Handmade touches

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

We’ve upped the flavour stakes on these by adding a simple seasoning that also brings a bit more crunch. SERVES 6-8 PREP 10 mins COOK 1 hr 30 mins EASY VE ❄ 2kg Maris Piper or King Edwardpotatoes6 tbs

This impressive plan-ahead Christmas lunch from Flora Shedden is a mouthwatering mix of traditional recipes and deliciously unexpected flavours

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

A crowd-pleasing pie with a rich, buttery filling. Sage leaves are baked into the pastry while the beetroot adds vibrant colour. SERVES 8 PREP 30 mins plus40 mins chilling COOK 1 hr 30 mins MORE EFFOR

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