Festive countdown

With only three (or four if you’re lucky!) ...

Now, that’s a scary thought, just three paydays! But don’t panic – savvy Donna Davies says with a bit of planning, you can have a fabulous festive season that won’t break Santa’s sack!

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

FOR JOHN KEATS, AUTUMN WAS THE SEASON OF MISTS AND MELLOW FRUITFULNESS. HERE, THE COUNTRY LIVING TEAM AND FRIENDS HIGHLIGHT WHAT THIS TIME OF YEAR MEANS TO THEM – FROM CRAFTING WREATHS TO BOTTLING SLOE GIN

MAKES 1 PREP 1 hr plus overnight drying MORE EFFORT old newspapersquare piece of ironedcotton fabric (about80cm x 80cm)1 potatosmall, sharp knifemarker penkitchen paperpaintbrushacrylic fabric paintsg

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