooms.…

Handmade details make the holidays feel even more special. For these personalised sacks, you can use any type of fabric you like – don’t feel like you have to stick to the traditional palette of red, white and green. We’ve added large pom poms as a fun finishing touch. Simple to sew, and endlessly customisable, these Santa sacks are sure to become part of your family’s Christmas traditions. EASY STEPS TO MAKE A PERSONALISED SANTA SACK HOW TO STEP 1 Cut two 60 x 80cm rectangles from your main fabric, then press with an iron to smooth out creases. STEP 2 Using Word on a computer, choose font for the initial, print it at your desired size and cut out the paper letter to make your template. STEP 3 Spray…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. Merry mornings Wake up surrounded by Christmas magic with Adairs’ ever-popular 12 Days of Christmas quilt cover set, from $149.99 (double). With whimsical illustrations based on the classic carol and a red stripe reverse, it’s perfect for the festive season. You’ll wake up full of Christmas spirit. SANDY GLOW Give your home a natural touch with the Boyde table lamp, $299, from Domayne. The sturdy ceramic base and shade are in sandy hues that create a soft and lovely light. RETRO TROPICS BIG W’s latest tableware turns any party into a tropical carnival. Nostalgic art prints are served up on pastel plates, bringing a summery flair to mealtimes. Collect the Openook Festive dinner plate, side plates and platter to complete…

CHALK-FINISH ORNAMENTS These shapely baubles (left) share a secret: beneath their matt exteriors, each started as an inexpensive shatterproof plastic ornament. You can buy ornaments in bulk at stores such as BIG W or Target. Choose a mix of shapes and patterns. Instructions on page 98. HANG IN HARMONY A tree filled with matt-finish ornaments makes a delightful change to the usual shiny stylings of Christmas. Our tree shows how all our ornament projects – including accordion-folded paper shapes and painted baubles – hang together beautifully. Velvet bows finish the elegant look. GIFT TOPPERS These cut-and-paste cardstock gift toppers can be enjoyed long after the wrapping paper has been recycled. Attach hanging loops and they become stylish ornaments for the future. Have a play with different cardstock styles – textured…

It began as a simple act of kindness – Rob Caslick and two mates rolled out a barbecue at Sydney’s Kings Cross to cook food for anyone who wanted it. That grew into a soup kitchen using organic produce. Then, in 2016, Two Good Co evolved into a social enterprise that supports, employs and empowers women at risk of homelessness. Its activities now range from providing restaurant-quality meals and running a cafe, to selling Two Good personal care and homewares items. For women who have had years of living in crisis, abuse and trauma, restoring self-worth is an essential first step towards independence. Every Two Good Co transaction is an act of empowerment for these women. We spoke to Rob about Two Good Co and its impact, and share a…

CHARGRILLED PRAWN AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 15 mins Serves 1 ¼ cauliflower, cut into 3 wedges 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons ground sumac 1 teaspoon Baharat spice blend (or Lebanese seven spice blend) ½ teaspoon sweet paprika 6 medium green prawns, peeled, deveined, tails intact 2 tablespoons baba ganoush 1 tablespoon Greek-style yoghurt 1 tablespoon lemon juice 100g seedless watermelon, skin removed, thin slices ¼ cup mint leaves ¼ red onion, thinly sliced STEP 1 Blanch cauliflower for 4–5 minutes in a saucepan of boiling salted water. Drain, refresh under cold water, then transfer to a bowl. STEP 2 In a small bowl, combine oil, sumac, Baharat spice blend and paprika. Toss half the spice mixture through the cauliflower. STEP 3 Preheat a chargrill…

1 Jellycat Christmas Tree Ricky Rain Frog, $119.99, from David Jones. 2 4M Green Science solar-powered Rover robot, $39.95, from Amazon. 3 Tara Treasures Wombat Stew finger puppets (set of eight), $79. 4 Yoto 3rd Generation audio player, $179.99, with silicone jacket, $49.99. 5 Faber-Castell 12 + 1 Classic Colour Pencils, $5.50, BIG W. 6 Summer Sun springsuit wetsuit, $99. 7 CIM children’s kite, $38.24, from Amazon. 8 Rip Curl x SunnyLife kids swim vest, $69.99. 9 Rip Curl x SunnyLife Shred Shark kids swimming goggles, $29.99. 10 Fuzzy Buzzy Tree, one of nine toys in Lovevery’s The Adventurer Play kit, $230. SCAN ME Scan the QR code to shop these products.…

The hustle and bustle of this time of year can make you feel like you need a time-out. These moves will help you take it down a notch physically and mentally, so that your holiday is filled with less stress and more joy. THE STRESSOR Spending on gifts The Christmas holidays are likely to be the only time of year that your budget has to include gifts for family, friends and even colleagues; it’s easy to stress about the financial tally. ■ Moment of calm Try suggesting to your loved ones that you only give presents to the kids, advises finance writer Andrea Black. Enjoy “spending quality time together, which is a gift in itself,” she says. “Or suggest a gift of food or wine for the celebration that you…

Milton’s tips for Sagittarius season (Nov 23 to Dec 21) Sagittarians are independent people who need plenty of space and freedom to express their outgoing nature. Their ruling planet Jupiter corresponds to the colour purple, and their gardens are usually full of a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers – the more the better. Sagittarians flood their gardens with verbenas, dianthus, zinnias, hydrangeas, wisteria, rhododendrons and Japanese maples. Fresh vegetables out of the home garden are a must, as are fruit trees. Sagittarians love sport and being outside, exploring and adventuring. As natural extroverts, they can be great hosts and especially like an outdoor party. ZODIAC SIGNS The 12 signs of the zodiac are divided into four groups – fire, air, earth and water. Fire signs Aries and Sagittarius are…

BEAN-FILLED CANDLEHOLDERS Gather clear glass jars in various sizes. Fill with dried beans or lentils and add candles. Be sure your base is wide and sturdy enough to hold candles securely upright. To create a stylish vignette, position on a tray with other candlesticks. If you like, you can spray-paint the beans in Christmas colours (gold would look good) for a jolly display. WALNUT ORNAMENTS Gather in-shell walnuts, then insert one small screw eye into the top of each walnut where the shell halves come together. Be careful not to overtighten or the walnut may split. Mix edible lustre dust and vodka to create a metallic paint (2 parts dust to 1 part vodka). Brush the paint onto the walnuts and let dry. Add twine or a ribbon and hang…

YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY Amazon amazon.com.au BIG W bigw.com.au Bunnings bunnings.com.au Christmas Warehouse christmaswarehouse.com.au Etsy etsy.com/au Florabelle Living florabelle.com.au (wholesale) Homecraft Textiles homecrafttextiles.com.au Kmart kmart.com.au Lincraft lincraft.com.au Officeworks officeworks.com.au Spotlight spotlightstores.com AUSSIE CHRISTMAS, p30 Shopping details Florabelle Living Vixen & Velvet collection is sold wholesale. Find the collection at various retailers such as Papier D’Amour, NSW, The Prop House Qld, Blue Illusion, Vic. SLEIGH MY NAME, P48 Project supplies Bunnings Selleys Kwik Grip spray adhesive, 150g, $11.45. Officeworks Born jumbo pom poms, six pack, $7. Spotlight Mid-weight cotton or linen, from $12/m. Crafters Choice A3 kraft board, $4.50. Jolly & Joy velvet craft ribbon, $5. CUT-IT-OUT, P74 Project supplies Spotlight Sculpey III Clay, 57g, $6. Sculpey Clay Tool Starter Set, $18. Wiltshire fondant rolling pin, $12. Kaisercraft embossing tool, $6. Ribtex…