Just genius

Get set for fright night with these spooktacular ideas

Create a seasonal centrepiece that’s as stylish as it is spooky

These delightful little gingerbread houses will perch perfectly on the edge of your mug. Try them with hot chocolate or mulled wine for adults. MAKES 8 PREP 30 mins plus cooling COOK 10 mins MORE EFFO

■ Yarnsmiths Cotton DK (100% cotton, 50g/106m) 1 ball of each: Black (3000) Just Purple (3324) White (3040) Carrot (3126) ■ A 3mm (US C/2 or D/3) hook ■ A stitch marker ■ Toy stuffing ■ 24 safety eyes

Ingredients (Makes 12) 200 g plain chocolate50 g unsalted butter225 g light or Genoa-style fruitcake, crumbled2 tsp mixed spice12 plastic lolly sticks50 g white chocolate chips25 g green coloured read

This is that glorious time of year when the leaves on the trees turn shades of crimson and amber, the fields of golden pumpkins and squashes are ready for picking, and there is great fun to be had wit