If recent trends are a reliable indicator, we will buy fewer box sets of Christmas cards this year but more individual cards. Following recent increases in the cost of stamps and a growing aversion to

Inspiration for some creative seasonal makes

■ Card stock ■ Stranded cotton (we used DMC 676 and 321) ■ Pencil ■ Scissors ■ Chenille needle ■ Felt mat or corrugated cardboard ■ Embroidery scissors ■ Hole punch ■ Baker's twine or ribbon ■ Basic s

Start right now! It’s the best way to keep calm, make informed choices, allow a little flexibility and spread the cost. You’ll be able to reap the rewards of being super-organised nearer the time. Set

LITTLE CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS more perfectly than a puppy nestled beneath the tree, bringing to mind the twinkle of festive lights, the glow of December evenings and that unmistakable mix of

PHYSICAL STORAGE Store small USB sticks in craft boxes I’ve just started transferring MP3 files to small USB sticks to use in the appropriate socket in my Bluetooth speaker. But storage as usual with