Christmas tree cakes This clever recipe makes two ‘trees’ from just one sponge, so once it’s baked and cooled, you can go head-to-head on the decorating with the kids! SERVES 16 (makes 2 cakes) PREP 4

Turn plain wooden bowls into colourful Christmas serving dishes METHOD Ensure your wooden bowls are clean and dry. Paint each bowl in two base coats of your chosen Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. Once dry, d

Hosting a kids’ Christmas party? These are perfect for sharing, and you can save time by using shop-bought cupcakes that you simply decorate. ■ Serves 24 ■ Prep 45 mins ■ No cook 24 cupcakes (shop-bou

Ingredients (Serves 8) ◆ 240g baking margarine ◆ 240g caster sugar ◆ 4 medium eggs ◆ 300g self raising flour ◆ Yellow food colour gel ◆ 1tsp natural orange extract ◆ 25g cocoa powder ◆ 125g chocolate

These easy and budget-friendly craft ideas will give your festive season an extra personal touch

From radish toadstools to bauble wreaths – it’s not the festive season without a little magic and imagination. And, even better, these fun home ideas are quick and easy, too